If the owner of Craft restaurant, Tom Colicchio, is a familiar name, that may be because he has been the head judge of the reality show “Top Chef”. Now he has brought his Top Chef skills to Craft Dallas, an upscale restaurant featuring American style cuisine.
All meat is purchased from local ranchers or other regional sources. Everything at Craft is fresh, including just-picked veggies. Regulars have created quite a buzz about the unique menu items, including Braised Short Ribs, Gnocchi and Hen of the Woods Mushrooms.
Menus do change regularly but you’re almost always likely to find Craft’s signature chocolate chip cookies on hand. Sticky Toffee Pudding and Rhubard Pie have been past dessert favorites, both likely to crop up on the menu when in season.
All items are served a la carte, with first courses, main dishes and vegetables all ordered separately and served on platters in the middle of the table. Expect to spend $50 and up per person and most dress in “casual elegant” clothing.
Craft Dallas is located inside the W Hotel and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day of the year. You’ll dine at hand-crafted walnut tables and be charmed by the two-story steel and glass wine cabinet, a major focal point. One of a kind glowing filament bulbs also add a distinctive touch.
It’s very possible you’ll see celebs in Craft, which is a major attraction because menu items were created by a genuine celebrity chef. In addition to Craft receiving plenty of media attention and raves, Chef Tom Colicchio has appeared on The Today Show, Martha Stewart, Nightline and more. He has also been featured in Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, Esquire, GQ and other magazines.
Of course, the W is also host to the Ghostbar, a very contemporary and hip venue at the top of the hotel. While the atmosphere there can often be wild, Craft is a nice change of pace if you’re looking for fine dining and a chance to meet and mingle with friends and family members or for a romantic evening out.
Craft is best for adults looking for a night away from the kids, especially in light of the innovative menu, greatly appealing to adults but perhaps less so for children.
Regulars also are impressed by the outstanding service. Many comment on how quickly dishes appear at the table as well as the attentiveness of the staff. Water glasses are quickly refilled and questions about wines or particular dishes are answered in detail.
If you decide to take advantage of valet parking, you’ll need to stop at the hotel for this option. Parking can get a bit backed up, depending on the time of day or evening. It is also best to schedule meals for days when there aren’t also games at the nearby Victory stadium (unless you plan to dine at Craft before a game).
Craft Dallas is open for breakfast Monday through Friday from 7 am to 10 am and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 am. Lunch is 11 am to 2:30 pm and dinner is Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. On Friday and Saturday, dinner is served from 5:30 pm to 11 pm and on Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. All major credit cards are accepted.
Craft is located at 2440 Victory Park Lane and reservations (suggested) can be made at (214) 397-4111. Nearby attractions include the Nasher Sculpture Center as well as the Holocaust Museum.