122 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION baisen shoyu and miso. Can’t decide? Order the half-and-half, which comes in a divided bowl allowing you to slurp two different types, topped with proteins like shrimp with shell on (for prime flavor) and chashu. They also serve sides of tsukemen if you’re here for the noodles. Decked out in natural wood with semi-private booths and modern Japanese accents, this is a great date-night spot. There are also locations in Denton and Fort Worth. 2540 Old Denton Road, Carrollton 972-245-0100, ramenhanabi.com Best Biscuits and Gravy Stewart’s First of all, to the sweet crew at Stewart’s: Sorry we’ve told everyone about the amazing breakfast at your quiet little abode. Lying low in an industrial park in Irving, Stewart’s decor is simple and charming, and the breakfast burritos with homemade tortillas are satisfying, but it’s the biscuits and gravy ingeniously served in a cup that has us hustling over in the morning. Be sure to add bacon or sausage to the top because if you’re going to do it, do it right. Stewart’s is only open weekdays only from 5:15 a.m. to noon. 3700 Irving Blvd. 214-424-9971 Best Pizza South Polk Pizzeria Chef Terrill Burnett at South Polk Pizzeria in Oak Cliff classifies his pizza as “Neo-New York style,” a cross between Neapolitan and New York. The result is a thin crust with a nice little bounce. The Detroit native, who was a junior chef at Nobu and also worked in the kitchen at Knife, makes as much as he can from scratch, including the pizza sauce and ranch dressing. The sausage is from Jimmy’s, and he also carries halal beef, turkey pepperoni and vegan cheese as options. There’s a small dining room here, but many orders are to-go, which is made easy on the website. Try the cup-and-char pepperoni with sausage and a hot honey drizzle. 3939 S. Polk St. 214-200-3137, southpolkpizzeria.com Best Deli Jimmy’s Food Store Since 1966, Jimmy’s has been a Dallas favorite for imported groceries, wine and old-school Italian charisma. The same family, the DiCarlos, continues to run the spot. The small aisles here are full of hard- to-find goodies and a curated selection of Italian wines. The freezers are loaded with pasta and sauces to take home and make an amazing meal. But head to the back of the store for a muffaletta, Italian sub or meatball sandwich, all made to order. Go for an Italian beef with thinly sliced meat, oregano and peppers soaked in an au jus. 4901 Bryan St. 214-823-6180, jimmysfoodstore.com Best Patio Paradiso Paradiso’s recently renovated patio certainly claims a top spot on the list of must-visit sites in the Dallas summertime. The coastal Mediterranean restaurant’s central courtyard space boasts a grand allure, studded with colorful umbrellas, seating and a central fountain that just calls for pictures. Drop by for weekend brunch, when views are complemented by biscuits and gravy or the signature apricot-ricotta French toast, or at dinnertime, when the wood-fired pizza selection and handmade pastas make their debut. Unwind with $16 all-day cocktails, all while appreciating the quiet chatter and light music of the patio space. 308 N. Bishop Ave. 214-944-5865, paradisodallas.com Lauren Drewes Daniels South Polk Pizzeria // BEST PIZZA We can’t live without in 2024 view the full list here
