First Look: Taverna Rossa

by Melissa Robert

Picture this – you’re a Plano resident that enjoys the terrific school district, Willowbend Mall and pretending that the Dallas North Tollway is somehow less traffic-y than I75 or 635. Yep, you live in the suburbs. When people want to go out to eat you immediately think of Shops at Legacy. While the Shops is lovely, though no less congested than Uptown on a Saturday night, and Jasper’s is delicious, you want a cool, neighborhood gem that’s enjoyable for your whole family. Well, good things came to those who waited. Taverna Rossa is now open off Preston Road between Parker and Spring Creek Parkway.    

This new lunch and dinner establishment has a casual atmosphere with garage style roll-up doors in the back, treating diners to an indoor-outdoor experience as Fall rolls into North Texas. Live music can be enjoyed several nights a week and the bar stools are a hit with kids and parents alike that enjoy the action visible in the bustling kitchen which includes a massive American pizza oven.

The 33 Restaurant Group, which includes Preston Lancaster, Tony Smith, and Jimmy Cannon, thought of everything for this Plano location. The menu is a well-rounded nod to American Italian while still venturing out just enough to satisfy the more adventurous eaters. Chef Brian Luscher consulted on the menu and Chef Vince Cano is executing consistent and delicious food in the Taverna Rossa kitchen.

The stone-fired, rustic pizza selection is bountiful. You can’t go wrong with the All-American, which showcases Luscher’s sausage, or my personal favorite, the Local Goat & Fig. Starters include a Texas cheese board, warm Taverna pretzel (a steal at only $4), homemade meatballs, and a Mason jar trio of spreads. Pastas and sandwiches are portion and price-friendly, and for the leaf eaters, the salads are not to be missed. Available in solo or table sized portions, the thoughtful and fresh ingredients will ensure that anyone that orders a salad at Taverna Rossa leaves satisfied. Did I mention how good the pizza is?

If the kids are at grandma’s house or you’re just looking to compliment your dinner with a tasty beverage, you’ll be impressed by the beer, wine and handcrafted cocktail assortment. Velvet Hammer from Peticolas here in Dallas, a local hit, made its way into the line up, as well as Real Ale’s Full Moon Pale out of Blanco, Texas. If spirits are more to your liking, the Preston Road doesn’t disappoint. And, if you are feeling adventurous give the Deep South a try; if bacon infused bourbon is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

With a fun atmosphere, tasty food and a considerable variety of drinks, it is clear Taverna Rossa is here to stay. Plano residents rejoice, you certainly have a dining destination worthy of Dallas-ites crossing 635 for. Check out the live music line up on their website or the event section of their Facebook page.