If you haven’t yet heard about the “snake” at 61 Osteria, you’re missing out on one of Fort Worth’s most exciting culinary experiences. But don’t worry—it’s not rattlesnake. Instead, it’s the Serpente, a 16-inch coil of pasta that’s quickly becoming the must-order dish at this buzzing new spot in town.
The Serpente is like nothing you’ve ever seen. With its beautifully serrated edges, this pasta is stuffed with rich ricotta, bathed in a tangy Meyer lemon beurre blanc, and surrounded by a decadent layer of buttery hen of the woods mushrooms. It’s not just food, it’s a conversation starter—and the kind of dish that’ll have you wanting to tell all your friends.
At the heart of this innovation is Executive Chef Blaine Staniford, a culinary mastermind who, along with restaurateur Adam Jones, has been helping shape the evolving food scene in Fort Worth for over a decade. These two have been pushing the boundaries of what the city’s dining scene can be—and their latest venture is no exception.
For a long time, Fort Worth (aka “Cowtown”) was known more for its down-home, Texas-style restaurants like Joe T. Garcia’s and Fred’s Texas Cafe. The city’s upscale dining options were few and far between, and if you wanted to stand out, you had to lean into that “Texas charm”—think names like Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and Ellerbe Fine Foods. But in the last 10 years, that’s all started to change.
In 2008, Staniford and Jones opened Grace, a sleek steak-and-seafood restaurant that brought bold flavors like lamb belly dumplings with Szechuan peppercorns to the mix. Then, in 2013, they launched Little Red Wasp, a more casual spot known for inventive dishes like brisket pot stickers. Now, they’ve taken their talents to the world of Italian cuisine with 61 Osteria, housed in the former First National Bank building on West Seventh Street.
The space itself is just as impressive as the food. The building, designed in 1961, is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture, and the restaurant inside perfectly marries the building’s clean lines with a contemporary, inviting vibe. Staniford and Jones have done it again—creating a destination that feels both fresh and timeless.
With 61 Osteria, they’ve set the bar even higher for what Fort Worth dining can be. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and innovative or just want a truly memorable meal, this is the place to be. And that Serpente? It’s just the beginning.
