Found in a timeless location on Lower Greenville neighborhood, Terilli’s has been charming Dallas diners with its unique blend of upscale Italian cuisine, live music, and rooftop ambiance since opening its doors in 1985. Founded by the spirited and visionary Jeannie Terilli, the restaurant is steeped in both personal heritage and a fierce commitment to quality, creativity, and community.
Jeannie’s Italian roots inspired the concept—a warm, welcoming place where food, wine, and music come together. What began as a small, cozy trattoria has grown into a Dallas institution, thanks in part to Terilli’s ability to evolve with time while never straying from its authentic charm. Her daughter, Amanda Ahern, now plays a leading role in running the restaurant, preserving its legacy with style and grace.
Terilli’s menu is a bold tribute to Italian flavors—with a few signature twists that have made it one of the most distinctive Italian dining experiences in the city.
It starts with the Italchos, a now-iconic house creation: crispy, fried pizza dough “chips” layered with cheeses, sauces, and toppings of your choice like spicy sausage, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. They’re perfect for sharing—or hoarding.
From there, diners can explore an array of standout pastas, including:
- Lobster Ravioli: Delicate pasta pillows stuffed with lobster meat, finished in a rich tomato cream sauce.
- Pasta Puttanesca: Bold and briny with capers, olives, and anchovy-laced marinara.
- Terilli’s Lasagna: Layered with beef, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella, baked until bubbling and golden.
- Lobster Bisque or Cream of Jalapeno? The answer is both as the soups are haunting.
- Cioppino: Chockful of seafood this makes a perfect meal and features a herb tomato broth.
Seafood lovers are in for a treat with dishes like the Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass, resting on a bed of roasted vegetables and kissed with a lemon-chive cream sauce, or the Shrimp Scampi Linguini, bright with garlic, lemon, and white wine.
On the heartier side, the Roasted Pork Osso Bucco, slow-cooked and smothered in garlic red wine demi-glace, is a favorite among regulars, especially on colder nights. There are also wood-fired pizzas, tender filet mignon, and seasonal specials that reflect fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
And don’t forget the bar: Terilli’s is also known for its expertly crafted martinis. The Pomegranate Martini and the Texas Summertime Martini are fan favorites, best enjoyed on the rooftop patio under twinkling lights.
One of Terilli’s most beloved features is its ambiance. The dining space exudes upscale comfort—dim lighting, cozy booths, and modern rustic décor—but the true star is the live jazz and piano music that fills the restaurant on most evenings. Whether you’re sipping a martini at the bar or enjoying a candlelit dinner upstairs, the music brings warmth and rhythm to the dining experience.
The rooftop patio, with its view of downtown Dallas, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets—ideal for date nights, girls’ nights, or celebratory dinners under the stars.
In 2010, a fire devastated the building that housed Terilli’s, temporarily halting its momentum. But rather than give up, Jeannie and Amanda rebuilt—bigger and better. The new three-story layout introduced more seating, modern upgrades, and a rooftop terrace that added new life to the original concept. The reopening in 2011 marked not just a return, but a rebirth.
With more than four decades of service, Terilli’s has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a Dallas tradition. It continues to attract long-time regulars and new fans alike with its inviting vibe, stellar food, and unshakable commitment to hospitality. If you seek romance and in the mood for an intimate dinner, live music, or the best Italchos (ok, only) in Texas, Terilli’s always delivers.
