Large national restaurant chains have a tendency to “Americanize” ethnic foods in the U.S., customizing dishes to suit a broader palate. This isn’t necessarily a good or a bad thing; heck, Tex-Mex has become its own food genre through this process, and we are all for celebrating the goodness of that hybrid.
But when chefs make a point of repeating the word “authentic” when describing their food, and of pointing out the Americanized dishes that aren’t on their menu, you know you are in for a culinary travel adventure. All the restaurants featured here are committed to bringing customers authentic versions of their international dishes. You may not find what you expect on the menu, but it’s possible you might discover a new favorite dish.
Bocca Osteria Romana
You’re probably not going to stumble across this new Italian restaurant accidentally, but it does sound like it’s a place that will be worth finding when it opens in mid-July in the Near Southside. Customers who venture into the narrow alleyway beside Emporium Pies on South Main Street will discover a restaurant that feels like a hidden gem straight out of the charming side streets of Rome. That is by design.
Brothers, co-owners and native Texans Alessandro and Alfonso Salvatore were born in McAllen but have also lived in Italy, Mexico and Puerto Rico. As teenagers living in Rome, they fell in love with their grandmother’s cooking and enjoyed discovering small family-run restaurants off the beaten path. Rome is where Alessandro found his life’s passion in the culinary arts.
Today, the brothers own three restaurants in Puerto Rico, including the original location of Bocca Osteria Romana, which won the “Best Italian Restaurant in Puerto Rico” award on a Discovery+ show called “Little Big Italy.” Alessandro is the executive chef who runs the back of the house, while Alfonso runs the front of the house. The Salvatore brothers are excited to open their first location in their home state.
Scratch-made dishes in the authentic Roman style are the signature of Bocca Osteria Romana, said Alessandro Salvatore.
“We are here early in the morning just prepping everything from scratch,” he said, including fresh pasta and gnocchi, freshly grated Parmesan and pecorino cheeses, housemade focaccia and mozzarella made onsite from fresh curd.
Customers sometimes ask for Alfredo or heavy tomato sauces that are more common in America, but Alessandro Salvatore said they usually leave raving about the classic Roman dishes of cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana, a dish featuring beef cheek bacon in red sauce with wine. 411 S. Main St., Suite 104, Fort Worth
La Cabrona and Terra Mediterranean
La Cabrona Cucina Mexicana is a new venture from restaurateurs who are well known and loved in Fort Worth. Adam Shanaa and Jalal Chanaa owned the popular Terra Mediterranean in Fort Worth for almost 10 years before it closed in 2019.
They are bringing Terra back to Crockett Street in the newly rebranded Artisan Circle later this summer. First, they will open La Cabrona, featuring Mexican food “in the vibrant spirit of Monterrey, brought to life by our founder and culinary matriarch, Rosario,” according to their website. 2933 Crockett St., Fort Worth; 682-224-2560
Two new Indian and Nepalese restaurants
If you’re a Fort Worth diner who is always on the lookout for authentic Indian and Nepali food in the area, we have two new locally owned restaurants for you to try.
The family-owned Mantra Indian and Nepali Cuisine in Euless and the Aroma Grill & Bar in Keller both opened in small shopping center locations this spring.
Mantra Indian & Nepali Cuisine, 13906 Trinity Blvd., Euless; 817-358-1014.
Aroma Grill & Bar, 721 Keller Parkway, Keller; 682-593-0638.
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