In English, “Mi Piaci” is literally translated to, “it pleases me”. I think that’s a very fitting name for this restaurant, as everything about my evening there was pleasing, from the cocktails to the food to the service. I first ate at Mi Piaci for my high school graduation celebration dinner with my family… and I remember loving it. It looks like, while the decor has changed a little over the years, the rest of the experience is still top-notch.
We were seated at a table right by the window on my most recent trip, and that’s something you should always request when visiting. Mi Piaci is situated on a small pond, complete with a lit water feature; needless to say, it’s a pretty great place to watch a fiery Dallas sunset.
Our meal started with a greeting from both of our servers, and the offering of two of my favorite things … alcohol and bread. I started with a drink recommended by our server, an Italian Sparkling Pear (Grey Goose Poire, prosecco, St. Germaine, and lime juice), which was so deliciously refreshing that I had to make sure to pace myself and not down the whole thing in one gulp (pictured below). My hot date and I agreed that the drinks were pretty damn strong. You’ll want to be prepared to call a cab if you plan to stay for multiple drinks here!
MP’s wine list is extensive enough to offer a pairing for each dish, and definitely offers wines from all across Italy. If you need any direction on which wine to order with you meal, the wait staff is knowledgeable and can help you do so.
Our meal consisted of a few rounds of fantastic food, starting out with their to-die-for olive bread and longer-than-my-arm breadsticks. We perused the menu and tried with great consternation to make a decision on our entrees and agreed on the Arancini Aurora (breaded risotto croquettes with Italian sausage) as an appetizer (pictured bottom, left). The balls of heaven were a great way to start the meal and really packed a lot of flavor in such a small package. Get these.
Dinner for me was Fonduta di Tortelloni con Granchino (fontina cheese-filled tortellini with crab, vegetables, and truffle butter) and it broke my heart that I couldn’t make room to finish the dish (pictured left, 2nd from bottom). The tortellini was plump and the crab was rich. Our waiter made sure to give me tips on how to prepare the leftovers … what a mench. My date ordered the Pollo Alla Marsala (roasted chicken with sweet pepper risotto in marsala wine sauce) and told me, “I liked it … and it was a good portion.” He’s quite eloquent, no?
We didn’t have room for dessert (DAMN!), so I opted for another drink. I left my drink decisions in the waiter’s hands once again, and he made another great choice by bringing me an off-the-menu orange martini that tasted like gourmet Sunkist spiked with prosecco. My inner 12-year-old was delighted. (pictured right)
Stop into Mi Piaci for lunch or dinner in the dining room or a few drinks in the Luna Lounge, which serves Italian-inspired tapas and appetizers (along with their dangerous drinks, of course). The Luna Lounge offers sumptuous velvet couches and inviting leather chairs under chandeliers, and what Texas lounge would be complete without a cowhide rug?
Mi Piaci
www.mipiaci-dallas.com | @mipiaci_dallas
14854 Montfort Drive (Addison)
972-934-8424
***Please note: this meal was on the house.***
