Alberto Lombardi to open Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village in August

With former Mansion chef Eric Brandt.

Rendering

DALLAS — Highland Park Village regulars have been seeing the sign now for months, taped on the front of the building next to the fountain, that Alberto Lombardi was opening another restaurant. The plans for the restaurant first started circulating almost a year ago. The chef started telling people he had the job about three months ago. But now it's all official: The place will be called Bistro 31, will feature former Mansion chef Eric Brandt, and will open in late August.

Realizing a longtime desire, legendary Dallas restaurateur Alberto Lombardi will open his first eatery in the city’s venerable Highland Park Village. Mr. Lombardi opened his first Dallas restaurant in 1977 and now operates 11 restaurants in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Las Vegas. His successful concepts include Taverna Pizzerias, Café Toulouse, Penne Pomodoro, Cibus Ristorante, La Fiorentina and Sangria Tapas y Bar.

At approximately 2,100 square feet, Lombardi’s newest spot, BISTRO 31, is scheduled to open in late August and will be located near the Village’s central fountain courtyard. Inside, the restaurant will seat 45 guests and a newly designed outside patio will seat 30.

Helming the kitchen will be Chef Eric Brandt, who joins Lombardi after six years as Executive Sous Chef at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Chef Brandt previously worked at The Ritz Carlton Georgetown.

The menu will specialize in Mediterranean cuisine with French, Italian, and Spanish influences. Bistro 31 will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Brandt is creating a menu tilted toward light and fresh meals utilizing seasonal ingredients. The entire menu will change with the seasons.

Bistro 31’s urban casual environment has been designed by Ron Guest, who is drawing inspiration from the salons and sidewalk cafes of the French Riviera. The interior of Bistro 31 captures a sense of the past with great enthusiasm for what’s modern. Think French-buff, low-lustre Venetian plaster walls; white oak herringbone flooring; steel windows and doors and an exposed beam ceiling. The stand-up coffee bar has been designed in an Art-Deco style with exotic wood veneers and a classic Portoro marble top. Custom designed settees are upholstered in lush, milk-colored leather and Epingle stripe by Paul Smith. Dining chairs are upholstered in caramel leather and the walls will feature contemporary art by local artists. Casting a warm glow throughout, will be two custom Murano chandeliers made in the 1950’s ballaton style. The center courtyard will offer al fresco dining with a lush landscaped garden, marble-topped tables and traditional woven bistro chairs, all covered with a retractable awning.