For my TheaterJones bi-weekly “Dinner and a Show” column, I selected a restaurant that complements the Meyerson Symphony Center. With beautiful spring weather, I chose a patio spot with plenty of ambiance — Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar in Dallas. Below is a Saint Ann Dallas restaurant review with recommendations on what to order and what to expect at this popular patio destination.
Saint Ann Dallas Restaurant Review
Saint Ann occupies the ground floor of a historic building that began life as St. Ann’s School, built in 1927 as Dallas’ first school for Hispanic children and staffed by the Daughters of Charity. The school expanded over the following decades and closed in 1974. The building was preserved and renovated by Harwood International and now houses Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor (with restrooms upstairs) and The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, home to The Samurai Collection, on the second floor. Surrounding the building is a large, beautifully landscaped garden patio.
Consistently recognized as a top outdoor dining destination — “Best Patio in Dallas” by D Magazine and “Best Outdoor Dining” by OpenTable — the patio is an ideal spot on a warm spring day. The space is thoughtfully designed for year-round use, with retractable walls, a retractable roof and electric heaters that are deployed as needed.
Appetizers and Shareable Bites
The appetizer menu spans southern deviled eggs, a charcuterie board, tuna tartare, roasted cauliflower (available at dinner) and bacon-wrapped chicken bites, offering something for a variety of palates.
We started with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare: tuna mixed with avocado, hothouse cucumber, tomato and habanero aioli, served with crostini. It was fresh and satisfying, though lighter than expected on avocado. The habanero aioli provided a mild heat rather than an intense spice, so it appeals to diners who prefer subtle heat as well as those looking for a little kick. For beverages, we chose the Daisy Pinot Grigio, which paired well with the light, bright appetizer flavors.
Salads, Pizzas and Main Courses
Saint Ann’s menu includes a selection of salads, pizzas and entrees. Salads range from classic Caesar and house salad to a vinegar-roasted beet salad. Pizza choices include Margherita, a creamy mushroom truffle and mozzarella & prosciutto.
Entrées cover seafood, chicken, pork and beef with both traditional and inventive preparations: filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, red wine-braised short ribs and more. We tried two spring additions: the brick chicken and the jumbo seared scallops.
Side Dishes
Not realizing how generous the entrées would be, we added two sides: sautéed spinach and herb-roasted mushrooms.
The mushrooms looked appealing but were underwhelming in flavor — pleasant but fairly bland. The sautéed spinach, however, was excellent: simple, well-seasoned and something we would order again. Other sides on the menu include truffle fries, sweet potato fries, truffle mac ’n’ cheese, grilled asparagus and three-cheese grits.
When weather permits, the patio is the top choice, but the interior dining room is also beautifully appointed with interesting architectural elements. Be sure to notice the glass floor in the entry area by the bar — a distinctive detail that adds character to the space.
Address: 2501 N Harwood St., Harwood area, Dallas
Website: www.saintanndallas.com
Reservations: Patio seating is typically first come, first served due to variable weather; reservations are accepted for interior tables. Seasonal changes to patio policy can occur.
Parking: Construction is common in the area; dinner valet (free) is available and often the most convenient option. Otherwise, nearby parking garages are a good alternative.
Hours: Open weekdays for lunch, daily for dinner and drinks, with weekend brunch service. Check the restaurant for current hours and seasonal updates.
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