MoMo Italian Kitchen is tucked away in North Dallas on Forest Lane near Central Expressway and Interstate 635. A Lake Highlands Italian staple for decades, it has recently added a full bar, where mixologist Leann Barry concocts specialty cocktails and classics. With a recent update of the interior and the addition of a new private dining room, we thought it was time for a fresh look.

MoMo, not to be confused with MoMo's Pasta on Preston Road, was founded more than 35 years ago by Antonio "Momo" Gattini, of Tuscany. In 2017, two local restaurant veterans, Wende Stevenson and Aaron Goss (whose resumes include The Green Room, Ziziki's, Shinsei and Mot Hai Ba, where they had management roles), bought this spot and continue to serve the traditional recipes the original owners created.