In the polished walkways of Preston Hollow Village, Centrale Italia offers Italian dining that is confident, refined, and approachable. From the moment you enter, the wood-fired oven draws your attention, sending subtle smoke and warmth into the room, hinting at the depth of flavor to come. The dining room blends warm woods, clean lines, and ambient lighting, creating a space perfect for a celebratory evening, a lively night with friends, or an intimate dinner. Service is polished and attentive, seamlessly woven into the flow of the meal. Website here.
What About the Centrale Italia Menu
The menu opens with standout starters. Fried Burrata is golden and crisp, giving way to a molten, creamy interior, perfectly balanced with bright marinara. Calamari Fritti is light, crisp, and well-seasoned, while Ricotta and Mascarpone Crostini provide airy sweetness and texture. Spicy meatballs infused with Calabrian chili offer slow-building heat that awakens the palate. Salads like Arugula with gorgonzola and the Little Gem Caesar are balanced and vibrant, providing a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes.
The kitchen shines in its entrées and signature mains. The Neapolitan pizzas are central to the experience — blistered, airy, and lightly smoky, with toppings ranging from classic Margherita to fennel sausage paired with burrata. House-made pastas feature precise textures and perfectly clinging sauces. Composed mains, including the Barolo-glazed short rib, demonstrate the chef’s skill, offering depth, richness, and elegance that stand apart from the pizzas and pastas.
The bar program is equally thoughtful. A Hugo Spritz is bright and floral, a Fig and Rosemary Old Fashioned is aromatic and layered, and an Espresso Martini delivers depth without excess sweetness. Italian wines range from crisp proseccos to structured reds, pairing naturally with both lighter and heartier dishes…