New to the waterfront in late February 2025, The Quay is an international fine dining restaurant with worldly flavors, and the first tasting menu in McKinney.
Located in Adriatica Village, a 45-acre mixed-use development designed to look like a Croatian village, the restaurant overlooks a reservoir with a namesake quay, which ChatGPT playfully describes “as a fancy dock pronounced ‘key’ — because English loves chaos.” In reality, it’s a photo platform jutting into the water amidst a few event venues and a bell tower turned office building. The backdrop is stunning despite everyone and their mom taking graduation, wedding, and quinceañera pictures — not exactly a low-key, under-the-radar spot, but rightfully so when you have a makeshift European island in the middle of the North Dallas suburbs.
The Quay feels like an invitation to explore the world — literally. The tasting menu comes tucked in a gorgeously embossed envelope, inspired by the adventures of owner Sai Shankar and his partner’s global travels across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean. Always inspired by the way food connects cultures, you’ll see that reflected in the menu — French techniques meet Thai spice, Mediterranean freshness balances bold American flavors, with the chef having worked in India, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia. It’s eclectic yet refined and meant to surprise and delight. Everything on the plate is intentional and delicate, down to the edible flowers…