North Texas diners will soon have a new destination for Italian-American cuisine as Tivona Group opens Urban Italia in Victory Park.
The restaurant officially opens for dinner on Jan. 9, at 3030 Nowitzki Way, marking the latest addition from the Dallas-based hospitality group behind fine-dining favorite Sanjh.
A Modern Take On Italian-American Classics
Helmed by acclaimed chef Carla Pellegrino, Urban Italia offers a contemporary interpretation of Italian-American cuisine, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. Pellegrino describes the concept as “Italia-Merica food,” rooted in the creativity of immigrant kitchens.
“Italia-Merica food, as we call it, started in these tiny kitchens where immigrants were just trying to bring a piece of home to their new life,” Pellegrino said. “They made do with what they had — more meat, more garlic, whatever was fresh — and out came dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, steak pizzaiola.”
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
The menu balances comfort and refinement, from housemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas to signature entrées. Appetizers include jumbo lump crab meat cocktail and baked clams, while Neapolitan-style pizzas range from the pizza bianca with San Daniele prosciutto and white truffle oil to a classic margherita and a vegetable-packed capricciosa.
Pasta offerings highlight favorites such as fettuccine al ragù bolognese, shrimp fra diavolo, and cappelletti carciofi and prosciutto. Entrées include chicken milanese, Chilean sea bass Mediterranea, salmon harissa and American wagyu sirloin au poivre.
“At Urban Italia, we’re serving nostalgia, making sure these classics are made with care, with great ingredients and with the kind of love that started it all.”
Italian-Inspired Cocktails And Mocktails
The beverage program, crafted by award-winning mixologist Yangdup Lama, complements the menu with Italian-inspired cocktails and inventive mocktails. Highlights include the parmigiano old fashioned, Milano bianco, Amalfi highball and Sicilia espresso martini, alongside non-alcoholic options such as the lemon basil spritz and hazelnut cold brew shakerato.
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
“Italia-Merica cuisine is about connection — heritage, emotion and comfort,” said Sanjay Joshi, CEO and president of Tivona Group. “Chef Carla brings authenticity and warmth to every dish. With Urban Italia, we’re creating an experience that feels both soulful and sophisticated — one that celebrates tradition through a fresh, modern lens.”
A Stylish, Coastal-Inspired Space
Urban Italia’s 5,500-square-foot dining room, designed by Fusion AE, seats 250 guests across an elegant indoor space, indoor-outdoor bar and spacious patio. The design draws inspiration from coastal Italy, combining warm woods, bright accents and a relaxed yet refined aesthetic.
Dinner service begins January 9, with lunch service to be added at a later date.
About Tivona Group And Chef Pellegrino
Founded by Sanjay Joshi, Tivona Group focuses on creating distinctive dining experiences that celebrate culture, craftsmanship and connection. Known for Sanjh, the group continues to expand its portfolio with globally inspired restaurants across Dallas.
Photo: Samantha Marie Photography
Chef Pellegrino, born in Brazil to Portuguese and Italian parents and trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York, has led acclaimed kitchens including Rao’s Las Vegas, Bratalian, Bacio and Meatball Spot. Her culinary style combines Italian tradition, French technique and bold innovation, earning national recognition.
Urban Italia aims to offer Dallas diners a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist, delivering soulful Italian-American cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting.
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Dining and Cooking