webra, says:

• Food:

  4/5

• Vibe:

  5/5

• Service:

  5/5

• Value:

  3/5

• Overall:

  4/5

I had the chance to visit Stephan Pyles for restaurant week.

Atmosphere: Relaxing. My husband and I had no trouble hearing each other and didn't have to shout. The lighting was low enough to be romantic, but bright enough to see the menu and food.

Food: There was a single prepared menu that did not allow a choice of meal. The meal started with an amuse-bouche of a small bread roll and a piece of spicy blue cornbread. Both were hot from the oven and steaming. Butter was soft and covered with a smoked salt.

The first course was a cream-based soup of roasted red pepper on one side and a smooth corn chowder on the other. Both were tasty, but lukewarm - I think a side-effect of the huge, shallow bowl it was served in.

The second course was free with a voucher from Central Market - pan-fried Bass with fava beans, a pesto sauce, another red sauce that I'm not sure what it was, and a heirloom tomato and watermelon salad. The fish was steaming hot, with a lightly crispy coating that had a nice spicy zing to it. The sauces were on the side of the plate, which I prefer so that they don't drown the taste of the fish. I wasn't crazy about vinegar on a watermelon, but it was interesting. Overall, the dish exceeded both of our expectations.

The third course was a smoked beef tenderloin with a chipotle BBQ sauce, roasted root veggies, and smashed potatoes. We both ordered it rare. This dish was excellent, and again exceeded our expectations.

For dessert, they served a peach crisp. Unfortunately, it was horribly salty. We let the waiter know, and he whisked it to the kitchen where we observed the cooks tasting a bite. The waiter came back and apologized and offered a choice of any dessert on the house. We chose the Heaven and Hell Cake. This is a HUGE chocolate and angel food layered cake with fudge and peanut butter mousse. On the side was a spoonful of raspberry mousse and chocolate-stuffed raspberries. The dessert was good, but being a dark chocolate lover, I would have preferred if it was not made with milk chocolate.

Drinks: We ordered several of their specialty mixed drinks. They were very pricey $9-12, but we expected as much. Each were well made from fresh ingredients, not too sweet, and a good size. They were also brought quickly. For dessert we had a decent glasses of port wine and an ice wine for $10 each

Service: Awesome. Each course came out with perfect timing. Our waiter was friendly and not pretentious at all. They had maybe 4 or 5 people keeping a distant eye on us and responding the minute we appeared to need another drink or were ready for the next course, yet didn't fawn over us in an annoying way either.

Overall: I have to say I'm impressed and will go again. We've wasted many dollars at other high-end restaurants that just weren't as enjoyable.

DC, says:

• Food:

  5/5

• Vibe:

  4/5

• Service:

  4/5

• Value:

  4/5

• Overall:

  4/5

Been on several occassions, usually after the DMA visit.

Most recently for lunch, and probably the best time to go if the budget is a thought. Even so, expect to put down at least 50.

The space is excellent. I forgot to ask if that piece was a Chihuly - probably. Next time.

Service is friendly without disingenuous, and attentive without obstrusive. Drinks are excellent.

A favorite for the mid day - lobster sandwich. Go and eat it tomorrow.

One of Dallas' best.

mizzliz, says:

• Food:

  5/5

• Vibe:

  5/5

• Service:

  5/5

• Value:

  5/5

• Overall:

  5/5

Bliss! Corn pudding in a tamale crust garnished with "peeky-toe crab"... It was freakin' poetry. Art this fine is not cheap, nor should it be.

ryetronics, says:

• Food:

  5/5

• Vibe:

  4/5

• Service:

  5/5

• Value:

  4/5

• Overall:

  5/5

The best way to experience Stephen Pyles is by sitting at the Ceviche Bar. It allows you to sample many more dishes of a higher variety than the normal sit-down dinner, giving you more bang for your buck. It also allows you to watch the kitchen at work, which on a busy night, can be quite the show.

Try the Prosciutto, Fig & Mascarpone pizza and a few of the ceviches... you will not regret it.

kathyduane, says:

• Food:

  4/5

• Vibe:

  4/5

• Service:

  4/5

• Value:

  3/5

• Overall:

  4/5

This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. We don't get to go often because it is expensive and we live far away, but it is worth it for a special occasion. The food isn't super-fancy, but it is very good across the board. I love the ceviches and the coffee and doughnuts dessert - mmmm!