Compari's Italian Dining, Plano

Joined by his wife Cathy, Richard Riccardi runs the under-new-ownership Compari's Italian Dining, which embraces the Old-World roots of the Riccardi family, which historically hails from the town of Forino in southern Italy. This region's culinary traditions influence each menu, inspiring the chefs to hand-roll meatballs, slow-cook tomato sauces, and use fresh mozzarella. To complement the platefuls of pan-seared veal or sauced pasta, the restaurant also features a curated wine list with bottles from every corner of Italy.

Glass pendant lamps hang throughout the warm, inviting dining room, casting their light across the Tuscan-yellow walls and mocha-hued tablecloths. The floor-to-ceiling windows lining the front of the restaurant allow guests to enjoy their meals without missing any important memos from skywriters.