How to Do Fachini (The Right Way)

If you’ve never been to Fachini, fix that. As a frequent Fachini-goer, I’m telling you — do it right and it’ll be your new favorite Dallas spot. It’s a bring your people, pass the pasta, laugh too loud, and order another bottle of wine kind of night. And I’m about to tell you the few key dishes you have to order — and the ones you can skip.

Step 1: The Strategy

In my opinion, this is a family-style experience, not a 1-on-1 date night. Sure, you could have a fun date here — but you won’t get nearly as much pasta variety. And honestly, you’ll leave so full... I can’t imagine anyone being able to have sex fresh out of Fachini. So whip out the fat pants for this one.

Fachini shines with 4 or 5 people — the more forks, the more fun. You’re going to want to try everything, and that’s only possible when you can share plates like civilized chaos.

Step 2: The Warm-Up Act

Before you even order, they’ll hit you with the iconic garlic bread, vinegar-soaked veggies, ricotta, and slices of cured meats — basically their version of chips and salsa, Italian-style. You’ll devour it while pretending to “pace yourself.” Don't be afraid to ask for another round of bread. You'll want it to dip into your leftover pasta sauce later.

As for drinks, skip the cocktails. Fachini’s pastas are rich and layered, so a bottle (or 2) of wine shared among friends is the move. Trust me — a Ranch Water will ruin your palate. They do, however, have a great espresso martini — I’d end on that.

Step 3: The Lineup

You’re here to share, not hoard. For a table of 4, order 1 antipasto and 3 pastas. Here's your newbie starter pack:

Start with the Lobster Ravioli for your antipasto! It's my favorite thing at Fachini!

Then move on to your 3 pastas for the table. Don’t be afraid to get adventurous here. There's so many great options outside of these 3.

• Veal Agnolotti – the showstopper. Best large pasta on the menu (when it’s on the menu). You’ll find it under the Special Features section. Must order.

• Rigatoni alla Vodka – can't go wrong here if you like a little kick.

• Fettuccine al Ragu Bolognese – there are better ones on the menu but this is a good base option; if your looking for something subtle because the other pastas are flavor bombs. Basically, he's a grower not a shower.
  

  

Skip: The Fusilli Salsicce y Funghi — nobody likes it. And hot take: I’d also pass on the 100-Layer Lasagna. It’s one of the most expensive pastas on the menu, and honestly... it’s underwhelming.

Step 4: Side Quest

You don’t need sides, but if you must…

• Artichokes alla Romana – yes.

• Spicy Broccolini – absolutely not. Multiple tables have spoken, and it’s a collective “never again.”

Save that money for dessert.

Step 5: The Finale

Even though at this point your extremely full, you have to get the Tiramisu. It’s light, fluffy — like eating a whipped cloud. And coming from someone who usually hates dessert... this is the only dessert in Dallas I will always make room for. It’s to die for.

I’m already planning my next visit to try the Cacio e Pepe. That’s the fun part about Fachini — switching it up each visit, adding a new pasta into the rotation. The experimenting is what makes it the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to — and somehow, it’s just as good every single time.