Dallas diners have a new option for everyday meals at The Drey Hotel’s Anise restaurant. After a period of quiet, the venue has reopened with a refreshed concept that expands its service from morning coffee to late‑night cocktails.
All‑Day Dining Concept
Formerly marketed as a Mediterranean‑inspired food and wine bar, Anise now operates as a full‑service neighborhood restaurant. Guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch on weekdays, a weekend brunch menu, and an evening cocktail bar with shareable plates. The shift aims to give locals a reliable spot for any meal, from a quick coffee to a relaxed dinner.
Leadership Returns
The transformation is being led by Village Culinary Director Eduardo Osorio and Executive Chef Rene Deleon, who returns to Anise after a stint at the restaurant in 2022. Deleon brings experience from notable establishments, including executive chef roles at Bullion and corporate executive sous‑chef for Mina Group, as well as time in Grant Achatz’s Chicago kitchens Next and Alinea. Osorio will also host a Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at Meridian on Nov. 4, part of the Chefs for Farmers 2026 program.
Menu Highlights
Chef Deleon and Osorio have crafted a menu that blends familiar flavors with unexpected touches. Breakfast offerings include stuffed mascarpone French toast with blueberry compote, a morning mezze plate featuring green hummus and a farm‑fresh egg, and a Wagyu steak and eggs dish. Lunch options feature Texas citrus‑infused burrata, a pork belly BLT, and classic steak frites.
Weekend brunch adds to the city’s growing brunch scene with chilaquiles, eggs in purgatory, and pork belly hash. As the day turns to evening, Anise transitions into a cocktail bar, serving shareable plates such as salmon tartare tostada, harissa‑spiced prawns, and cavatelli pasta. The beverage program includes a Texas Ranger cocktail made with bourbon and roasted pineapple purée, a mezcal‑based Desert Coyote, and a curated wine list.
Local Focus and Atmosphere
“Anise is about food that makes people feel good,” Osorio said in an official statement. “Guests should recognize what they’re eating, but there should always be something—a technique, a sauce or an unexpected ingredient—that makes the dish feel distinctly Anise. We want guests to be impressed by how the food tastes, not by how complicated it is.” Pastry Chef Brenda Perez adds a selection of desserts to round out the refreshed culinary program.
Practical Details
Anise is located at 5630 Village Glen Drive, inside The Drey Hotel at The Village. Breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., while weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cocktail bar welcomes guests in the evenings, with hours varying by day. For menus and additional information, visitors can consult Anise’s official website.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
