DALLAS — Two years ago, Carbone's Fine Food and Wine changed its name as a result of a trademark dispute when New York-based Carbone came to town.
Now, the newly-minted Barsotti's has made the Michelin Guide.
Barsotti's, formerly known as Carbone's, was among the 28 North Texas restaurants to earn recognition from Michelin. Barsotti's was in the "recommended" category.
Only one North Texas restaurant, Tatsu Dallas in Deep Ellum, earned a coveted Michelin star in the guide announcement.
But making the guide at all -- either as a recommended selection or "Bib Gourmand" -- is regarded as a major accomplishment in the culinary scene.
Here's what the Michelin Guide had to say about Barsotti's:
Set at a busy junction in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, this popular restaurant is named after the owner's great-grandfather. The contemporary trattoria's bright and bold design is eye-catching, with black-and-white floors and a curved bar with counter seating for taking in views of the open kitchen.
Simple and straightforward is the name of the game here, where the emphasis is on terrific homemade pasta dishes. Linguini with shrimp scampi, lasagna Bolognese, or the ever-comforting spaghetti with meatballs are just a few of their hits. Add a selection from the all-Italian wine list to complete the experience.
Barsotti's opened as Carbone's at 4208 Oak Lawn Ave. in 2012.
In 2022, after New York-based Carbone opened a Dallas location, Carbone's filed suit, alleging trademark infringement.
The lawsuit said the name "Carbone's" has been used consistently since 2011 when the Dallas restaurant's founder, executive chef Julian Barsotti, started the process to open the restaurant.
"For years, whenever consumers have seen the CARBONE’S mark either in the restaurant, on pre-packaged foods, or via carryout and catering, they have recognized the CARBONE’S mark as an indicator of the high quality that consumers have come to expect from Plaintiff," attorneys for Carbone's wrote in the lawsuit.
The two sides eventually reached an undisclosed settlement, and Carbone's agreed to change its name to Barsotti's, after the founder and chef. Carbone's closed for renovations at the start of 2023 and later reopened as Barsotti's.
More coverage of the Michelin Guide in Texas:
