Everything You Need to Know About Eataly’s Much-Anticipated Dallas Debut

Next month, much-anticipated Italian market Eataly is finally going to open its doors, but because there’s still a pandemic raging on outside, it’s debut is going to look a little different than it would have otherwise.

In the midst of an increase in in-person shopping at NorthPark Center, where Eataly will open, it’s likely that the extreme anticipation surrounding the market’s debut will create a little bit of chaos. Before you make plans to head to NorthPark to feast on prosciutto and wine, here’s everything you need to know about Eataly’s arrival in Dallas.

When’s it opening?

Wednesday, December 9 at noon. Don’t be surprised if there are (socially distant) lines waiting in the hours before that, though.

Where’s it going to be?

Eataly occupies a brand new, three-story space at NorthPark Center. If you’re only going to Eataly, head into the mall via the Boedeker Street entrance.

What’s the deal with Eataly?

For the unfamiliar, Eataly is a gigantic Italian market and cafe founded in Italy in 2010. It’s a destination for both lunch and luxe Italian ingredients, like imported Pecorino and fancy extra virgin olive oil, along with plenty of local goods. The space will also house three distinct restaurants and a cooking school.

Eataly [Official Photo]

What types of COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place?

Eataly’s health and safety task force will be on hand to make sure that people are wearing masks and stay six feet apart from each other while shopping in the store. Perhaps most importantly, Eataly will offer reservations for its restaurants on opening day via its website.

Inside the store, the number of people allowed to browse will be strictly limited, and tables in the restaurant will be spaced six feet apart and sectioned off by dividers. Employees are expected to wear masks and gloves at all times, and that also goes for diners who aren’t actively eating. Cashless payment options will also be available.

Should I go right now?

Honestly, probably not. COVID-19 cases are surging in DFW right now, and Dallas County’s Public Health Committee is currently recommending against dining indoors or outdoors. In fact, Eataly CEO Nicola Farinetti agrees with this sentiment — in an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Farinetti told excited Dallasites to take their time in coming to visit the market. “We know that people aren’t enjoying crowds these days, and there’s no rush,” he told the paper. “We are going to be here for the long run.”

When I do go to Eataly, what should I buy?

It’s going to be tough to resist the luxe Italian ingredients at Eataly, so be prepared to drop a chunk of change if you’ve never been to a location before. Imported dried pasta, top-notch olive oils, more than a thousand bottles of wine, and fresh mozzarella will be on offer, along with stunning balsamic vinegars, arborio rice for DIY risottos, and so much more.

• The Arrival of Iconic Italian Market Eataly in Dallas Is Imminent [EDFW]