The Tivona Group, the team behind the acclaimed Indian restaurant Sanjh, is bringing two distinct new restaurants to Dallas.
On the first floor, Urban Italia will celebrate the bold, comforting traditions of Italian-American cuisine, while upstairs, a Dallas favorite makes its long-awaited return: Saffron House.
Urban Italia: Italian-American With A Texas Twist
Urban Italia isn’t just another Italian restaurant; it’s a love letter to the immigrant kitchens of New York, where Italian families reimagined dishes from the Old World with the ingredients and energy of their new home.
At the center of it all is chef Carla Pellegrino, a powerhouse whose career has stretched from New York to Las Vegas to Miami. Born in Brazil to Portuguese and Italian parents, she trained at the French Culinary Institute before making her mark with iconic projects like Rao’s Las Vegas and her own restaurants Bratalian, Bacio, Touché and Meatball Spot. Pellegrino also opened Teatro in Grapevine earlier this year, which boasts fresh flavors and homemade comfort foods.
Known for her bold flavors and approachable style, Pellegrino plans to elevate Dallas classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan and steak pizzaiola, using top-tier ingredients and modern techniques.
“It will be like guests are eating in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen but with refined presentation in an elevated, modern atmosphere,” Pellegrino said in an official statement.
The 5,500-square-foot space, designed by local firm Fusion AE, will hold 250 seats with a breezy patio and an indoor-outdoor bar. And for those who like their meals with a spirited kick, internationally awarded mixologist Yangdup Lama will lead the beverage program. Both lunch and dinner will be served daily.
The Return Of Saffron House
Just one floor above, Saffron House is making a comeback after a six-year hiatus. First opened in 2002 by Tivona Group COO Probodh Arora, the restaurant was a fixture in Dallas dining for nearly two decades before closing in 2019.
Its return is fueled by nostalgia — and demand.
“Even today, guests at Sanjh share their fond memories of Saffron House,” said Arora. “Some remember dining at our original Addison location, others recall our catering while celebrating weddings at Union Station or the Ritz-Carlton, and many St. Mark’s alumni grew up on our cuisine when we catered to their campus each week. That enduring love for Saffron House inspired me to bring back the concept — modernized yet true to its roots — so families in Dallas can enjoy it once again.”
The revived Saffron House will offer modern Indian cuisine in a light-filled, 2,000-square-foot dining room with seating for 60. The menu will feature signature dishes from the original restaurant alongside new creations, paired with cocktails designed by Lama. Lunch, dinner, takeout and delivery will all be available.
A Pairing Of Past And Future
With Urban Italia and Saffron House opening side by side, Victory Park is set to become a fixture in Dallas’ iconic culinary scene. One restaurant honors the immigrant spirit that built Italian-American cuisine, while the other revives a beloved local institution rooted in Indian flavors. Together, they represent both the heritage and innovation that Tivona Group has made its signature.
Both restaurants are scheduled to open in the fall or winter this year.
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