Dallas, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers a surprising diversity of calzones. Beyond simple cheese and pepperoni, Dallas's pizzerias and Italian restaurants are crafting creative and delicious calzone fillings that will leave you wanting more. This guide dives deep into the top 19 calzones you absolutely must try in the Big D. We've explored menus, read reviews, and even indulged in a few ourselves to bring you this definitive list. Get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying journey through Dallas's best calzones!
The Best Calzones in Dallas: A Neighborhood by Neighborhood Guide
Finding the perfect calzone can feel like a quest, but fear not! We've broken down our top picks by neighborhood to make your culinary adventure easier.
Downtown Dallas Calzone Delights
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Pizzeria Paradiso: Known for their classic Margherita Calzone. This downtown staple offers a consistently excellent calzone, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their dough is perfectly crisp, and the cheese is delightfully gooey. Expect a simple but satisfying experience.
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Cane Rosso: Famous for their Spicy Sopressata Calzone. Cane Rosso is a Dallas pizza institution. Their calzones are generously filled, with a focus on bold flavors. The spicy soppressata is a standout, offering a kick that balances the richness of the cheese and dough.
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Serious Texas Pizza: Celebrated for their inventive calzone combinations. This pizzeria pushes boundaries with creative calzone fillings, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Expect unique flavor profiles that will surprise and delight your palate. Check their menu for seasonal specials!
Uptown & Knox-Henderson Calzone Hotspots
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Zoli's NY Pizza: Renowned for their robust, New York-style calzones. If you're craving a true New York-style calzone, Zoli's is your spot. Their dough is thick and chewy, and the fillings are plentiful. This is a calzone for those who like a hearty, filling meal.
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Komali: Offers a unique take on the calzone within their broader Indian-fusion menu. While not strictly a pizza place, Komali’s surprising calzone option offers an exciting fusion of flavors. Be prepared for something unexpected and delicious!
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Flower Child: Provides a healthy alternative with their vegetable-packed calzone. For a lighter, healthier option, Flower Child offers a delicious vegetarian calzone brimming with fresh vegetables. It's a great choice for those looking for a flavorful and guilt-free indulgence.
Bishop Arts District & Oak Cliff Calzone Gems
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Emporium Pies: Known for their sweet and savory calzone options. While primarily known for their pies, Emporium Pies offers surprisingly delicious calzones. Their sweet and savory variations are innovative and worth a try.
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Spiral Diner: Offers a wide selection of vegan calzones. For our vegan friends, Spiral Diner is a must-visit. Their vegan calzones are packed with flavor and demonstrate that plant-based cooking can be incredibly satisfying.
Other Notable Dallas Calzones
The following calzones deserve recognition for their unique offerings or consistent quality, regardless of their specific location:
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Lucia: Features high-end ingredients and sophisticated flavor combinations.
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Carbone's: A classic Italian restaurant with a traditionally made calzone.
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Sassetta: Known for their upscale, refined Italian fare, including a memorable calzone.
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La Piazza: Provides a taste of authentic Italian calzones in a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Campisi's Restaurant: This Dallas institution offers a nostalgic, classic calzone.
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Your Pie: Offers build-your-own calzones, allowing for ultimate customization.
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Romeo's Pizza: Serves up tasty calzones in a relaxed, casual setting.
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Little Woodrow's: Known for their more casual and relaxed atmosphere with a crowd-pleasing calzone.
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Pie Five Pizza: Another fast-casual option for a quick and tasty calzone.
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Pizza Patron: This popular chain offers affordable calzone options.
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Old Town Pizza: This local favorite serves up generously sized and flavorful calzones.
What Makes a Great Dallas Calzone?
A truly exceptional Dallas calzone balances several key elements:
- Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The best calzones start with the best ingredients. Look for pizzerias that prioritize fresh, locally sourced produce and meats.
- Perfectly Cooked Dough: The dough should be crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
- Generous Fillings: A great calzone shouldn't skimp on the fillings! Plenty of cheese, flavorful sauce, and hearty additions are essential.
- Flavor Balance: The combination of flavors should be well-balanced, with no single ingredient overpowering the others.
- Presentation: While not the most important factor, a nicely presented calzone is always more appealing.
Finding Your Perfect Calzone in Dallas
This list provides a fantastic starting point for your calzone quest in Dallas. Remember to check online reviews, menus, and consider your personal preferences when making your final decision. Happy eating!
