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MONARCH 1401 Elm St., 49th Floor 214.945.2222 monarchrestaurants.com W hen we first heard about Monarch last winter, we expected it to be beautiful, but the wood-fired, modern Italian restaurant high atop the Thompson Dallas hotel in downtown Dallas, is truly something special. Led by two-time Michelin- starred Chicago chef Danny Grant (RIA, Maple & Ash), the glittering JONATHAN ZIZZO EMILY CARLEY spot with bird's-eye views serves up handmade pastas such as black truffle risotto and whole Maine lobster spaghetti, along with grain-and grass- fed steaks and a show-stopping table experience involving a live Alaskan king crab. The jewel-box interiors rise to the menu's grand occasion. Designed by Caroline Todd (Todd Interiors), Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group, and Heidi Lightner Architects, the 49th floor is an aesthetic feast of patterns, imaginative lighting, and rich leather finishes, with plenty of intimate nooks and lounge areas. RESTAURANT ROUNDUP Explore new dining territory in the remarkable (and remarkably resilient) Dallas food scene. By Caitlin Clark BELSE 1910 Pacific Ave., Suite 1400 469.818.7010 belserestaurant.com T he concept for downtown Dallas' newest vegan spot comes from the team behind Little Pine restaurant in L.A., which was founded by musician Moby and is one of the top-rated vegan restaurants in L.A. The logo, depicting Earth wrapped in a lotus flower, was designed by artist Shepard Fairey, whose 2008 Hope portrait of Barack Obama became an iconic campaign image. Belse's elevated spin on plant- based cuisine — fresh watermelon sushi (the Mocki Roll), black bean pupusa, crispy chicken-like sandwiches, and cantaloupe steak pizza — could convince even the most carnivorous among us to try something new. A nd, there's more to look forward to in 2021. Eataly Dallas' Italian- style all-day Café, Caffe Lavazza, opens in the spring on the first floor of NorthPark Center. Expect an installation by a local artist ... Michelin-star power arrives when classic New York Italian restaurant Carbone finds its home in the Dallas Design District in the former Sassetta space, opening late summer. Meanwhile, Sassetta reopens in early fall in a reimagined space in The Joule hotel designed by Jean Liu … More Michelin-star clout arrives when Kessaku opens on the 50th floor of the Thompson Dallas hotel, operated by two-Michelin- starred Danny Grant (who also leads Monarch, above), which will focus on sushi and an extensive sake menu. Beyond summer and into fall: Mi Cocina drives Mambo Taxis to Klyde Warren Park and architect Thomas Phifer's gorgeous, glass-encased space (former home of Savor restaurant) reimagined by the restaurant group and architecture firm Droese Rainey … Also this fall, Vandelay Hospitality Group (Drake's Hollywood, Hudson House, East Hampton Sandwich Co., Lucky's Hot Chicken) is expanding its neighborhood footprint, adding a new concept in Addison. Details are still hush-hush, but there will be a touch of Santa Fe/Aspen. The aforementioned Lucky's Hot Chicken opens a new outpost in early April at 6309 Hillcrest Avenue, across from SMU. Just opened: Media star Salt Bae (Nusret Gökçe) has finally opened his steakhouse, Nusr-Et (Dubai, NYC, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Miami, Boston, Turkey), in the Dallas Arts District. It's been in the works several years, amid construction delays and legal drama. Known for his killer-sized tomahawks, rib eyes, whole racks of lamb, theatrically bouncing salt (Salt Bae) onto humongous steaks, and astronomical prices, Nusr-Et had lines snaking down the street on opening night. COMING SOON Chandelier bar at Monarch Fire-roasted Lasagna Diane 62