Eataly Dallas Pizza Fest: Come Hungry, Pace Yourself, Repeat
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
We already love any excuse to go to Eataly Dallas, so Pizza Fest is an easy yes for us.
On a normal week, we are just as happy walking through Eataly picking up fresh ingredients for dinner. The fresh pasta section alone is worth the trip, and the cacio e pepe ravioli has become a family favorite in our house. So when they turn that same space into a full outdoor pizza festival, it is something we genuinely look forward to.
This was our second year attending, and this time we knew exactly how to do it.
A Pizza Festival Worth Planning Around
The Eataly Dallas Pizza Fest brings together more than 25 pizza spots from across Dallas Fort Worth for an all you can eat experience. You will find everything from classic Neapolitan styles to more creative takes, along with Italian wines, local beers, and a mix of other drink partners.
Set just outside NorthPark Center, it turns a typical Dallas afternoon into something that feels closer to an Italian street gathering.
It may still be a newer event, but it is quickly becoming one people are starting to plan around.
Come Hungry, But Pace Yourself
Last year, we showed up excited and probably a little too ambitious. This year, we came in with a plan. Start hungry, pace it out, and leave room to go back for favorites.
We also lucked out with much better weather, which made a big difference. It meant we could stay longer, take our time, and actually enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it.
The Pizza and the Debate
One of our favorite parts of Pizza Fest is turning it into a running debate. We rate everything!
Every slice gets talked about, compared, and ranked, and somehow we never fully agree on what deserves the top spot. That is half the fun.
Our Top Three Pizzas from Pizza Fest
Diavola Dolce from Rossopomodoro
Mozzarella di Napoli, spicy salami, whipped ricotta, hot spice honey, and basil. This one had the perfect balance of heat and sweetness and kept us going back for another bite. It also ended up winning fan favorite at the event, which felt about right.
Mexican Elote from Delucca Gaucho Pizza and Wine
Sweet corn, crema sauce, fresh mozzarella, and cilantro. It was unexpected in the best way and one of the most talked about slices between us.
Mexicamargh from Starship Bagel
Oaxaca cheese, chihuahua cheese, epazote, tomato, and guajillo sauce. Bold flavors and completely different from a traditional slice, which made it stand out.
What stood out most this year was the variety. You can go from a simple margherita to something completely different within a few steps, which makes it easy to try more than you normally would.
More Than Just Pizza
As much as the pizza is the main draw, a few other moments stood out just as much.
Watching the handmade mozzarella being made fresh and tasting it right after is one of those experiences that feels simple but memorable. It is completely different from anything packaged and worth seeking out.
And then there is the tiramisu. Eataly’s tiramisu is well known, and it lives up to it. Light, balanced, and just indulgent enough after a few slices and a drink.
The drink side of the event also adds to the experience. There are opportunities to try wines from different vineyards along with other drink brands, and the boys were fully focused on the San Pellegrino stands with unlimited blood orange and lemon drinks, which quickly became their highlight of the day.
The Atmosphere
It is not just pizza stands lined up in a row. There is a real mix of vendors spread throughout, from wine producers and local breweries to dessert tables and specialty drink partners. It gives you a reason to keep moving, trying something new, and then circling back to what you liked most.
You are walking around with a drink, stopping for a slice, then another, then grabbing something sweet before heading back for one more round. The flow feels easy and unforced, which makes it simple to settle in and stay longer than you planned.
The main tent quickly became a favorite spot for us, especially with Emerald City Band playing. Between the music, the crowd, and having a drink in hand, it felt like the center of everything and the place we kept coming back to throughout the afternoon.
There is a good mix of people too. Families, groups of friends, couples all moving through the space at their own pace. It never feels overly crowded, just busy in a way that adds to the energy.
It ends up feeling less like a structured event and more like spending the afternoon eating your way through a really good party.
A Slice We’ll Come Back For
Coming back for a second year confirmed it for us. The Eataly Dallas Pizza Fest is not something you do once. It is the kind of event you come back to.
Between the variety of pizza, the atmosphere, and the chance to try so many Dallas spots in one place, it has quickly earned its place on the local food calendar.
Next year, we will be back, hungry and ready to start the debate all over again!