In Oak Cliff, upscale Asian cuisine is hard to come by. “This neighborhood is ripe for some authentic Asian food,” says Kelly Hightower, who served as executive chef at the acclaimed Tei Tei Robata Bar. He has incorporated some of those influences into the menu at his latest venture, Nova. The gastropub offers everything from brick-oven pizzas to baby-back ribs along with signature cocktails. But Hightower also serves gourmet Asian fare, such as the mother-daughter udon noodle with tempura chicken and poached egg in miso broth. He spent four years perfecting his Japanese cuisine at Tei Tei and also traveled to Japan, tasting new dishes and learning a few tricks. “It was very enlightening,” he says. “Every restaurant there is specialized in what they do. They do one thing and do it very well.” But at Nova, Hightower can bring all his talents to the table — whether the Southwestern influences he gained while working at the Mansion on Turtle Creek or his Mediterranean cuisine that defined Kavala Grill, which previously occupied the Nova space. Decades ago, the building functioned as the neighborhood Dairy Queen. The owners maintained the building’s diner-style feel with a more contemporary design. The restaurant recently began offering brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and the bar stays open until 2 a.m. every night.

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NOVA
1417 W. Davis
214.484.7123
novadallas.com

Three more spots for Asian fare

1 Chan Thai
This neighborhood restaurant delivers Thai favorites, including red curry dishes, plus some exotic seafood options.
Seventh & Madison
214.948.9956

2 Zen Sushi
A mainstay of the Bishop Arts District, Zen Sushi benefits from the talents of Michelle Carpenter, one of the top sushi chefs in Dallas.
Seventh & Bishop
214.946.9699
zensushidallas.com

3 New China Town
When you’re craving Chinese food, this hole-in-the-wall take-out spot offers all the traditional items on the cheap.
Davis & Cliffdale
214.333.9292