An entree of fried rillette, duck breast, salsify, pickled membrillo and kale. Photo by Mark Davis

At Campo Modern Country Bistro, presentation is key. “I’m more influenced by the aesthetic of food,” says chef Matt McAllister, who studied art before becoming part of the Dallas culinary scene. “I think of food as an art. The aroma and the sight is what gets your appetite going.” Campo Modern is modeled after Argentine bistros, featuring a cultural blend of French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese cuisines. The menu rotates each week, which allows McAllister to play around with new dishes. “We just try to have fun.” Oak Cliff designers John Paul Valverde and Miguel Vicéns, who own Coevál Studio, opened the restaurant late last year in the former La Carreta Argentina space. In addition to the ever-changing menu, Campo Modern features cocktails designed by mixologist Brad Hensarling of Fort Worth and a coffee service from Cultivar.

Campo Modern Country Bistro

1115 N. Beckley
214.946.1308
facebook.com/CampOModern

Price range: Under $25
Ambiance: As its name suggests, a modern country feel
Hours:
6-10 p.m. Sun-Mon
Closed Tues
6-10 p.m. Wed-Thurs
6 p.m.-midnight Sat

Lucia is known for its house-made charcuterie. Photo by Alison Fechtel

More pasta spots in Oak Cliff

1 Lucia
Make reservations early for this cozy retreat from chef David Uygur, which features authentic salumi and handmade pasta. It’s common to order several different items to share among friends.
408 W. Eighth
214.948.4998

2 Hattie’s
Take a night to enjoy sinful comfort food at this down-home yet sophisticated Oak Cliff establishment. You can’t go wrong with the fried green tomatoes to start.
418 N. Bishop
214.942.7400

3 Bolsa
Duck into Bolsa for fine wine or extravagant cocktails. The Dallas Observer voted it “Best Place to Take a Date.”
614 W. Davis
214.943.1883