Named after the protagonist’s girlfriend in the 1968 film Planet of the Apes, Nova lives by the words “mid-century modern” in more than one way. The restaurant, housed in a former Dairy Queen, draws inspiration from the old sci-fi movie featuring original VHS tapes on the shelves, as well as eclectic indoor elements such as a chandelier with star-shaped lights.
Photography by Jessica Turner
Photography by Jessica Turner
Photography by Jessica Turner
Photography by Jessica Turner
Photography by Jessica Turner
“We wanted to do something reminiscent of an old gastropub out of England,” says John David Reid, a co-founder and operating partner at Nova. “That’s where it all came from.”
Started by Reid and four friends in the restaurant business, Nova came to Oak Cliff in 2010. Nova doesn’t adhere to a specific cuisine or menu year-round. Its offerings depend on the cooks who prepare them.
“It’s what we call chef-driven,” Reid says. “We can put whatever we want on it, as long as we do it right — that’s the thing.”
A casual diner located near The Kessler Theater, Nova has been a popular neighborhood spot for years.
Some of the diner’s most popular dishes are its chicken-fried pork loin ($22), pizzas ($17-21) and the burger ($19), Reid says.
The roasted garlic hummus starter includes seasoned pita bread, a rich hummus dip and fresh vegetables ($16).
“The hummus we do a little bit differently,” Reid says. “We put a little bit of Greek yogurt and a couple of other ingredients that give it a much smoother texture and a creamier flavor. And the vegetables that go in the hummus are tomatoes, cucumber and basil — it’s simple — a little olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.”
Currently, Nova offers pan-seared Scottish salmon, which Reid highly recommends. The gluten-free dish comes with fried rice containing turmeric, carrot, slivered almond, black currant, cilantro, green curry and toasted coconut ($30).
Reid says the restaurant’s most popular cocktail at the moment is a variation of a French 75, called the Nova 75 ($12).
“We take vodka with fresh berries, agave nectar, lemon juice,” Reid says. “It’s muddled, shaken and strained into a martini glass and topped off with champagne with a lemon twist.”
Besides cocktails, Reid says the restaurant’s wines are also a hit among customers.
Like many Oak Cliff residents, he raves about the unique, close-knit experience our neighborhood offers. He has lived here for nearly a decade.
“Friday night we’ll go to different people’s houses and have happy hour, even go on vacation with the neighbors, and that’s something that’s kind of unheard of here in Dallas,” he says.
One thing Reid has noticed since opening the pub 15 years ago is the camaraderie among locals.
“It is just a great sense of community here,” Reid says. “I see the same people three, four times a week. And it’s such a diverse community.”
To give back, Nova takes food to volunteers at Dallas Animal Services every month. Reid is a dog lover himself and has four at home, he says.
He’s also had the chance to form relationships with regulars over the years.
“One thing I love about Nova is watching the kids in the extended community grow up,” he says. “And they’re like, ‘Hey, I want to work at Nova.’ That is the most rewarding part of that restaurant.”
Nova, 1417 W. Davis St., 214.484.7123, novadallas.com
