Maison Chinoise is now open in Uptown Dallas. Alberto Lombardi says other places are in the works, but not finalized, yet.
DALLAS — You’ve likely eaten at one of his restaurants — Penne Pomodoro, Taverna, Toulouse…
And you’ve probably heard the buzz long before you ever made a reservation.
Now, Alberto Lombardi is drawing attention once again — this time with Maison Chinoise, a high-end Chinese dining experience in the heart of Dallas. Known for his ability to blend ambiance, global flavors, and high-end service, Lombardi continues to carve out a major presence in the North Texas restaurant scene.
And it’s a presence that’s still growing.
“We are working on a couple of more deals, but they are not finalized yet,” Lombardi revealed.
It’s no secret that the restaurant industry has been challenged in recent years —between rising costs, staffing shortages, and the lasting impact of a global pandemic. But Lombardi has not only weathered the storm — he’s thrived.
With dozens of restaurants spread across Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, his establishments span a variety of cuisines and cultures, each inspired by his personal travels and experiences abroad.
“We have Italian restaurant, French restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and Latino restaurant…” Lombardi listed.
But Lombardi says that in today’s climate, it takes more than good food to keep customers coming back. The modern diner is looking for more.
“Today, people go out to have fun,” Lombardi explains. “It’s becoming very social.”
That insight — understanding that restaurants are now about experience, not just food — has become a guiding principle in Lombardi’s business model. From thoughtfully designed interiors to music and mood lighting, his restaurants offer more than a meal — they offer a vibe.
And the strategy is paying off.
According to industry data, the restaurant and hospitality sector in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex generates more than $27 billion in economic output each year, employing over 420,000 people. Lombardi himself employs about a thousand of them, many of whom have been with him for years — a testament to the culture he’s built.
His latest concepts are still under wraps, but given his track record, it’s safe to expect something fresh, globally inspired, and designed with the Dallas diner in mind.
With 2025 expected to bring continued growth to the local dining scene, Alberto Lombardi’s name will no doubt continue to headline it.
