Don Artemio - Best New Restaurant in Fort Worth

If you have any familiarity with Mexican gastronomy, you'll know that it's inspired by culture, family, hard work and acts as a living expression of centuries-old cultural heritage. And a new restaurant named 'Don Artemio' represents this passion. From their brilliant architectural design which was inspired by the old houses of Saltillo, Mexico (made with clay bricks), this new hot spot in Fort Worth incorporates elements that represent hallmarks of Mexican culture as the 'Sarape de Saltillo' and the wines of Coahuila (formally Coahuila de Zaragoza and one of the 32 states within Mexico itself) that creating an immersive Mexican contemporary atmosphere that's linked with their phenomenal menu. I have dined at Don Artemio three times before writing this article and it's clear that they incorporate local ingredients from Fort Worth and northeastern Mexico (such as kid goat, nopal - edible cacti and red hawthorn).

I had three distinct opportunities to sample this new hot spot in Fort Worth. My first experience was sharing a birthday celebration with a friend and his family, the second experience was a double date with our neighbors and the third visit was me...and me alone. I can tell you that all three experiences were absolutely amazing. My first experience was a brunch, but to my surprise, it was packed already. Clearly, everyone was hooked to the positive buzz floating around the city. I took a step back and absorbed the atmosphere and décor; it has a neutral yet timeless feel with a very open concept. This restaurant does not give you an impression of a crammed, stressful setting. Quite the opposite. It's open, free and roomy. I spoke to an assistant manager near the bar and he told me that all of the décor is imported from Mexico, including more than 20,000 bricks that you see across the walls and the bar. Impressive, indeed.

I sat down to review the restaurant menu and I was not intimidated at all. In fact, I have always been a big fan of trying new dishes and new concepts with unknown meats and cheeses sent me over the moon. I ordered seven different dishes (apps and entrees) and I truly enjoyed every dish I devoured.

A little about the food during my first experience: the homemade chorizo sausage tacos were incredible that I wish I have ordered two more orders and yet the regular chorizo that was aged 14 days was just as good. I have to be honest - I didn't try the grasshoppers and guacamole but I tried it with beef instead and it was tasty. My main entrée was the most delicious wagyu steak, very flavorful with a side of beans that was mixed with chorizo. Everything was so remarkably tasty. The other dish was a Mexican Fiesta which was very seasoned and unique. Also - four drinks from the bar were outstanding and clinched my need to return.

After reading the menu and their website, it appears as if Don Artemio was inspired by Mexico ́s traditional cuisine and Chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas put together his culinary team with the understanding that they are constantly exploring different techniques and looking for new ingredients to create contemporary dishes that indulge the palate. Without a doubt, this spot is an upscale Mexican-based experience and Don Artemio is a culinary space in which the flavors of the cuisine of Northeast Mexico are recreated with contemporary airs. No question about it.

The manager told me that everyone expect them to do 'the practical thing' - open a common Tex-Mex joint. But Adrián Burciaga and Juan Ramón Cárdenas weren’t feeling practical. Their friends and business partners thought Fort Worth was ready for seriously interior Mexican fare. So Cárdenas, the founder of the original Don Artemio, in the northeastern Mexican city of Saltillo, created a menu and persuaded his son Rodrigo Cárdenas to be executive chef. The genial Burciaga (a former manager of the restaurant at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth) stepped up to manage the lofty, beautifully designed space.

Now, my second visit - tacos (deep-fried nopalitos) tossed with morsels of bacon and I followed it up with fork-tender confited cabrito stuffed into plump chiles. Then, at the end of the meal, I finished the experience with the restaurant’s novel deconstructed tres leches cake. Once again - A+. Outstanding. That's when I knew a third visit was going to be on the horizon.

During my third and final visit, I ordered three things: Chili Relleno, Guacamole with Chicharrones and the tomahawk steak. Incredible. The Chili Relleno without the tomato sauce the Guacamole is sublime and the Tomahawk Steak was perfectly cooked. Every single item was simply to die for.

Don Artemio Is an amazing and unique dining experience. Literally they shipped the restaurant's interior from Saltillo MX, where the original restaurant is located. It's stunning!

Spectacular and creative food, superb service, upscale decor and great value for your money. It's worthy of more than five stars!

3268 W 7th St Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 470-1439

https://www.donartemio.us