How an Unexpected Lunch at Dua Trattoria Turned into a Memorable Dining Experience
By Ashli Urano
After a competitive tennis match last week, our usual routine of quick goodbyes took an unexpected turn. As our team waited for the final line to finish playing, I suggested lunch at Dua Trattoria. To my surprise, everyone agreed. This was unusual for us since teammates typically tackle the day's responsibilities after matches. Some rush to afternoon meetings, while others hurry to pick up children from school. It was refreshing to spend time together off the court finally.
Dua Trattoria, located at 5225 Warren Pkwy., has become a hotspot since opening in Frisco last year. Their menu features a variety of tapas, flatbreads, and pasta dishes while also showcasing Mediterranean specialties. Owned by brothers Blerinand, Kreshnik, and Lulzim Vllasaliu, the restaurant brings their culinary heritage to the table, offering a twist on Italian-Mediterranean cuisine.
A Well-Blended Aesthetic
Walking into Dua Trattoria, the decor is filled with cool grays, rich blues, and natural wood tones. The walls showcase gray paneling with large floral artwork against a golden background. The ceiling’s black panels are outlined with golden lighting strips, creating an intimate atmosphere. Exposed ductwork is softened by globe pendant lights, while the flooring transitions between polished marble and warm wood planks.
Dua Trattoria offers a variety of seating options. Plush tufted booths in deep charcoal gray line the wall, paired with elegant round tables with marble tops. A striking light blue banquette curves along another wall, complemented by modern gray chairs with gold metal frames. Teal upholstered chairs can also be seen throughout the dining room.
The bar features a sleek marble-topped counter surrounded by luxurious black leather bar stools. Each stool includes tufted backs with decorative nail head trim that makes waiting for a table almost as enjoyable as being seated. Behind the bar, an impressive collection of spirits sits on illuminated shelves, creating a warm backdrop.
Shortly after being seated in the center of the open dining room, our drinks began to arrive. Evi, prepared to work through lunch, juggled her laptop and Cosmopolitan like a pro. Andrea sipped her Sunrise Spritz (rum, Aperol, limoncello, orange juice, prosecco), which reminded her of a drink she had in Italy last summer. Jody chose the Mediterranean Margarita (tequila, Grand Marnier, amaretto, lime juice) and described a subtle kick at the end of each sip. From across the table, Tiffany had almost finished her Espresso Martini (vodka, espresso, Kahlua, Bailey's), clearly enjoying the rich coffee flavors.
On our server's recommendation, I ordered the Cucumber Mule, which arrived in a traditional copper cup with a dehydrated lime wheel and a single mint leaf. The cocktail balanced tequila with fresh cucumber, lime juice, and agave. Unlike typical mules that rely on ginger beer, this variation allowed the clean taste of cucumber to complement the tequila rather than compete with it. The result was refreshing – the kind of drink that makes you slow down and savor each sip.
As we enjoyed our drinks, the restaurant's co-owner Kreshnik Vllasaliu, or “Nik,” as he is regularly called, stopped by, adding a personal touch to our visit. Curious about the restaurant's unique concept, I asked how he and his brothers developed their culinary vision. Kreshnik smiled warmly and proudly and began sharing the history behind Italian-Mediterranean cuisine.
Many Albanian immigrants crossed the Adriatic Sea to Italy, taking jobs as dishwashers and busboys in Italian kitchens before working their way up to cooking positions. When these workers later immigrated to the United States, they brought along a blend of Turkish influences and Italian techniques. The foundation of Dua Trattoria's menu honors both their Albanian heritage and Italian culinary training.
A Showcase of Appetizers
Our server guided us through the menu while making recommendations. The tapas selection offers excellent sharing options for groups like ours. The Frito Misto features crispy calamari and shrimp with marinara and garlic aioli, while the Polenta comes fried and topped with mushroom gorgonzola. For authentic Mediterranean flavors, the Kefalotryi delivers a baked goat cheese dip that pairs perfectly with house-marinated olives.
The flatbreads at Dua Trattoria range from the spicy Bunbino with shrimp, mozzarella, and Calabrian peppers to the classic Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes. The Genovese combines grilled chicken and pesto with cherry tomatoes, topped with shaved Parmigiano.
Salads include the Rucola topped with apples, walnuts, and goat cheese in honey vinaigrette. The Cape Cod combines cranberries, walnuts, and apples with blue cheese crumbles. They also serve a traditional Greek salad, as well as a Beet salad with honey Dijon mustard.
The main dishes showcase both Italian classics and Mediterranean specialties. Standouts include the Branzino (roasted seabass with lemon caper sauce), the Paesano rigatoni with grilled chicken and vegetables, and the Meat Lasagna with all-beef bolognese. For unique pasta experiences, the Marios pairs pappardelle with sausage in marsala cream sauce, while vegetarians might enjoy the Prishtina with spinach ravioli in creamy pesto sauce.
Rather than ordering individual appetizers and entrees, we decided to share several dishes family-style. As plates began to arrive, the presentation was truly a beautiful sight.
The Beef Carpaccio caught everyone's attention with thin slices of tenderloin arranged in a circle. Capers scattered across the meat added bursts of briny flavor, while fresh arugula and thin strips of red chili created height and subtle heat in the center. A dark balsamic reduction and olive oil were drizzled across the beef, while grilled bread with char marks completed the dish.
The Salmon Tartar arrived stacked in a cylindrical shape as creamy avocado formed the base, topped with salmon that had been minced with shallots and herbs. Arugula added a peppery finish, while cherry tomatoes rested around a small pool of cream sauce. Crisp toast points made it easy to enjoy the combination of flavors.
Dua Trattoria’s Bruschetta offered a twist on tradition. Instead of the expected tomato topping, thin slices of prosciutto draped over creamy ricotta on toasted bread. Fresh arugula and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze completed the starter. The saltiness of the cured meat played against the mild ricotta, creating a solid appetizer.
The Cevapi arrived with four house-made beef and veal sausages resting on warm Mediterranean bread. The sausages, slightly charred outside while remaining juicy inside, were served with feta cheese and ajvar (roasted eggplant and red pepper sauce). When Kreshnik checked on us again, he described the Cevapi as "a little representation of us from back home." It was easy to see why this dish has become one of their top sellers.
The Caprese demonstrated the kitchen's creative approach to Italian classics. The chef had accordion-sliced a vine-ripe tomato, tucking fresh mozzarella between each fold like pages in a book. Resting on a bed of arugula, balsamic glaze was drizzled across the top. While traditional basil leaves were absent, the arugula added a fresh take on the Italian staple.
It Kept Getting Better
As impressive as the starters were, the main courses elevated our experience even further. The Lobster Fra Diavlo made a strong first impression. The five-ounce lobster tail, split and lightly charred, was placed over a bed of capellini pasta. Tender lobster meat pulled away from the shell with ease while each strand of pasta wore a coating of spicy fra diavolo sauce. Every bite revealed layers of flavor - garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a gentle heat that complemented the lobster’s natural sweetness.
The Short Rib Ravioli surprised us with pasta shaped like top hats instead of traditional rounds. Each contained tender, slow-cooked meat with a deeply developed flavor. The sauce was a creamy combination of bearnaise, provincial, and marsala wine sauce. Bright asparagus and cherry tomatoes added color and freshness, creating a dish that managed to be rich and light at the same time.
The Paillard featured chicken breast, thinly pounded and grilled, topped with a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, fennel, and olives. Surrounding the chicken was an array of grilled vegetables - zucchini slices, fire-roasted red peppers, and asparagus spears. Fresh mozzarella added creamy richness, while a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil tied everything together.
The unanimous favorite was the Alla Vodka - rigatoni tossed in a spicy vodka sauce with baby spinach and sliced grilled chicken. The pasta maintained an al dente texture, with its ridges capturing the tomato sauce in every bite. The vodka sauce was creamy without being heavy, with a heat that built gradually, revealing new dimensions of flavor. Crispy fried onions added texture against the sauce, while Parmesan cheese shavings melted over the steaming dish.
Our meal ended with a trio of desserts. The Fried Cheesecake featured a golden-brown exterior dusted with powdered sugar, giving way to a rich interior, with caramel sauce and vanilla bean gelato providing the perfect accompaniment. The Limoncello Mascarpone Cake was moist and light, with mascarpone that was creamy and sweet. The Lava Cake delivered its signature warm chocolate center when cut, creating an ideal pairing with the gelato served alongside. Each dessert played with temperatures and textures, creating a memorable finale to our meal.
Our tennis team's lunch at Dua Trattoria was a standout dining experience. The food was excellent across the board, from tapas to desserts. The restaurant's attention to presentation, flavor combinations, and service turned what could have been an ordinary team lunch into something very special. If this meal was any indication, Dua Trattoria has established itself as a solid addition to Frisco's restaurant scene.
Dua Trattoria has two private rooms available for rent with no room fee. Their small room holds 35 people, while their larger room holds 70 people. Patrons can call to book or to discuss availability. Visit their website or follow along on their socials for their daily specials and their live music schedules. For more information visit, duafrisco.com, facebook.com/duatrattoria, and @duatrattoria on Instagram.
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with tennis and true crime.
