Empanadas are a Latin favorite consisting of the perfect formula of dough plus filling. Depending on the country, empanadas can be sweet or savory. But just like it absolutely owns soccer, no other country does empanadas like Argentina. Empa Mundo is a mainstay in Irving that offers a mostly Argentine selection of baked empanadas, which come with the oil-and-herb godsend known as chimichurri. The restaurant's star is the traditional meat pie criolla, but no less impressive is the best vegetarian empanada in DFW: the humita empanada, a richly thick creamed corn stuffing perfectly complemented by the soft crunch of the tapa. The divey joint with walls plastered with international bills gives the place a true street-food feel.

Katie Rose-Watson truly knows the joy of cooking. With her infectious enthusiasm for a well-crafted dinner party, she has accrued a substantial following and some copycats. A few years back, Watson started throwing dinners for friends inspired by Disney movies. These are not kids' birthday décor to go along with a Tom Thumb-bought Elsa cake. We're talking sophisticated dinner parties inspired by the settings, themes, stories, details and color palettes from Disney films including Pirates of the Caribbean and popular films such as Indiana Jones. The Rose Table is also for non-Disney adults, those food lovers who appreciate that presentation is a fundamental ingredient in cuisine.

La Stella Cucina Verace has big stiletto shoes to fill, given its prominent spot in the Arts District, across from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and Winspear Opera House. Chef Luigi Iannuario, a native of Italy, serves refined plates of pasta, seafood and grilled meats in this stunning space. Twirl your fork into a mound of house-made pappardelle, and grab plenty of rich wagyu beef Bolognese with a touch of ricotta for a bite that delivers emotionally. The fresh seafood dishes are numerous, including specials. Guests range from casual diners to those on a fancy night out.