Located in Adriatica Village, a 45-acre mixed-use development designed to look like a Croatian village, the restaurant overlooks a reservoir with a namesake quay, which ChatGPT playfully describes “as a fancy dock pronounced ‘key’ — because English loves chaos.” In reality, it’s a photo platform jutting into the water amidst a few event venues and a bell tower turned office building. The backdrop is stunning despite everyone and their mom taking graduation, wedding, and quinceañera pictures — not exactly a low-key, under-the-radar spot, but rightfully so when you have a makeshift European island in the middle of the North Dallas suburbs. The Quay feels like an invitation to explore the world — literally. The tasting menu comes tucked in a gorgeously embossed envelope, inspired by the adventures of owner Sai Shankar and his partner’s global travels across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean. Always inspired by the way food connects cultures, you’ll see that reflected in the menu — French techniques meet Thai spice, Mediterranean freshness balances bold American flavors, with the chef having worked in India, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia. It’s eclectic yet refined and meant to surprise and delight. Everything on the plate is intentional and delicate, down to the edible flowers. Unlike most tasting menus that cost as much as a plane ticket (averaging $125–$200+ per person), The Quay’s signature experience clocks in at a more approachable $109 ($89 for vegetarians). We tried one of each for research. Optional wine and cocktail pairings are available for an additional fee if you’re feeling bubbly.
Courses include:
- Hot Stone Wagyu: Served tableside with ponzu, salt, and soy. For vegetarians: Imperial Thai spring rolls served in the cutest pushcart. A+ for presentation.
- Ruby Beet Chèvre: Even if you’re beet-averse, the fried goat cheese medallions are the star of the show.
- Schnitzel: Chicken in mushroom sauce for the meat-eaters; a falafel-like riff for the veg-heads (low-key, we liked the veg version better).
- A5 Japanese Wagyu: A melt-in-your-mouth cut paired with goat cheese purée, chimichurri, and eggplant dips. Vegetarian swap? A deeply flavorful yellow curry.
- Risotto: Shrimp-studded for the omnivores; parmesan-loaded for the herbivores.
- Seabass: Floating in a coconut cream sauce with a caviar bump for a little luxe touch, but we could’ve used some carb support (pasta, rice, something) to soak up that sauce. Vegetarians got a fried eggplant dish.
- Whispering Jade: Their signature dessert — a quadruple-layer chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, berries, and ganache. Complex yet somehow featherlight. A unanimous table favorite.
The team also owns Tantra, a modern Indian restaurant in the same development. They're planning to swap the spaces in the upcoming weeks to give The Quay a more intimate home and Tantra a bigger dining room.
