THE SETTING

The restaurant's décor is a combination of sultry, rich hues, tones and textures– transporting guests to faraway lands. The design celebrates colorful Moroccan, Turkish, and Indian patterns and detailing, with rich jewel tones in paprika, saffron and chartreuse.

Chef Stephan Pyles, along with co-owner George Majdalani, traveled to the Souk El-Hamidiyeh Bazaar in Damascus as well as the markets of Beirut, Lebanon to select Samar's handcrafted light fixtures, ensuring the integrity of their vision down to the last detail. Contemporary elements such as custom made zebra wood tables and floor-to-ceiling windows blend with a distinctly ethnic feel, and there is a design emphasis on atmospheric lighting.

The 70-seat restaurant is divided into several adjoining areas, allowing for both private and communal dining. Entering Samar by Stephan Pyles, guests pass through a red tented doorway where they are greeted and welcomed into an exotic world in downtown Dallas. A Persian tapestry inlaid with golden accents provides a backdrop to our hostess stand. To the left, the White Room combines billowy white draping with light-play from a colorful beaded brass lantern chandelier. A walnut table with seating for 10 is accompanied by black, armless chairs.

Just beyond the hostess stand, a wall of banquette seating is offset by the bar area, featuring a stunning back wall of individually lit alcoves. A green and red onyx bar top is under lit with LED lights, while brass beaded pendants and sconces also reflect the subtle, ambience lighting. The Red Room, located near the bar, displays an ethereal floating fabric ceiling, with diffused lighting from a brass lantern chandelier to create a seductive semi-private dining area.

The main dining area, a large room christened by glowing jewel-toned light boxes adorning the ceiling, features an open kitchen with counter seating at the Tandoori bar allowing guests an up close view of the Tandoor Master at work.

The outdoor-tented terrace, with seating for 35, provides spectacular views of the Arts District and a private hookah lounge. A selection of couches, cushions, floor pillows, candlelit lanterns, lounge chairs and tables encircle a fire pit with an embedded water feature.