Duchess at The Nobleman — Restaurant in Fort Worth

We dined at The Duchess, a newer restaurant housed within the beautifully restored Noblemen Hotel—formerly an old fire station. The space itself is undeniably striking: elegant, thoughtfully curated, and full of charm. The outdoor patio looks especially inviting for brunch on a cooler day. One element that detracted from the otherwise lovely ambiance, however, was the pervasive scent throughout both the hotel and the restaurant, which lingered noticeably throughout the meal and felt overwhelming at times.

We began with two mocktails—the Desert at Dusk and the Bluebonnet Tonic. I appreciated that the menu included sophisticated non-alcoholic options, though both drinks lacked the depth and balance we were hoping for.

For appetizers, we ordered both the burrata and the crudo. Only the burrata arrived initially, and it was served extremely cold—enough so that we asked if it was intended that way. The server confirmed that it was, though that detail hadn’t been shared when we ordered. The crudo didn’t arrive until after our entrées, and only after we followed up. While visually appealing, the dish was heavily citrus-forward and featured large pieces of fish, resulting in a texture and flavor that felt somewhat unrefined.

For my main course, I ordered the ricotta pasta with a side of chicken. The pasta began as rich and comforting, but cooled quickly and lacked complexity as the meal went on. The chicken—identical to what’s served with the standalone chicken entrée—was well-seasoned with a flavorful crust, but unfortunately dry. The accompanying potato side from that dish was one of the highlights of the evening: buttery, crisp, and well-executed. It was disappointing that it was accidentally left out of our to-go box.

One member of our party requested a burger with a gluten-free bun and was very clear that she only wished to order it if that bun was available. Despite this, the burger arrived without the bun and missing several toppings. While the staff kindly offered to bring a different entrée, we declined, as the rest of the table had already begun eating and didn’t wish to prolong the meal. In contrast, the standard burger ordered by another guest was flavorful and well-prepared.

Although the staff was warm and well-intentioned, the evening was marked by repeated lapses in communication and service flow. We were there for nearly three hours, and with only a few other tables seated during that time, the inconsistencies were all the more noticeable.

The Duchess is a visually stunning space with an ambitious and creative menu, but the overall execution still feels in its early stages. I hope to return once they’ve had time to refine the experience—there is clear potential here, and I look forward to seeing...

From the moment you walk into Duchess at The Nobleman Hotel, the staff make you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine care elevate the entire experience. The hosts at the entrance greet you with bright smiles and make sure every guest is immediately at ease—whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time. Your table is escorted with attentiveness and with a subtle grace that feels both polished and personal. Our server was exceptional—not just knowledgeable about the menu, but enthusiastic. They spoke with genuine pride about the seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and were able to guide us through the menu with helpful suggestions. They anticipated needs before we had to ask, from refilling water to checking in at perfect moments without ever interrupting the flow of the meal. In the kitchen and back of house, there’s obvious care and precision. The timing between courses was excellent; nothing felt rushed, nor did anything drag. Every dish was delivered beautifully plated and at just the right temperature—just one sign of the teamwork behind the scenes. Even the bar staff deserve praise. They mixed cocktails with flair, offered thoughtful pairing suggestions, and were friendly without being overbearing. The attention to detail extended to small touches—garnishes, glassware cleanliness, and presentation—with consistency that impressed. Perhaps what stood out most is the authentic hospitality. The staff seem proud to be part of Duchess: they wear their knowledge, pride, and commitment like a badge of honor. It’s clear that they believe in what they’re doing—and that makes you believe in the place. Overall, Duchess doesn’t just serve great food and drink—it delivers a complete hospitality experience. The staff are the kind who turn a meal...

I came here with my family on a Saturday evening, right around opening. Upon entering the front entrance, I was greeted by hotel staff and directed to the restaurant. The hostess, which I can't remember her name, greeted us as well. Carlos, the manager, also came out to greet us. This made us feel welcomed, being greeted with genuine hospitality from the staff. We where escorted to our table, seated, along with a high chair for my nephew which Jose was fast to get for us and also help clear the table fory nephew. Dylan, our server for the evening, tended to us with great care in refilling our drinks, answering questions about the menu or hotel, and giving recommendations. The food was amazing, everything came out wonderful, presented nicely, and the favors were spectacular. The avocado pizza is a great shareable with a big group. Dylan also recommended the snapper crudo which I will have to come back another visit to try. I had the Lucky Pig which was wonderfully crafted with tons of toppings and salsa for the pork belly tacos. The side pork rinds and chili lime nuts were a nice side item compared to the traditional rice and beans I grew up with. My family said that each of their meal was great in favor and presentation. To finish off the experience, I ordered all three desserts to share with the table. Each of them where amazing and really helped complete the total experience at The Duchess. I will definitely be back to dine here with friends. They also have a nice bar area which I will need to explore on...