An Italian meal can never disappoint, especially if you need a little comfort. One thing about Houstonians is that they are known for their warm Texas hospitality and delicious foods. Therefore, there are countless Italian restaurants in Houston with outstanding features and reputations.
What are some of the best Italian restaurants in Houston? Based on the local people’s reviews, we have selected a few of the most culinary standouts offering the best Italian food for you to try within this article.
1. Trattoria Sofia
Location: 911 W11th St, Houston, TX 77008 (713 804-0429)
What better way to start your meal with an Italian appetizer like crispy shrimp bruschetta, earthy refreshing beet salad, and roasted octopus? These are some of this rustic palace’s eye-popping selections.
Trattoria Sofia has been drawing ravenous crowds seeking their intriguing cocktails, juicy proteins, and fresh plates of pasta. You should try their prosciutto pie dripping with spicy honey, cacao e Pepe and pan-roasted monkfish laced with a zippy concoction of mint, parsley, and basil.
2. Coltivare
Location: 3320 White oak Drive, Houston, TX 77007(832- 203- 7890)
This cozy, classic rustic setting eatery has been in service in Houston for 33 years. Besides Italian food, Houstonians enjoy live music from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm every night. Also, this restaurant uses fresh ingredients that come straight from its 3000-square-foot garden.
They do not accept prior reservations and operate on a first-come, first serve basis. Chef Ryan runs the kitchen. As a result, the menu in this restaurant changes every season. Some of their best servings are; pizza with slow-cooked duck, sweet potato, red onion topping, spaghetti tossed with black pepper, olive oil, and Parmigiano, and revival pork roasted with clams.
3. Potente
Location: 1515 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002(713- 237- 1515)
Potente is an Italian restaurant located a few meters from minute maid park. Chef Danny trace is the founder of this elegant dining escape. They serve top-notch steaks, homemade pasta, and seafood from the farmers’ market. As soon as you step into this spot, you will feel like you are in a stunning Italian villa. You will be impressed by the setting and meals.
4. La Griglia
Location: 2002 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 (713- 526- 4700)
If you are a wine lover, La Griglia is heaven for you. It is an Italian restaurant with a wine bar from all 20 regions of Italy. Also, the restaurant has a menu of collective Italian dishes from all over Italy with a bit of roman, Tuscan, and Sicilian dishes.
The dining area is a beholding view with brightly colored mosaics on its walls and ceiling. The floor is well fitted with a unique, bold patterned carpet. Some of their best dishes are; complimentary pizza and bread appetizer, wild mushroom lasagna, specialty mussel, an assortment of Italian faves, and a raw bar.
5. Ostia
Location: 2050Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006(713-324-9288)
This spot offers Italian staple foods like; carbonara and cacao e Pepe. In fact, the dishes are not on the menu; you just order from your memory. However, they also offer Chef Travis McShane’s creation as their menu. In addition, the menu has specialties like Mediterranean fare, crispy roasted half lemon chicken, and freshly baked focaccia bread served with warm, drizzled olive oil.
6. Damians Cuciana Italian
Location: 30110 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006(713-522-0439)
This restaurant has been running for the past 30 years serving the best authentic Italian cuisine that might leave you thinking you are deep in Italy. They mix old-world traditions with local flavors.
Its menu has salads, antipasti, meat, fresh seafood, and homemade portions of pasta. You should try their Ravioli Vitello made with veal and Pomodoro. The best part is that they also have a bakery that makes fresh bread and desserts daily.
7. Da Marco
Location: 1520 Westheimer Road, Houston, tx 77006 (713- 807 -8857)
This restaurant was started by Chef Marco Wiles, who was born in Italy and raised in the U.S. He became interested in cooking from his aunt and spent summers at her place in northeastern Italy. He developed this place from an old house to a cozy romantic dining spot.
8. Paulie’s
Location: 1834 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098(713- 807-7271)
This is a casual counter-service restaurant that has several Italian dishes packed with a lot of flavors. The first thing you meet as a guest is a giant menu written on a chalkboard which includes sandwiches, salads, kinds of pasta, Panini, desserts, pizzas, and main entrees.
Once you order, the food is brought to your table after they are ready. They offer any type of Italian food, from traditional Italian sub with ham to Genoa salami.
9. Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino
Location: 3215 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098 (713- 522- 1934)
Chef Lynette Hawkins founded it in 2009. They offer great, affordable, and exemplary dishes of awe-inspiring pasta dishes. Some dishes include tortellini smothered in parmesan cream sauce, hearty Bolognese, smoked meat, and swoon-worthy seafood.
Giacomo is beautifully designed with retro styling and bright colors. The trellised patio has an old italic touch. However, the kitchen is Italian head to toe.
10. Tony’s
Location: 3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046 (713-622-6778)
Tony Vallone swanky is the founder of this fine Italian dining eatery. He offers nothing but throwback elegance and seasonal inspirations. Tony is one of those champs who started the Italian food and wine renaissance in America over the past five years.
The menu in this restaurant reflects the influence of Naples and Milan ( chic ambiance). As those yummy Naples and Milan servings land in your mouth, you will be asking for more. Some of his best dishes are; passion fruit cannoli and crab-sausage stuffed fettuccine.
11. Coppa Osteria
Location: 5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX77005 (713-522-3535)
This restaurant is all about dough and eleven pasta variations. Coppa Osteria has an entire room made of glass just for making dough. They have dishes like egg pasta ribbons garnished with seasonal mushrooms, creamy conchiglie Bolognese, and salumi.
12. Enoteca Rossa
Location: 4566 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401 (346- 204-4403)
Enoteca Rossa is one of the most known Italian bars and restaurants. They have a straightforward Italian menu, with most sections having pizzas and pasta. Also, there is a section for soups, salads, and a pairing entry side. What makes this spot popular is the list of wines. They have wine from Italy, Argentina, the U.S, and Spain.
13. Sorrento Ristorante Italiano
Location: 415 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
If you are romantic and want to go on a date, this is the ideal place for you. They will offer you a stunning, candlelit, sumptuous atmosphere and delicious Italian. They give an extensive menu offering zuppes, primi pittis, dolces and pizzas.
14. Grotto-Downtown
Location: 1001 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A, Houston, TX 77010, United States
This is a chain restaurant that serves the most classic Italian homemade dishes. It is in a very serene atmosphere with soaring ceilings and cute chandeliers. You will find a slew like linguine Pescatore on the menu. The soulful Neopolitan inspires the menu with various entrees, from scratch plates of pasta to lovely antipasti. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, such as pane Fritto and amaretto syrup.
15. Marmo
Location: 888 Westheimer road suite 109, Houston, TX 77006 (832-626-3400)
Marmot is an Italian chophouse known for its tender Tuscan fried chicken, flavorful and light crab bruschetta, and Bolognese with so much sweetness. On top of that, during weekdays, there is a live music performance, and at the end, you are offered a bowl of creamy tiramisu that will leave your mouth watery.
Conclusion
We picked the best Italian restaurant for you to enjoy: the unforgettable plate of pasta or a seafood dish. Pick one that is closer to you, fits your budget, and has pleased your needs regarding environmental satisfaction.
