19 Best Italian Restaurants in Houston
Italian food is often seen as a comfort solution, a cuisine that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a sense of home. Its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and diverse range of dishes make it a favorite among many. In Houston, the city’s culinary scene is teeming with a wide range of Italian restaurants, each offering their unique take on beloved cuisine. From traditional trattorias to modern Italian eateries, there’s something for every palate.
Trattoria Sofia
One of the gems in Houston’s Italian dining scene is Trattoria Sofia. This restaurant offers a menu that is both innovative and rooted in tradition. For starters, their appetizers are a delight to the senses. The crispy shrimp bruschetta is a crowd favorite, while the roasted octopus and beet salad offers a unique twist to the usual Italian fare.
Moving on to the main dishes, Trattoria Sofia does not disappoint. The lamb ragù with campanelle is a hearty dish that is sure to satisfy, while the pesto bucatini with whipped ricotta offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful option. For pizza lovers, the pizza verde is a must-try.
To cap off your meal, Trattoria Sofia offers sweet options like the amaro colada and bergamot margarita. Given the popularity of this restaurant, a reservation is highly recommended.
Tony’s
If you love Italian cuisine, you should definitely check out Tony’s restaurant. You will find a variety of traditional dishes that are all mouthwatering and satisfying. For starters, try the pansoti and pappardelle bolognese. The pansoti is a stuffed pasta with a smooth and sweet squash filling that contrasts well with the savory sauce. The pappardelle bolognese is a rich and hearty dish that will fill you up.
For the main course, you can’t go wrong with the pan-seared Dover sole and filet mignon Tony’s way. The Dover sole is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, while the filet mignon is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Cafe Leonelli
Cafe Leonelli is a charming Italian cafe that offers a wide range of Italian snacks, mains, and desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
The cafe is particularly famous for its fresh baked pastries and loaded focaccia. The pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with delicious fillings, while the focaccia is soft, chewy, and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients.
For dessert, head over to the Frohzen counter. Here, you’ll find a selection of gelato, ice pops, and cookie sandwiches. Each dessert is made with high-quality ingredients is and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Coltivare
Coltivare is another Italian restaurant in Houston that is worth a visit. This restaurant is known for its seasonal and Gulf Coast-inspired dishes. For instance, the wild Gulf snapper with okra confit, sofrito, and fingerling potatoes is a testament to their commitment to local ingredients.
Pasta lovers will enjoy the fettuccini and shrimp with local corn, tomatoes, basil. For pizza enthusiasts, the slow-cooked pork with local peppers, caramelized onions, chiles, toma cheese, white sauce, and fennel pollen is a must-try. A classic option at Coltivare is the spaghetti with black pepper, parmesan, and olive oil.
Rosalie Italian Soul
Rosalie Italian Soul offers a modern approach to traditional Italian plates. Their menu features dishes like arancini with pesto aioli and calamari with pickled peppers. For a hearty meal, the spinach and ricotta manicotti and whole chicken parmesan are excellent choices.
Potente
Located near Minute Maid Park, Potente is an Italian dining escape that offers homemade pasta, top-notch steaks, and wild-caught seafood. One of their highlight dishes is the spaghetti al tartufo nero, a fancy cacio e pepe with black truffles. This dish alone is worth a visit to Potente.
Louie’s Italian American
Louie’s Italian American is a Houston staple known for its red sauce dishes. This restaurant offers a menu that is both comforting and satisfying, with dishes that are sure to remind you of a home-cooked Italian meal. Among their signature dishes are the dry-aged meatballs, a hearty and flavorful dish that is a crowd favorite. The ricotta ravioli with red sauce is another must-try, offering a delightful combination of creamy ricotta and tangy red sauce. For those who prefer poultry, the chicken parmesan is a classic that never disappoints.
il Bracco
il Bracco is a Dallas-based restaurant that has found a home in Uptown Houston. Known for its spirited bar scene and modern Italian menu, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both lively and satisfying. Among the highlights of their menu are the Sicilian crudo, a refreshing and flavorful dish, and the burrata salad, a creamy and indulgent treat. For meat lovers, the Italian beef with au jus is a must-try. What sets il Bracco apart is their fresh, in-house pastas, which are made and daily offer a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
Zanti Cucina Italiana – River Oaks
Zanti Cucina Italiana is a popular Woodlands restaurant that has recently opened a new outpost in River Oaks. This restaurant offers a dining experience that is both elegant and comfortable, with chandeliers, a dedicated bar and lounge, and live music. Among their recommended dishes are the lobster pizza, a luxurious and flavorful treat, and the black truffle tagliolini, a rich and indulgent pasta dish.
Ostia
Ostia is a neighborhood spot that offers staple Italian dishes. Their menu features favorites like the cacio e pepe, a simple yet flavorful pasta dish, and the carbonara, a creamy and indulgent treat. For those who prefer poultry, the crispy roasted half-lemon chicken is a must-try. What sets Ostia apart is their fresh-baked focaccia bread, which is made daily and offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
Lulu’s
Lulu’s is a beloved Italian restaurant in Houston, known for its comforting and flavorful dishes. The menu at Lulu’s is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. One of the highlights is the Bolognese made with slow-braised beef tip, a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please. The crispy fried calamari with balsamic glaze and banana peppers is another standout, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. To complement your meal, Lulu’s offers a $5 bread service with freshly baked focaccia slices, a simple yet satisfying treat that is not to be missed.
Paulie’s
Paulie’s is another Italian restaurant in Houston that is worth a visit. This restaurant is known for its homemade pasta, salads, soups, and sandwiches, offering a diverse menu that caters to different tastes and preferences. Among the menu highlights are the pasta amatriciana and canestri alla funghi, two pasta dishes that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors. For those who prefer to share, Paulie’s offers half portions of multiple plates of pasta, making it a great spot for a group meal.
Da Marco
Da Marco is a Houston staple known for its innovative and flavorful Italian dishes. The menu at Da Marco features dishes like the wild boar pappardelle and butternut squash cappellacci, two pasta dishes that offer a unique twist to the usual Italian fare. The sea urchin spaghetti with chilies is another standout, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. For meat lovers, the Chianti braised short ribs with polenta cacio e pepe is a must-try.
Marmo
Marmo is an Italian restaurant in Houston that offers a menu that is both comforting and satisfying. Among the menu highlights are the tender Tuscan fried chicken and blue crab bruschetta, two dishes that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors. The Bolognese with a hint of sweetness is another standout, offering a unique twist to the classic Italian dish. For those who prefer steak, Marmo offers hand-cut grilled steaks, while the creamy tiramisu is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino offers a laid-back patio dining experience. This restaurant is known for its affordable and flavorful dishes, which include the ratatouille, a hearty and satisfying vegetable stew, and the carbonara, a creamy and indulgent pasta dish. The pasta e fagioli is a comforting and hearty soup, while the pappardelle al telefono offers a unique twist to the usual pasta dishes. To complement their dishes, Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino offers a wide selection of wines, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Damian’s Cucina Italiana
Damian’s Cucina Italiana is a beloved Italian restaurant in Houston, known for its comforting and flavorful dishes. The menu at Damian’s features dishes like the spaghetti with “Mama Mandola” meatballs, a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please. The grilled Chilean sea bass with white wine butter sauce is another standout, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. For those who prefer poultry, the veal marsala is a must-try. For a truly special dining experience, Damian’s offers a six-course meal at the Chef’s Table.
Carrabba’s – The Original On Kirby
Carrabba’s – The Original On Kirby is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Italian authentic cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its fresh salads and stuffed pasta, which are prepared using the finest ingredients. The salads are crisp, refreshing, and perfectly dressed, while the stuffed pasta is generously filled and cooked to perfection.
But the culinary delights at Carrabba’s don’t stop there. The restaurant also specializes in grilled meats over oak and pecan wood. This unique cooking method imparts a smoky flavor to the meat that is simply irresistible. Whether you opt for a juicy steak or a tender chicken breast, you’re in for a treat.
Speaking of chicken, Carrabba’s signature dish is the Grilled Chicken “Bryan Texas”. This dish features a perfectly grilled chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and a basil lemon butter sauce. It’s a flavor combination that is sure to delight your taste buds. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Dessert Rosa is a must-try, with its creamy filling and sweet, crumbly crust.
Enoteca Rossa
Enoteca Rossa is an Italian restaurant that is known for its innovative dishes and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a variety of Italian classics, as well as some unique creations.
One of the standout dishes is the lemon risotto with Gulf shrimp and arancini. The risotto is creamy and tangy, with the lemon providing a refreshing contrast to the rich rice. The Gulf shrimp are perfectly cooked and add a touch of luxury to the dish.
Another must-try is the linguine with clams and wood-fired funghi pizza. The linguine is cooked al dente and is tossed with fresh clams in a flavorful sauce. The funghi pizza, meanwhile, is cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy mushrooms.
If you’re looking for a great deal, consider the $15 pizza rapido lunch special. It’s a fantastic value and a great way to sample Enoteca Rossa’s delicious pizza.
Coppa Oiaster
Coppa Osteria an is Italian restaurant that is known for its extensive pasta menu. The restaurant offers 11 variations of pasta, including squid ink-infused spaghetti. Each pasta dish is expertly prepared and is sure to impress even the most discerning pasta lover.
In addition to pasta, Coppa Osteria also serves Neopolitan-styled pizzas and rotating specials. The pizzas are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, which gives them a distinctive flavor and texture.
One of the unique features of Coppa Osteria is the Dough Room, where pasta and pizza dough are made. This allows the restaurant to ensure the quality and freshness of its dough, which in turn leads to better-tasting pasta and pizza.
In conclusion, Houston’s Italian restaurant scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Italian meal or looking for a modern twist to the classics, these restaurants have something to offer.
