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When you want the list of best Italian restaurants in Houston, TX, you’ll only have to consult this compilation!
Italian cuisines, along with American, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, have their fair share of the spotlight in the diverse Houston dining scene. Many dining spots keep appearing to serve great Italian fare to both locals and tourists.
From intimate, casual trattorias where you can grab a satisfying bowl of pasta to glitzier, fancier eateries delivering a more refined take on rigatoni, this list has covered you! Check out the many destinations this metropolis has to offer.
17 Best Italian Restaurants Houston, TX For An Authentic Italian Meal
Fortunately, Houston has plenty of Italian restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining. Many are long-established spots where wood-fired ovens have served piping hot pizzas for decades.
Others take a modern approach with their menu to create memorable dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Yet, all of them are able and more than ready to provide you with a perfect night out in town!
1. Potente
Regarding Italian cuisine, Potente is among the most popular dining spots in downtown Houston.
Posh chandeliers, white cloth tables, and other details designed by the Houston office of Gensler make Potente reminiscent of an Italian Villa but with a modern spin.
Don’t miss out on the spaghetti al Tartufo Nero (pasta with Perigord black summer truffle) when dining here. Food Network named this gourmet dish among the best pasta in the country!
But there’s a lot more than this signature you should try at the restaurant. Outstanding dishes include Foie Gras in Padella, Sasanian Caviars, and ostriche gratinate (Southern roasted half-shell oysters). Their steaks are top-notch, too.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, Seafood, Pasta, Steak
Location: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Website: https://www.potentehouston.com/
Phone: 713-237-1515
Order Online:
Table Reservation: or call 713-237-1515 to book a table
Take a look into the making of Potente’s popular Spaghetti Al Tartufo Nero.
2. Coltivare Pizza & Garden
Regarding pizzas, Coltivare is a top-rated restaurant in the Heights of Houston.
The pizzeria is a hotspot both for group meetings and date nights. It is a successful attempt by Morgan Weber and chef Ryan Pera to introduce the farm-to-table concept to the locals.
Their kitchen gets many ingredients straight from the 3,000-square-foot garden. This means the foods are healthier, whereas the menu items get rotated with the season.
For the pizza, the chicken and prosciutto version is highly well-received by diners. Coltivare fettuccine topped with Gulf shrimp and local corn is every bit addicting. There are plenty of small plates to choose from, along with sides and salumi.
Since their popular dessert – roasted Texas peach crostata with cream – is so rewarding, consider leaving some room for it.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, American (New)
Location: 3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Website: https://www.agricolehospitality.com/
Phone: 832-203-7890; 713-637-4095
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
Take a look at one of the iconic Italian eateries in Houston – Coltivare.
3. La Griglia
Known as one of the top-rated Italian restaurants in the US, this Houston stronghold has treated the locals with authentic Italian dishes for over three decades.
La Griglia’s first impression is their festive yet homey dining space, adorned by vibrant Italian murals and sleek, innovative details. It also has a charming patio – a perfect alfresco dining spot when the weather permits.
With decades of cooking experience under its belt, La Griglia has a solid menu that aims to impress. Italian faves such as short rib agnolotti (Piedmontese pasta), Frutti di Mare (Italian pasta with seafood), and wild boar chop “Gallagher” are a few must-try items.
Happy hour is on weekdays, from 3 P.M to 7 P.M. Don’t pass on their tempting happy hour deal – get your chosen appetizer and a bottle of wine for a cheaper price (applied in the bar and patio only).
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, International
Location: 2002 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
Website: http://www.lagrigliarestaurant.com/
Phone: 713-526-4700
Order Pickup:
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
4. Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino is a laid-back dining spot in River Oaks. You can enjoy many affordable Italian dishes here. Their cream-free Spaghetti alla Carbonara, which highlights cured pork jowl and Tellicherry pepper, is perhaps the most well-known.
The menu also showcases many Venetian-style small plates, either hot or cold. Thanks to the wallet-friendly prices, you can taste a bit of everything by ordering a shareable meal with your group.
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino only uses locally-sourced and imported ingredients for their foods. Although it’s also a nice Houston restaurant to bring your own drink, you can try its impressive selection of wines and champagnes for a fun change.
If you fail to book a table, this Houston eatery still accommodates their walk-in guests with their lovely, dog-friendly patio. Plus, the eatery tries to give back to the community by giving their profits from the seasonal desserts to the Rescued Pets Movement.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian
Location: 3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Website: http://www.giacomosciboevino.com/
Phone: 713-522-1934
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call 713-522-1934 to book a table (limited to a maximum of 6 guests per table)
5. Tony’s
On the luxurious end is Tony’s – a fine dining establishment that has thrived for more than 50 years. Their menu reflects the influence of Milan and inspiration from Nepal cuisine.
The must-orders are dry-aged Crescent Island duck, pan-seared Dover sole (with meunière sauce), and filet mignon Tony’s way.
Also, don’t forget to include Tony’s popular souffle – Robiola Bosina – in your order! This gigantic treat, which can serve up to eight people, has been on the menu since 1972.
Tony is not only among the best Italian eateries in town but is also named one of the finest Houston restaurants in Texas. One more thing to note: You should wear formal attire when coming here!
Price Range: $$$$
Food Styles: Italian, Milanese, Neapolitan
Location: 3755 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77046
Website: https://tonyshouston.com/
Phone: 713-622-6778
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
6. Paulie’s
Paulie’s has been a favorite stop for comforting Italian foods in Houston. Chef Paul’s awesome Italian dishes and awe-inspiring housemade pasta here are worth a try.
The restaurant is fast and casual, with its menu items at reasonable prices. Their pasta is fresh and made in-house, which comes with generous portions and is worth every penny.
My favorites are Canestri alla Funghi (creamy pasta with mushroom), Bucatini Amatriciana (pasta with smoked bacon, chili flakes, and pecorino), and rigatoni bolognese (with ground beef and veal).
The menu also features boxed sandwich lunches for those looking for a quick, convenient lunch. If you still have the appetite, try their cookies (they have a separate menu for them). Pair these sweets with a good cup of quality coffee there, too.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, Sandwiches
Location: 1834 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Website: http://www.pauliesrestaurant.com/
Phone: 713-807-7271
Order Online: (Not available)
Table Reservation: (Not available)
7. North Italia – BLVD Place
As a part of Fox Restaurants Concepts, North Italian is a wonderful restaurant in Uptown. This restaurant chain has its own appeal with scratch-made dishes such as pizza and pasta. You may have heard about it as the top-tier Italian restaurant in San Antonio.
Any fresh pasta dish on the menu is worth trying. I highly suggest the house specialty: bolognese – tagliatelle noodles with Grana Padano cheese. Their shareable plates, such as black Mediterranean mussels and prosciutto bruschetta, are impressive, too.
Grab a seat facing the glass-walled kitchen where you can catch a glimpse of the cooks making the pasta. Currently, North Italian only has an outpost in BLVD Place, but one new location in the Woodlands is coming soon, too.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, Pizza, Cocktail Bars
Location: 1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190, Houston, TX 77056
Website: https://www.northitalia.com/
Phone: 281-605-4030
Order Pickup:
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Or contact the restaurant through their website; Call 281-605-4030 to book a table for parties larger than 4
What makes North Italia restaurant stand out is not just crave-worthy foods.
8. Damian’s Cucina Italiana
Among all the well-known restaurants in Midtown Houston, Damian’s Cucina Italiana (opened in 1983) is one of the oldest Italian eateries and still going strong now. There’s a good reason for this! Damian’s menu is a satisfying mix of old-world traditions and local twists.
Sweet potato ravioli, lasagna Bolognese, Veal Marsala (sauteed veal with Marsala wine), and Costolette Orrichietto Elefante (Milanese pork chop topped with mozzarella cheese and fettuccine Alfredo) are just among many savory dishes at Damian’s.
For a romantic date night, you can trust Damian’s chef table feature. Sit on the ringside seat in the corner of a room to enjoy the chef’s six-course meal for the best date night ever.
Damian’s also offers theater shuttle service to nearby destinations, including Wortham Center, Hobby Center, and Jones Hall. Note that reservations are required!
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, Cocktail, Wine Bars
Location: 3011 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
Website: https://www.damians.com/
Phone: 713-522-0439
Order Online: or contact the restaurant by phone.
Table Reservation: or call 713-522-0439 to book a table.
9. Arturo Boada Cuisine
Here is another uprising seafood restaurant in Houston: Arturo Boada Cuisine. It’s the new brainchild of local culinary legend Boada. After leaving Arturo’s Uptown Italiano, chef Boada and his nephew Camilo Boada introduced this concept to the neighborhood.
Located in the Tanglewood neighborhood, this boutique restaurant has a vibrant and colorful space that can seat 20 tables. Besides the awesome Italian fare the chef is known for, the menu also includes many Spanish and South American items.
The wood-burning oven adds tons of flavors to their tapas, pizzas, and desserts. Other highlights include mussels (best sauteed with cilantro, jalapenos, and tomatillos) and camarones Henesy en hamaca (sauteed shrimps).
Their chicken-stuffed Mama Sonia’s ravioli, with white wine cream sauce and jumbo lump crab meat, aims to leave an impression. Choose a drink from their brilliant boutique and natural wines from around the world to complement your savory dish.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, Spanish, Southern American, Seafood
Location: 6510 Del Monte Dr, Houston, TX 77057
Website: https://www.arturoboadacuisine.com/
Phone: 713-782-3011
Order Pickup: or contact the restaurant by phone
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
10. Perbacco
Perbacco’s menu emphasizes Southern Italian cuisine as it is the chef Vittorio Preteroti’s roots. Situated across the street from Jone Halls, it is a favorite destination for lunch and pre-performance dinner for theater-goers.
If you don’t know where to start, check the local’s favorites, including lasagna, Crepes di pollo, and seafood ravioli.
Best of all, the restaurant is willing to modify what is on offer to suit your palates better if the chefs have enough ingredients.
Perbacco’s long wine list is mainly from Southern Italy. Pair a glass with the delectable foods, and you’re having a true Southern Italian meal without leaving the city. Plus, their smooth cappuccino is also something to write home about.
Since Perbacco’s is on the small side and dinner is always a busy time, I highly encourage reservation.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, Mediterranean
Location: 700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
Website: http://www.perbaccohouston.com/
Phone: 713-224-2422
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Call 713-224-2422 to book a table
11. Grotto Ristorante
By pairing the Old Country trattoria ambiance with classic Italian dishes, the restaurant sets it apart in the neighborhood’s dining scene.
You can indulge in their “Old World” offerings, such as Neapolitan pizzas, Pollo Francese, Pasta Verdura, and Snapper Siciliano, in this charming trattoria. The dishes are flavorful, while the space makes you feel like stepping back in time.
Their Osso Buco Tuesdays also make Houston’s outpost extra special. This Houston’s exclusive offering is braised veal osso buco served over a bed of saffron risotto, peas, and juices.
Currently, Grotto Ristorante has two locations in the neighborhood: Houston (Galleria Area) and Downtown Houston. So, let’s check out the nearest to you!
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian
Location (Galleria Area): 4715 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
Phone (Galleria Area): 713-622-3663
Location (Grotto Downtown): 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Suite A, Houston, TX 77010
Phone (Grotto Downtown): 713-658-0752
Website: https://www.grottorestaurants.com/
Order Online (Galleria Area):
Order Online (Downtown):
Table Reservation:
12. Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s has been in the restaurant business for over three decades. This is impressive, considering how fast-changing Houston’s dining scene is.
This restaurant serves both Italian and American foods. The casual space, big bowls of pasta, and wood-fired pizzas define this place.
The house hand stuffs their pasta every day. Among these stuffed kinds of pasta, you should not miss the signature cappelletti. Plus, can anyone say no to the wood-grilled, smoke-kissed seafood, steaks, or fresh housemade mozzarella?
Carrabba’s also offers family meals for family-style dining. The package includes your chosen entrees, one salad, bread, herbs, oil, and cheese, which can accommodate up to 5 people.
The Kirby outpost is always crowded with diners. If you arrive early, you may want to sit by the pizza bar, where you can catch a glimpse of pizza bubbling up in the wood fire oven.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, American, Wine Bars
Location (Kirby): 3115 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Phone (Kirby): 713-522-3131
Location (Voss): 1399 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Phone (Voss): 713-468-0868
Website: http://www.carrabbasoriginal.com/
Order Online (Kirby):
Order Online (Voss):
Table Reservation: (Not available)
13. Roma
You can embrace 14 Italian regional cuisines in this Rice Village’s lovely eatery. Here, the chefs combine locally-sourced ingredients with traditional Italian cooking methods to bring out the best dish.
And with over 37 years of culinary experience, Roma has something to boast about on its menu. I highly recommend Polpette di Manzo, which is meatballs, mozzarella, marinara, pecorino ricotta, and pesto.
Roma’s bolognese is also a plate of deliciousness that you should not miss. Another crowd-favorite item is pan-seared gnocchi with Parmesan cheese, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, and basil.
Roma is a rustic bungalow that exudes an intimate and homey vibe. Walking into the space and tasting the delicious food is like returning to gramma’s house. It’s exactly what their owner – Shanon Scott – envisioned the restaurant would be in the first place.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian
Location: 2347 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
Website: http://romahouston.com/
Phone: 713-664-7581
Order Online:
Table Reservation: call 713-664-7581 to book a table for parties of 5 or larger
14. Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
Among various amazing restaurants in Montrose and Katy Freeway, Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana is renowned for making true Napoletana pizza. For this result, they even use a bell-shaped wood fire oven to control baking temperatures and the certain 00 flour.
For Napoletana style, Patata e Funghi (pizza with truffle oil) is a solid choice. Or go for their pizza of the day (on the 1st and 15th of each month) that features seasonal local ingredients. The stuffed Detroit-style pizza is also a nice option.
For New York-style pizza lovers, there are also six options on the menu. The D.U.M.BO really stands out, and it’s even better if you go with the restaurant’s suggestion – add black olives to the pizza.
For those wanting to master the art of making pizza, the eatery also has pizza classes on weekends.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, Pizza
Location (Pizaro’s Pizza I-10): 11177 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
Phone (Pizaros Pizza I-10): 713-485-0530
Location (Pizaro’s Pizza Montrose Blvd): 1000 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
Phone (Pizaro’s Pizza Montrose Blvd): 832-742-5200
Website: https://pizarospizza.com/
Order Online (for both locations).
Order Online (Pizarro’s Pizza I-10).
Order Online (Pizaro’s Pizza Montrose Blvd).
Table Reservation: (Not available)
Let’s check out Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana restaurant in the Montrose area.
15. Rosalie Italian Soul
Top Chef Masters winner Chef Chris Cosentino pays homage to his great-grandmother Rosalie by naming this Italian eatery after her name.
Rosalie Italian Soul sits on floor 1 of Downtown Houston’s C. Baldwin Hotel. The place can accommodate up to 145 seats. For special events, Rosalie Italian Soul can be set up for 42 guests with outdoor seating and 16 guests with indoor seating.
The restaurant focuses on Italian-American comfort foods by putting an upscale, regional spin on the classics.
Crispy calamari with pickled peppers and Palermo aioli makes for a great starter. In the pasta realm, Rosaline’s rigatoni with Texas wild boar ragu easily won me over. When it comes to pizza, Rosalie nails their wild mushroom version.
Rosalie Italian Soul also serves brunch from 10 A.M to 3 P.M. Brunchers can choose from pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and many shareable sides on the list.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, American
Location: Baldwin Hotel, 400 Dallas St C, Houston, TX 77002
Website: https://www.rosalieitaliansoul.com/
Phone: 713-351-5790
Order Online:
Table Reservation: Or contact the restaurant through the website to book a table.
16. Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar
The acclaimed Italian Chef Giancarlo Ferrara, together with his wife, Lisa Ferrara, opened this Southern Italian eatery to introduce the flavors of Italy’s West coast cuisine to the neighborhood.
Fresh seasonal products from the locals are the foundation of their seafood-focused menu. The menu offers several options, from assorted meats and pasta to family-made cheeses.
On top of that, their brilliant wine list and craft cocktails are perfect when paired with the seafood there. This Italian restaurant also has gluten-free or vegan options to accommodate their patrons better.
Amalfi Ristorante Italian is a warm, welcoming place where attentive staff can remember well the favorite entree of their regulars. The restaurant is also kid-friendly. The kids can sometimes join the dough-making counter to make their own pizza.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: Italian, Seafood, Italia’s West Coast Cuisine
Location: 6100 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Website: https://www.amalfihouston.com/
Phone: 713-532-2201
Order Online:
Table Reservation:
17. Mia Bella Trattoria
Mia Bella Trattoria’s menu reflects the owner/chef Youssef Nafaa’s bold, imaginative approach to Italian cuisine. Diners can enjoy many Italian classics with a regional American twist.
For something lighter, I highly recommend Mia Bella’s delightful crispy calamari (spicy tomato lemon chermoula). Heftier dishes such as lamb osso bucco, seafood lasagna, and grilled salmon are among the staples.
The restaurant offers complimentary focaccia bread on the first order. The bread is considered the best way to open up the appetite by many diners.
Mia Bella Trattoria’s thoughtful wine list includes many red, white, and rose wines. For cocktails, there are classic recipes with the same fusion as other Italian restaurants. Yet, for more adventurous souls, the trattoria also offers some creative mixings for them to try.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Italian, Modern European, Cocktail Bars
Location (Greenway Plaza): 3773 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77046
Phone (Greenway Plaza): 713-393-7340
Location (Vintage Park): 110 Vintage Park Blvd Suite A, Houston, TX 77070
Phone (Vintage Park): 281-251-8930
Website: https://www.miabellarestaurants.com/
Order Online (Greenway Plaza).
Order Online (Vintage Park).
Table Reservation:
These Are The Most Standout Italian Spots Right Now!
Sometimes, there’s nothing as comforting as good Italian food. Yet, if the craving hits when you’re in Houston, these spots are the best places to go!
Some promote a casual and intimate ambiance where diners can feel at home while gorging on their scrumptious pasta. Meanwhile, others lean toward the higher-end side, with more elaborate dishes that please both the eye and taste buds.
If you discover any spots on your trip, please share them with me so I can refine the list better. Share these Italian restaurants on social media to inform more people about more splurge-worthy Italian foods in Houston!
