By Jaya Armstead and Valeria Baltodano By Jaya Armstead and Valeria Baltodano | February 13, 2023 | Food & Drink Feature Guides
Whether you are in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, enjoy our list of Houston’s best Italian restaurants.
The brainchild of restaurateur duo Charles Clark and Grant Cooper, this Rice Village eatery serves up crowd favorites like burrata pomodoro, fritto misto and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Pasta and pizza dough is handmade daily in the Dough Room (yes, that’s right), which is also available for private dining events. Buonissimo! 5210 Morningside Drive, 713.522.3535
Chef Arturo Osorio of Amerigo's Grille pairs innovation with upscale Italian cuisine in each dish, especially the buttery, lemony jumbo shrimp scampi made with only the freshest caught shrimp from the Gulf. Can't get enough Houston fresh seafood? Try the frutti di mare with rich linguine, shrimp, clams, mussels, lobster claws and signature light marinara sauce. 25250 Grogans Park Drive, The Woodlands
Backed by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, this downtown hot spot boasts a convenient location right across from Minute Maid Park. A modern take on a traditional trattoria, Osso & Kristalla serves lunch and dinner with top menu items including pastas, salads and wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy discounted drinks and light bites during happy hour, weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.221.6666
Chef Travis McShane’s Mediterranean is an Italian staple in the Montrose neighborhood. Ostia is the Houston native’s first solo project, where a rotating menu specializes in seasonal, farm-to-table offerings such as roasted chicken, braised eggplant, seafood risotto, harissa shrimp and ribeye with anchovy-garlic butter. 2032 Dunlavy St., 713.324.9288
Sister restaurant to Osso & Kristalla, Astros owner Jim Crane introduced a more upscale dining experience in a sophisticated Italian Villa inspired setting. Overseen by Chef Danny Trace, the modern Italian restaurant uses only local ingredients and offers top-quality wine, decadent pasta, and amazing desserts. Featured as one of the best pastas in the country by The Food Network, their iconic Spaghetti al Tartufo Nero is a must, along their Sphera Dolce Dessert that will leave you in awe. 1515 Texas Ave, 713.237.1515
Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber, founders of Revival Market, open a rustic Italian trattoria with a focus on a farm-to-table concept from their own 3,000 square foot backyard garden. Offering the freshest ingredients, this neighborhood restaurant in the Heights is known for their amazing pasta, wood fired pizza and their Texas-size meatballs, along with their wide selection of high-end wine. 3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, 832.203.7899
If you’re looking for a cozy, rustic setting and classic Italian food, this neighborhood gem is for you. With over 30 years of service in the city, its reputation and service continue to attract Houstonians. Join them for live music every night from 6:30 to 9:30pm and enjoy a wide array of antipasti, fresh pastas, pizza, and more. Make sure to try their famous Caesar salad and lasagna! 2120 Ella Blvd, 713.869.6622
A Houston favorite for decades, the award-winning River Oak’s trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine that never ceases to impress. Featuring an artsy, relaxed environment, join their patio or dining room and enjoy some of the guest’s favorites, including their wild mushroom lasagna and specialty mussels. Join them for happy hour daily from 3-7pm, and sip on some wine, Italian beer, and specialty cocktails. 2002 West Gray St, 713.526.4700
If you're looking for authentic Italian food, Roma has you covered. With cozy atmospheres that evoke the spirit of Italy and classic dishes served with a twist, you'll feel like you stepped right into an Italian trattoria. Munch on crowd favorites like the Cacio e Pepe prepared tableside with fettuccine pasta, cracked pepper and pecorino
truffle topper or go for the Crespella ai Frutti di Mare, a crepe folded with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, marsala cream, ricotta. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pair it with a glass of wine or classic cocktail. 2347 University Blvd, 713.664.7581
Photography by: Amerigo's Grille/Courtesy of UberEats