Got the travel bug? While jet-setting to faraway places may be out of the question at the moment, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your sense of wanderlust right here in Houston. Check out these local restos and bars for a much-needed getaway that’s (almost) as good as the real thing.
Ostia’s linguine vongole
When you can’t stop singing “Mambo Italiano”…
The brainchild of restaurateur duo Charles Clark and Grant Cooper, this Rice Village eatery serves up crowd favorites like burrata pomodoro, fritto misto and Neopolitan-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, coppaosteriahouston.com
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 7PM. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.221.6666, ossoandkristalla.com
Coppa Osteria’s bianca pizza
3. Ostia
Making a highly anticipated debut, chef Travis McShane’s new Mediterranean concept officially opened its doors in Montrose this September. 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, ostiahou.com
The patatas bravas at BCN Taste & Tradition
When you’ve got Spain on the brain…
A Barcelona native, chef Luis Roger pays homage to his hometown at this Montrose fine-dining establishment. Featuring a contemporary take on classic Catalan flavors, the menu runs the gamut from poached quail eggs and beef tartare to grilled, wild-caught branzino and Spanish octopus with potato puree. Sip on a Valenciano gin and tonic, one of BCN’s many gin-based cocktails. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411, bcnhouston.com
In tony Bellaire, this neighborhood gem accents Spanish cuisine with subtle French flavors. Known for its cozy atmosphere, Costa Brava offers the ideal setting for taking in its acclaimed menu. Staples include sauteed jumbo shrimp with garlic, duck confit with smoked bacon and Angeles’ Paella, which incorporates seafood, chicken, pork and beef into the classic Spanish dish. And don’t forget dessert—the chocolate croissant bread pudding is divine. 5107 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 100, Bellaire, 713.839.1005, costabravabistro.com
BCN's Valenciano gin and tonic
3. El Meson
Family-owned for almost 40 years, this Rice Village resto fuses the flavors of Spain, Cuba and Mexico to create a well-appointed menu. Thanks to sommelier Jessica Garcia, El Meson’s robust wine list was made to pair perfectly with its food. Chef Pedro Angel Garcia is known for his paellas, which range from veggie-heavy paella de verduras to cuttlefish ink-infused paella negra with shrimp, scallops and squid. 2425 University Blvd., 713.522.9306, elmeson.com
Photography by: from top, photos by: Jenn Duncan; Debora Small; Nick de la Torre; Jerry Arguelles