The 16 Best Cacio e Pepe in Houston

Experience the rich, savory delight of Italy's classic pasta dish in Texan style at Houston's top dining spots for cacio e pepe. Revel in the city's dynamic culinary scene while feasting on the authentic blend of Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper and pasta.
On the hunt for the best cacio e pepe nearby? Look no further. This list helps you easily compare and discover the outstanding options Houston has to offer.
- Location: Find a restaurant nearby, or venture further for a unique dining experience.
- Price Range: Compare affordable options to high-end dining depending on your budget.
- Ambiance: Choose between a casual setting or a more formal, upscale atmosphere.
- Reviews and Ratings: Hear firsthand experiences from other pasta lovers.
Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey finding The 16 Best Cacio e Pepe in Houston.
- 1. Maggiano's Little Italy
- 2. North Italia
- 3. Paulie's
- 4. Grotto Ristorante
- 5. Impero Italiano
- 6. Coppa Osteria
- 7. Amalfi
- 8. Marmo
- 9. Roma
- 10. Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks
- 11. Davanti Ristorante
- 12. Numero28 Highland Village
- 13. il Bracco
- 14. Trattoria Sofia
- 15. Bocca Italian Kitchen
- 16. Fiori Restaurant Houston

1. Maggiano's Little Italy
Información y Opiniones
With a ranking of 4.5 stars based on 3999 reviews, customers rave about their experiences at Maggiano's Little Italy. Here are a few key points from customer reviews:
- Delicious Italian dishes such as rigatoni, ravioli, and stuffed mushrooms.
- Exceptional service with friendly and attentive staff.
- Quality and authentic Italian cuisine that fills you up quickly.
- Memorable experiences for special occasions like birthdays or private parties.

2. North Italia
Información y Opiniones
- I loveee Italian food and this is one of my favorite places in the Galleria area. The atmosphere is great for girls night, date night, or even solo dates. You have to try the Sicilian Margarita and White Truffle Garlic Bread. The braised short rib pasta was amazing!
- Good option in Tanglewood, fast service overall. I will be back to try the pasta.
- I had the fried risotto balls and pesto chicken pasta which were delicious. Ended the meal with carrot cake.
- North Italia delivers high quality food in a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. The pasta with braised beef had a unique flavor profile. Service was impeccable.
With a 4.5 rating, North Italia continues to impress customers with its delicious food and excellent service. Be sure to stop by for a remarkable dining experience!

3. Paulie's
Información y Opiniones
- Tried the Italian Hoagie and it was delicious, along with the potato salad and oatmeal cookie.
- Homemade pasta done right, with the Fungi pasta being a standout dish.
- Generous portions and fantastic service make for an enjoyable dining experience.
- Excellent Italian food, flavorful sauces, and huge portions that will satisfy any appetite.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a cozy atmosphere, or a trendy dining experience, Paulie's has it all. The restaurant offers service options like outdoor seating, takeaway, and more, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Visit Paulie's website at www.pauliesrestaurant.com or give them a call at +1 713-807-7271 to experience the magic of Italian cuisine in the heart of Houston.

4. Grotto Ristorante
Información y Opiniones
With a high rating of 4.5 stars, based on 1420 reviews, Grotto Ristorante has left a lasting impression on its customers. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Foods are very delicious, service is good, and can be tried.
- Excellent service, quick food delivery, and a relaxing environment.
- Impeccable service, flawless presentation, and perfect wine pairings.
- Amazing food, exceptional service for special occasions, and reasonable prices.
Customers have praised the delicious food, impeccable service, and charming ambiance of Grotto Ristorante. If you're looking for a top-notch dining experience in Houston, this is the place to be!

5. Impero Italiano
Información y Opiniones
- If you really want to experience real taste of Italy in your mouth, than you need to come here and have it, the food it’s excellent, hospitality and environment was a experience to remember. The restaurant it’s self it was super clean, and what I love the most was the as a soccer fan I was so please to see a wall tribute to Diego Maradona that was nice.
- Outstanding Italian Restaurant. It's probably the most authentic Italian restaurant in Houston. The food was phenomenal. Homemade throughout. The atmosphere is a little overwhelming with the makeshift phone booth, sports wall, and mini automobile seats, but it works.
- Walking in feels like a little place in Italy that we’ve been in. Colorful and lively inside. The staff greeted us in Italian, were really accommodating and sat us down, a party of 5, within 10 mins of checking-in on a Friday evening. The food was high quality and delicious.

6. Coppa Osteria
Información y Opiniones
- Fabulous late lunch with excellent service. Their pepperoni pizza was the best I've ever had, and the fettuccine was outstanding.
- A great dinner experience during Valentine's Day. The place can seem a bit pricey, but the quality of the food makes it worth it.
- A Houston staple known for their carbonara. The steak and classic tiramisu are also highly recommended.
Customers have praised the restaurant for its fast service, great coffee, and great desserts. Moreover, they offer various service options such as kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and dine-in. The restaurant's friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings make it a must-visit spot for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

7. Amalfi
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant has received a high average rating of 4.5 stars from 644 reviews. Some key points from customer feedback include:
- The food taste was like real Italian food experienced in Italy.
- Service was extremely good and professional, with knowledgeable staff.
- Great wine selection and delicious, well-presented dishes.
- Intimate ambiance with a variety of authentic dishes to choose from.
These positive reviews emphasize the authentic and delicious dining experience offered by Amalfi, making it a top choice for Italian cuisine enthusiasts in the area.

8. Marmo
Información y Opiniones
Customers rave about the experience at Marmo in their reviews:
- Reasonably priced and sizable portions, with great attention to detail. Service was impeccable.
- Top tier happy hour with delicious dishes like blue crab bruschetta and scallops with sweet potato puree.
- Excellent selection of entrees, wine, and bright ambiance. Valet parking is suggested for convenience.
- Decent spot with a variety of delicious dishes, highlighted by the Blue Crab Bruschetta and Squid Ink Campanelle.
The atmosphere at Marmo is described as cosy, romantic, trendy, and upmarket, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a delightful meal, celebrate a special occasion, or simply unwind, Marmo promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.

9. Roma
Información y Opiniones
Customer reviews rave about the quality of the food and wine selection, excellent service, and cozy atmosphere. They commend the owner's dedication to ensuring a memorable experience for every customer.
Summary of reviews:
- Intimate space inside a house with a homely ambiance and delicious food prepared with care and expertise.
- Top-level quality Italian restaurant with fantastic food, great wine selection, and generous community participation.
- Warm, cozy, and intimate vibe, with great service and wonderful food, from fresh salads to creamy pasta dishes.

10. Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks
Información y Opiniones
- Customers rave about the high-quality food, with standout dishes like margarita and gnocchi receiving high praise.
- The ambiance and service are described as top-notch, whether you opt for a casual outdoor vibe or an intimate cozy setting indoors.
- Reviewers also appreciate the fast service and excellent wine selection, as well as the complimentary valet parking.

11. Davanti Ristorante
Información y Opiniones
The atmosphere at Davanti Ristorante is described as casual and cozy, making it a perfect spot for groups. Customers appreciate that the restaurant accepts reservations, making the dining experience even more convenient.
Customer reviews highlight the fresh ingredients, authentic Italian flavors, and exceptional service. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- Close to authentic Italian food with fresh ingredients
- Best Italian food in town with outstanding desserts
- Great place for fresh pasta with amazing service
- Extremely love and passion for pasta reflected in their dishes
With a rating of 4.6 and raving reviews, Davanti Ristorante is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable Italian dining experience in Houston.

12. Numero28 Highland Village
Información y Opiniones
- Customers describe the cheese wheel pasta as a standout dish, with a unique presentation and flavorful taste.
- The ravioli with truffle shavings receives high praise for its perfect blend of flavors and textures.
- Visitors appreciate the cozy and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a special Italian date night.
Overall, the reviews highlight the delicious food offerings and attentive service at Numero28 Highland Village, making it a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers.

13. il Bracco
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it a versatile choice for any time of day. With a focus on accessibility, il Bracco offers wheelchair-accessible amenities, ensuring that all customers feel welcome.
Customer reviews reflect the positive dining experience at il Bracco. Some key points from the reviews include:
- Attentive staff from entrance to table
- Delicious and flavorful food, especially the spicy gemelli and meatballs
- Compliments on the cozy and trendy atmosphere
- Excellent service, with extra care for refreshing drinks and more
With a ranking of 4.4 stars and a total of 339 reviews, il Bracco continues to impress customers with its exceptional food and service. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, il Bracco is a top choice for Italian cuisine lovers.

14. Trattoria Sofia
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant is known for its excellent service and fast service options. Customers have praised the staff for being welcoming and knowledgeable about the dishes, wines, and Italian cuisine. One customer mentioned that their waiter was amazing and made their dining experience delightful.
Reviewers have recommended trying the delicious appetizers and desserts at Trattoria Sofia. The restaurant also offers a variety of amenities including a bar on site and wheelchair-accessible options. Overall, customers have had amazing experiences at Trattoria Sofia and look forward to returning.
- The cozy atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date
- Knowledgeable and welcoming staff make the dining experience delightful
- Dishes like the pesto pasta with grilled chicken are super delicious
- Customers appreciate the valet parking option for added convenience

15. Bocca Italian Kitchen
Información y Opiniones
Here are some summarized reviews from customers:
- A customer visited on a Saturday night and praised the service but felt the prices were a bit high compared to the portion sizes.
- Another customer had a disappointing experience at a buffet event but mentioned excellent service from the server.
- A guest had an incredible time at Bocca, highlighting the vibe, customer service, and beautifully presented food.
- A family had a wonderful brunch experience, enjoying the ambiance, food, and exceptional service from the waiter named Sam.

16. Fiori Restaurant Houston
Información y Opiniones
- We chose to celebrate Mother's Day at this restaurant. The servers were friendly, helped us choose suitable dishes, and informed us about the portion sizes. We enjoyed every dish here, as well as the beautiful flowers on the table. We had a wonderful time here.
- Visited Fiori with a group of my friends and had a wonderful dining experience. The service was excellent, our waiter was friendly and helpful, and gave us some great suggestions from the menu. I ordered the lasagna (based off recommendations) and it was delicious! The prices were on the higher end, but the portions were generous.
- Looking for an authentic Italian restaurant that's absolutely beautiful and unlike any other place? This is the place to go! The food is crafted with care and love, the service makes you feel at home and the beautiful decor will have you in awe. The owner and chef is an outstanding person that loves what he does and it shows. You will be treated like family once you step foot here. It's definitely a must go place here in Houston.
- Had an incredible dining experience at Fiori during a visit to Houston for a conference. The staff was exceptional, striking the perfect balance of attentiveness and respect for our space, allowing us to savor our dinner and engage in long-overdue conversations comfortably. Every dish resonated with the essence of Italy, reminding me of the flavors I had fallen in love with during my time there. Fiori has certainly earned a special place in my heart, and I eagerly anticipate returning on my next trip to Houston.
Map of Cacio e Pepe in Houston
Searching for the most authentic and delicious Cacio e Pepe in Houston? Your culinary exploration begins here! Our team has curated a comprehensive guide featuring all the top-rated restaurants offering this pasta dish. Check our exclusive map of all the Cacio e Pepe in Houston and start your flavorful journey right now.
What is Cacio e Pepe?
Cacio e pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that translates to "cheese and pepper" in Italian. It is made with simple ingredients such as Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and usually spaghetti or another long pasta.
The dish is known for its creamy texture, which comes from emulsifying the cheese and pasta water together. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that has gained popularity in recent years.
Cacio e pepe is a staple in Italian cuisine and is often considered a comfort food that is both simple yet delicious.
Where can I find authentic Cacio e Pepe in Houston?
If you're looking for authentic Cacio e Pepe in Houston, there are several Italian restaurants that offer this classic dish on their menus. Some popular spots include Roma's Ristorante, Giacomo's Cibo e Vino, and North Italia.
These restaurants pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients to create an authentic and delicious cacio e pepe that will transport you to the streets of Rome.
Be sure to check the menus and reviews of these restaurants to ensure you're getting the real deal when it comes to Cacio e Pepe in Houston.
Is Cacio e Pepe a popular dish in Houston?
Cacio e Pepe has grown in popularity in Houston in recent years, with many restaurants adding this classic dish to their menu. It has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its simplicity and delicious flavors.
Many Houstonians appreciate the authenticity of the dish and enjoy the creamy texture and bold flavors that come from the cheese and pepper combination.
Whether you're a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking to try something new, you're sure to find a delicious version of Cacio e Pepe in Houston.
Can I make Cacio e Pepe at home?
Yes, you can definitely make Cacio e Pepe at home with just a few simple ingredients. All you need is pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and some pasta water.
To make the dish, cook the pasta until al dente, then toss it in a pan with the cheese, pepper, and a bit of pasta water until it forms a creamy sauce. The key is to emulsify the ingredients together to create a smooth and delicious dish.
Many home cooks enjoy making Cacio e Pepe because it is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this classic Italian dish.
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