The 16 Best Italian Restaurants Downtown Houston
Positioned at the heart of Texas’ culinary scene, downtown Houston is brimming with a variety of exquisite dining choices that cater to all demands and tastes. Among those, the numerous Italian restaurants stands as a testimony of the city's diverse gastronomical landscape.
Italian cuisine, with its rich flavors and hearty dishes, has found a secure home among Houston's skyscrapers. There's no shortage of options, yet with so many establishments vying for attention, finding the best can be a daunting task.
- Location: How close is the restaurant to your current location or your planned route?
- Menu: Does the restaurant offer a range of dishes appealing to all palette preferences?
- Price: What are the average prices and how do they compare to other downtown Italian restaurants?
- Service: What sort of reviews does the restaurant receive in terms of service quality?
- Atmosphere: Is the ambiance vibrant, intimate, modern, or traditional? What is the overall dining experience like?
- Hours: What are the restaurant’s opening hours and do they cater for both lunch and dinner, or late-night meals?
Keeping these factors in mind, you're sure to find the perfect dining spot to satisfy your love for authentic Italian cuisine. Here's a specially curated list of the 16 Best Italian Restaurants Downtown Houston.
- 1. Frank's Pizza
- 2. Potente
- 3. Roma's Pizza
- 4. Perbacco
- 5. Grotto Downtown
- 6. Your Pie Pizza
- 7. Osso & Kristalla
- 8. Figata Italian Street Food
- 9. Figo Sugo
- 10. Birraporetti's
- 11. Ciccio's Pasta
- 12. Rosalie Italian Soul
- 13. District 7 Pizzeria
- 14. Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen - Midtown
- 15. Mona
- 16. Pastabilities
1. Frank's Pizza
Información y Opiniones
Customer reviews highlight some key points:
- "This place is like a portal to New York in Houston. The Fiesta Chicken and Pepperoni pizza was perfect, and the crust was just the way I like it. The experience was amazing despite parking issues."
- "Not a big fan of pizza, but this place convinced me. Especially loved the margarita and special meat pizza slices. A great melting pot of H-Town!"
- "Frank's is a Houston pizza staple with top-notch service and delicious offerings. The friendly staff makes the experience memorable, and the limited seating adds to its charm."
- "One of the best pizza stops in Houston with New York style slices. Great service, atmosphere, and delicious food. A must-visit for pizza lovers!"
With a ranking of 4.6 based on over 6000 reviews, Frank's Pizza continues to impress customers with its quality food and excellent service. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a cozy dinner spot, Frank's Pizza is the place to be.
2. Potente
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant is known for its stellar service and well-versed staff, creating a romantic and cosy atmosphere that is perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. Customers rave about the excellent quality and freshness of the appetizers and entrees, as well as the amazing cocktails and wine selection.
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- The service was beyond amazing, and the food was delicious for the eyes and palate. 11/10.
- Fantastic service and attention to detail. The dining experience from start to finish was exceptional.
- Stellar service, excellent appetizers and entrees, and a great relationship with the staff.
- Great atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff make Potente the go-to restaurant.
With a high rating of 4.6 stars and a total of 725 reviews, Potente continues to impress customers with its exceptional dining experience and delicious Italian cuisine. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual dinner, Potente is the perfect destination for food lovers in Houston.
3. Roma's Pizza
Información y Opiniones
- Insanely good pizza! Fresh and fast.
- Delicious spaghetti and meatballs, perfect portion size.
- Great place for a fresh and filling dinner at a reasonable price.
However, not all reviews are positive, as some customers have complained about rude staff, burnt pizza, and high prices. Despite this, Roma's Pizza remains a popular choice for many looking for a quick and tasty meal in the Downtown Houston area.
4. Perbacco
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant is known for its fast service and delicious desserts, making it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is described as casual, cosy, and trendy, providing a comfortable setting for customers to enjoy their meals.
Customer reviews rave about the flavorful and hearty Italian food offered at Perbacco. Reviewers mention the attentive staff, fresh seafood, and hand-made pastas that set this restaurant apart. Some key points from customer reviews include:
- The food is authentic and takes customers back to Italy
- The service is welcoming and hospitable
- The desserts are insanely good, especially the cakes
- The seafood is incredibly fresh and the staff is attentive
Visit Perbacco's website to book your reservation and experience a taste of Italy in the heart of Houston.
5. Grotto Downtown
Información y Opiniones
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- I have to say the area I'm from has some great Italian spots, but this was next level. Great combination of flavors and flare.
- The food was absolutely delicious . The restaurant also has a beautiful layout with tables, booths, and an outside patio.
- Phenomenal. The service, environment, cocktails, all of it was absolutely amazing. The food is on another level.
At Grotto Downtown, guests can enjoy a variety of dining options such as lunch, dinner, and dessert, in a casual and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant offers a wide range of service options including outdoor seating, curbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, ensuring that every customer has a pleasant and convenient dining experience. Don't miss out on their popular lunch and dinner menus, along with their delectable cocktails and wine list.
Visit their website to explore their menu and make a reservation for a memorable dining experience at Grotto Downtown.
6. Your Pie Pizza
Información y Opiniones
Customer reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service at Your Pie Pizza. Some key points from customer reviews:
- "The portions weren’t what I’m used to, but the food is normally good. The encounter with the GM left a bad impression."
- "Think of it like the pizza version of Subway or Chipotle - easy spot to grab food in downtown."
- "Daniel and the manager provided great service. Food was good, and the atmosphere was nice, but the service stood out."
- "Great customer service, made to feel welcome and special attention given. Super excited to go back."
7. Osso & Kristalla
Información y Opiniones
Here are a few key points from customer reviews:
- Amazing service: Customers highlight the friendly and personable staff, especially mentioning servers like Danny who provide excellent recommendations and make dining experiences memorable.
- Delicious food: Patrons rave about the flavorful dishes, such as calamari, pepperoni pizza, and pasta, as well as the fantastic drinks available on the menu.
- Inviting atmosphere: Many guests appreciate the romantic and chic ambiance of the restaurant, making it an ideal spot for date nights or special occasions.
With a stellar rating of 4.3 stars and over 1277 reviews, Osso & Kristalla is a top choice for anyone looking to savor authentic Italian flavors in a cozy and trendy setting. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely lunch, a cozy dinner, or a delightful brunch, this restaurant has something to offer for every occasion. Visit their website to explore the full menu and make reservations for your next dining experience!
8. Figata Italian Street Food
Información y Opiniones
- Customers were blown away by the flavor and freshness of the Rocky Pizza.
- One customer praised the perfect espresso and the amazing flavors of the Sopranos sandwich.
- Another visitor was pleasantly surprised by the freshness, flavor, and quality of their meal.
- One review highlighted the tasty food, the new addition of caffe to the menu, and the excellent service for dining with family and friends.
Stop by Figata Italian Street Food for a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more!
9. Figo Sugo
Información y Opiniones
- We went here not realizing it was in the food hall, but it turned out great! The baked goat cheese app was delicious, and the sauce is awesome!
- This is hands down the best pizza in Houston. The Roman style pizza is a work of art with exceptional flavor and texture.
- Amazing food! The pizza crust is light and airy with a wonderful crunch. Flavorful sauces, meats, and cheeses.
- The best margherita pizza, pasta, mozzarella sticks, canolli desserts in all of Houston with fresh high quality ingredients.
10. Birraporetti's
Información y Opiniones
With a ranking of 4.1, it's evident that customers enjoy their experience at Birraporetti's. Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- The food was amazing and highly recommended, with special mentions for engagement dinners and live music events.
- Exceptional service provided, with a diverse menu of delicious food and beverage options.
- Phenomenal atmosphere with beautiful ambiance, although service could improve in some areas.
- Amazing dining experience with solid wine recommendations and live music events, perfect for a Monday night dining experience.
Next time you're in Houston, make sure to visit Birraporetti's for a delightful Italian dining experience!
11. Ciccio's Pasta
Información y Opiniones
The restaurant has received 96 reviews with an impressive rating of 4.4 stars. Some key points from customer reviews include:
- The food quality was inconsistent and overpriced, with some dishes not meeting expectations.
- However, customers enjoyed the freshly made noodles and delicious sauces, recommending dishes like frutti di mare and fettuccine alfredo.
- Some customers mentioned long wait times and the need for improvement in certain menu items like chicken parm.
- Overall, visitors appreciated the friendly staff and delicious food, planning to return for another meal soon.
Experience the cosy atmosphere and indulge in authentic Italian flavors at Ciccio's Pasta. Don't miss out on their popular lunch specials and be sure to try their freshly made pasta dishes on your next visit!
12. Rosalie Italian Soul
Información y Opiniones
With a ranking of 4.0 stars based on 309 reviews, Rosalie Italian Soul has received high praise from customers. Some key points from the reviews include:
- Great lasagna, cocktails, and scenery. The food was delightful, and the service was excellent.
- Delicious food and incredible service. Highly recommend dining here and requesting a specific server for a wonderful experience.
- Beautiful decor and intimate space. Some dishes were not perfect, but overall, the ambience and service were great.
13. District 7 Pizzeria
Información y Opiniones
Some key points from customer reviews include:
- Excellent food quality and efficiency
- Great spot for a calm brunch experience
- Amazingly delicious grilled Salmon Sandwich
- Best street tacos and variety of foods
14. Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen - Midtown
Información y Opiniones
Some key points from customer reviews:
- Overpriced pizza with bland taste and cold temperature
- Amazing buffalo chicken pizza but frustrating parking experience
- Homemade pasta and pizza described as bland and dry
- Great pizzas and Italian dishes made from scratch with exceptional customer service
The atmosphere at Russo's exudes a casual, cozy, and trendy feel, making it a favorite spot for families, groups, and university students alike. In addition to their delicious offerings, this pizzeria provides various amenities such as toilets and a bar on-site. Experience authentic New York-style pizza and Italian cuisine at Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen - Midtown.
15. Mona
Información y Opiniones
Customers have given Mona a 4.0 ranking, emphasizing the quality of both food and service. Here are some summarized reviews:
- This was my first time dining at Mona. The concept of building your pasta bowl is fantastic, but be cautious about the pricing for additional ingredients. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. The menu lacks dessert options, and the absence of fountain drinks is noticeable.
- Great selection of toppings. Keep the pasta simple for better taste!
- Ordered food for delivery and was disappointed with the cold and raw chicken. Unpleasant experience; do not recommend.
- Staff is friendly and helpful. Love the idea of customizing pasta bowls. Food quality is great. Highly recommended!
Visit Mona for a delightful Italian dining experience in Houston!
16. Pastabilities
Información y Opiniones
- Wide variety of food options
- Friendly and efficient service
- Affordable prices
- Delicious pizza and pasta dishes
With a solid 3.8 rating, Pastabilities is a must-visit for those looking for a quick and tasty Italian meal.
Map of Italian Restaurants Downtown Houston
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy right in the heart of Texas. If you love lasagna, yearn for pizza, or crave cannoli, downtown Houston has it all. Our detailed guidance will help you navigate the bustling cityscape. Discover the best Italian restaurants with our comprehensive map of downtown Houston. Buon appetito!
What Are Some Top Italian Restaurants Downtown?
When it comes to Italian cuisine, downtown Houston is filled with a variety of renowned Italian restaurants. Some of these restaurants include:
- Da Marco The Italian Restaurant
- Sorrento Ristorante
- Quattro
- Potente
These venues are known for their impressive menu, ambiance, service, and authentic Italian dishes.
Do They Offer Vegetarian Options?
Indeed, these Italian restaurants cater to everyone’s dietary preferences, providing vegetarian options too. Venues like Sorrento Ristorante have a diverse menu, meeting the needs of even the strictest vegetarian diets. Moreover, restaurants like Da Marco offer dishes that can be easily adapted to a vegetarian diet.
Are There Gluten-Free Dishes Available?
Yes, they do. Italian restaurants in downtown Houston are mindful of diverse dietary requirements. From Da Marco to Quattro, most of these restaurants can offer gluten-free pasta and other dishes. However, it's recommended to check with the restaurant in advance for specific gluten-free options.
Can I Make a Reservation?
Absolutely! Reserving a table at these Italian restaurants is often a smart move, especially for weekend dining. Some of these restaurants also offer the convenience of booking online, making the reservation process faster and easier. For instance, Potente provides an easy-to-use online reservation system.
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