The Top List of Best Italian Restaurants – Houston, TX By Katharine Branham
There are more than a few good Italian restaurants in Houston…and then there are many restaurants that merely call themselves Italian after defrosting a big patch of “Pasta Di bargain” imported from the local wholesale club. You, of course, know the ones I am referring to. My top ten list consists of the true beauty of Italian Cuisine. The dishes served are family heirlooms passed down through generations and prepared fresh with the love of great food and discriminating clientele in mind.
SORRENTO 415 Westheimer, Houston TX 77006 (713) 527-0609 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-11:00pm, Sat 5:00-11:00pm, Sun 11:00-10:00pm This slice of Italy is served up in a romantic ambiance. The beauty of this place is found in its dishes. One favorite, and a perfect example of Italian art, is the Wild Mushroom & Sage Ravioli. They also offer a Proscuitto Wrapped Prime Filet Mignon served with a rich flavor that is very pleasing to your taste buds. Whomever you decide to entertain here will not be disappointed. Make reservations and don’t skip desert.
Estimated Cost for dinner per person=$20-$40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve –Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines- Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving- Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day- Closed
CARMELO’S 14795 Memorial Drive, Houston TX 77009 (281) 531-0696 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00(lunch) 5:00-10:30(dinner), Sat & Sun 5:00-10:30 Carmelo’s, Carmelo’s, Carmelo’s…Has been a long time favorite with Memorial Italian foodies. This special place offers many seafood Italian dishes which they’ve completely mastered. One popular item is the Black Mussel’s & Clams. The hands-on staff cater to the special needs of each guest. For all desert lovers, Carmelo’s has several deserts prepared tableside. These flaming favorites include Bananas Foster and Crepes Suzette. Reservations are recommended for weekend dining.
Estimated cost for dinner per person=$17 and up
Holiday Schedule: New Years-Open, New Years Day- Closed, Valentines- Open, Ester-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
DA MARCO’S 1520 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006 (713) 807-8857 Hours: Tues-Fri 11:30-2pm Lunch, Tues-Thurs 5:30-10:00pm Dinner, Closed Sun & Mon You’ll be charmed by the authentic Italian cuisine at Da Marco’s. The chef offers a special soup of the day to complement any of the show-cased entrees. The dilemma here is deciding what to order. Everything is great. The Roasted Texas Quail, Roasted Pork Loin, and Maple Leaf Duck are only a few of the mouthwatering delicacies. Their 48oz. Porter House has become a frequently requested favorite. Keeping true to Italy, they have the best handmade Cannoli in town. The quality of service is impeccable. The wait staff are courteous and experienced. Reservations are suggested to ensure a table.
Estimated cost per person for dinner= $45 - $75
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day Closed, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open
CRAPITTO’S CUCINA ITALIANA 2400 Midlane Street, Houston TX, 77027 (713) 961-1161 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:00-10:00pm, Fri 11:00-10:00pm, Sat 5:00-11:00pm
Crapitto’s is a very romantic place for a cozy and quiet dinner…provided you can find it. The Building itself is a house built in 1915 and recently restored. It offers indoor and outdoor dining -- but if the weather is nice, I suggest outdoors. The atmosphere is nostalgic. The food is great. And since the servers aren’t overly aggressive, you won’t be rushed through your meal here, even at lunch. The authentic Italian food is superb. Crapitto’s recommends reservations with outdoor seating available upon request.
Estimated price per person for dinner=$17-$35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day- Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
Buon Appetito is a moderately priced Italian bistro that is adored by customers for excellent pasta and seafood. This intimate restaurant is situated in a quaint two-story wood frame house that also features patio dining. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make for an intimate dining experience at an affordable price. A guitar player strolls around and serenades each table. The warmth of the restaurant is unforgettable. Just make sure to experience the cannoli.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
TREVISIO 6550 Bertner Avenue located on the 6th floor, Houston TX 77032 (713) 749-0400 Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-10:00pm, Sat 5:00-10:00pm, Sun Closed The best view of the skyline of any Italian restaurant can be found right here. Located smack dab in the middle of the medical center. Trevisio’s is a perfect place for business luncheons with private dining available. The award winning wine list is spectacular. Must tries include the Calamari and the Bistecca. All of the deserts are made fresh. Reservations are highly recommended.
Estimated cost for dinner per person= $12
Holiday schedule: New Years Eve-Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
VINCENTS 2701 W. Dallas Street, Houston TX 77019 (713) 528-4313 Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:00-3:00(lunch) 5:00-10:00(dinner), Fri & Sat 5:00-11:00 While you’re dining at Vincent’s, you’ll feel right at home. A large wood burning stove produces great taste pizzas. My favorites include the mashed potatoes and Italian green beans. Vincent’s has a great party room with many choices for business dining. The service is as great as the food. Reservations are recommended for large groups to insure a table.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve- Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed
LA GRIGLIA 2002 W. Grey Street Houston TX 77019 (713) 526-4700 Hours: Mon-Friday 11:00-2:30(lunch) 5:00-11:30(dinner), Sat & Sun La Griglia’s is a hot spot for the great looking and successful to be found. The restaurant is a great place to take clients or for a fun evening out on the town, but more for groups than couples. The food is fabulous, and the service is great. Each table is greeted with hot delicious bread. La Griglia’s is a real take-your-time-and-enjoy kind of place. Bring the office or just come for a boy’s night out. You’ll love it! Make reservations to insure a table on weekends.
Estimated cost per person for dinner=$25
Holiday Schedule: Holiday Schedule: New Years Eve- Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
VIA EMILIA 3731 FM 1960 Road, Houston TX 77068 (281) 587-9137 Hours: Mon-Sun11:00-3:00(lunch), 5:00-11:00(dinner) This place is a true salute to Italy. The native Italian owners have managed to bring the flavor of northern Italy right here to Houston. With pasta made fresh daily, Via Emilia’s offers great dining for a large group or just a romantic date. A fun loving guitar player is onsite weekends and holidays. I love the service, food, fun, and friendly staff. Run (don’t walk!) and join the fun.
Estimated cost for dinner per person=$8-$22
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Eve- Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
LA TRATTORIA 6500 Westheimer Road, Houston TX 77057 (on the corner of Marilee and Westheimer) (713) 782-1324 Hours: Mon- Fri 11:00-10:00 Sat & Sun 5:00-11:00
Only people who are in-the-know know about La Trattoria. This is where friendly people and great food come together. La Trattoria’s is a romantic place to celebrate an anniversary or any special meal. Favorites here include, well, everything if you ask a guest. Mine are the Galletto al Mattone and Polenta Osei, as both are a real treat. The entrees spectacular in both taste and appearance. Reservations are required.
Estimated cost per person for dinner= $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Eve- Open, New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed
The Top List of Best Italian - Houston, TX