Indulge in the beloved flavors of Italy at Houston’s finest Italian restaurants, that are guaranteed to cater to every craving that may arise. From homemade pastas to Houston’s favorite pizza, the city offers a diverse range of culinary delights that are a treat for locals and tourists alike!
Experience the extravagance of classic Italian recipes that are prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re craving for a traditional Bolognese, creamy risotto, or a flavorful seafood pasta, these restaurants leave no stone unturned in delivering immersive dining experiences that’ll transport you to the heart of Rome.
1. La Griglia
La Griglia is a top-notch Italian restaurant in Houston’s Hyde Park neighborhood that provides authentic cuisine with an unforgettable atmosphere. Their attentive and friendly staff will cater to your every need, making it an ideal spot for an intimate dinner or large gatherings with the family. You’ll find gorgeous murals that reflect the vibrant colors of Little Italy, adding to the cozy ambiance. We also appreciate their generous portions, so you know we recommend ordering one of their pasta dishes!
📍 2002 W Gray St, Houston, TX
2. Potente
For a quick, romantic escape to Italy, check out Potente in the Bayou City. Serving up exceptional food with impeccable service, this restaurant boasts an outstanding ambiance that’s guaranteed to impress. The food is expertly crafted, using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, which makes every bite a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. For one of Houston’s more memorable meals, check out this one-of-a-kind culinary experience in Houston.
1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
3. Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Giocamo’s Cibo e Vino offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that complements its deliciously comforting Italian cuisine. We love enjoying a meal on the restaurant’s outdoor patio, especially one of their unbeatable pasta dishes from the extensive menu. The Gamberi Al Diavolo is a particularly popular dish that features just the right amount of spice, while the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is a moreish replica of the Italian culinary classic.
📍 3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
4. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Serving up scrumptious food in a lively setting, this family-style setup boasts huge portion sizes, friendly service, and so much more. The Fried Zucchini is particularly noteworthy, as is the deliciously cheesy, Three-Cheese Ravioli. The restaurant prides itself on the freshness of its food, and the ambiance is incredibly warm making it perfect for family feasts!
📍 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX, United States
5. Ostia
Ostia is a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Montrose. The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a nice and quiet dinner for two, with giant, greenhouse-style windows, modern seating, and beautiful lighting. The menu changes regularly, so you never know what new and exciting dishes they will have to offer. However, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to help with any requests, including finding that perfect wine pairing.
📍 2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX
6. North Italia
This remarkable restaurant nestled in Houston, offers cozy interiors and a diverse menu of Italian staples. We’re forever in love with the pizza at North Italia, but make sure to dive deep into their extensive selection of dishes, all utilizing mouth-watering, high-quality ingredients. The desserts are beloved by many Houstonians for being divine bites, bursting with flavor. We suggest ordering the Tiramisu.
📍 1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190, Houston, TX, United States
7. Sorrento
Perfect for a special date or a business lunch, Sorrento is another excellent Italian restaurant boasting romantic ambiance and cozy vibes. They even have live piano on occasion that truly elevates the experience. The Scallop Risotto and Lobster Ravioli are both to die for. But this restaurant also has fantastic vegetarian options such as their Mushroom Truffle Ravioli and pasta in their renowned red sauce.
📍 415 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
8. Coppa Osteria
For a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience that won’t disappoint, head to Coppa Osteria. Their Margarita Pizza is a go-to for many locals across the city, using the juiciest tomatoes and the freshest mozzarella. Even if pizza isn’t your thing, the approachable staff will be happy to make recommendations. So for outstanding service, an inviting atmosphere, and incredible food, keep this Rice Village gem in mind the next time you’re craving Italian.
📍 5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX, United States
9. Perbacco
Be greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere at this fabulous Italian, just a stone’s throw away from Jones Hall, making it an ideal option for pre-theater dining! Their menu is filled-to-the-brim with authentic Italian cuisine, but their seafood options are second to none. These enchanting qualities combined makes Perbacco a standout among Houston’s top Italian restaurants.
📍 700 Milam St, Houston, TX, United States
10. Cavatore
This is a must-visit dining destination if you’ve ever wondered what a Texan/Italian fusion would look like. Their made-to-order Caesar salad is delightful and transports you straight to Italy, with that Southern charm still intact. Cavatore’s attentive service and OTT-Texan ambience enhances the dining experience, making it a great place to dine with family and friends.
📍 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX
11. Amalfi
Get ready to discover the Amalfi Coast at this authentically beautiful restaurant in Houston. From the moment you arrive, the friendly and welcoming staff will make you feel right at home, serving up a mouth-watering taste of Italy in the process. Be sure to try their signature Ravioli al Pistachio con Taleggio – a stunningly flavorful dish with a rich, velvety texture.
📍 6100 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
12. Coltivare
Situated in The Heights, Coltivare is a quaint Italian bistro and backyard garden from Agricole Hospitality. Known for its rustic Italian fare with a Gulf Coast spin, Coltivare maps out its menu by the season’s freshest ingredients.
In addition to its top notch pizza, standout dishes at Coltivare include the Fettuccine with wild gulf shrimp, chanterelle mushrooms, and caponata and Gulf red snapper with braised vine beans, and summer squash escabeche.
📍3320 White Oak Dr.
13. Triola’s Kitchen
Open Wednesday through Saturday, Triola’s Kitchen in The Heights is a traditional Italian restaurant owned and operated by Chef, Frank Triola. Evident descendant of Frank Azzarelli, the owner of Houston’s first Italian restaurant, Triola is known to be a constant presence in the restaurant, greeting customers and offering recommendations.
Here you can enjoy traditional Italian, New American, and Southwestern-spun Italian dishes. Don’t think too hard when ordering, their spaghetti and meatballs earned a shoutout from the one and only, Rachel Ray.
📍4606 N Main St.
14. Rosalie Italian Soul
Housed in the opulent Baldwin Hotel, Rosalie Italian Soul is one of the prettiest restaurants in Houston. Founded by Top Chef Masters’ champion, Chris Cosentino, Rosalie is now headed by Executive Chef Jacob Coronado of Nobie’s.
Rosalie’s Italian Soul offers a fresh, regional take on classic Italian-American food, with options such as Old World Pizza, Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Squid Ink Linguine, and Scallop Bouillabaisse.
📍400 Dallas St. C
15. Paulie’s
Paulie’s is a Montrose neighborhood restaurant that offers generous portions of housemade pasta, hearty sandwiches, and dinner entrees. Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm except for Sunday, Paulie’s will leave you feeling full without breaking the bank.
📍1834 Westheimer Rd
Checking out Houston’s Italian restaurant scene is an absolute must, and these restaurants will definitely leave you craving more. So head on out to explore these culinary gems, and treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure that’ll take you to Italy and back, without even leaving Houston!