Italian Restaurants Houston
Jump To: Date Night & Fine Dining | Family-friendly & Casual
From fine dining to cozy trattorias, Houston’s Italian food scene is booming with options. Whether you’re craving a classic pasta dish, a wood-fired pizza, or a unique culinary creation, the city I love has something for every palate. This curated list of the best Italian restaurants in Houston will help you find the perfect place for your next authentic meal.
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Top Italian Restaurants in Houston for Date Night & Fine Dining
Potente
Potente is my go-to when I’m looking for fine-dining Italian restaurants in Houston has to offer. Designed like an Italian villa, it offers a luxurious meal. The menu includes fine wine, caviar, lobster bisque, and fresh pasta with truffles, all served right at your table. Check out the other restaurants in Downtown Houston, too!
Where: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Tony’s
Image Credit: Tony’s
As Houston’s gold standard for Italian fine dining for over 50 years, Tony’s continues to impress. The restaurant is celebrated for its incredible in-house pasta, an expansive wine list, and exquisite dishes like porcini pasta and my favorite, pan-seared Dover sole. It’s the perfect place to enjoy timeless Italian classics in a refined and luxurious setting.
Where: 3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046
Operating Hours: Sunday – Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Ostia
Image Credit: Ostia
Opened in 2020 by Houston native Travis McShane, Ostia is a seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant. It offers a menu of Italian-inspired dishes that change with the seasons, including favorites like its famous roast chicken and fresh pasta. Ostia’s focus on simple, high-quality ingredients has quickly made it a Houston favorite, especially among those looking for date night ideas in Houston..
Where: 2032 Dunlavy Houston, tx 77006
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Family-Friendly and Casual Italian Restaurants in Houston
North Italia
Image Credit: North Italia
For a trendy and casual take on Italian food, I think North Italia is a must-visit. The restaurant specializes in shareable, handcrafted dishes, from light pizzas with creative toppings like pistachio to rich Bolognese.
Where: 1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 190, Houston, TX 77056
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Wednesday – Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Paulie’s
Image Credit: Paulie’s Restaurant
A true Houston favorite, Paulie’s is my spot for classic comfort food. This no-frills restaurant serves up tasty and filling dishes, from homemade pasta to hoagies and classic BLTs. Unlike other Italian restaurants Houston has, itt’s known for its generous portions, affordable prices, and delicious food that feels both nostalgic and authentic.
Where: 1834 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Coltivare
Image Credit: Coltivare
Named for the Italian word “to grow,” Coltivare lives up to its name with a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients from its on-site garden. This rustic trattoria is celebrated for its delicious wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and extensive wine list. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring every visit offers a taste of what’s fresh and local, just like the other healthy restaurants in Houston!
Where: 3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Operating Hours: Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Monday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Coppa Osteria
Image Credit: Coppa Osteria
At Coppa Osteria, you can enjoy a lively atmosphere and watch fresh pasta and pizza being made through a window into their “dough room.” The menu is a celebration of rich Italian flavors, with favorites including beef carpaccio, pepperoni and goat cheese pizza, and classic spaghetti carbonara. Paired with a reasonably priced wine list, I think it’s the perfect spot for a delicious and fun meal.
Where: 5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Enoteca Rossa
Image Credit: Enoteca Rossa
A fresh addition to Houston’s Italian dining scene, Enoteca Rossa is quickly making a name for itself. This spot offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes, from authentic wood-fired pizzas to unforgettable handmade pasta and risotto that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a light Caprese salad or a hearty classic, you’ll be sure to find a reason to come back.
Where: 4566 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am-9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am-10:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
La Griglia
Image Credit: La Griglia
A longtime Houston favorite, La Griglia is my go-to for its relaxed atmosphere and authentic Italian food. The menu features an array of delicious options, from wild mushroom lasagna to a hearty pork chop. With a chic patio for al fresco dining and a lively happy hour, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food and conversation.
Where: 2817 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019
Operating Hours: Monday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm | Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Friday 11:30 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Cavatore
Image Credit: Cavatore Italian Restaurant
As a Houston veteran of over 30 years, Cavatore Italian Restaurant offers cozy comfort food at its finest. Set inside a converted barn, the space provides a rustic and charming atmosphere. The menu is filled with classic Italian dishes, from spaghetti marinara to lasagna, and its renowned Caesar salad is a must-try.
Where: 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 1:30 pm & 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Saturday 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
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Hi, I’m a longtime Houston resident who loves exploring the Bayou City with my two dogs. When I’m not out and about, you can usually find me in my garden or working on my latest blog.
Dining and Cooking