HOUSTON – The Top 12 Italian Restaurants in Houston, from Good Taste. (in alphabetical order):
Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar -- Chef Giancarlo Ferrara invites you to experience the tastes, aromas, and passions of his homeland right here in Houston through a culinary experience years in the making. Featured Dish- Paccheri All'Anatra -- a sinfully delicious pasta dish made with duck, thyme, onions, and garlic bathed in a truffle cream sauce.
Arcodoro-- In 1988, Efisio and Lori Farris opened their first restaurant, Pomodoro, in Dallas, Texas. Over the course of 20 plus years they have continued to open new entities and introduce clientele to the intricacies of the Italian kitchen. Efisio, a native Sardinian, Wanted to focus on the rustic traditional cuisine of his timeless island of Sardinia. Featured Dish- Risotto Algi Asparagi E Pecorino - Risotto with fresh asparagus and Pecorino Cheese.
Authur Ave -- Named after the street in New York City that by every account is home to the city’s true “Little Italy,” Arthur Ave is homage to the heritage of Italian-American cuisine.
Featured Dish- Chicken Parm- herb crumb breaded, mozzarella, red sauce, basil. Photo by Becca Wright
Carmelo’s -- Carmelo was born in Taormina, Sicily. Carmelo moved to Houston in 1978 with his wife Hilary and their eldest daughter Luisa. Shortly afterwards they opened their first Carmelo's Ristorante on Memorial Drive in Houston and in 1985. Featured Dish- Lemon Risotto- Alaskan King Salmon, crab and shrimp.
Da Marco Cucina E Vino -- Chef Marco Wiles, born in Italy, uses a variety of fresh imported Italian ingredients to cook with. Featured dish- Sweet Corn and Ravioli- Ravioli filled with sweet corn in a lobster stock.
Damian’s Cucina Italiana -- A Houston classic known for traditional Italian Family recipes and outstanding service. Featured dish - Blackened Atlantic Salmon- topped with lump crabmeat, crawfish tails and lemon butter sauce over roasted saffron polenta and sautéed spinach.
Mascalzone -- Former Italian Boxer, Andrea Maji, know how to deliver a punch with his cusine. Featured dish -Pappardelle alla Porchetta- slow braised pork belly, and baby spinach.
Paulie’s -- Having grown up in a large Italian Restaurant Family, it’s no wonder Paul Petronella’s dishes are on point. Featured Dish- Rigatoni Bolognese - veal, pork, garlic, tomatoes, mirepoix, red wine, vinegar, cream, Parmesan, Rigatoni pasta.
Prego -- This is the signature salad of the award-winning Prego Italian Restaurant in Houston. Made with arugula, radicchio, Portobello mushroom, oranges, goat cheese and a DELECTABLE apple walnut vinaigrette.
Quattro -- Born and raised in the Piedmont region of Italy, Maurizio Ferrarese is The Executive Chef of Quattro and its wine bar, Vinoteca Quattro. Lasagna is a specialty of Chef Ferrarese — and this one is loosely based on his mother's recipe…lasagna she used to make every Sunday that became a tradition in his family. Featured Dish- Akaushi Beef Lasagna.
Sud Italia -- Sud Italia’s concept was created after Shanon Scott and his wife Wende traveled to the southern region of Italy in 2014. Featured Dish- Carpaccio di Polpo-Octopus Carpaccio topped off with lemon and olive oil.
Tony’s -- Tony Vallone opened his first restaurant in 1965; he is known using only genuine Italian products in his cuisine. Featured Dish- Wyoming Center-Cut Elk Chop, Fava, Eggplant, Elk Bone Jus.
