Top 12 Italian restaurants in Houston

HOUSTON – The Top 12 hottest Houston Italian restaurant spots, from Good Taste.

PHOTOS: Top 12 Houston Italian Restaurants

Recommended Videos



Listed in alphabetical order:

  • Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar -- Chef/Owner Giancarlo Ferrara is a culinary genius whose cuisine pays homage to the essence of the Western Coast of Italy. 
  • Amerigo's Grille -- Located in The Woodlands, Amerigo's Grille is a chef-driven restaurant plating up seasonal menu selections using the freshest ingredients. This spot has been a long time favorite of people on the North side of Houston, whether you are looking for a date night or a special family gathering, they have you covered.
  • Bistecca Ristorante -- This Italian steakhouse run by Chef Alberto Baffoni offers comfort food from Northern & Central Italy. The hearty cuisine accompanied by their stellar wine list will not disappoint.
  • Cane Rosso -- Transport yourself to Naples at Cane Rosso where they strive to adhere to the strict principles endorsed by the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) by using all natural "OO" flour imported from Italy and sauce made from hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. You truly can taste the difference.
  • Carmelo's Ristorante -- Offering authentic inspirational dishes, Chef/Owner Carmelo Mauro and his wife Hillary make you feel right at home when you dine at their restaurant located in the energy corridor. 
    Photo: Medaglione di Manzo, our 8 oz. Filet of Beef, grilled to perfection and topped with a choice of cubed tomatoes or Béarnaise Sauce, served with roast potatoes.
  • Giacomo's Cibo e Vino -- You will feel right at home in this comfortable and unpretentious neighborhood Italian café.  Their small plates of hot you to linger, graze and share. The food is prepared from scratch using quality local, imported and all natural ingredients.
  • Mascalzone -- Imported Italian flour is used for their house made pastas and wood-fired pizzas. They also pride themselves on using Italian ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. 
  • Sud Italia -- There's something so romantic and charming about a dining experience set in a refurbished old home, you can't help but wonder the history of the home. The dishes and ingredients have heavy focus on the five main areas of southern Italy; utilizing ingredients such as, authentic Italian olive oils, tomatoes, eggplant, capers, mushrooms, olives, in house hand-pulled burrata, herbs from their garden, seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood.  Chef Ale "Sandro" Scarafiles’ passion to deliver the best is evident in the presentation and flavor of each dish. 
  • Paulie's Restaurant -- This neighbor restaurant resembles a charming café, but don't let casual appearance the place fool you, they dish up generous portions of house made pasta smothered in bold flavorful sauces. 
  • Via Emilia Italian Restaurant  -- This Italian favorite is nestled the Village of Sterling Ridge in The Woodlands. They're known around town for their house-made pastas, braised meats and fresh seafood dishes.  
  • Potente --There's certainly potential in Potente. This beautiful new fine dining spot in downtown Houston has a fantastic executive chef at the helm. Believe it or not, Chef Danny Trace is just as marveled at the pristine "playground" he works in everyday as we were. The quality and design of the decor, down to the smallest detail, is really quite stunning. Potente is Italian for "Powerful" -- a self-assurance that shows up loud and clear on the dinner menu. You’ll taste local and coastal throughout. Pastas all handmade with the perfect wines to pair with.
  • Tony's -- "Naples Influenced. Milan Inspired. Houston Cherished." This fine dining favorite is elegant in its setting, making Tony’s the perfect special occasion spot.  Executive Chef Austin Waiter’s carefully curated plates are bursting with flavor.
  •  

    Download the Click2Houston news app in your app store to stay up-to-date with the latest news while you're on the go.

    Sign up for KPRC 2 newsletters to get breaking news, sports, entertainment, contests and more delivered straight to your email inbox.