Italian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Luckily, whether you’re a fan of classic pasta dishes, Neapolitan pizza, or grilled meats, Italian Houston cuisine has something for everyone. And if you’re looking for a taste of Italy, you’ll find no shortage of the best Italian restaurants Houston offers all its locals and visitors.
So, if you find yourself googling “cheap Italian food near me,” “Best Italian restaurant in Houston,” “Italian restaurants downtown Houston,” or “Italian food Houston,” we have you covered!
This guide will help you discover the 10 best Houston Italian restaurants so you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from top Italian restaurants in Houston. With high-quality ingredients, talented chefs, and a commitment to creating an authentic Italian experience, these Italian restaurants Houston TX are dedicated to bringing a taste of Italy to Houston.
Whether you’re in the mood to eat at an upscale Italian restaurants in Houston or a cozy neighborhood pizzeria, there are some truly delicious options out there. Take a look at our list of Italian restaurants Houston.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
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Italian Restaurants Houston – Pasta Places Near You
Cavatore Italian Restaurant
A Houston veteran at 33 years old, Cavatore Italian Restaurant is cozy comfort food at its finest. The restaurant is a converted barn. The food is classic Italian, with spaghetti and marinara, lasagna, pizza, fettuccine alfredo, and ravioli. The restaurant is especially well-known for its Caesar salad, so don’t forget to order a serving.
Where: 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Saturday 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Coltivare
Coltivare is all about “fresh.” The restaurant’s name means “to grow,” and the restaurant owners live up to that by growing their own produce in an onsite garden. Whatever they can’t grow themselves, they source from local farms. The menu changes with the seasons, but this rustic trattoria is known for its wood-fired pizza, extensive wine selection, and delicious pasta. You can also enjoy a seasonal fruit crostata, an Italian pie served with Mexican ice cream.
Where: 3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Operating Hours: Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Tuesday CLOSED | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Coppa Osteria
Coppa Osteria lets customers see into their “dough room” and watch the pizza and pasta being made. Favorites here include the beef carpaccio, the pepperoni and goat cheese pizza, the cheese board, and the spaghetti carbonara. Expect plenty of meat, cheese, and carbs, as well as some very reasonably priced wine.
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
Italian Restaurants Houston – Best Pasta in Houston
Enoteca Rossa
Enoteca Rossa is newer to the Houston scene, but as Houston Italian restaurants go, it has a lot to offer. Traditional Italian woodfire pizza, unforgettable handmade pasta, a melt-in-your-mouth risotto, or simply a crisp and fresh Caprese salad, we’re sure to have you coming back for more.
Where: 4566 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am-9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am-10:00 pm
La Griglia
La Griglia is a longtime Houston favorite, and for good reason. A relaxed atmosphere, authentic Italian food, and tasty wine and cocktails list make this a go-to for Italian food lovers. Try a pork chop (or a boar chop if you’re especially hungry), short rib agnolotti, or wild mushroom lasagna. Dine al fresco on La Griglia’s chic patio offering shade and comfortable seating or enjoy conversations over cocktails and light bites for Happy Hour.
Where: 2002 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Sunday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
North Italia
Trendy and casual, North Italia focuses on making shareable, homemade Italian dishes with a modern twist. Enjoy light, airy pizzas with toppings like asparagus and pistachio, truffled garlic bread, and tagliatelle in Bolognese. Mussels and bruschetta are also on the menu. For added entertainment, you can get a seat facing the kitchen. The window there lets you peek in on the chefs going about their jobs.
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
Ostia
Ostia opened its doors in 2020 with the goal to produce seasonal, farm-to-table Mediterranean food. The menu includes roast chicken, braised eggplant, pizza, pasta, and more. Of course, it changes depending on the time of year. The restaurant was opened by Houston native Travis McShane as his very first solo project.
Where: 2032 Dunlavy Houston, tx 77006
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Italian Restaurants Houston – Best Italian food in Houston
Paulie’s
A well-loved favorite, Paulie’s is comfort food at its best. From hoagies to BLTs to shortbread cookies, Paulie’s offers up food that’s tasty and filling without any frills. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it’s delicious. Expect homemade pasta, big portion sizes, and reasonably priced wine and beer. They include nostalgic delicacies from his childhood, dishes from his travels across Italy, and classic items of Paulie’s menu.
Where: 1834 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Potente
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, Potente is the Italian restaurant for you. Modeled after an Italian villa, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience. Fine wine, caviar, lobster bisque, and homemade pasta with truffles shaved tableside are all standard fare at Potente.
Where: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Sunday CLOSED
Tony’s
Tony’s is the gold standard for Italian restaurants in Houston. After more than 50 years in business, it’s still going strong, with a wine list that never fails to impress, incredible in-house pasta, and delicious dishes like duck press, pan-seared Dover sole, porcini pasta, and salt-crusted snapper. Enjoy Italian classics in a fine-dining environment.
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
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