Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks

4.7

1069 Reviews

$50 and over

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 8, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 51 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Lively

Zanti presents authentic Italian cuisine in a high-end casual atmosphere. Contemporary décor will combine with a charming outdoor patio, bar lounge area, pizza station and lively dining room. Handmade pasta, prepared daily in our kitchen and our gleaming brick oven, in which we will bake pizza, piadinas and select main dishes, will add to the unique vibrancy of Zanti. It is a place to feel yourself among friends and enjoy the beauty of the Italian experience.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Mon, Tue 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Wed, Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(281) 378-4890
Website
https://www.zanticucina.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Hilario Zamora
Private party facilities
www.zanticucina.com

Location
1958 W Gray St suite 101, Houston, TX 77019-4816
Neighborhood
River Oaks
Cross street
Driscoll St
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

Zanti RO power lunch
$35.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Enjoy a three course lunch for $35. Choose from a list of appetizers, entrees and dessert. This menu includes ice tea or soft drink (not bottle water). Service is not included.
Pre theatre menu $55
$55.00 per person
Multiple dates available
3 course meal before the theatre. · First Course · Cacio & Pepe Salad Minestrone Soup Arancini Shrimp Ceviche · Second Course · Chicken Piccata Margherita Pizza True Cheese Ravioli Flank Steak · Third Course · Panna Cotta Homemade Gelato Sorbete

Popular dishes

Imported selection of cheeses and meats, served with rustic Pugliese grilled bread, honeycomb, Marcona almonds, Cerignola olives and truffle stracciatella spread. Meat: Prosciutto di Parma, Golfetta Salame, Sopressata Calabrese Piccante, Coppa or Speck Affumicato. Cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano, Fior d' Arancio, Pantaleo, Sapore del Piave or Trillium

Piccolo$28.00
2 meats and 1 cheese
Medio$38.00
3 meats and 2 cheese
Grande$58.00
4 meats and 3 cheese

Antipasti

Black Truffle Beef Tartare$28.00
hand-cut beef tenderloin, truffle oil, sun-dried tomatoes, celery, Parmigiano Reggiano, capers, parsley, arugula and Dijon lemon dressing
Burrata Caprese$19.00
burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, pesto, roasted pistachios and Maldon sea salt
Duo di Tonno
yellowfin tuna tartare and carpaccio, preserved lemon, fried capers, baby heirloom tomatoes and lemon dressing
Eggplant Parmigiana$13.00
eggplant, melted mozzarella cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, basil and pomodoro
Fritto Misto Mediterraneo$26.00
calamari, shrimp and artichokes, fried, served with arrabbiata, garlic aioli and grilled lemon
Mediterranean Hummus$13.00
chickpea spread, Kalamata and Cerignola olives, mint, extra virgin olive oil and Sardinian Carasau bread
Mussels alla Tarantina$25.00
pomodoro sauce, peperoncino and white wine
Octopus Carpaccio$24.00
fennel, heirloom cherry tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette
Scampi Aglio Olio & Peperoncino$24.00
grilled shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, peperoncino, lemon zest, parsley and grilled lemon
Zanti Artichoke$18.00
artichoke hearts, pancetta, sundried tomatoes, basil, white wine and stracciatella cheese

Insalate & Soup

Artichoke & Roasted Beets$18.00
goat cheese mousse, crispy quinoa, micro celery and oregano vinaigrette
Cacio & Pepe Salad$16.00
baby lettuce, 25-year-old balsamic vinegar, Cacio cheese & pepper dressing and Parmigiano Reggiano
Frutti di Mare Soup$21.00
mussel, clam, baby scallop, shrimp, squid, pomodoro sauce, peperoncino, garlic, white wine and grilled Pugliese bread
Tuna Salad$32.00
seared yellowfin tuna, baby kale, baby arugula, coriander, avocado, Parmigiano Reggiano, red onion, fennel, Maldon sea salt and lemon vinaigrette

Pizze Napoletane

Lobster$38.00
white Parmesan sauce, mozzarella, lobster meat, garlic and basil
Margherita$21.00
mozzarella, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil
Napoletan Pork$25.00
mozzarella, spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, salami, dried oregano and fresh basil
Pesto & Salame Golfetta$25.00
pesto sauce, mozzarella, salame golfetta, roasted pistachios and stracciatella cheese
Piadina Napoletana$23.00
Chef selection of charcuterie meat, truffle stracciatella cheese, baby arugula and extra virgin olive oil
Prosciutto di Parma$24.00
mozzarella, baby arugula and prosciutto
Stefano$28.00
mushroom cream sauce, mozzarella, smoked speck, stracciatella and white truffle oil
Testarossa$28.00
white Parmesan sauce, mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, baby arugula, crispy pancetta, blue cheese and white truffle oil

Pesci e Carni

Braised Lamb Ossobuco$48.00
served with Parmigiano Reggiano risotto
Branzino Baked in Sea Salt$76.00
32 oz fresh Mediterranean Branzino, extra virgin olive oil and grilled vegetables
Chicken Paillard$26.00
thinly pounded grilled chicken breast, baby arugula, heirloom tomatoes and grilled lemon
Halibut alla Sarda$46.00
seared Halibut, zucchini, bell peppers, parsley, crispy prosciutto, garlic and pasta fregola
Lamb T-Bone & Chops$52.00
mint and pea sauce, sautéed seasonal mushrooms, roasted red peppers and crispy brussels sprout
Piedmont Beef Filet$54.00
grilled 8 oz beef filet, creamy mashed potatoes, charred onion and sautéed Chiodini mushrooms
Rib Eye Tagliata$56.00
sliced 14 oz rib eye, arugula, baby cherry heirloom tomatoes, crispy potatoes, Parmesan cheese and mustard demi-glace
Saffron Scallops$42.00
seared scallops with saffron and asparagus risotto
Salmon Acqua Pazza$34.00
kalamata olives, baby heirloom tomatoes, basil, white wine, asparagus and capers
Seafood Cioppino$42.00
shrimp, scallops and mussels, garlic, peperoncino, thyme, heirloom tomatoes, white wine and pomodoro sauce

Homemade Pasta

Beef Ravioli$28.00
braised beef ravioli, sage, red wine and Parmigiano Reggiano
Black Truffle Tagliolini$58.00
butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle oil and fresh black truffle
Gnocchi ai Funghi Silvestri$23.00
roasted mixed mushrooms, cream, garlic and parsley
Pappardelle al Ragú di Ossobuco$34.00
shredded braised veal ossobuco, saffron, pomodoro and Parmigiano Reggiano
Rigatoni All'amatriciana$22.00
guanciale, pomodoro sauce, peperoncino and Parmigiano Reggiano
Tagliatelle Bolognese$24.00
Bolognese sauce and parmesan cheese
Tagliolini Frutti di Mare$31.00
squid ink black tagliolini, shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels, clams, garlic, peperoncino, white wine, basil and pomodoro sauce
Tagliolini Lobster$48.00
white wine saffron lobster sauce
Truffle Cheese Ravioli$26.00
fontina, Taleggio and Parmigiano Reggiano, homemade cheese ravioli in a truffle Parmesan creamy sauce

Alla Griglia

Bistecca alla Fiorentina$148.00
42 oz Prime Porterhouse served tableside
Costata di Manzo$84.00
grilled 22 oz prime Cowboy

Contorni

Brussels Sprout$10.00
fried brussels sprout with Italian saba balsamic vinegar
Crispy Potatoes$10.00
garlic, rosemary, thyme and olive oil
Sage Polenta & Seasonal Mushroom$12.00
Wild Mushrooms$14.00
mix of wild mushrooms, sautéed with olive oil, whole roasted garlic, rosemary and parsley

What 1,069 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Zanti Cucina Italiana in River Oaks is celebrated for its "amazing service" and "beautiful ambiance." Guests rave about the "extensive wine list" and dishes like "truffle pasta." While some find it "a bit loud," the overall dining experience is praised for its "excellent food" and attentive staff, making it a top choice for special occasions.

1,069 Reviews

C
Christy
VIP
Amarillo
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food, wine, and cocktails were incredible. The bartender was our waiter and he gave the best service we have probably ever had anywhere! He was very knowledgeable about the food and drink options, and gave great pairing recommendations. The ambiance was wonderful and the meal was outstanding. This was a wonderful experience and we will be back soon!
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for the glowing review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the food, drinks, and ambiance, and that our bartender provided such exceptional service. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful experience soon!
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j
jamie
VIP
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious! Great food and good service. No complaints
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the food and service. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!
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C
Claire
VIP
Houston
55 reviews
5.0
55 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant with delicious food. We started with a charcuterie board and the Black Truffle Beef Tartare which was very delicious. My husband had the Black Truffle Tagliolini which was delish. I had the Chicken Picatta which was a little dry and my son had the Bolognese which he loved. For dessert we had the TORTINO DI LATTE BRUCIATO which was amazing! Cocktails were also very good. We will definitely be back.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the ambiance, delicious dishes, and cocktails. We appreciate your feedback on the Chicken Picatta and are thrilled to hear the rest of your meal, especially the dessert, was a hit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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J
Jeri
VIP
Houston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious. My husband had the steak. I had the lobster and pasta. The lobster was a little tough and overcooked, but the pasta was so delicious. I didn’t mind. We also had the calamari and shrimp appetizer, which was delicious Our service was excellent We will definitely be back
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you enjoyed the food, especially the pasta and appetizers, and that the service was excellent. We appreciate your feedback on the lobster and will share it with our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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S
Sudini
Houston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Excellent food. Service was not very good for the price.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the food, but we’re sorry the service fell short, especially for such an important celebration. Your comments about the experience and menu knowledge have been shared with our team to ensure we can do better in the future. We would love to chat with you directly to resolve this experience and welcome you back.
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K
K.M.
VIP
Houston
39 reviews
4.0
39 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our first experience at Zanti - celebrating the end of the holidays with some close friends. We had a lovely evening. The food was excellent, but the noise level was a little loud - not many soft surfaces. Otherwise definitely will return.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for choosing Zanti to celebrate with your friends! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the food and had a lovely evening. We appreciate your feedback on the noise level and will keep it in mind as we strive to enhance the dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
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E
Ella
Houston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We went to a restaurant on New Year’s Eve, and they gave us a table in a very unpleasant location. It took some time before they agreed to move us. The hostess didn’t seem to put in much effort until the manager arrived and immediately moved us. We explained to the waitress that we keep kosher, meaning we don’t mix meat and dairy and don’t eat pork. However, they served us artichoke with ham. Unfortunately, we won’t be returning there.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the seating issue and the misunderstanding regarding your dietary needs, especially on such an important evening. Your comments have been shared with our team to ensure we do better in the future. We would love the chance to welcome you back and provide a much better experience.
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J
Janitsa
Houston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Ambience was nice, service was nice and not too delayed despite being NYE and super busy. Drinks are delicious, but the food… oh the food… only the salmone appetizer was delicious. The gnoccheti with wild boar had a good flavor but very salty, the halibut broth tasted like a campbell canned soup, same exact flavor on the risotto. Very terrible quality for a dinner at $140 per person. This is my fourth time going to Zanti and the first to disappoint which makes me think maybe its not ideal going on NYE. Sadly I also noticed my favorite pizza with the golfetta mortadella removed from the menu… starting to think maybe I won’t be coming back for some time.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 5 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, despite the issues with the meal. We take your comments seriously and will address them with our team to ensure a better experience for your next visit. We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back soon to turn things around.
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M
Mason
Houston
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very nice Italian food. Prefix menu for special events like NYE is limited. Overall a bit over priced for what it is. But still a nice place to celebrate
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 5 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the Italian food and chose Zanti to celebrate. We appreciate your thoughts and hope to welcome you back in the New Year!
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R
Ray
VIP
Houston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service The food was good but not great, specifically overcooked halibut and deserts were sub par.
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River OaksResponded 1 day ago
Thank you for your feedback. While we’re glad to hear you enjoyed the service, we’re sorry the food didn’t meet your expectations. Your comments about the halibut and desserts have been shared with our team. We would love the chance to welcome you back and provide a much better experience.
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FAQs

Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (281) 378-4890.

Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks is rated 4.7 stars by 1069 OpenTable diners.