Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Arturo Boada Cuisine

4.9

4.9 (805)

$31 to $50

Italian

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

This neighborhood eatery serves up an eclectic blend of Italian, Spanish and Latin cuisine not to be missed. Try unique tapas like the camarones henesy en hamaca, mussels tomatillo, ceviche and many more. The wood burning-oven puts out authentic thin crust pizzas, with favorites such as the carnitas pizza. We offer a flavorful selection of fresh seafood and steaks. Our home made desserts are a must, from wood oven baked apple pastry to Arturo’s famous crème brulee. The hand picked wine list offers a variety of boutique and exclusive wineries. We are very happy to accommodate any of your special requests.

Top review

NicoleVIP

Dined today

Enjoyed the whole dining experience! Very hospitable staff!

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Popular dish

Snapper Al Fresco

Porta'Vino

4.9

4.9 (1522)

$30 and under

Italian

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Houstons newest BYOB Restaurant.
Casual Atmosphere, Incredible wine prices, Amazing Food

Top review

NickVIP

Dined today

Bill and his team do a tremendous job at pretty much everything. One of our favorite go-to restaurants!

Tony's

4.9

4.9 (917)

$31 to $50

Italian

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

For over 50 years, Tony’s has been Houston’s pinnacle of fine dining. Under Donna Vallone's leadership, Chef Kate McLean brings a vibrant twist, blending live-action presentations with meticulous attention to detail. The menu features house-made pasta, seasonal ingredients, and signature dishes like Flaming Salt Crust Snapper and the indulgent Battle Axe Course. Alongside caviar and tasting menus, Kate’s creations merge her free spirit with the formal tradition instilled by her mentor, Tony Vallone. A Houston native, Kate became Tony’s first female Executive Chef in 2013. After a brief hiatus exploring writing and co-hosting a podcast, she returned in 2022 as Executive Chef and Partner, continuing Tony’s legacy. Located near Greenway Plaza and The Galleria, Tony’s remains the destination for upscale dining, offering a curated spirits list, extensive wine selection, and unforgettable experiences.

Top review

Anyoleth

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely time, and the food was both inventive and delicious. The cotton candy foie gras was a real treat!

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Experience

New Year's Eve 1st Seating

Experience

New Year's Eve 2nd Seating

Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza

4.9

4.9 (1007)

$30 and under

Italian

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

Mia Bella Trattoria – which translates as “My Beautiful” Trattoria, is a delightful combination of Italian tradition and regional American twists. With multiple locations, the dining destinations are fun, intimate and moderately priced just like the traditional Trattorias where Italian families gathered for wine and delicious food. In a tradition of his own making, Owner/Chef Youssef Nafaa has created an exciting menu of familiar foods pushed to a new level with daring preparations and imaginative ingredients. Wine lovers will find a pleasingly extensive list of evenly priced wines while those seeking cocktails will find the same combination of classic recipes and creative mixings which set the menus apart.

Top review

Shannon

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful food. Exceptional service. Server, Jose, was very professional and attentive.

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Mia Bella Ceasar Salad

Sorrento Ristorante Italiano

4.8

4.8 (3364)

$31 to $50

Italian

Montrose

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of the Montrose area, this quaint, award-winning restaurant serves up modern, creative, and classic Italian cuisine. As you enter the front door, you are warmly greeted by a rounded bar with a beautiful piano. The dark, romantic ambiance continues into a spacious main dining area where you are seated at a candlelit table in view of an exquisite Sorrento mural as well as Picasso and Chagall paintings. Sorrento Ristorante has become a favorite Houston Italian restaurant of locals and out-of-towners looking for the perfect Italian dining experience in Houston. Additionally, our private dining options are outstanding both for dinner parties and luncheons. Sorrento is here to provide you with the finest cuisine with the best service in Houston. Sorrento has been voted as one of Houston’s finest Italian Restaurants and also Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.

Top review

JamieVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Truly enjoyed the service and atmosphere. Great restaurant for any occasion.

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Popular dish

Caprese Salad

Potente

4.8

4.8 (1939)

$50 and over

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Potente is a sophisticated and upscale Italian restaurant located in downtown Houston led by Executive Chef Danny Trace. Every dish is locally sourced and uses only the highest quality ingredients. Try our chef favorite homemade pasta with black truffles shaved table side, petite filet with pistachio gremolata and homemade desserts sure to delight!

Our attire is relaxed formal. Shorts, hats, sneakers, torn clothing and sweat pants not permitted.

Top review

kellyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Always fantastic. Took a friend here for her first visit and she loved it.

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Experience

New Year’s Eve at Potente!

Piatto Ristorante (Galleria)

4.9

4.9 (1044)

$30 and under

Italian

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Piatto Ristorante is owned and operated by John Marion Carrabba of the famed Carrabba family, who created the menu from recipes passed down through four generations. The home-style Italian food found at Piatto Ristorante pleases the palate, as well as touches the heart. John personally oversees all details, making sure that his guests have a fantastic culinary experience. Piatto Ristorante offers full-service catering, private banquet rooms, box lunches and delivery.

Top review

DrewVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing dining experience with my family. This little hidden gem in the Galleria never disappoints. From the service, the food, and the atmosphere of the restaurant everything was first class. We will look forward to our next visit to Piatto’s!

Laurenzo's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2231)

$31 to $50

Italian

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Created by the founders of El Tiempo Cantina, Houston’s First Family of Tex Mex, Laurenzo’s Restaurant features the other side of their family’s Italian, Mexican and American Culinary Heritage. The menu, one of the largest in the city, is packed with recipes dating back generations, and includes fresh Gulf Seafood, Prime Rib, and home-made pasta. If you’re in the mood for good ‘old home-style cooking’ made from scratch daily with the freshest of ingredients, then Laurenzo’s is your place. The family has been cooking with love in Houston for over three generations, just the way their matriarch Mama Ninfa Laurenzo taught them.

Make your reservation today! Goza Cada Momento – Enjoy Every Moment!

Top review

Dined today

A truly a wonderful place. The food was spot on…not one bad dish. My new favorite place. So glad to have tried it out

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Experience

Thursday's Prime Rib & Steak Night

AMORE Italian Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (686)

$31 to $50

Italian

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

Amore Italian Restaurant is a charming family-owned establishment in Houston, celebrated for exceptional dishes featuring the finest seafood and prime steaks served in an inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of our vibrant community, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients and a commitment to top quality. Our diverse menu includes everything from handmade pizzas to sumptuous truffle pasta, with highlights like Chef Alfredo Mojica’s spaghetti all'astice and perfectly seared filet mignon with peppercorn brandy sauce.

Amore has become a favorite destination for notable patrons who appreciate elevated culinary dining, often praising us as the most authentic Italian restaurant. In a city filled with restaurants, Amore stands out as a local gem, promising unforgettable meals, 5 star service and a dedication to Italian traditions.

2024:
Houston Chronicle Top 19 Italian Restaurants
Houston Chronicle Top 20 Pizza Spots
Eater Houston 24 Essential Italian Restaurants

Top review

BettyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our meal was outstanding, as usual. The wait staff was excellent as well.

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Magdalena's Trattoria Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (158)

$31 to $50

Italian

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

The passionate General Manager responsible for acclaimed Houston establishments DaMarco and Dolce Vita has embarked on a new culinary adventure that will transport patrons to the heart of Italy. This new journey led to the creation of Magdalena’s Pizza and Trattoria – a haven for the finest Italian pizza and pasta.

Magdalena’s is an inviting space where everyone can gather to experience the true essence of Italian cuisine. The secret to Magdalena’s success lies in our commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients imported directly from Italy. To compliment the cuisine, we offers an extensive wine list available for purchase by the case with the most competitive retail pricing.

The dedication to excellence in customer experience, the discipline required to produce elevated dishes, and loyalty to authenticity are all traits instilled in Chef Nicolas Nikic by his Italian mother. It is not surprising, therefore, that the restaurant bears her name in homag

Top review

Tammy

Dined today

Took my friend here for a belated birthday. Excellent food and cozy ambience.

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