chron.com | tubular tv | comics | games | horoscopes | iPhone | Quick Search
Originally published 6.4.2009. Updated 3.2.10
Bistro Don Camillo
1. Giacomo's Cibo e Vino
2. Amici
3. Dolce Vita Pizzeria Enoteca
4. Candelari's Pizzeria
5. Patrenella's
6. Ristorante Cavour
7. Via Emilia
8. Bistro Don Camillo
9. Oporto Cafe
10. Da Marco
11. Gina's Italian Bistro
12. Santa Barbara Italian Cafe
13. Michelangelo's
Russo's
14. Russo's New York Pizzeria
15. Nino's
16. Josephine's Ristorante
17. Ciro's Italian Grill
18. Prego
19. Pronto Cucinino
20. Trevisio
21. Crapitto's Cucina Italiana
22. Damian's Cucina Italiana
23. La Vista
24. Poscol
25. Simposio Restaurant
26. Mancuso's Italian Table
27. Sweet Temptation
28. Amerigo's Grille
29. Mangola's Italian Restaurant
This is a joke, isn't it?
No, it's not a joke. The point is there are more than 5,000 restaurants in the greater Houston area, but most of us tend to get in a dining rut and patronize the same five or six restaurants.
The restaurants recommended here are simply at starting part for exploring Houston's vibrant restaurant scene. Some of these are recommended for their menu as a whole, others for just one dish. Some are unique in their atmosphere, their customer service or just the way their patio feels on a Sunday afternoon.
The point is to look for homegrown restaurants and avoid the Olive Gardens and Maggiano's of this world.
yummmm..... Dolce Vita is worth every calorie.
Craiganales? really?
Its changed hands now, its called Lacey's.
I would also recommend Cavatore's on Ella...it has a really nice atmosphere (apparently the building its in is an old barn they found in Bastrop, according to the menu), there's a live piano player, and the food is pretty good too. Try the tableside ceasar salad, yumm.
Syd, most of the list is great, but I'm wondering how Justin Basye is up for a James Beard award yet his Stella Sola doesn't make your 29. I'm thinking it's the one YOU must try.
MAJOR oversight in leaving Ramano's (off West Grey) off the list. They make one of the BEST NY style pizzas in Houston and consistently are rated among the best.
Not sure who makes these lists but creditability is seriously lacking.
My bad - didn't see you give Romanos props in your pizza list.
I'm in San Antonio, and there are no restaurants like these here.
C'mon, gotta be a joke. Pronto? Really? Why not just group Pronto/Nino/Damian's all in the same entry, since they're essentially the same food?
Why is Raia's on Washington not on this list? They have to have the best thin crust pizza in the city and pasta dishes that are excellent with great friendly service.
I agree with those who say Romano's and Raia's belong on this list. I also think the original Carraba's on Kirby remains a gem. Yes, it's crowded, yes the recipes and concept have been franchised, but the fact remains that the original on Kirby consistently turns out excellent Italian food with a Texas twist, and provides excellent service with a well-trained staff. Never fails. We're lucky to have it.
Villagio's on San Felipe is excellent. You can BYOB there as well. Service is awesome as well.
Surprising to see Arco D'Oro and Perbacco, two Italian-owned and run restaurants not on the list.
This list is incomplete if you don't include Luigi's on Almeda. Awesome pizza!
Sadly, #16 Josephine's, has closed. It will be missed.
Mancuso's Italian Table on S. Voss is awesome!
Angelos in CL is a MUST try. Best and most authentic NY Style pizza in the city. Other Italian entrees are phenomenal as well!