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Top picks in Houston

Pasta with ice cream

A savory pasta dinner followed by a cold scoop of ice cream is the only way to end the day.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Rafaello Pizza & Coffee image 1
Rafaello Pizza & Coffee image 2
Rafaello Pizza & Coffee image 3
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Italian restaurant

Bright space with big windows overlooking the bayou and a modern pizza oven creates a fresh, inviting setting. Warm, cozy atmosphere features Israeli music and a vibe suited for casual dates or business meetings. Offers kosher and vegetarian options with standout pizza, pasta, and gelato.

Truffle pasta stands out with rich flavor, while the Rose Pasta offers a generous, tasty portion. Pasta dishes come with fresh, flavorful sauces and pair well with salads and pizzas.

A huge variety of gelato flavors fills the menu. Caramel and baklava stand out as delicious ice cream options.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"The pizza here is hot, crispy, and worth the price."

"The pasta here is rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and kosher options.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

02
Ray's Italian Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Small dining room offers a family-friendly casual atmosphere with basic tables and chairs and a pleasant, clean environment. The space feels relaxed but can be loud at times, creating an unassuming vibe suited for casual meals.

Pasta dishes come cooked well with options like Angel Hair in Scampi Sauce and classic lasagna. Spaghetti and meatball calzone also stand out among the varied pasta selections.

Gelato stands out with its excellent quality and wonderful flavors. The Cookie Monster Gelato is a popular choice among kids.

People are saying

"The pasta and pizza here are amazing."

"The pasta dishes here are amazing, especially the chicken piccata."

"I thought the gelato was excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers make-your-own pasta, pizza, and stromboli options.

2

Catering requests are available for special events.

3

The restaurant uses counter service for lunch.

03
Tavola Italian Restaurant image 1

Elegant dining room with an adjacent sunroom and a gorgeous patio creates an intimate setting. Soft lighting and moderate music foster a serene, authentic Italian vibe ideal for romantic evenings. Guests enjoy innovative tiramisu, expertly crafted cocktails, and a parmesan cheese trolley amid classic, sophisticated decor.

Handmade seafood pasta offers a rich and indulgent flavor. Cacio e Pepe pasta stays creamy and peppery with every serving. Freshly shaved White Alba Truffle tops each dish, adding a luxurious touch.

Homemade gelato features prominently, with olive oil and risotto flavors standing out. The olive oil gelato offers a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream.

People are saying

"The pasta here is always perfectly cooked al dente."

"Their Italian Food tiramisu was outstanding and memorable."

"The olive oil ice cream was refreshing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, requiring valet service due to a small lot.

3

The restaurant is expensive; expect to pay around $100 per person.

04
Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks image 1

Italian restaurant offers elegant decor with dim lighting and a romantic atmosphere. Live piano music enhances the experience, while complimentary valet parking adds convenience. Noise levels can be high during dinner, making conversation challenging.

Most pastas taste great with highlights like Vodka Pasta in a pizza dough shell and Truffle Cheese Ravioli. Dishes like Gnocchi Al Funghi Silvestri and Pappardelle Al Ragu Ossobucco stand out.

Frozen chocolate mousse and nugget ice cream with raspberry create a unique dessert experience. A brownie with ice cream often arrives with a sparkling candle for celebration.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to Matthew's thoughtful suggestions."

"The truffle pasta here is delicious and served tableside."

"The gelato here is so creamy and rich, especially the pistachio."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Thursday evenings during happy hour.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare services.

05
Bar Bludorn image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a masculine, sleek interior with mid-century modern decor and warm wood accents. Atmosphere ranges from calm and relaxing to loud and lively, with most tables facing an open kitchen. The space feels secluded from the street despite corner location, creating a unique neighborhood vibe.

Artichoke ravioli stands out with a rich flavor. The mushroom pasta offers a savory option alongside other well-cooked dishes.

Ice cream sandwiches come with desserts like chocolate cake and blueberry cake. Lemon ice cream pairs well with the blueberry cake. Chocolate cake and ice cream cookie stand out as dessert highlights.

People are saying

"The food here is absolutely excellent and delicious."

"The Carbonara pasta here was perfect."

"The ice cream sandwich is like a churro dipped in hot chocolate."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, but street parking can be challenging.

2

Happy hour is only available at the bar and patio.

3

Expect a packed bar during happy hour, so arrive early.

06
Camaraderie image 1
Restaurant

Modern Scandinavian design shapes the space with open kitchen, natural light, and cool wood tones. Atmosphere balances relaxed and inviting vibes, especially on the patio, though brightness and acoustics lean toward casual. Bar area stands out with expertly crafted cocktails and a curated wine list.

Dauphinรฉ ravioli offers a rich, tender bite, while Doppio pasta comes with a minty pea side and a sweet corn side. Veal Osso Buco pairs perfectly with the pasta, adding a tender, rich element.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The raspberry frozen marshmallow sorbet is tart and refreshing."

"The pasta here is thin, crisp, and cheesy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu, especially on weekends.

2

The prix fixe menu is not available for walk-ins; advance booking is necessary.

3

Parking is ample and free in the restaurant's private lot.

07
Okto image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an elegant bar and gorgeous outdoor space with unique decoration and a stunning bar setup. The atmosphere stays lively with good music and a high vibration energy, perfect for nights out or dates.

Squid ink linguine stands out with a delicious flavor and a nice kick. Oyster mushrooms add a lot of flavor alongside crab in the pasta dishes.

Pistachio ice cream features four types of pistachio including ice cream, ganache, caramelized, and halva, creating a balanced mix of textures and flavors. Other options include strawberry sorbet and cheesecake ice cream.

People are saying

"The bar seating offers amazing, welcoming hospitality from the staff."

"The squid ink pasta with crab was incredible."

"I loved the pistachio ice cream with four types of pistachio."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, but self-parking is not validated.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

08
Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Upscale Italian gastro features live music performances with moderate volume, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Modern, clean design includes indoor and outdoor seating plus a dedicated kids' area, blending family-friendly with sophisticated vibes.

Carbonara pasta stands out as a dish rarely offered elsewhere and worth trying. The pasta dishes, including shrimp alfredo and Pasta a la Ruota, come perfectly cooked and offer a variety of flavors.

Creamy textures stand out in the pistachio and salted caramel gelato. Raspberry gelato offers a fruity twist alongside classic flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and bursting with well-balanced flavors."

"The Alfredo pasta here is so creamy and tasty."

"The steak was very well cooked and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6 PM, Monday through Friday.

2

They offer half off menu items and drinks during happy hour.

3

The appetizers are half price during happy hour.

09
Cosmo Eatery image 1
American restaurant

Spacious American restaurant with sleek, clean decor and a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Families enjoy foosball and giant Jenga, adding a playful touch to the calm setting. Bright, welcoming space feels relaxing and kid-friendly.

Cajun pasta stands out with its rich flavor. Pasta dishes come alongside grilled wings and other hearty options.

Strawberry cheesecake ice cream stands out with fresh, rich flavor. The cookie butter gelato tastes amazing and the gelato overall has a fresh fruit quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"I thought the Cajun pasta was really good and savory."

"Their cookie butter gelato tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is halal.

2

The food is affordable, costing between $10 and $25.

3

Parking spots in front are ticket traps; be cautious.

10
Palazzo's Cafe: Briargrove image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with cozy Italian cafe charm and a welcoming atmosphere encourages conversation. Regulars enjoy consistently good food featuring standout dishes like pizza and chicken piccata. Location feels intimate and tucked away, adding to its neighborhood appeal.

Thick, cheesy meat lasagna stands out with a homemade feel. Other pasta options include Penne Stefano, Palazzo pasta, and Fettuccine Alfredo served with a side salad, though some dishes are average.

Gelato stands out as a favorite dessert here. It pairs well with meals like lasagna and is enjoyed despite other dish issues.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot, fresh, and good."

"The staff here make you feel so comfortable and welcome."

"I had the best thick, cheesy, homemade pasta ever."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

The restaurant allows customers to bring their own alcohol.

3

Delivery orders make up a significant portion of their business.

11
Jason's Deli image 1
Restaurant

Large, spacious restaurant with a very laid-back and quiet atmosphere. Family-friendly environment with a well-maintained, fresh salad bar and free soft serve ice cream. Seating is ample and the noise level is low, making it comfortable for those sensitive to sound.

Alfredo pasta comes in generous portions and tastes delicious. Penne pasta with meatballs is also available and well-prepared.

Free, soft serve ice cream cones come with meals. The ice cream machine offers a sweet treat that adds a little joy to the day.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of healthy options on the salad bar."

"The penne pasta with meatballs is delicious."

"I loved the Alfredo pasta; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is close to the restaurant but can be difficult to access due to street traffic.

2

The salad bar is well stocked and kept clean, offering a variety of healthy options.

3

Expect a busy dining area during peak hours, especially on Tuesday evenings.

12
il Bracco image 1
Italian restaurant

Mid-century modern design with teak wood accents and 60s-70s light fixtures creates a chic, kitschy vibe. Atmosphere feels lively and aromatic, often loud enough to challenge conversation in larger groups. Indoor and outdoor spaces include a patio with fireplace and a lounge area with sumptuous booths.

House-made pasta stands out with great texture and bursting flavor. Dishes like lasagna and cacio e pepe deliver exceptional flavor consistently.

Chocolate brownie pairs with ice cream and whipped cream for a classic finish. Italian Sundae features vanilla ice cream, crushed pistachio, olive oil, and sea salt for a unique twist.

People are saying

"I loved the house-made pasta dishes here."

"I loved the house-made pasta; it was cooked to perfection."

"You have to try the ice cream with olive oil."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining options with ground-level entry for easy access.

2

Parking can be tight during peak times, but there is a free parking lot available.

3

Happy hour features small dishes recommended by the head chef.

13
The Kennedy image 1
American restaurant

Small indoor space combines elegant decor with live piano and DJ music, creating a chic yet inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and a stunning bar with a beautiful chandelier add to the experience. The vibe shifts from relaxed dining to lively entertainment as the evening progresses.

Lobster pasta stands out with flavorful truffle white wine sauce and well-cooked lobster. The lobster spaghetti twist is rich and indulgent, often paired with sides like braised rib macaroni and cheese.

Burrata ice cream stands out with its authentic flavor. The Kennedy sundae offers a simple but tasty option. Overall, the ice cream for dessert is good.

People are saying

"The drinks here are creative, balanced, and made with top-shelf ingredients."

"The pasta here is served with genuinely excellent, warm service."

"The Kennedy ice cream sundae was simple but delicious."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $10 and is available right at the entrance.

2

A mandatory 'card acceptance fee' is charged per guest, regardless of the number of cards used.

3

After 10 PM, the venue transforms into a lounge with a DJ.

14
Granger's Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers beautiful interiors with cozy, hip atmosphere and dim lighting. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating accommodates larger groups and private events. Complimentary Prosecco on arrival and a well-appointed bar add to the welcoming vibe.

Salmon Pasta features a perfect sauce pairing that enhances its savory flavors. Shrimp Pasta dishes offer large, flavorful shrimp with creamy, well-balanced sauces and perfectly cooked pasta.

Desserts feature ice cream paired with rich treats like Texas pecan pie and chocolate decadence. Options include peanut crunch ice cream and chocolate brownie served with ice cream.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are amazing, especially the wagyu meatballs."

"I got a complimentary brownie and ice cream for my birthday."

"The chicken fried steak was out of this world, full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6 PM, offering great drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is available in the garage above the restaurant for convenience.

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