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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Houston

Italian Food

A craving for authentic pasta and a hearty meal is hard to ignore. It is time to find a place that specializes in the classics.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 2026
01
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Brunch restaurant

Brunch restaurant offers an upscale setting with live jazz and R&B music that energizes the space. Seating includes a patio deck and upstairs views of the city, creating a lively yet mature atmosphere. The bar features inviting chairs and expertly crafted cocktails, enhancing the overall experience.

Food here is consistently outstanding and impeccable with every dish hitting the mark. Drinks and service match the quality, making the whole experience amazing.

Seafood Cajun pasta stands out with perfectly cooked lobster, shrimp, and crawfish. The dish offers a flavorful experience that earns high marks for taste.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The American food here, especially the oxtail and grits, tastes like grandma's cooking."

"I'll come back for the flavorful Cajun seafood pasta."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 7 pm, featuring lamb chops and drink specials.

2

A $50 per person deposit is required for reservations.

3

The restaurant has no dedicated parking lot available.

02
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Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant combines modern and rustic decor with a lively atmosphere featuring live music and dancing. The space includes a busy bar area and a speakeasy that adds a club-like vibe. The environment feels cozy yet chic, attracting guests who enjoy energetic evenings with music and socializing.

Dominican dishes offer rich flavors and come with well-crafted drinks during brunch. Food quality stays consistent and service supports a smooth dining experience.

Oxtail fettuccine stands out with its tasty and flavorful profile. It draws repeat visits for dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The Sunday Brunch here felt like a club with great music."

"The oxtail fettuccine here is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live Latin music starts at 9 PM on Thursdays.

3

Salsa dancing takes place every Thursday night.

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Steak house

Steak house offers a stylish, fast-paced vibe with a beautiful rooftop lounge and complimentary champagne on arrival. Music sets a perfect tone while bartenders craft notable cocktails. Seating varies, with some areas feeling narrow and others more private.

Food comes with great service and well-crafted drinks. Every dish shows attention to detail and quality.

People are saying

"The service here is outstanding, with amazing recommendations."

"The food here was amazing and well-seasoned."

"The Italian food here is amazing, with servers who give great recommendations."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

A two-hour dining limit is enforced, not disclosed at reservation.

04
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American restaurant

Historic building with high ceilings and greenery on walls creates a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting. Comfortable seating supports relaxed dining and socializing. Private upstairs lounge offers an elegant space for events and group gatherings.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a focus on quality. Dishes come with excellent flavors and the overall dining experience feels perfectly executed.

Char-grilled chicken and pasta dishes stand out with balanced sauces and generous portions. Options include Chicken Milanese, Tuscan Chicken Fettuccine, and Fettuccine with sausage and shrimp.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the crab crusted redfish."

"The bartender Destiny made excellent recommendations and great drinks."

"The chicken pasta here is delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Steak night on Thursdays offers great value for meat lovers.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights like steak night.

05
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Pizza restaurant

Small space with nostalgic old New York style vibe feels cramped and hot when crowded. Loud, busy atmosphere fills with sports on TV and background music. Seating spreads from front counter to upstairs, offering window views despite tight quarters.

Food features delicious pizza and consistently amazing flavors. Service complements the exceptional dining experience.

Pizza features whole milk mozzarella cheese that stands out in quality. The Pesto Spinach pizza is prepared with care. Lasagna includes pleasant bites of ricotta. Kids enjoy mozzarella sticks and jalapeรฑos poppers from Frank's Pizza.

People are saying

"This pizza is fantastic, just like New York pizza."

"I thought the food here was the best pizza place ever."

"This Italian food has the best pizza crust, like a real New York slice."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan to arrive early or use rideshare.

3

The restaurant is open late until 3 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

06
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Pizza restaurant

New York style pizzeria with a warm, home-like atmosphere and fresh pizza smell fills the space. The vibe stays quiet and relaxing even on busy nights. It offers large pizza slices and good value for those seeking classic pizza and chicken wings.

Offers comfort food with a good selection of options at reasonable prices. Food quality is consistently very good and satisfying.

Vegetarian and supreme pizzas come with parmesan and Cholula for extra flavor. Spaghetti and meatballs arrive with salad, while eggplant and chicken parmesan stand out as memorable dishes. Mozzarella sticks are crispy, and the menu includes pasta, sandwiches, and desserts like tiramisu.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was delicious and tasted great."

"The pizza here is amazing and the toppings are generous."

"The food here, especially the pizza, is great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first-come, first-served.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, but may stop serving earlier.

3

No alcohol is served at this location.

07
Ciccio's Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with cute aesthetic featuring greenery, art, and pasta decorations creates a cozy and casual vibe despite some noise. Fresh, exceptionally good pasta stands out amid simple service and plastic dishware. Atmosphere mixes friendly energy with a lively, informal setting.

Food arrives quickly and tastes very delicious with a clear focus on Italian dishes. Service matches the food quality, making the overall experience incredible.

Fresh, made-from-scratch pasta stands out with dishes like traditional Bolognese, shrimp scampi, and creamy Alfredo. Prices stay cheap while flavors stay rich and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is insanely fresh and authentic."

"I will return whenever I want fresh seafood."

"I found the food here to be super delicious."

Good to know

1

The small pasta dish costs $18.

2

The portions at Ciccio's Pasta are very big.

3

You can see the staff making the pasta if you go at the right time.

08
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New American restaurant

Small space with about 20 seats and exposed brick walls creates an intimate atmosphere. Mood lighting adds to the cozy and elegant vibe despite some harsh fluorescent light near the kitchen counter. Guests often make reservations to experience the upscale New American dining in a relaxed setting.

Food shows delicate care in every dish, with highlights like apple dish, tomato toast, chicken leg, and fish standing out. The menu offers modern American cuisine that feels both upscale and cozy.

Pasta dishes feature tagliolini and others filled with cream and native grapes or flavored like dressed oysters. Panna cotta also stands out as a notable dessert option.

People are saying

"The tomato toast is insanely tasty and I could eat it every day."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The tomato toast here is the star of the Italian food night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at Theodore Rex.

2

Parking can be difficult, consider using an Uber.

3

The restaurant has no specific dress code.

09
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Cajun restaurant

Small space with about seven tables and some outdoor seating creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels cozy, authentic Southern charm, and relaxed, offering a welcoming family vibe. Music adds to the chill mood, making it a peaceful escape from the busy city outside.

Food delivers authentic Cajun flavors with standout dishes like boudin and boudin balls. Every bite captures the true taste of New Orleans.

Pasta dishes come with chicken and sausage, often in a creamy Alfredo or bourbon sauce. Spaghetti pairs with hot wings and garlic butter toast for a flavorful combo.

People are saying

"This American food's yaka mein is the best I've ever had."

"This food, especially the yaka mein, is the best I've ever had."

"The pasta here is so cheesy and loaded with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in downtown.

2

Little New Orleans operates more as an order-to-go place for lunch.

3

I recommend placing your order online because they get swamped around noon.

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