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Italian food in Downtown Houston

You have a high bar for authentic Italian food and you expect the kitchen to meet it every time.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Taste Kitchen + Bar image 1
Taste Kitchen + Bar image 2
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Brunch restaurant

Brunch spot shines with live jazz and a patio deck offering city views. Italian seafood Cajun pasta features lobster and shrimp cooked to perfection. Bar serves expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, upscale setting.

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
Roma's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

New York style pizzeria offers large pizza slices and a warm atmosphere with a fresh pizza smell. Classic Italian dishes like eggplant parmesan and spaghetti with meatballs come with tasty sides. Quiet vibe makes it perfect for relaxing while enjoying crispy mozzarella sticks and chicken wings.

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."

"This is a great lunch spot for fast, affordable food."

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

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.

03
Hearsay Market Square image 1
American restaurant

Historic building with high ceilings and greenery sets a cozy mood. Italian dishes like Chicken Milanese and Tuscan pasta shine with balanced sauces. Comfortable seating and a private lounge make it great for relaxed dining and events.

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.

04
Mamajuana Cafe image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with live music and a speakeasy vibe. Oxtail fettuccine shines as a flavorful dish for dinner. Cozy yet chic space invites energetic evenings with dancing and socializing.

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.

05
Bungalow image 1
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.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are delicious 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.

06
Ciccio's Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian dishes shine with fresh pasta and rich flavors like Bolognese and Alfredo. Cozy vibe blends greenery and art for a casual, lively feel. Service is simple, and plastic dishware keeps prices low, matching the friendly energy.

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."

"You should try this Lunch Spot if you like delicious, freshly made noodles."

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.

07
Frank's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space buzzes with a nostalgic vibe and loud sports on TV. Pizza shines with whole milk mozzarella and the Pesto Spinach is a standout. Kids love the mozzarella sticks and jalapeรฑo poppers, making it a lively spot for families.

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."

"It's a great late night spot for a greasy pizza slice."

"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.

08
Theodore Rex image 1
New American restaurant

Small space with exposed brick walls offers an intimate vibe. Upscale New American dishes blend with creative pasta like tagliolini filled with cream and grapes. Cozy mood lighting enhances the relaxed setting, perfect for savoring standout panna cotta dessert.

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."

"It's a small, cozy place with exposed brick walls."

"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.

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Downtown Houston, Houston

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