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Downtown Houston's best

Italian lunch spots

A midday pasta or pizza is the only way to power through the afternoon. A quiet Italian lunch is a necessary pause in a busy day.

Based on 678 Opinions
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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 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.

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

Lunch service moves quickly even when busy, with staff like Noah providing attentive and friendly care. The menu offers satisfying options that make it a solid choice for a midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious and amazing."

"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 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.

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.

Quick service suits a busy lunch break. The Tuesday special offers a satisfying meal option. Walking there fits well into a short lunch window.

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 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.

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.

Lunch offers a loaded menu priced at $25 during restaurant week. Meals come out beautifully presented and provide solid value on a Sunday.

People are saying

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

"The Lunch Spot's ahi tacos and nachos were delicious."

"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
Frank's Pizza image 1
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.

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.

Quick lunches fill you up in about 15 minutes with great pizza. Staff stay patient during rushes, making it easy to order even with questions.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot is a hidden gem with a great price-to-food ratio."

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.

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.

Lunch here suits special occasions and casual visits alike. The spot offers a relaxed setting for midday meals.

People are saying

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

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

"Our server Kira gave great recommendations for our whole meal."

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
Mamajuana Cafe image 1
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.

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

Late lunches find the place nearly empty. Early Sunday lunches come with extremely loud music. Service during lunch can be frustrating.

People are saying

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

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

"The atmosphere at this lunch spot is luxurious and incredible."

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.

07
Little New Orleans image 1
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.

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.

Fast service delivers hot meals even during the lunch rush. The menu offers amazing variety making it a solid choice for lunch.

People are saying

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

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

"The food at this lunch spot is always hot and fresh."

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.

08
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.

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.

Staff wear gloves during lunch but reuse them for multiple tasks including eating and cleaning. This practice stands out during lunchtime service.

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.

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