Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Northwest

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Crisp - Heights

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Heights / Washington

Booked 4 times today

Crisp - Heights in Houston is a beacon of pizzeria perfection, where the wood-fired pizzas are not just meals but a sublime experience. Nestled comfortably in the Heights neighborhood, this eatery offers a chef-driven menu that delights every palate but truly shines with its pizza offerings. Reviewers rave about the enticing crust and fresh toppings, with one guest exclaiming, “The pizza was amazing!”. Another patron highlighted the BBQ pizza as “the bomb!” emphasizing not only the quality but the variety of the pizzas available. Crisp - Heights is the go-to spot for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality pizzeria cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

A photo of Passerella - Washington restaurant

2. Passerella - Washington

4.4

Awesome(168)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Heights / Washington

Booked 5 times today

Passerella Washington, nestled in Houston's vibrant Heights/Washington area, is renowned for its exceptional Contemporary Italian cuisine. Patrons rave about the "delicious" dishes and the restaurant's cozy, welcoming ambiance. Specializing in an array of Italian delights, from seafood sensations like lobster penne and shrimp scampi to classic pizzas and pastas, Passerella stands out for its flavorful creations and impeccable service. As one reviewer puts it, the "Lobster bisque and stuffed flounder are divine," highlighting the authentic Italian flair that permeates each dish. With accolades for both its food and atmosphere, Passerella is a top destination for anyone craving a taste of Italy in Houston.

A photo of Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston restaurant

3. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

4.6

Exceptional(748)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Side

Booked 82 times today

Lombardi Cucina Italiana in Houston's Westside is quickly becoming a steak lover's paradise, offering a refined twist on classic Italian cuisine with a spotlight on superb steak dishes. The restaurant thrives on authenticity and quality, meticulously crafting each steak dish to perfection. As one guest raved, the "Prime beef carpaccio do manzo, Agnolotti del plin, and Olive oil cake were our favorites!!!!" highlighting the exceptional quality and flavor of their steak. The ambiance of Lombardi's, reminiscent of an Italian villa, complements its culinary excellence, making every dining experience both luxurious and memorable. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful meal out, Lombardi Cucina Italiana promises an unmatched steak experience in the heart of Houston.

4. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(530)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Rice Village

Booked 60 times today

Coppa Osteria, nestled in the vibrant Rice Village of Houston, captures the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine with its delightful fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Patrons rave about dishes like the "sublime" tomato salad and the "always delicious" spaghetti carbonara, highlighting Coppa's commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant's atmosphere is equally praised, with diners describing it as "energetic and fun," perfect for enjoying craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. A standout feature is the outdoor patio, ideal for sipping rosé while soaking in the neighborhood's scenery. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" pasta or the "impeccably prepared" veal, Coppa Osteria consistently impresses with its culinary prowess and warm ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Contemporary Italian dining experience in Houston.

5. Rosie Cannonball

4.7

Exceptional(39)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 43 times today

Rosie Cannonball, nestled in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood of Houston, serves up a delightful slice of Italy with its exquisite Italian cuisine. Patrons rave about the authentically crafted dishes, with the "Cacio e pepe pizza" being heralded as a must-try that is "to die for." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as they skillfully utilize a wood-burning oven to enhance the flavors of their handcrafted pizzas and pastas, ensuring each dish celebrates the essence of Italian cooking. The ambiance is described as "lively and chic," perfect for enjoying the "geeky wine list" that complements the Italian-centric menu. Whether it's the praised "phenomenal presentation" of the food or the "excellent service" that makes every dining experience memorable, Rosie Cannonball is a gem in Houston's culinary scene, consistently impressing with its robust Italian flavors and vibrant atmosphere.

A photo of North Italia – BLVD restaurant

6. North Italia – BLVD

4.7

Exceptional(4138)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 56 times today

Nestled in the bustling Galleria/Uptown area of Houston, North Italia – BLVD stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Specializing in "Italian from scratch," this vibrant eatery delights diners with its handmade pastas and pizzas, crafted with seasonal ingredients that bring "inventive flavors" to every dish. Guests rave about the unique twists, like the "fried ball of Carbonara" and "White Truffle Garlic Bread," which are just a few examples of how North Italia redefines traditional Italian fare. The atmosphere, described as energetic and hopping, complements the food, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. With consistent praise for its "amazing service" and culinary creativity, North Italia – BLVD is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in Houston.

A photo of il Bracco - Post Oak restaurant

7. il Bracco - Post Oak

4.7

Exceptional(77)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 43 times today

il Bracco is an upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Uptown, Houston, located in Post Oak Plaza. Our menu features handmade pastas, fresh salads, hand-cut steaks & seafood, and an extensive yet approachable wine list. Breads, pasta and dessert are made from scratch, in house daily.Our dining room is made of intimate booths with a full service bar and cocktail lounge, as well as a quiet patio with an outdoor fire place.

8. Fiori

4.3

Awesome(629)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 11 times today

Fiori, nestled in the picturesque Montrose neighborhood of Houston, offers a delightful escape into the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Alessio from Rome brings the authenticity of traditional Italian recipes to life in a charming two-story building surrounded by majestic oak trees. Patrons often rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with one guest exclaiming, “The carbonara and cacio e pepe... I felt like I was dining in Rome!” (Best Italian restaurant in Houston). The restaurant's atmosphere, highlighted by fresh floral arrangements and cozy lighting, complements its culinary excellence, making Fiori a gem for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience. Whether it’s the praised pasta dishes or the expertly curated wine selection, Fiori stands out as a pinnacle of Italian dining in Houston.

A photo of North Italia - City Centre restaurant

9. North Italia - City Centre

4.7

Exceptional(244)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Bellaire

Booked 53 times today

At North Italia in City Centre, Bellaire, Houston, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine is celebrated with every dish. Praised for its "exceptionally tasty" appetizers and "the best tiramisu I've ever had," North Italia sets a high standard for Italian dining. The restaurant's commitment to freshness is evident, with pastas made from scratch daily and innovative dishes like White Truffle Garlic Bread. Diners consistently laud the "amazing" food and service, noting the ambiance as "perfect for a casual dinner out." Whether it's the savory Zucca Chips or the expertly curated wine list, North Italia provides an authentic Italian experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

A photo of Grotto - Downtown Houston restaurant

10. Grotto - Downtown Houston

4.5

Awesome(1593)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

Grotto in Downtown Houston is a gem for those seeking an exceptional Contemporary Italian dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant is praised for its "absolutely delicious" cuisine and a menu that brilliantly marries traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. Guests rave about dishes ranging from the perfectly cooked Spiedini to the flavorful mushroom risotto, highlighting the quality and authenticity of their offerings. The vibrant ambiance, coupled with a selection of curated craft beers and wines, makes Grotto an ideal spot for any occasion. As one diner put it, "The food is amazing. One of my favorite restaurants in Houston. Try everything." Whether you're attending an event nearby or just looking for a delightful meal, Grotto promises a memorable culinary journey.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CynthiaVIP
Houston •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was our first trip to Lombardi’s, and it will become a regular part of our restaurant rotation. We went for Christmas lunch. We were happy that we could order from the regular menu, the brunch menu or the Holiday Menu. All three of us enjoyed our cocktails and meals. The design is beautiful , which adds to the overall lovely experience.
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Lombardi Cucina Italiana - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Side
•
4.6
S
Sharika
Houston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This place definitely exceeded our expectations!! We were welcomed in with a glass of champagne. I had their margarita and my partner had their espresso martini. Both were AMAZING!! The stuffed mushrooms?? Can’t miss! We added crabmeat to ours. I had surf and turf while my partner had a pasta with shrimp - I can’t remember the exact name. There were so many options on the menu that we absolutely will be back to try!!
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Passerella - WashingtonPrice: Expensive• Italian• Heights / Washington
•
4.4
E
EllenVIP
Houston •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our waitress was amazing on a very busy Christmas Eve. We all enjoyed our dinner and the dessert for our dad’s birthday was a delicious treat.
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North Italia – BLVDPrice: Moderate• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
K
Karen
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Antonio was our server and he was excellent. We have had Antonio as our server before and he always provides excellent and quality service. We usually order the same Burgundy wine and was looking in the by the glass section and forgot to look in the bottle section and did not see it but he remembered the name of the wine for us. We love Coppa and it is our go to.
More info
Coppa OsteriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Rice Village
•
4.8
D
Diane
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
First time at Crisp, enjoyed our meal and service Was great.
More info
Crisp - HeightsPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Heights / Washington
•
4.5

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Northwest

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. Crisp - Heights

2. Passerella - Washington

3. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

4. Coppa Osteria

5. Rosie Cannonball

6. North Italia – BLVD

7. il Bracco - Post Oak

8. Fiori

9. North Italia - City Centre

10. Grotto - Downtown Houston

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