Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in River Oaks

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(530)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Rice Village

Booked 59 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.

A photo of Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston restaurant

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 il Bracco - Post Oak restaurant

5. 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.

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.

7. Tony's

4.8

Exceptional(919)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 2 times today

Tony's, nestled in the vibrant Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor of Houston, is a beacon of Modern European cuisine, masterfully blending tradition with innovative culinary techniques. Celebrated for its top-notch dining experience, Tony's has rightly earned its place as #5 on Alison Cook's Top 100 Restaurants in Houston. Diners rave about the authenticity and creativity of the dishes, with one patron exclaiming, "The Spaghetti al limone is simply one of the best things you will eat!" The restaurant's commitment to excellence is reflected in its meticulous service and the artful presentation of food, making every meal a memorable event. Whether it's a family celebration or a romantic evening, Tony's consistently delivers an exceptional Modern European dining experience that is both heartwarming and exquisite.

A photo of Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza restaurant

8. Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza

4.9

Exceptional(1009)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 15 times today

Mia Bella Trattoria in Houston's Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian cuisine with a creative twist. The restaurant, with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, is renowned for its daring preparations and imaginative ingredients, making each dish a delightful surprise. Guests rave about the "mouth-watering smoked duck tortellinis" and the "perfectly seasoned calamari," highlighting the chef's expertise in elevating traditional Italian flavors. The extensive wine list and innovative cocktails complement the dining experience, ensuring that every meal is both memorable and satisfying. As one reviewer put it, "This is my go-to place... the food is always on point!" Mia Bella Trattoria is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in top-notch Italian fare in Houston.

A photo of George's Bistro & Bar restaurant

9. George's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(291)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • W. University / Med Center

Booked 5 times today

George's Bistro & Bar, nestled in the vibrant W. University / Med Center area of West University Place, is a treasure trove of authentic Mediterranean flavors. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" cuisine and highlight dishes like the "excellent Chicken Piccata" and "perfectly spiced Shrimp Arrabiata." The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality, local ingredients to craft dishes that are both innovative and rooted in Mediterranean traditions. Guests consistently commend the "amazing food and exceptional bar," making it clear that George's is not just serving food, but a rich, flavorful experience. With glowing testimonials about their "consistently good food" and "very friendly service," it's evident that George's Bistro & Bar is a top destination for Mediterranean cuisine lovers.

A photo of Dante Vini e Cucina Italiana restaurant

10. Dante Vini e Cucina Italiana

4.7

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • River Oaks

Booked 5 times today

Our Italian cuisine's authenticity and philosophy lies in a perfect balance of tradition, local ingredients, and culinary finesse. Each region in Italy contributes its distinct flavors and techniques to create a culinary mosaic that's both diverse and harmonious. Our goal and purpose are to achieve and maintain the original Italian taste by adding locally Houston based products.

‘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

J
John
Houston •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was spectacular, service was busy but attentive. Can’t wait to try other menu items in future!
More info
FioriPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montrose
•
4.3
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.
More info
Lombardi Cucina Italiana - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Side
•
4.6
Q
Quiana
Atlanta Metro •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Really enjoyed dinner here! Drinks were made perfectly! Loved the fried artichokes, meatballs and focaccia. Of the entrees we ordered, the sheet pan lasagna was our favorite followed by the bolognese. The Marsala trumpets were good but not particularly special. Tiramisu and cheesecake were the perfect ending to the meal! I’ll definitely be back. Thank you!
More info
il Bracco - Post OakPrice: Expensive• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
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.
More info
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

Explore OpenTable

River Oaks

Contemporary italian

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in River Oaks

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Coppa Osteria

2. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

3. Rosie Cannonball

4. Fiori

5. il Bracco - Post Oak

6. North Italia – BLVD

7. Tony's

8. Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza

9. George's Bistro & Bar

10. Dante Vini e Cucina Italiana

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable