Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Downtown

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Grotto - Downtown Houston restaurant

1. Grotto - Downtown Houston

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown

Booked 37 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.

2. Rosie Cannonball

4.7

Exceptional(39)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 17 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.

3. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(529)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Rice Village

Booked 24 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.

4. Fiori

4.3

Awesome(628)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 19 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 Weights and Measures restaurant

5. Weights and Measures

4.7

Exceptional(409)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown

Booked 2 times today

At Weights and Measures in Midtown, Houston, the art of authentic Pizzeria cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Known for their unique and delectable Roasted Carrot Pizza, which has earned accolades including a feature on the Food Network, this restaurant epitomizes culinary excellence. Patrons rave about their wood-fired pizzas, describing them as "beyond amazing" and "the best pizza I have ever had." The secret lies in their commitment to handcrafting each pizza from scratch, ensuring that each bite delivers a burst of authentic, wood-fired flavor. Whether it's the vibrant ambiance or the consistently stellar reviews highlighting the quality and creativity of their pizzas, Weights and Measures stands out as a top destination for Pizzeria enthusiasts in Houston.

6. Crisp - Heights

4.5

Awesome(819)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Heights / Washington

Booked 2 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 George's Bistro & Bar restaurant

7. George's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(291)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • W. University / Med Center

Booked 3 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.

8. 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

9. Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza

4.9

Exceptional(1009)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 4 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.

10. Roma

4.7

Exceptional(1270)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Rice Village

Booked 2 times today

At Roma in Rice Village, Houston, the seafood is celebrated for its unbeatable freshness and authentic Italian preparation. Diners rave about the "branzino special that tasted literally fresh off the boat," a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving only the freshest catches, flown in daily. Patrons also highlight other seafood dishes like squid ink pasta, noting the "plentiful and delicious" seafood accompanying it. The magic doesn't stop there; the lobster ravioli and tuna dishes also receive high praise, making Roma a must-visit for seafood lovers. With such glowing reviews and a vibrant atmosphere, Roma stands out as a premier destination for exquisite seafood in Houston.

‘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

I
Indira
Houston •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Good food but not too many options. Anyway, the quality of the food was so good. When I asked the hostess couldn’t change the table, which was in the middle of the restaurant, I liked it with more privacy and less traffic. The service was good.
More info
Grotto - Downtown HoustonPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.5
S
Sabine
San Antonio •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Went in a bit early for dinner. We we one of the few tables in. We couldn't conclude why. The service was wonderful. We had bruschetta and ravioli. The food was amazing. The portions were european style, so small for the american plate. I still think it was a good value but some may have taken pause. The restaurant has a charming atmosphere. We will recommend this spot to others.
More info
FioriPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montrose
•
4.3
K
Karen
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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
K
Karen
Atlanta Metro •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Made a reservation for 5p for 6 people because of holiday season. We were the only ones in the restaurant for 1 1/2 hours! I have no idea why, the food was really good! Everything tasted very fresh, the bread is made onsite so that makes a difference. Friends raved about the ceviche and the Texqueno was amazing. I would happily recommend and go back.
More info
Weights and MeasuresPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Midtown
•
4.7
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 Downtown

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Grotto - Downtown Houston

2. Rosie Cannonball

3. Coppa Osteria

4. Fiori

5. Weights and Measures

6. Crisp - Heights

7. George's Bistro & Bar

8. Tony's

9. Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza

10. Roma

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