Dante Vini e Cucina Italiana

Review summary

1. T

   Tali

   Houston

   89 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   89 reviews

   Dined on 15 November 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   A nice hidden gem. Loved the decor, the kitchen open to the restaurant and bar. Very intimate, food was great overall. The cacio peppe was my least favorite as it had no flavor at all. We ordered pasta and asked the chef to make it spicy. The first time it was so delicious, we ordered another for our table, however it was less spicy and not as great as the first time. We had to ask for more water after our pitcher was sitting empty for a while, we also had to request that our table be cleaned off after we finished the starters. The restaurant was empty so it wasn’t busy and therefore they should have been a bit more attentive. Little details make or break a restaurant in our opinion. With that being said, we’ll definitely give it another try because the food was good.
   

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2. J

   Jim

   Houston

   8 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on 1 November 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Music is too loud and doesn’t fit a small intimate restaurant like this one and ruins ambience The waitress was nice and helpful but could not describe the menu items sufficiently
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Houston

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 1 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you get the chance, sit @ the Chef’s Table / Bar area. It’s awesome to see the work and artistry that goes into each plate.
   

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4. N

   Nicole

   Houston

   8 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on 27 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We enjoyed everything about our dinner. Parking was easy. The table was great and there was an intimate setting. The food was wonderful and beautiful (especially the pasta). There was back ground music but it was quiet enough to have a conversation.
   

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5. C

   Carolyn

   Houston

   13 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 26 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   So authentic in their northern Italian dishes, waiters and wine list. Will definitely return!
   

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6. N

   Nicholas

   Houston

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 23 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful dining experience for a birthday celebration for a couple. Warm service and unpretentious but serves quality food and drinks.
   

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7. C

   Carole

   Houston

   73 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   73 reviews

   Dined on 9 October 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   We arrived when they opened at 5PM and they seemed totally unprepared for diners. Some of the food options on the menu were not even ready to be offered. We usually sit at the bar in restaurants but the chairs were so uncomfortable that we moved to a table. Bar service was slow and drinks were weak. The prices were reasonable for these inflationary times. We had the red snapper carpaccio starter which was totally bland. It didn't taste as though it had been marinated in anything at all. The market fish (sea bass) was excellent and a nice portion. The spaghetti with fermented garlic was not at all as expected, tasted very sweet and not spicy at all even thought it was listed as having red pepper. The service was tentative. We ordered another round of drinks but the staff, including the bartender, were just standing around talking to each other and we had to wait quite awhile to get them. The atmosphere was pleasant and due to the early hour was very quiet. Not sure we would return however.
   

   Dante Vini e Cucina ItalianaResponded on 19 October 2024

   Dear Carole, thank you for your review. Actually you arrived at 1645 when we were still closed and we welcomed you anyway. You first decided to stay at the bar on our Driade footstools which are of course not comfortable as normal chairs. Service at first was a little bit slow because we were in the middle of starting service and we apologize for that. Our staff was not chatting but was getting ready for service. Coming to the food served, our carpaccio is very delicate (we don't add sauces) because we try to emphasize and not alter the flavor of the fish which is not marinated by the way. While the spaghetti with black fermented garlic are sweet since the come with a sweet sauce, although particular it is one of the most appreciated dishes by our customers!
   

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8. E

   Ernesto

   Washington DC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 6 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Jose was our waiter/bartender and made the experience very enjoyable. His drinks were top notch, and we would come back just for the drinks. Great overall first experience.
   

   Dante Vini e Cucina ItalianaResponded on 19 October 2024

   Thank you Ernesto!
   

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9. J

   Jalynn

   Amarillo

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 4 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I had the sea bass and it was delicious. Delicate and buttery in a mild red sauce. We will be back!
   

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10. J

    Johanna

    Houston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 4 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    This is my favorite restaurant in Houston. My husband and I love to sit at the chefs pass and order, often influenced on what the owner, Pierro, suggests. Definitely try the seasonal ravioli, the risotto specials, and we love the Saltimboca. The La Fortuna wines are excellent, as well.
    

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