Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Central Southwest

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Coppa Osteria

4.8

Exceptional(527)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Rice Village

Booked 73 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(735)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Side

Booked 72 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(38)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 31 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(626)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Montrose

Booked 12 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 – BLVD restaurant

5. North Italia – BLVD

4.7

Exceptional(4135)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 63 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

6. il Bracco - Post Oak

4.7

Exceptional(69)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 50 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.

7. Enoteca Rossa

4.7

Exceptional(1072)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Bellaire

Booked 25 times today

Enoteca Rossa, nestled in the historic Bellaire neighborhood of Houston, is a beacon for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Celebrated for its exceptional Wine Bar, the restaurant offers a stellar selection that complements its authentic Italian cuisine beautifully. Patrons rave about the "wonderful wine selection" and the ambiance that makes each visit memorable. A standout review highlighted, "We had a great server, wonderful wine selection, and outstanding meal as we dined outside on a perfect spring Houston evening." Enoteca Rossa consistently impresses with its dedication to quality, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Wine Bar experience. Whether for a casual outing or a special occasion, this Wine Bar ensures a delightful experience with every glass poured.

8. Tony's

4.8

Exceptional(919)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 3 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 George's Bistro & Bar restaurant

9. George's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(290)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • W. University / Med Center

Booked 8 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 Weights and Measures restaurant

10. Weights and Measures

4.6

Exceptional(409)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Midtown

Booked 4 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.

‘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

A
ANDREAVIP
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We dined al fresco - heaters were on so we stayed warm, pizza was hot, and it was lovely!
More info
Coppa OsteriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Rice Village
•
4.8
A
AlexVIP
Houston •30 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A solid choice. Great food, service and location. Also great for people watching. Trendy.
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North Italia – BLVDPrice: Moderate• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
C
Cheri
Houston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding server, Ben. Very knowledgeable, calm, attentive but not overbearing. Food was great. Pulpo was spectacular. Panacotta was too. Good price on wines. I am ready to return. Was there for late lunch which I would recommend.
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Lombardi Cucina Italiana - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Side
•
4.6
V
VirgilioVIP
Houston •101 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Fiori was a quick pick close to home, but it turned out to be an excellent choice. Everything we tried was delicious - the burrata fritta and bresaola as starters, followed by the fried lamb chops, eggplant parmigiana, and lobster ravioli were all excellent. And the service was really great - Laura and her colleagues made sure we had everything we needed just when we needed it. Overall very well worth the trip and we will certainly be back.
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FioriPrice: Expensive• Italian• Montrose
•
4.3
R
RobertVIP
Houston •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I enjoyed lunch with my wife and her sister. The focaccia with ricotta is delicious. My sister in law had the burrata salad which I had had before and recommended to her. It is a very nice serving. Just right, not very large. My wife had the kale and chicken salad which she thoroughly enjoyed. I had The Plaza salad. It had a generous serving of very fresh feta cheese. Chloe took fabulous care of us making sure our water glasses were always full and paid close attention to many little details. The only thing I wish is for the music volume to be a little bit lower. I look forward to going back.
More info
il Bracco - Post OakPrice: Expensive• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Central Southwest

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Coppa Osteria

2. Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston

3. Rosie Cannonball

4. Fiori

5. North Italia – BLVD

6. il Bracco - Post Oak

7. Enoteca Rossa

8. Tony's

9. George's Bistro & Bar

10. Weights and Measures

See what locals rave about

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