24 Essential Italian Restaurants in Houston

"An intimate alternative to some of the larger establishments in town, newcomer Dante’s offers a stylish and cozy place to dine. Salads highlight the various Italian regions, while mains include a number of proteins and pasta dishes like pappardelle bolognese and rigatoni cacio e pepe. The menu is further complemented by a large selection of Italian wines, which owner Brian Doke has collected for years, and tasty spins on the classic gin and tonic cocktail. The small-batch gelato here, which has come in flavors like dill and a rosemary-dark chocolate-pistachio, is also a must-try." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain