"Somehow this little bistro in Bellaire manages to feel casual, romantic, and a little nostalgic all at the same time. Although Enoteca Rossa, an Italian restaurant in Bellaire, is off a busy street, it still feels like a neighborhood spot, as if everyone just walked in from the adjoining suburb. Actually, no matter who walked in—it could be members of the Rat Pack, or a couple celebrating their first anniversary—nobody would feel out of place. Enoteca’s dim space comes off both visually disjointed but cohesive. All of the art and decor feels hastily selected from a secondhand shop, because something had to go up on the walls, but it sort of works if you don’t pay that much attention to it. Nothing on the menu is out of place, however, and is a pretty standard mix of familiar America-Italian dishes like fresh burrata salads, bowls of housemade pasta, and wood-fired pizza with earthy mushrooms While this place might feel a little cliche or overly sentimental—yeah, we’re looking at you adorable painting of cherubic angels—we’re not above enjoying a few tropes, especially when those tropes come with extra shaved parmesan. Enoteca Rossa is a great spot for a low-key date night, a dinner with friends, or even a place to pull up solo for a pasta and wine night. photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Liz Silva Food Rundown photo credit: Liz Silva Burrata And Melon Salad Beautifully presented and refreshing, we could eat this melon and burrata salad probably every day, especially alongside a mound of arugula and a plateful of prosciutto. Simple, delicious, with ham. Sold. photo credit: Liz Silva Funghi Pizza All of Enoteca Rossa’s pizzas are hand-tossed and baked in the in-house oven. You also have the option of adding arugula to every single one, something that pairs well with the savory, earthy mushrooms on this pizza. photo credit: Liz Silva Short Rib Ravioli Each bite of ravioli is rich, tender, and comforting. Also, just the right portion size: large enough that you feel full, small enough that you don’t feel guilty declining someone’s request to share." - Chelsea Thomas
