Stephie M.
Yelp
Amalfi is a treat, but come with the right expectations.
As I was planning my summer vacation to Italy, I decided that I wanted to find the most authentic Italian food in Houston. After doing about 1 hour of research, I settled on trying Amalfi Ristorante Italiano. Chef/Owner Giancarlo Ferrara was raised in the Amalfi's Coast largest coastal city, Salerno, Italy -- which makes the restaurant name very fitting.
Personally, I prefer costal and lighter cuisine, so I tend to steer clear of battered/breaded things, and pasta drowning in red sauce. Amalfi delivered on their menu with many options for everyone.
*Food*:
POLPO ARROSTITO CAPONATA E PATATE - (Octopus) - flavor profile was lovely, I adored all the veg it came with, the presentation, and the textures on the outside of the octopus (crunchy and wonderful); however, the octopus was too chewy (!!) which was dissapointing.
RAVIOLI AL PISTACCHIO
(Homemade pistachio-infused ravioli stuffed with Taleggio cheese and black truffle, topped with wild boar ragú ) - The boar ragú with truffle was incredible - a savory heaven, but I didn't get too much of the pistachio/taleggio flavor (one of my favorites) coming though. I tried to get some of the filling flavor without the sauce, but the flavor was light. I do think it added some detectable sweetness, though. Also, the pasta was not al dente... so, next time I will make sure to ask. Pasta that is firm to the bite makes all the difference.
BRANZINO
This fish was buttery, soft, perfection and deboned table side. Would get again. My only complaint was that the veggie portion felt a little small and I wish the carrots were small seasonal whole ones rather than a few cut discs.
Even with each dishes having challenges, I would order them all again! yum!
*Service*: Very good
Highly Attentive, warm, and friendly. Good plate movement, attention to napkins, order of dishes, etc. Yet, our dishes were taken away with food still on them twice and we just let them go. I would have preferred a slower relaxed pacing and to not feel I had to fight to keep our food on the table.
*Ambiance*: Lovely
They have put an incredible effort into transforming the outside space and it's dreamy. Indoors is good as well, feels upscale for a strip mall, of course. Not a 'fine dining' feel, but still somewhere you could dress well for and/or have a celebration at. I would also recommend it as a date night spot; it feels romantic.
((Note: I just learned -- in Italian dining -- you are not supposed to order meat and fish in the same meal, so I committed a faux pa with that ragu~!! Good to know for the future~ but, I can only imagine the decision paralysis this may create for future me... ))