Diana

New American restaurant · Downtown

Diana

New American restaurant · Downtown

1

800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

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Highlights

Steak, seafood & pastas with refined spins, great views  

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800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Get directions

dianaamericangrill.com
@dianaamericangrill

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 Get directions

+1 713 315 2562
dianaamericangrill.com
@dianaamericangrill

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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A New Upscale Grill Debuts at the Hobby Center - Eater Houston

"The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts just unveiled its new restaurant Diana American Grill, which serves up eats from James Beard award winning chef Robert Del Grande. Named for Diana Hobby, the new eatery at 800 Bagby Street is an attempt to honor the legacy of this seminal patron of the arts, according to a press release. Houston-based architect Tim Cisneros revamped the space with a dark color palette while highlighting views of the Houston skyline. The indoor-outdoor space seats 180 and can accommodate 250 people for non-seated receptions. Chef Del Grande (of Cafe Annie) has reportedly created a 'simple yet elegant menu in keeping with a classic Theater District-style restaurant.' The press release touts handmade remoulade accompanying a wild Gulf snapper and aged Black Angus steak. Peep the full menu below. 'Houston is known for its cultural centers, and it was an honor to collaborate on a restaurant in one of its premiere arts venues,' said Del Grande in a statement. Diana is open on show weeks Tuesday through Friday 5 to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays 12 to 8 p.m. Later this fall it will operate weekly for lunch Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m." - Alaena Hostetter

https://houston.eater.com/2018/9/19/17877518/houston-theater-district-diana-american-grill-hobby-center-opening
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Steven Shannon

Google
I called about 10 times before someone answered to see if I could get a seat since their online open table said no tables yet I usually have no problem finding a seat. I sat at the bar and had the WORST service ever. The bartender clearly needs help. He cares about his regulars but NO ONE else. I was alone so he assumed he wouldn’t make much off me but I’m a previous server who would have tipped amazing. He offered no bread. My empty plate (photo attached) sat on the bar for at least 20 minutes before he finally asked me if I wanted another drink. I had to flag down someone just to get a refill of water. He thinks he is fancy with his feather bow tie yet he is just plain stuck up. I finally got bread after my meal. He didn’t even ask if I wanted dessert even though I wanted some. He talks to his regulars but if ever Diana wants to expand their clientele, they need to get rid of him. The steak is amazing so I’ll come back as long as I don’t have him again. My buzz left before I could even order a second drink.

Nadine Anne Margrette Ramirez (Nadia)

Google
This is our 4th time to be here, and I finally made a review. This is our go-to whenever my family and I come for Broadway shows at Theater under the Stars. Food is great, not so exciting but still good. Best choice of restaurant to eat before the show starts. They serve exceptional cocktails, too!!! 🍸 🍹

Meg Jordan

Google
I secured a reservation on line.A table closest to the windows which offered beautiful panoramic views needed to be specifically requested There are multiple stairs to climb but an elevator was available per staff and the restaurant is so conveniently located Menu offered varied choices as well as a specialty menu limited to the current show. Portions were small but our dinners were very tasty. I did not enjoy the complimentary bread as it is flavored with Rosemary.Not a fan and there were no replacements offered.I also enjoyed my specialty cocktail .Mercedes was assigned to our table.She was personable and very knowledgeable about menu items .Service was professional,our table was checked on several times without being intrusive. This was a special occasion and as much as I was glad to have chosen the Diana it was more expensive than I am used to.My dinner and 1 cocktail with tip was $78.00.The Hobby staff was friendly approachable and the show was terrific. Dress "code" everything from fancy attire to casual outfits .No denim,blue jeans shorts etc

Amanda Howell

Google
My sister and I grabbed dinner here before a show. The hostesses were not friendly but our waitress was and more than made up for it. The food was good but not spectacular. I loved the view and the vibe of the restaurant. It's super convenient so you're not late to your show.

Joy Rizzi

Google
Diana's is always great. Their classics are awesome and the chef's creative dishes are really good too. Our favorite is usually the prime rib with either the truffle butter or blue cheese butter. Their creative cocktails are unique and tasty... but very pricy, so we only have one or share one. We always make reservations before a show at the Hobby Center.... and then aghast have dessert during intermission. They arrange the dessert table beautifully. The view from all the tables is spectacular!!

Jeremy Rocha

Google
Food was ok but not on par with the price point. The frustrating part is the charge to split plate. Wife and I shared meal, salad and desert. We were charged $8 each time! $24 to use an extra plate! Waitress did not tell us about this charge. Found it as we were rushing to get to show. Also $8 for a glass of tea and $7 for watered down coffee. Convenient location but crazy charges! Make sure to check your bill.

Barry Turpin

Google
Wonderful food in a beautiful setting, located next to the Hobby Center downtown. Everything on the menu is top notch, but I prefer either the Wagyu Beef Bolognese Pasta or one of the steak options. Their Caesar Salad with or without chicken is also outstanding. Highly recommended, Diana is an especially excellent venue to take someone you want to impress or treat, although it is on the expensive side.

Russell Ruplinger

Google
Convenient for food before a show. Dinner was good but not overly impressive for the price. Good wine selection. I had the prime rib which was great, but was a bit small.
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Mikey R.

Yelp
We dined here prior to seeing Frozen. The ambiance was nice and generally well-maintained, though the booth had some crumbs and food scraps, which we chalked up to the holiday rush. The service was quick but transactional, likely due to there being only three servers for the entire space. While our server was friendly, they only had time for the basics: taking our drink and food orders, doing a quick quality check, and dropping off the check. We were slightly disappointed that after asking for a box for one of our dishes, they never brought it back after clearing our plates. The food quality varied by dish. The vegetarian option was overcooked and lacked cohesion, featuring a mix of squash, tofu, and quinoa. The beef Bolognese was decent but unremarkable. However, the prime rib was the highlight of the night, with an excellent au jus accompanying it. Overall, this is a safe choice for a pre-show meal at the Hobby Center, but there are better options in the area for the price.
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Stacey G.

Yelp
Had a super lovely dinner here before a theater performance. The pimento cheese and crackers were really good, crab cake was crispy (though the salad is heavily salted), prime rib was excellent and finished off with Creme brûlée. Overall was a really lovely experience. Staff was quite attentive and was perfect to just walk into the theater.
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Corianne O.

Yelp
Let's start with great service. Little angels working here. You can def expect great service. The ambiance is nice too - from the white cloth to the floor to ceiling windows viewing the city. Also wine prices seem high for average name wines but it's because they poor HEAVY. The food is not good. Haha. I feel bad saying that but it's not. The flat bread is great. If we only ordered the flat bread, this would be a 5 star review... but we didn't. We ordered the chicken dish. The chicken was tough and had no flavor, the green beans were fine (very buttery), and the mash potatoes were giving hospital. The gravy tasted like it was frozen from Sysco. Honestly the whole meal kinda reminded me of college Sysco meals. French fries were fine. I've been told so many times to only get the flatbread and dip - def stick to that. But tbh their pour is so great I took a glass to go and it was great for the show.
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Adrienne B.

Yelp
WOW worst service ever! Nothing like sitting at a table and never being served. Thanks for nothing...literally
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Victoria M.

Yelp
The main (only?) reason for coming here is proximity for pre or post show dining. It's good but pricey and wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't attached to the Hobby Center. All the items we had were fine and service was good. Watch out for the split plate charge (they offered to split but did not advise of the charge verbally and we found out on the bill). I do like the option they give for ordering drinks/desserts for intermission. That was a nice thing to have ready for us during the show.

Mark G.

Yelp
A pre-show (BOOK OF MORMON) at this Hobby Center venue proved to one of the best dining experiences we have had in months! The service was extraordinary - like a well-oiled machine, every staff member was well aware of their role, and hustling to make sure that everything was perfect. The experience is intense, because the restaurant opens at 4:30, and diners need to be in their theater seats by 7. Because the entire staff works together and is so well-trained, every request was fulfilled with timeliness, accuracy, and a smile! My compliments to our server, Romeo, and also to Tyler, who was an assistant server who impressed us with his charm and professionalism. The meal was an orchestration of perfection. I started with a shrimp cocktail that had a well-tuned horseradish red sauce, followed by a poached pear salad with toasted walnuts and blue cheese crumbles with a honey-vinaigrette dressing. My entree was a pasta dish with Italian sausage and accents of Parmesan, fennel, rosemary, and thyme. If you plan to attend an event at THE HOBBY CENTER, I highly recommend that you book a pre-show reservation at THE DIANA AMERICAN GRILL. it's fabulous!
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Deborah R.

Yelp
Service was great, food was good. Really enjoyed the House Salad (Field Greens, Red Grapes, Blue Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Grape Tomatoes, Toasted Almonds, Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette). While the Seared Salmon with Celery Root Purée, Turmeric Cauliflower, and Citrus Butter Sauce was good, I found the Butter Sauce and purée were a little runny, but still tasty. With the easy access to Hobby Center, we will return.
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Victoria H.

Yelp
What a beautiful place to eat at before your scheduled show. Located at the Hobby Center. My daughter got me four tickets to see Mary Poppins so of course I took her and two of my friends. Next time before we come I will make reservations however we were fortunate to be able to be to eat here. Our waitress was so sweet and incredibly thoughtful made our experience so much more special. She offered up some great drink suggestions definitely loved the Chim Chimney cocktail really felt more like a spoonful of sugar (Mary Poppins). And I love it that she new her menu, she again was able to explain the food options and once we settled on our orders she took them. I ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese it wasn't too expensive and filled me up. Had a couple of Coca~Colas to wash it down. When it was close to time to go see the play our waitress by the way her name was Selena, let us know that we could come back during intermission to enjoy another cocktail and a dessert all we had to do was order them. The food plus the beverages would be waiting for us when we came back. And she was right, when we came back everything was laid out on the table beautifully. Food was delicious!!! Cocktails so yummy!!
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Tiffany J.

Yelp
Wowww this restaurant is always on top of their game. The food is always good but I want to point out the desserts this visit. I had to try both the tres leches cake and chocolate cake which by the way both are quite good. The service I received was totally a good vibe. I have been a few times and always receive a warm welcome from the manager to the hostess to the table and throughout my dining experience.
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Kim T.

Yelp
Beautiful and convenient place to eat when you already have tickets for the Hobby Center for a show the same night. Plus you're in downtown Houston and can snag free parking right at 6pm. Food is great and service is ok as long as they're not too busy. Empty tea glass was quite frequent. Ambiance is nice but not too formal. Great place for the location and parking convenience for the theater.

Liz S.

Yelp
Positives: Lovely views and good service and they will get you out in time for the play. They alert you when you have 10 minutes before show time. Negatives: very noisy, food highs and lows, and split plate charges. I ordered the trout. The fish was very over cooked, dry and tasteless. The corn relish and broccolini were perfect. Although the menu indicates an additional charge for splitting an entree, no such mention is made for salads. Yet they added a $5 charge to split the Ceasar salad. We demanded they remove it. A manager acknowledged there was no mention on the menu, but added, "but we do charge to split salads". She reluctantly agreed to do so "just this once". With all the hard surfaces, the noise level is high. Cocktails and wine are a bit pricey.
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Ondrea T.

Yelp
I've come here a few times before and experienced exquisite meals. I always get the same thing: strip loin entree and a side of lobster Mac n cheese. The very first time I tried this place they were testing out some Boudin balls that were amazing but they discontinued them. I've also tried the artichoke dip. It was good. Yesterday I went and found an updated menu. Thankfully the strip loin was still there but the Mac n cheese was not. The loin also now featured a blue cheese souffle. Unfortunately, the steak was just ok and the souffle fell flat on taste and texture. The blackberry lemonade was syrupy sweet and the key lime pie was a bit too tart for my liking (on previous occasions it was perfect). Even though the restaurant was able to fit us in on a fully booked night and the wait staff was amazing, this visit was disappointing.
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Wayne B.

Yelp
Beautiful setting and atmosphere with the Houston skyline right out the floor-to-ceiling windows. We were seated promptly and drinks and food arrived without any delay. Service was good. Although it is a bit pricey, the meals were prepared with care and presented nicely. Best of all, we just walked right into the Hobby Performance Center Lobby which is adjoined to the restaurant. Reservations at 6:15pm gave us plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed meal, then get to the show without worrying about timing or parking. It's a one stop evening. Nice!

Miranda M.

Yelp
After leaving a show, first issue we had was entering the restaurant at 4:15 when there were less than 10 patrons and being told that they needed to see if a table could be found. Mind you only 1 table was occupied while all other patrons were at the bar. Once we are sat at a table, the waiter was asked what "EVOO" was. This acronym was listed on the menu and the waiter said she did not know what it meant. She then had to go to the kitchen to find out. Next, we asked the waiter how the Brussels sprouts were made/prepared because one of us is vegan. Waiter said that they were just basic Brussels. She was not sure if they were fried or baked. She also did not feel the need to find out from the kitchen. We asked if there was bacon on them and she said no. We explained that we needed to make sure there was no meat involved in the cooking process. She still insisted it was okay. Because the waiter seemed so unsure we asked another waiter who informed us bacon was indeed mixed in with the Brussels sprouts. We then went back to the waiter and told her that we were told bacon WAS on the Brussels sprouts. She looked surprised. Next the chef came out to explain a vegan option. We came up with a plan for a vegan meal with Brussels sprouts. Instead we are brought out asparagus with prosciutto. We explained that we did not order asparagus and asked to speak to the manager. Manager was not helpful and stated that there must have been confusion with the kitchen (even though we had just made a plan with the chef). Next we were brought asparagus without the prosciutto. Once again we explained that we did not order asparagus. Finally food comes out. We had ordered two margaritas but of course only 1 was put in the system. The initial bill that was shown was for a different table with trout and steak. Next bill shown was correct expect asparagus was still on the bill. Waiter explains that she will try to get the manger to "comp" the asparagus. I reiterate that we NEVER ordered asparagus in the first place. This was one of the worst experiences I have ever had in such a "high end" restaurant. Horrible customer service!! You cannot make up this story.
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HsiaoCheng W.

Yelp
Great option if you got a show. Only thing is service is slow. We waited I think 15 minutes until getting something. Mostly upper white older clientele getting something to eat or drink before the show. Prices are on the expensive side imo. The waitress apologized profusely for the delay. But I did see it was busy. So I told her not to sweat it. But we did want to make our showtime. So we just ordered appetizers and we made it with 10 minutes to spare having had come 1 hour early. Appetizers of pimento cheese and the spinach artichoke were meh. Cold and somewhat stale. House salad was good though. Also had 1 glass of wine. With tip, it's over $60 for that.
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Shay H.

Yelp
If you're a black woman attending a show alone and want to be treated like a 2nd class citizen then this is the restaurant for you. Service staff was not very helpful. I walked up to the podium to ask about sitting at the bar because I saw an open seat but was told I had to place my order there and pay upfront and then sit outside. While I was placing my order a couple left and there were teo seat open. I asked if it was now possible to sit at the bar and was told maybe if the bartender cleaned the spot. While standing there two people walked in and were able to go to the bar and the bartender proceeded to clean the spot when they walked up. Another couple walked in and were told to proceed outside and a waitress would be with by another service person at the podium. They walked outside then came back in and wondered around until they found an open table and they were brought menus and served. I sat outside Nd waited for the water I order then end up with two. One in a glass and another in a to go cup which I asked for the lid for but never received. My food was brought out in to go box and no silverware. I asked for silver and received them in a balled up cloth napkin. I was checked in on once. The food was subpar but it served its purpose. The view was nice.
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Rick M.

Yelp
Looks like most of the bad reviews were regarding service. I showed up pretty early on a Thursday evening before going to the theater and sitting at the bar the service was very prompt and my food came out quickly and scalding hot! I tried the seared salmon and can't complain. It wasn't the best I ever had but nothing to complain about by any means. Prices were very reasonable and the view is great!

Ralph L.

Yelp
Very convenient with the Theater district. Good food and pricing along with Ambient setting

A F.

Yelp
This is the second time I've eaten here, but this time was a full meal instead of dessert. I had redfish in a gumbo sauce and my son had the natural chicken with Marsala sauce. We shared a crab cake . We also got the cheesecake and peanut butter pie. The service was great. The redfish was excellent. The chicken's sauce was a little bland. The crab cake was great. The lemon cheesecake was wonderfully bright in flavor. The peanut butter pie is great but too rich for one person to eat by themselves. It was a pricey meal, but considering the convenience of the location for a show, it is worthwhile.
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Troy D.

Yelp
Excellent experience! I saw some negative reviews but understand your location and the environment that you are dining at. Everything is straight forward and you should expect the prices and clientele that are here. With all that we stop for dinner after a Sunday afternoon showing of Wicked. The views and settings were great. Our server Darrell was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Ordered a bottle of wine, they were out of my selection but brought a more expensive bottle but honored the price of my original choice. Started with soup of the day, Tomato Basil. Creamy and delicious. My wife had the Wagyu Beef Bolognese and I had the Shrimp Corn Chowder Penne. Big portion sizes and great flavor on both. We tried to save room for dessert as the options looked great but just couldn't. Highly recommend if you are seeing a show at Hobby.
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Bradley R.

Yelp
This was our second meal at Diana American Grill, and we really enjoyed both experiences! The first visit, I enjoyed one of the best prime ribs I have ever had, and I was tempted to order it gain, but the beef tenderloin seemed to be calling my name. Very happy with that decision - the marinated steak had an incredible taste and was really tender, perfectly medium rare. I had ordered Ceasar salad and truffle fries to serve as my version of steak frites and loved the flavor combination. They have a great tasting Old Fashion as a recommended cocktail, for those who partake. This restaurant is inside the Hobby Center for Performing Arts and it is not unusual for them to be sold out on nights plays are being performed, so, I not recommend eating here on such occasion, but you should make your reservation and hour to and hour and a half before the curtain goes up! Have fun!!!

Cramer F.

Yelp
We had the pleasure of eating dinner at Diana prior to the Abba show on Saturday 6/08/24, and it was delicious! Service was excellent, food was super tasty, and you cannot beat the convenience of dining right inside Hobby Center! I highly recommend, and will definitely return every time I go to Hobby Center!
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Ana C.

Yelp
Let me preface the review by saying that the food was excellent only after they decided to wait on us. My parents and I got there, looking over the menu. We noticed that after 15 minutes, everyone else around us who weren't a minority was getting drink and bread service. No one would come over and ask if we were ready or needed anything. Finally, I got up and asked to speak with a manager. I explained to her never had I felt less welcome at a restaurant than here. I told her I was not sure we were discriminated against due to race or my disability. Almost immediately, they began to bring us service after a drink, bread, etc. The manager did comp our meal, but it shouldn't take me showing them how obliviously wrong the initial situation was. They said our server was new a got lost. I didn't feel like the staff was working as a team. If the server near us saw what was happening, they could have given a heads-up. I'm also not sure the hostess had their head in the game, either. They should let servers know their table is present. The manager apologized profusely, but and the end, it had my blood pressure high and made what could have been a fun night out with my parents a flop.
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Ophelia T.

Yelp
Food is great I had the swordfish and ceasar salad, my husband had steak dinner and ceasar salad every thing was delicious
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Rae H.

Yelp
Just don't do it, yet! This place is gorgeous and has the potential be excellent, especially located inside of Hobby Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, the food and service is evidence of a highly inexperienced, well-intentioned staff (service and kitchen). The food reminds me of texture of a frozen Trader Joe's frozen entree (not at all healthy, though) from the free bread to the main course. The chicken arrived pink and drenched in a thick sauce to cover it up. The squash dish had so much promise and was edible on the same level a burnt, frozen meal from the oven is edible. They have no gluten free options and no dairy alternatives. Prices are insane for service and quality of food. And the music is elevator music turned up high and the acoustics are horrible so you hear everyone talking in surround sound (2 stories) with the sad music playing above it all. How about playing Broadway music during Broadway shows? This restaurant is charging for convenience of waiting for the shows to start, walking straight into the venue, and the beauty of restaurant & city view through floor to ceiling glass... but all of this is sadly not enough to outweigh everything else that still needs work. Hope is not lost! This can easily be solved by hiring a strong restaurant manager and new chef to get this place out of the dark ages and into the present to meet the growing needs and tastes of the community and this venue. It is not for lack of trying in my opinion, this is from a lack of restaurant leadership, market understanding, and overall vision. Coffee was Katz and was decent! This place is charging
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MC F.

Yelp
I've dined here many times for pre-theater dinner, but this was my first time coming with kids: Lunch before my nieces' first Playbills...We dined here prior to seeing Frozen at the Hobby Center. My steak was fantastic, seasoned perfectly, as was the broccolini. My potatoes aligot was a disappointment. I expected it to be cheesy with a more substantial/elastic/melty cheesy texture, but it was basically grainy mashed potatoes. The girls ordered a cheeseburger and chicken fingers, respectively, and neither ate much of their food. They did enjoy the fries. I loved that the restaurant had a themed drink! However, again, while they loved its "frozen" appearance, the drinks remained barely touched, because both said it was "too sour." I would suggest that the restaurant use actual kids as taste-testers for their kid's menu and kid specials. I paid over $100 for a lunch they barely touched. The service was GREAT, and as always, loved the decor and view.
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Patricia B.

Yelp
Great place to have dinner before a show. Do make reservations though. Service is quick, friendly and efficient. Nice menu and cocktails. The food perfectly prepared.

Eric M.

Yelp
The food is okay at best. The service is less than that. It is convenient but so is McDonalds. They really don't care and they are more concerned with turnover than they are with addressing any of their other issues. Be smart and choose a place that care not only about your dollar but about your experience. .
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Tamey W.

Yelp
You're eating here because you're going to a show at the Hobby Center and it's convenient. You're not eating here because the food is tasty, thats for sure. I ordered the shrimp pasta. It was bland and hugely underwhelming. I believe it had 4 shrimp laid on the top for $30. I tried my dates bolognese. Same story - flavorless and lackluster. We even asked our server for some freshly cracked pepper but it didn't help. Everything needed a heavy hand of seasoning. Even with the convenience of being in the Hobby Center I wont return. Far too many good restaurants nearby to be subjected to this.
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G P.

Yelp
This is a fantastic restaurant and we've only had outstanding service. The pastas are excellent and there are great wine choices by the bottle. The decor is beautiful. We would eat here even if not going to the hobby center.

Cindy R.

Yelp
Our recent pre-show meal at Diana was very disappointing. Although our server was friendly, there were numerous service problems that made for an experience that was much less than expected. Among the problems we had: Our server didn't know how to open our wine. Once she got help with that she poured two full glasses without giving either of us the option to taste the wine, then placed the already chilled bottle of red wine in an ice bucket. Our wine was not poured for us for the rest of the meal. We ordered salads and entrees. About two minutes after we placed our order a different server came with our entrees. He couldn't understand why we didn't want those when our salads hadn't even been served yet, and wanted to just leave them on the table while we ate our salads. A few minutes later, while we were eating our salads the server again tried to get us to accept our entrees. We did share this with our waitress and expressed we expected fresh food, not food that had been sitting under a heat lamp for 15 minutes. I don't think we got fresh entrees, because my chicken was dry on the edges, and while it was fairly hot the potatoes underneath were barely warm. My husbands pasta was also not very hot. There were other issues, but those were the two biggest problems. I understand that the service/hospitality industry are reeling right now, but I expect better when I dine out. Both of these issues point to a lack of training and poor communication. I don't think our meal was a good value...the food and service were not commensurate with the price.

C S.

Yelp
We had the salmon, chicken pasta, a bloody mary, and 2 waters... $98 total... We went before the symphony because it was convent to get to. Do yourself a favor and find a better place before the show. Nothing was fresh and the chicken pasta was obviously microwaved with a screaming hot outside portion and hard noodles. Really a terrible place to eat and ridiculously priced for the junk food. Felt taken advantage of when the bill came.
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Kelly O.

Yelp
Started with a bottle of white wine served room temp. At least they brought a bucket, so it could be chilled to finish it up. Salad should NEVER be served on hot plates (right out of the dishwasher). I had the Seared salmon that was VERY seared, way over cooked, husband the Rainbow Trout also over cooked. The only highlight was to nice women who served our warm wine. She brought us a tasting of a wonderful Malbec. Left hungry. TUTs season ticket holder who won't go back.

Raymond G.

Yelp
I appreciate your time, but I wanted to share that I didn't have the best experience today. The service seemed lacking, and I believe there might be some management issues that need attention
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Izabella G.

Yelp
The food was excellent. My seared scallops and shrimp on mushroom risotto tasted fabulous (with price tag of $45 I'm glad I didn't pick the tab). The chocolate mousse cake was to die for. My daughter loved her burger and fries. But the service.. where do I start? Although our waiter was gracious and absolutely charming, after a pretty long wait we had to ask another waiter to look for ours. The burger came without ketchup. We asked for the dessert menu and he simply forgot to bring it..
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Mary O.

Yelp
I come here before every show. The food is average, the service is average, the price for food AND drinks is exorbitant...but the location is excellent. That's why I come back. To sit at the table until 7:25 and walk into the theatre. However, I'm considering giving the location benefit up because of one server I've been unfortunate enough to have four times this season. He does this Shakespeare-Schtick speak thing which I assume he thinks theatre goers will like. We don't. It's obnoxious. We are paying too much money for that unprofessional behavior that belongs at the Renaissance Fair and not an upscale restaurant. Half the time we don't even understand him. I watch his other tables and I can tell they feel the same. Please for the love of God, retrain this server. If that's not enough to convince you, he needs a manicure very badly and there is dirt under his nails. Please fix this.
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Melissa S.

Yelp
Restaurant is at The Hobby Center so make sure you make a reservation if going on show night. I realize they only opened a month ago but was a little underwhelmed by the food. The bread was stale and tasted only and several tables that sat down after us were told they were out of bread. The Caesar salad and Potato Onion Soup were good as was the steak just wasn't blown away. I will be back as it is convenient for the theater and hope they improve with some tome.
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Jon T.

Yelp
This is everything I have come to expect from a restaurant attached to a temple of culture. Excellent food, wonderful wines, overpriced but not outrageous. I wanted a light snack before a 2pm matinee and the gulf shrimp cocktail was lovely. Add a Caesar salad and a glass of Veuve and I was ready for some Baroque opera.
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Mary N.

Yelp
After reading some of these reviews, I went to my 5:00 reservation a bit scared. I had NO need for that trepidation. The menu must have changed from many of these reviews because everything tasted great and I felt like the food was much more worth it than its predecessor, Artista. A friend and I ordered the following: Texas Pimento Cheese - really delicious with a creamy consistency. Friend liked the in-house-made crackers that went with it but I thought they were a bit soft for the appetizer. The flavoring on it was good though. I preferred to put the pimento cheese on the newly-baked bread they brought to us! Crab-Avocado Salad - a warning that this IS quite a small salad, but it worked as a shared salad for us as we ordered so many other things. Crabmeat and avocado were VERY fresh. It's currently one of their specials, so it IS $19 for a fairly small dish but we both felt it was worth it just for the deliciousness of it. Prime Rib with Fingerling Potatoes in a Swiss Cheese Sauce - the 12 Oz steak was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy. I didn't even need to pour in the au jus! I'm not usually a potato person but they were good. What REALLY stole the show was the Swiss cheese sauce. I'm not usually a fan of Swiss but this was amazing and my friend and I literally tried it with everything on our entree plates - the bread, the steak, her chicken (more below). It went well with EVERYTHING. Roasted Chicken - my friend's Entrée was half a roasted chicken with root vegetables. We couldn't figure out what sauce or seasonings they used but this is definitely recommended. The chicken was juicy and not at all dry. The vegetables were also roasted and consisted of two different types of potatoes (seemed like fingerlings and purple), sweet potato, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Chocolate Cake - I sometimes feel like I'm the only one of my friends to dislike too much chocolate, but this dessert was a perfect ending. It could have been a TAD but more moist, but great balance of sweetness and that bitter chocolate taste that I love. The icing is almost like a ganache (but isn't) and it was topped with fresh raspberries. The service was fantastic. Our server let us relax and we never once felt rushed. He gave recommendations on his favorite items on the menu. We were also visited by two other people - I believe one was a manager and the other may have been a sommelier but not sure on the 2nd - both of whom asked if everything was to our liking. I thought the ambiance was great; there was current music playing softly when we first sat down but I stopped hearing it once more people arrived. Both of us decided we'd come back for the next show we saw. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are going to see a show - convenient with great food. I would rate this more of a 4.5 but I'm rounding up because anything that bothered me seems so insignificant. I just wish the check-in desk wasn't in such an awkward place? (I usually take more photos of my food but I was just enjoying it this time around. All I got was the cake!)
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Stephanie M.

Yelp
Service was horrible!! Waiter didn't know the menu! Food took forever and it was cold!! Waiter dropped knife on my hand!!! Very disappointing for such a nice establishment with overpriced food!
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Nina W.

Yelp
This place has a really nice ambience and is very convenient before a play at the hobby center. Unfortunately the food is not up to par. The pimento,spinach dip, and lobster Mac were all very average. I did enjoy my salmon. The staff was somewhat unfriendly and unaccommodating. I would recommend going somewhere else before enjoying a show!
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Wayne S.

Yelp
Took a reservation on Open Table yet was closed when we arrived and then cancelled the Open Table reservation after we pies and arrived. Disgraceful.
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Vic C.

Yelp
So, I ate at this restaurant in the theater building just because it was in the theater building. It had been getting horrible reviews since they changed management, both for the service and the quality of the food, not to mention tiny portions and high prices. Even for a place like that. Well, either I got really lucky or they fixed it. The prices were actually quite reasonable. I got two fillets of trout for only a couple of bucks more than one fillet costs me Sugar Land. The sides were extra (it did come with some nice stuffing type stuff, but I wanted vegetables), but they were only $4.50 each - I've sure seen higher prices than that in fancy restaurants - and I got mass quantities of heirloom carrots, more than I could eat, all different kinds. The bartender made a martini correctly. For something so simple - six parts gin to one part vermouth, put it in contact with ice cubes just barely long enough to get it cold, and stick a couple of olives in it - you'd be amazed how many people can ruin it. Like about nine out of 10. Did you know that E. B. White called a martini "the elixir of quietude"? And all I had to do to get service was wiggle my eyebrow. I was pinching myself to see if I was in Houston.
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Dawn W.

Yelp
Jonathan G. Is the Best.Bartender.In.Houston. You must try his espresso martini! The food was spot on too. A perfect intermission spot while watching Mamma Mia! With TUTS.
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Shawna W.

Yelp
Went to lunch before seeing Aladdin. The positive is the location before a show and the hostess was friendly. The food came out quickly and I didn't feel the portions were small like other reviews stated. The problem was the taste of the food and the server did not seem like he wanted to be there. The food was edible at best. Would not return for another visit. They are relying on the location but did not invest in food quality or taste. With so many fantastic restaurants in Houston I would plan my timing better to eat before going to the venue.
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Charles S.

Yelp
Tried this before a show last night. 4 things: 1.) Nice remodel - the charcoal walls are a nice change from the cream colored Artista walls. It looks nice and has a great feel. Very classy. 2.) The mark-up on the wine is insane. I can get some of these bottles at Kroger for the cost of one glass here. Overpriced. 3.) Avocado dip is gross. It looks like cat food and tastes about the same. It's served with four thin wafer crackers which break the second you try to scoop up the dip and isn't enough for one person, let alone a table of people. 4.) The barstools are incredibly uncomfortable. Just not comfy at all. The low back-supports actually make your back hurt and provide no support. Better to have no backs than these odd things. This design is no good. FYI: The patio isn't open yet. So if you're going hoping to enjoy the view from the balcony, forget it. That was perhaps most disappointing of all. We get a handful of gorgeous fall nights in Houston. Wanted to enjoy last night before the show on that balcony with wine and family. Not an option currently....... Won't be back. Better to go across the lobby and eat at the pop-up cafe than eat here.
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Kat S.

Yelp
Where do I start? We had an absolutely wonderful pre-show dinner and impeccable service. Our server, Miguel, went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful dinner. We had the shrimp cocktail appetizer, the roasted chicken (perfectly seasoned), the prime rib (beautifully cooked), as well as the carrot cake (literally the best we've ever had and we eat a lot of carrot cake). My only "complaint" would be the shrimp cocktail presentation. It was flat on a plate with a cute dish for the cocktail sauce...my personal preference is for it to be on a glass a but more chilled. Zero issues otherwise and we will definitely come again before another show!

Selina T.

Yelp
I came here for my birthday and was blown away! The service was absolutely amazing from the Hostess to the Servers! Even the Manager Asia came over to wish me a happy birthday, which was very thoughtful and appreciated! My server Jasmine was very sweet and very quick with with everything we asked for. The hostess Alex gave us an amazing table with such a beautiful view. The steak was cooked to PERFECTION! And to top it off they had my favorite tres leches cake for desert with candles! I loved every part of this dining experience, especially since I am new to Houston! I can't wait to return, and hopefully catch a show while there!
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Holly C.

Yelp
Based in previous reviews, we almost skipped this place, I am glad we did not. They have changed the menu (and the bread as a see in previous complaints) we started with drinks, and they were fantastic. Josh was our server and did and excellent job with recommendations. My husband and I split Diana salad and added shrimp (a must, they were excellent)! I changed the presentation for the pic, but it was appetizing as is. We also split the prime rib special with Diana potatoes and an order of asparagus. It was perfect! Lastly the lemon cheesecake was a delicious finish to a great meal. We will definitely be back. One nitpicky thing, iron your tablecloths. Other than that, everything was better than expected!