Giacomo's Cibo e Vino

"Giacomo’s may not offer the glitz and glam of other River Oaks restaurants, but it is just as beloved. The casual Italian restaurant boasts a vast menu, ideal for groups or couples looking to share, and a worthy wine list. Before settling on a hot entree, like chicken and pork-stuffed tortellini made with fresh, housemade egg pasta, sample some of the cold starters, like tinned fish with cannellini beans." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"Hunker down on Giacomo’s laid-back patio and choose from dozens of Italian dishes that are easy on the pocketbook. Entrees include ratatouille (a French dish, sure, but the flavors here read Italian), carbonara (sans cream), pasta e fagioli, and pappardelle al telefono, made with garlic, oil, and tomatoes. Wine selections are plentiful, with a variety of white, red, and orange selections, and Champagne options by the glass or the bottle." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino was made for folks who want to spend their birthday going in on charcuterie and pasta, sipping natural Italian wine, and dining al fresco. The small neighborhood Italian spot in River Oaks has all of that for a reasonable price. Throw back a bowl of lamb orecchiette, or a board of shaved prosciutto and fresh figs, and feel like you’re on a tiny trattoria patio in Venice. Call ahead for reservations and linger with your besties over a bottle or two." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino is pretty chill for being located right off Westheimer. This Italian restaurant in River Oaks is great if you need a no-fuss night to yourselves, or a casual first date spot. Cozy up at a corner table and split a bottle of Italian wine over plates of mozzarella-stuffed radicchio and eggplant parmesan. Or sit on the plant-filled patio with as many half orders of housemade eggy pastas you can fit on the table. No matter what you order, the food here is consistent, comforting, and free of flashy distractions." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"Don’t expect any sparklers or sprays of white orchids Giacomo’s. This neighborhood Italian spot doesn’t need any showy gimmicks—other than allowing dogs on the patio—to serve you excellent cacio e pepe and natural Italian wine. Everything here is fantastic, like the thin-shaved brussels sprouts salad with lemon and pine nuts, and the mozzarella-stuffed grilled radicchio with just a kiss of char. The somewhat aloof service gives this place even more charm, as does the kitschy interior with an explosion of wine boxes across the restaurant. Giacomo’s is for everyone, whether you want a quiet date night or a place to let your toddler smear their face with alfredo sauce." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas