"No one at Giacomo’s is out to impress you, outside of serving excellent carbonara. Here Italian food is served en masse with a gigantic wine list. Everything is fantastic, like the thin-shaved brussels sprouts salad with lemon and pine nuts, or mozzarella-stuffed grilled radicchio with just a kiss of char. The somewhat aloof service gives Giacomo’s even more charm, as does the outdated kitschy interior and the explosion of wine boxes across the restaurant. But despite its chaos, 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." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Looking to take your dog out for dinner? Hit up Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino, a neighborhood Italian classic with a dog-friendly patio. Despite being right off Westheimer in River Oaks, dining al fresco feels relatively peaceful thanks to a shroud of vines and a red umbrella canopy. Split a charcuterie board, mozzarella-stuffed radicchio, eggplant parmesan, and bowls of housemade or imported pastas Lady-and-the-Tramp style. Humans can also enjoy a few glasses of wine from a number of female winemakers, which Giacomo’s makes sure to note on the menu." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"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, julie takahashi
"If your definition of Italian food is a lot of little tiny plates ordered en masse and served al fresco, Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino will delight you. This kitschy River Oaks spot serves a massive menu of cheese-stuffed vegetables, handmade pastas, and many bottles of Italian wine. And the fact you can bring your dog on the patio makes both even better." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"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