Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Houston

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in University of Houston

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

21 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of il Bracco - Post Oak restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(428)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown
Booked 65 times today
At il Bracco - Post Oak, located in the vibrant Uptown area of Houston, diners are treated to a delightful fusion of Italian flavors with a touch of American flair. The restaurant consistently delivers "outstanding food, service, and ambiance," making it a standout choice for those seeking high-quality American cuisine with an Italian twist. The menu features expertly crafted dishes such as hand-cut steaks and seafood, complemented by freshly made pasta and desserts that are made from scratch daily. Guests rave about the "exceptional service," where staff members go the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether it's a business lunch, a romantic date night, or a casual dinner, il Bracco promises a "wonderful place" for any occasion.
A photo of Coppa Osteria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(947)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Rice Village
Booked 65 times today
Coppa Osteria in Rice Village, Houston, is a cocktail bar that truly dazzles with its craft cocktail offerings, making it a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts. The bar scene at Coppa is lively and inviting, perfect for sipping on a signature drink while enjoying the charming neighborhood ambiance. Praised for its “superior service” and “excellent” offerings, patrons are consistently impressed by the quality and creativity of the cocktails. Reviewers often highlight the “great drink and food selection,” ensuring that each visit is a memorable experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Coppa Osteria promises an authentic and delightful cocktail journey.
A photo of Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1182)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Westside
Booked 45 times today
Lombardi Cucina Italiana in Westside, Houston, is a culinary gem that artfully merges authentic Italian cuisine with contemporary flair. Guests are thrilled by the "delicious food" and "beautiful decor," which transports them to an open-air villa in Italy. The menu showcases an impressive selection of "fatto a Mano" pastas and fresh delicacies, while the innovative cocktail menu uses kitchen ingredients like prosciutto and rosemary. Diners rave about the "wonderful service" and "amazing experience," highlighting standout dishes like the spicy rigatoni and braised lamb ravioli as "chefs kiss." Lombardi offers an unforgettable ambiance, making it a "highly recommended" destination for Italian cuisine lovers.
A photo of North Italia – BLVD restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4300)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Galleria / Uptown
Booked 46 times today
North Italia – BLVD in the vibrant Galleria/Uptown area of Houston is a shining star of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Known for its “delicious food and top-notch service,” this restaurant crafts every dish from scratch, using seasonal ingredients that ensure fresh and inventive flavors. Diners rave about the “best calamari anywhere” and the exquisite ricotta cavatelli, showcasing the authenticity and creativity inherent in each bite. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, making it a perfect spot for celebrations or a cozy date night. With standout dishes like the branzino and the vodka pasta, North Italia offers an unparalleled modern Italian dining experience.
A photo of Rosie Cannonball restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(368)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Montrose
Booked 92 times today
Rosie Cannonball in Montrose, Houston, is a vibrant celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, skillfully prepared with a focus on live fire cooking. The restaurant's wood-burning oven and grill bring out the best in their hand-crafted pastas and wood-fired pizzas, drawing rave reviews for their "perfection" and "top quality." The menu, inspired by fresh, local ingredients, pairs exquisitely with an Italian-centric wine list curated by Master Sommelier June Rodil. Diners consistently praise the "extraordinary" service and "exceptional" food, making it a beloved gem in the heart of Houston. With its lively atmosphere and delectable offerings, Rosie Cannonball promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Roma restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1402)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Rice Village
Booked 7 times today
At Roma, nestled in the heart of Houston's Rice Village, seafood takes center stage with dishes that are as fresh as they are authentic. Known for flying in fresh fish daily, Roma ensures that every seafood offering, like their "amazing branzino special," tastes "literally fresh off the boat." This commitment to quality has diners raving about the "incredibly fresh" fish dishes, making them a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. The restaurant's cozy and inviting atmosphere, coupled with excellent service, creates the perfect dining experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Roma promises a delightful seafood journey that rivals anything from Italy.
A photo of Lee's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(92)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Southeast Houston
Booked 27 times today
Lee's celebrates all things Italian, with an amaro, Aperol, and Campari-focused cocktail menu full of bright spritzes Enjoy irreverent snacks like mozzarella sticks, fried mozzarella, shaved truffle pizza, and a chicken parm sandwich in a moody, lounge-inspired atmosphere. Please note, Lee's is a 21+ establishment.Named one of 2025's Best Bars in America (Bon Appetit)Nominated for 2026 Best New Bar (James Beard Foundation)
A photo of Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1199)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Booked 20 times today
Mia Bella Trattoria - Greenway Plaza in Houston is a gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine, seamlessly blending Italian tradition with regional American twists. Celebrated for its daring preparations and imaginative ingredients, this restaurant elevates familiar dishes to new heights. Diners rave about the "amazing food and service," with standout dishes like the Mixed Seafood Linguine and the create-your-own pasta options. The ambiance is inviting, perfect for both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations. With an extensive wine list and creative cocktails, Mia Bella ensures a delightful experience. Whether for brunch or dinner, it is a "go-to date night Italian" destination, promising a memorable culinary journey.
A photo of George's Bistro & Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(429)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • W. University / Med Center
Booked 7 times today
George's Bistro & Bar, nestled in the heart of West University, Houston, TX, is a culinary gem that promises an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience. Known for its "delicious food" and "wonderful neighborhood feel," this bistro expertly melds traditional Mediterranean flavors with innovative techniques, using locally sourced ingredients. Diners rave about the "fresh and delicious" offerings, including standout dishes like steamed mussels and chicken piccata. Guests appreciate the "first-class service" and the inviting ambiance of the outdoor patio, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. George's Bistro & Bar is a must-visit destination for Mediterranean cuisine aficionados.
A photo of Weights and Measures restaurant
4.5
Awesome(510)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Midtown
Booked 12 times today
Weights and Measures in Midtown, Houston, excels in delivering exquisite Contemporary Italian cuisine, marked by its commitment to authenticity and quality. Diners rave about their handmade pastas and pizzas, especially the "spectacular" prosciutto & fig pizza. The restaurant's dedication to crafting dishes from scratch ensures every bite is fresh and flavorful. With a relaxed atmosphere perfect for everything from brunch to business lunches, it’s no wonder patrons describe their experiences as "consistently great." The combination of exceptional food, attentive service, and a welcoming ambiance makes Weights and Measures a standout destination for anyone seeking genuine Contemporary Italian dining.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SchavonneGold
    Houston •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We always have an excellent time here. It’s our go to place for happy hour. Such an amazing vibe and atmosphere. Love going there on a weekly basis. The food is wonderful and drinks are delightful. Has not disappoint.
    More info
    North Italia – BLVD$$$$• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
    4.6
  • Steven
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service was fantastic, our waiter was one of the best that I have had in a long time, very attentive but not overbearing.
    More info
    Lombardi Cucina Italiana - Houston$$$$• Italian• Westside
    4.5
  • Hal
    New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service were outstanding. Everyone took the time to greet us and make us feel welcome. I could tell that the team was well trained as everyone was constantly checking to see if we needed anything as they walked the floor. It was a great experience and we will be back!
    More info
    Coppa Osteria$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Rice Village
    4.7
  • Alexandra
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Absolutely amazing venue for intimate date night with elevated bar bites and craft cocktails and mocktails!!
    More info
    Lee's$$$$• Cocktail Bar• Southeast Houston
    4.6
  • JorgeGold
    Houston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 19, 2026
    We had a truly wonderful experience at il Bracco, celebrating our anniversary. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt elegant, welcoming, and very comfortable. The restaurant has a great ambiance that makes it perfect for a date, special occasion, or even just an evening out. The food was excellent from start to finish, and the drinks were also amazing and complemented the meal perfectly. I can witness that the restaurant cares about quality and presentation. What made the experience even more special was the service. Every staff member we interacted with was kind, professional, and attentive throughout the night. A very special thank you goes to Emma, our waitress, who truly went above and beyond. She was friendly, attentive, patient, and made sure we were always taken care of without ever making us feel rushed. Her positive attitude and attention to detail made a big difference in our experience. Emma also surprised us with a champagne glass for each of us so we could cheer and celebrate our anniversary, which was such a thoughtful and beautiful gesture. On top of that, she kindly took beautiful pictures of us and helped us capture such special memories from the night. Her warmth and genuine care made us feel truly welcomed and appreciated. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was how thoughtful the entire staff was regarding our anniversary. Several team members approached our table to congratulate us, which felt very genuine and heartfelt. Those small gestures created such a warm and personal experience and made our celebration feel even more meaningful. It is rare nowadays to find a restaurant where the staff puts so much care into making guests feel appreciated. Overall, il Bracco exceeded our expectations in every way. Excellent food, delicious drinks, outstanding service, and an atmosphere that made our anniversary truly memorable. We left very happy and grateful for the experience, and we will absolutely be returning in the future.
    More info
    il Bracco - Post Oak$$$$• Italian• Galleria / Uptown
    4.8
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo