Any recommendations for a nice Italian restaurant on the westside of town? Preferrably from the Galleria out west. Somewhat romantic would be ideal. Thanks!
Back on the horse, eh? I'm not much for Italian, but I remember Antonio's Flying Pizza got rave reviews from people when I asked the same question a few years ago. We ended up not going, but I found this review on it: http://restaurants.houstonpress.com/search/restaurants.php?oid=504237 For Italian-American classics like spaghetti and meatballs, sausage-and-pepper sandwiches, cheese pizzas and calzones, you can’t beat Antonio’s. It doesn’t just look like an East Coast red-checkered tablecloth pizzeria, it really is one. Owner Antonio Rosa threw pizzas in Connecticut and New Jersey before he moved to Houston and opened Antonio’s Flying Pizza in 1971. Here is another critic's place they recommended, Arcodoro, but be aware this one is on the pricey end. http://restaurants.houstonpress.com/2005-06-16/dining/swinging-sardinians/
Crapitto's Cucina Italiana http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews/rsv0194.asp?bnr=489 Nestled in the trees, this elegant remodeled farmhouse near the Galleria offers romance, patio dining, & banquet rooms. Won the 2004 Marvin Zindler Blue Ribbon Award.
Not as romantic as a Carraba's, but Collina's Restaurant has some of the finest Italian cooking in H-town, period. Their lasagna is to die for.
Il Napoli Italian Restaurant ( 1741 Hollister St ) off of Long Point in Spring Branch is a family favorite - mom & pop place that has been there for years or Ugo's Italian Grill ( 8800 Katy Fwy ) in between Voss and Campbell is really good
Antonios' Flying Pizza??? Collina's?????? Anyone who recommends those places might as well give RM95 some Chef Boy-ar-dee spaghetti in a can! Here is your list RM95. Crappito's is perfect, but might not be as far out west as you would like. It's inside the loop on Mid Lane. In your hood (aka the boonies out west), I've heard good things about Carmelo's but I've never been there. Ditto that for Pasta Lo Monte's (a work associate highly recommends it). George's Pastaria is excellent but has more of a homey atmosphere rather than romantic. So there you go. Go get her, Tiger!!
I logged into my Zagat account to see what they had to say. I've never been there, but they rate the food at Simposio higher than Damian's. 5591 Richmond (at Chimney Rock).
I didn't catch the Romantic part the first time around. Same food score as Damian's, higher decor score is: http://www.latrattoria-houston.com/
Carmelo's is a good and kinda romantic, but it is also pricey from what I remember. It's on Memorial near Dairy Ashford. If I eat Italian on this side of town most of the time it is at Collinas on Kirkwood. Not at all romantic, but they allow you to bring your own wine which is a nice bonus. Usually when I want really good Italian in a nice setting we just drive to Damians. I have yet to find any place better.
There's one on Richmond and Windchase (near Eldridge) in the little shopping center, but I can't remember the name. Anyone? Best Italian food I've had in Houston (besides Amedeos in Kingwood).
Does it have to be Italian because there are so many others that are good. I think Capital Grille is pretty good and romantic. The only downside is that it's VERY pricey and not Italian (American actually). You can check this website for some great help.
Maggiano's is always good and its right near the galleria I like D'amico's a lot, but that in rice village, so its closer in that what you are looking for
Lasagna House on Eldridge is good...but more of a family restaurant than a romantic spot. Carmelo's is all of those things...but really expensive.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. We're going to the Drafthouse at 10:40, so it'll need to be fairly far west. I only picked Italian because that's her favorite cuisine, but I'm open to any other suggestions outside of seafood.
There's a Benihana-esque Japanese steakhouse in the strip center where Randall's is at Memorial/Dairy Ashford that's really good. Tokyo Steakhouse, I think it's called. I haven't eaten at the restaurant at Westheimer @ Wilcrest where Houston's used to be...but I hear good things about it. Can't remember the name. Have you considered James Coney Island?
If she wanted to eat at JCI on our first technical date, I'd be married again before the year is over!
