I'll second the Grotto and La Griglia Don't go to Maggiano's Little Italy. It sucks in my opinion. You're best bet is to check out zagats.com or houston.citysearch.com or something to that effect and just choose a place randomly. Variety is the spice of life
Nino's is across the street of Vincent's and run by the same people. With a group I'd go to Vincent's, on a date I would go to Nino's.
I've eaten there a couple of times, and it is great. Probably the best Italian I've ever eaten. It's kind of a hole in the wall, in that it started as a house, but it's expanded into a really nice restruant, with the tables in smaller rooms. Family owned and operated. Has a really good chef who goes around and asks people what they think of their food, and fixes it if they don't like it. They have a large wine collection as well. Very nice. Prices are very reasonable. If you are looking for someplace romantic and a little different, don't go to a chain.
Forget Italian restaurants. Just take your girlfriend to CHURRASCOS. Just make sure you dont have a empty wallet
