Perbacco

I am so excited to have found this restaurant. My husband and I chose it because it was close to the theater but we will definately be making it a frequent place to visit. After having studied abroad in Italy and spent several holidays there, I have been seeking that real italian taste from a restaurant but have been unable to find it, this place was the first place I've been to in Houston that truly tasted like authentic Italian food. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the veal was delicious. The Italian owner even brought us several other samplings of his food to taste and everything was delish. Not too mention this place if very affordable, we will be back very soon. more

Vittorio, the proprietor of this wonderful restaurant, takes special pride in each and every dish that is served. The menu is fabulous, but if you're not in the mood for what you see there, just tell him--he'll tell what he's got and whip something up just for you! His seafood is particularly outstanding. You owe it to yourself to make Perbacco a regular haunt. Pros: Value for the money; outstanding food more

This wonderful gem in a corner of the Pennzoil building serves the best seafood in Houston. Anything Vito serves, from TO DIE FOR seafood ravioli in a creamy tomato sauce, to glass of wonderful & inexpensive wine, to seafood linguini (last week it had fresh clams, in their shells, SO fresh--!)--it's simply magnificent. I could go on...but what I notice, consistently, as I leave Vito's place is that I am happy. And when I chat up other patrons, they feel the same. Happy. How seldom have I felt that when leaving the expensive/trendy places! At Perbacco you are attended to in every way. This place is just like so many great little restaurants in Itally: they aren't trying to make a big show, just bring you terrific food in a great atmosphere. If I'm lucky I eat lunch there once a week; before attending a concert in Jones Hall (across the street) I'll enjoy a dinner a few times a month. Perbacco is the best Italian restaurant that I know of in Houston! Pros: Simply magnificent, genuine cooking. Cons: Hmmm....can't think of any. more

Without a doubt, this unassuming downtown restaurant consistently serves up the very best Italian food in Houston. Right across from Jones Hall, this restaurant is popular with artists between rehearsals and audience members in the evenings before concerts and theatrical events. Open for a casual lunch and a very nice dinner seating, the food and service are first-class EVERY time. Vito, the owner, is a perfectionist and makes sure everything that reaches the table is perfect. Favorite dishes of mine are the Seafood Ravioli in Pink Sauce. This is the best homemade ravoli anywhere! All the fish specials are outstanding, including the Mahi Mahi with cherry tomatoes and capers served atop a perfectly done pasta. At Perbaccco, a side of veggies is a study in perfection as well. Green beans, broccoli and zuccini all cooked so that each is the perfect doneness! My goal now is to try each item on the menu at least once. I'm about halfway there! Sidenote: Vito has a beautiful wine selection that he will pair with your meal and he serves up the best cup of Cappuccino in town too! At dinner service, the waitstaff is exceptional - I always leave feeling like I was treated like a king. I've heard other diners make that same remark as they leave the restaurant too! Pros: Best Italian Seafood in Houston, great service, Homemade ravioli is amazing! more

You would think in a city as big and diverse as Houston, there would be tons of great Italian food. I've found only this one tiny, downtown gem. Gnocchi tastes light as a pillow, just like mama makes, none of this frozen junk. Salmon and Spinach salad is fab as are all the pasta dishes. Stay away from the baked pasta dishes (i.e. lasanga, manicotti) as they are way to cheesey, big and heavy. Great for lunch. Pros: stellar food , 5 min from rail, friendly staff Cons: baked pastas, closes at 9 more

The restaurant is wonderful, I truly felt like I was in an modern exquisite atmoshere in Italy. The food was absolutely the best! The chef is always willing to conjure up any dish you desire. Pros: great atmosphere, the best Italian food, inexpensive more

Vittorio treats you like a friend at this chic yet cozy Italian. Great atmosphere with an Italian eye for design. Awesome menu with something for everyone. Prices are great. Quality is unsurpassed. Had the Pescatore with linguini, took me back to Sicily. Cannelloni with veal was super. Gnocchi were handmade and light as air. Tiramisu was ""the real deal."" Everything was exceptional and well beyond Houston's normally available Italian fare. This would be a great after a movie or theatre destination or to take that special someone. Will definately be back! Pros: inexpensive, authentic, great atmosphere more