Throughout 2019 and early 2020, The Woodlands saw a rise in Italian dining coming to the area, with both casual and fine dining among the new businesses opening. In 2019, The Woodlands welcomed three new Italian establishments: Radunare on Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands, Zanti Cucina Italiana on Research Forest Drive in Magnolia and Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen on Waterway Square Place.

January saw the emergence of Avanti Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar in Creekside Park. Owners of the new restaurants said they are attempting to bring competition to area staples such as Amerigos Grill, and each owner noted the immediate areas where they opened their restaurants were limited in their Italian offerings.