WHILE IT ISN’T THE MOST HERALDED TYPE OF CUISINE IN HOUSTON, Italian certainly has its place. Every neighborhood seems to have at least one red-sauce spot perfect for those Friday nights over a cheap bottle of wine, and if you want a romantic evening with impeccable service and homemade pasta that’ll make your eyes roll back ... we’ve got that, too. 

(Seriously, have you even tried the pappardelle at Giacomo’s?) Below is a selection of our favorite spots for—among other pleasures—cacio e pepe, pepperoni pizza, and antipasta.