I will often drive right past it when I turn into the opposite direction to go to the pet store or…read moreTrador Joes. As soon as I see Fabio's little building I call my wife to ask if she wants me to pick up something from there. It's our number one place to buy excellent pasta in a variety of sizes. We also will get their different Raviolis as well. We mix and match the different sauces each time and are always happy with the decision. We have often changed our dinner plans to go with the pasta. A salad, and a nice bottle of wine from my cellar... It's the American plan. They also have a spot at the outdoor market on Buffalo Speedway every Saturday, and the first and third Sunday in Rice Village...the second and fourth Sunday in the Heights. It's good stuff so I give it ***** stars. Be there or be square

I really wanted to like this place. I first tried their pasta when a friend cooked it for me, and…read moreit was great, so I went there myself. I bought lobster ravioli, four-cheese ravioli, and pasta sauce. Lobster ravioli is $2.40 each so I paid $24 for the box. When I opened it to cook, I only found 9 ravioli inside. I wouldn't have written this review if it had been just one missing. Then, when I put the cheese ravioli in boiling water, I found a bug floating in it. Will I go back? I'm not sure. It's such a shame because their ravioli and sauce taste so good.

i came here for a fever eating blindfold event. this was a great experience. i had a dietary…read morerestriction of dairy free and picked the seafood meal option. the service was attentive. the ambiance was upscale. the food took a bit longer than my companion next to me to come out at times but that was because they had to handle the adjustments of my restrictions. the food tasted really good and the three course meal was very satisfying. overall i enjoyed my time here.

Came here on a weekday for dinner. Located on Studewood in the Heights. There's plenty of parking…read moreright next to the restaurant. The interior is pretty casual with a full bar in the middle. Our server was friendly and made couple solid recommendations on appetizers. Two dishes stood out for me: Watermelon and tomato salad - this is my favorite thing from the dinner, the sweetness from the watermelon worked surprisingly well with the balsamic glaze and pesto, very refreshing. TexQueno - nice cheese stick made with Venezuelan cheese, paired well with the cilantro sauce. We also tried the shrimp ceviche, which was solid, but nothing too special. For the main, we went with pastas, which were let downs. For the Cioppino Linguini, the seafood was overcooked, the pasta texture wasn't great, and the dish tasted pretty bland and lack the garlicky tomato flavor you'd expect from a traditional Cioppino Linguini. The wild mushroom pasta had a bit heavy sauce, also not the best pastas, but the mushrooms were cooked well.

I finally had a chance to try Coltivare, ever since I heard of them back in 2014 , not sure why it…read moretook this long. Anyhoo, Houston Restaurant Week (Month?) brought me to them finally, and the quest was finally completed. Reservations are a bit difficult for the weekend, at least for HRW, but I managed to snag a 5pm spot. We had to find parking in the neighborhood. We got seated immediately. The tables are a little close to each other but I don't think I could really catch conversations too easily. The food was quite excellent. For the first course, we had the corn ribs and calamari spiedino, both were fantastic, with lots of flavor. 5/5 for both. For the second course, we got the pan-roasted trout and bucatini. The fiancee liked her trout, as they got the skin nice and crispy. The bucatini was tasty, perhaps could be a little more al dente, but pretty yummy. I would say 4.5/5 for both. As for the dessert, we both got the fig leaf panna cotta, 5/5, solid. Overall assessment, food was very good, seems very chef-driven, local, and seasonal. Good flavor, and good use of veggies and herbs. Pricing is pretty fair for the type of restaurant. I would expect a non-HRW dinner to cost $30-50pp for appetizers and mains. One miss I have for the restaurant was the use of their space. The ice and silverware station(s) are way too close to guests, we were 3 tables away and the clinking sounds are loud and travels given the floors are basically concrete, fairly unpleasant to hear those sounds constantly throughout our meal. That said, we'll be back! Hopefully, it won't be in 2038!

EXTREMELY loud. Tables are close together. Wine list is large, but not impressive. The marinated…read moreolives have a slight bitter after taste. The mix drinks all have issues. Maybe stick with the lackluster wine list. The prosciutto with cheese appetizer is good. This place is highly overrated - not to mention they had a few flies buzzing around the tables.

Came by to sample their weekly cheese rotation and somehow walked out with more than planned (zero…read moreregrets). We ended up leaving with the Salva Cremasco (my BF's pick) while I chose a random interesting-looking cheese called Screamer--because sometimes the mystery pick just calls to you. Half the fun here is getting to try cheeses you'd probably never think to bring home otherwise. The Salva Cremasco was surprisingly easy to love. Mild, buttery, and savory in a way that felt approachable rather than intimidating, with a smooth semi-firm texture that got creamier as you ate it. At first, it tasted very clean and milky with a light nuttiness, but the finish had this subtle earthy, almost mushroomy/vegetal note that kept things interesting without ever becoming funky or sharp. It felt like the kind of cheese you accidentally keep cutting "one more slice" of until suddenly... half of it is gone. We were also sold on trying the FLUFF Bake Bar cookies made with goat milk, which honestly felt very on-brand for the whole experience. Dangerous place for impulse purchases--but in the best possible way. What really keeps making this place memorable, though, is the people. I love the knowledgeable and warm welcome we always get from the staff. Even on a visit that barely lasted 15 minutes, they somehow still made the experience feel memorable--like you stopped by to chat with people who genuinely love what they do and want to share it with you.

I can't believe I've lived in Houston for this many years and never stopped by Houston Dairymaids…read more I learned that they're the backbones of many restaurants' cheese selections, and I had to trace it back to the origin. A small, discreet shop with a backyard-like parking lot, it's unassuming on the outside but full of character on the inside. Upon entering, you're welcomed with samples of the five cheeses of the week, generally going from soft to firmer and stronger. Their cheeses are displayed in a small fridge, but you can always request varietals ahead of time if you've got something in mind. We bought blue cheese they had on sample (the "Ewe Calf to be Kidding" from Wisconsin, a triple-milk (sheep, cow, and goat)) and the last of their Capricorn Goat Blue cheeses for about $10/piece. Since they rotate out their cheeses weekly, it may become a regular stop on our weekend grocery trips (they mention that many people do that). They also mentioned that their wines rotate out and they have a good relationship with local distributors to understand what pairs well with their cheeses. They also let you start an account so that you can keep a history of all the cheese you buy. You better bet that I signed up. They're celebrating their 20 year anniversary in Houston. I wish I had come earlier to experience some of those years. It's got to be a cornerstone of Houston cheese and probably the among the best cheesemongers in Houston.

This place is amazing! It's such a cool vibe! The service is always top notch and the food is so…read moredelicious! The bruschetta is perfection. The meatballs, and chicken parm sandwich are also the best. This place does not disappoint and is truly a favorite of ours!

On our second visit to Postino Heights, we again had wonderful service. Our orders, drinks, food,…read moreetc. were taken swiftly. We sat on the nice patio. It was a hot and humid Houston evening but the fans made it comfortable to dine and enjoy. We ordered the herbed French fries which were crispy and delicious. The chicken and beef skewers were juicy, tender and well seasoned. Our bruschetta board was great - we ordered the smoked salmon and the bacon, arugula, tomato one. I enjoyed both of these. The Basque cheesecake doesn't have a crust; it's different from the cheesecake I'm used to.

First time here and I was seriously impressed. The chicken was so tender I didn't even need a…read moreknife, the pasta Bolognese was delicious, the salad was crisp, and the homemade ranch was a win. The portions are generous too, so leftovers are definitely happening. What really stands out is Frank. He has a big personality, takes real pride in what he does, and you can feel that pride in the food, the service, and the restaurant itself. He came by to make sure everything was perfect, and that personal touch matters. The place is gorgeous, spotless, and yes, I noticed the bathrooms and the good toilet paper. I notice details. Great food, great service, and a chef who clearly cares. I'm already thinking about having a party here.

Maybe it's just me but I had no idea this cute little place existed! It's a very small lot located…read morein the Heights, so parking is definitely a pain if you can't find a spot in the tiny lot out front (but the owner will personally come out and help you squeeze into a spot himself). Inside there is also a chalkboard specials menu which I thought was a nice touch to add to the homey ambiance of the place. From the food I did have, everything tasted incredible and truly felt like I was having a home cooked meal inside of the chef/owner's home himself. This is a great date night/small celebratory dinner spot that has become bookmarked in the back of my mind, especially as someone who typically doesn't go out of her way to get Italian food when choosing somewhere to eat.

I've been to this restaurant twice now! If you want a more aesthetic, formal restaurant, I would…read morerecommend going here! The ambience itself is just gorgeous. It's a classic wood and brick interior. And when the sun goes down, they lay a bunch of candles and have beautiful interior string lights. The food itself is definitely on the more pricey side, so I would save this for a date night or a special occasion. It has classic Italian dishes, like pasta, and pizza. I ordered the rigatoni and it was very delicious and pasta texture wise was very chewy and felt handmade. I added an additional protein, which is an added cost of approximately $7 to $10. They also have a drink and dessert menu. I recommend having a reservation because depending on when you go, it can get very packed. At peak hours, for dinner, I saw the line wrap out to the door. The parking lot itself is valet only so just keep that in mind when pulling up. There is street parking on the side too if you don't want to valet. If you don't mind walking a little bit, there's a lot of street parking to the side by Loro and across the street.

To start, I will say this about most restaurants with their own parking lot. Making people pay to…read morepark their car via valet is not great. It cost $6 to valet. Then when there was a line to get my car when leaving when it was sitting right in front of me. Inside this Texas heat, waiting outside is not fun after you finish a great meal. Inside, the staff were great and kind. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate feeling. It was hot in the inside dining room. The coldest place in the building was in the bar area. We went for Houston Restaurant Weeks and added a couple more sides. There was plenty of food per each course. My phone didn't save all my pictures! But my favorite bite was the mushroom polenta! It was so crave worthy, from the first bite to the last.

Crisp gave sports bar vibes but with upscale Italian food, and... I liked it! We were a large party…read morewith reservations, and the wait staff was ready and prepared for us, which I really appreciated. For appetizers, I had the Drunken Garlic Bread, and I honestly don't know exactly what was on it, but it was SO good. Lots of cheese, garlic, and just overall deliciousness. We got a few different appetizers for the table, and everything we tried was great. For my entree, I got the Italian Drunken Dip Sandwich. It was WAY smaller than I expected. It was good, but compared to the appetizers, it wasn't anything mind-blowing. The menu said it would come on the drunken bread, similar to the appetizer, but the bread on my sandwich was much harder. Not sure if they ran out of the actual drunken bread or if that's how it's supposed to be, but it was a little disappointing. Overall, I really enjoyed the appetizers and the atmosphere, and I'd definitely come back for more of a happy hour vibe.

Been going to Crisp a bit more often these days and enjoyed what I got so much it's pretty much my…read morestandard entree selection--the salmon dinner served on a bed of quinoa. Everyone I've been with lately has enjoyed their food there. Didn't get the server we wanted due to availability for our party's size and the one we got was a bit lifeless and only asked two people at the table if they wanted a drink then took off so I was a bit miffed at having to wait until their drink was delivered so I could request a glass of wine but other than that service was good. The setting is great and it works for couples, families and large groups and they have a great back patio which is nice when weather is nice.

My other half and I ordered take out from one of our local favorites, Spaghetti Western, on…read moreSaturday night. We usually eat-in and have a great meal and experience. Our take out experience was equally great and was ready when we arrived to get it. We ordered the Pastaman special to split, two side salads, a side of veggies and an extra order of bread. Everything was hot, well packaged, utensils were included with salt and pepper packets, and the dressings for the salads w ere in separate containers packaged inside another container to keep them from getting all over everything if a lid should come off. We especially appreciated the lack of plastic wrap for this purpose as it is so often hard to wrestle it off. Five stars for the service! The food was wonderful, as usual. The bread was a little drier than usual, but not enough to drag the rating down. I should have requested some butter. The Pastaman was delicious, as usual, and the veggies were cooked perfectly! Side Caesar salads were just right. Five for the food. Thanks Spaghetti Western for a surprisingly good take-out experience! Side note: for those who have never ordered the Pastaman Special, do it sometime. You'll thank me later. It is a great combination of moist, roasted chicken, and a delicious crab cake on a bed of perfectly seasoned orzo, smothered with a craw fish tail sauce. Absolutely all works together for a tasty combo.

I came to Spaghetti Western at Shepherd a few times with my friends. We usually sit in the back…read moreroom because we have a large group. Service was okay. Food was flavorful. The restroom entrance was located inconveniently right at the dining room. I like the pasta dishes. Parking situation can be a little wonky. I have to be here at the right time to find parking at night.

Paulie's has been a Montrose staple for about as long as I can remember, and after coming here…read morecountless times, I feel bad that I'm just now writing a review to show my appreciation. Unfortunately, Paulie's is closing on 12/31/25 so I had to come in 1 more time to get my pasta fix. I came here right at 1145am on a Thurs just before their major lunch rush came in. Their service is counter service, which is generally quick and efficient, but their food is definitely full service dine in quality. The casual ambiance makes this a popular spot for lunch everyday of the week. As far as the food goes, they have a variety of pasta, salad, paninis, entrees, and sandwiches to choose from. I generally rotate between getting their bucatini amatraciana and their canestri alla funghi. The half portion is already a ton of food especially if you add chicken or another protein. Get the full portion if you're looking to share or take home leftovers for sure. The pasta here always comes out piping hot, consistently delicious, and it comes with their perfectly buttered toasted bread to soak up all the sauce. Thank you Paulie's for being a neighborhood institution! You will for sure be missed!

I came around 7 pm and the line was lengthy. It took about 45 minutes to get inside and then…read moreanother 45 minutes to order. The food came out within 20 minutes of ordering but was disappointing. I ordered the creste de gallo (full portion), pesto (half portion), and rigatoni bolognese (full portion) to share. The portions looked pretty similar despite the price difference. The Creste de gallo was cold and had no flavor. I'd had this pasta in the past and remember it being spicy and yummy, but the dish I had on this visit was bland. There were also maybe less than 10 half thin slices of sausage in there and 3 slivers of onion, which seemed tiny for the $25 charge. The pesto was room temperature and was also bland ($15). The rigatoni bolognese was the only hot dish and had a little bit of flavor ($25). There was also no complimentary bread anymore which was a disappointment. They're closing soon, so that may be why the food was subpar. The interior was clean and the employees were nice enough. Parking was along the street.