Good food, great atmosphere and location but absolutely horrible customer service. This place is grossly understaffed and obviously not well-managed. read more

It's getting bad writings because it's Ragú from a jar. The taste is not authentic Italian. The art of being able to make delicious is definitely an art form stick to your tacos and fajita truck.... It's too bad read more

Loved this place from the moment we walked in! Such a cute, cosy romantic vibe with the wood paneled ceiling. Super friendly staff. And the food was incredible. Can't even describe how perfectly Al dente and homemade pasta was. Will be here weekly! read more

Came on a Saturday night and every table and the bar was full so I would recommend a reservation. They have valet for $5 and the parking lot is under construction so be aware. When you walk in the restaurant is beautiful. Service was outstanding the entire night. It is fairly shocking to me the bad reviews because every thing we tried was good if not great. The calamari may have been the best calamari we have ever had. The Caesar salad was very unique (not quite as good as Ostia's but good). For mains we had the branzino, the pappardelle bolognese, prosciutto and arugula pizza, and the black angus tenderloin. We all tried some of each and I think everyone agreed the tenderloin was the best. The pasta was great quality and my husband enjoyed his branzino although he has had better. For desert we shared the bombiloni donuts and they were good but again, not the best I've ever had. However, the cons are the drinks were only okay. Italian margarita was ehhh and the only rosé option wasn't great either. I completely agree with everyone's comments about the bread. Everyone took a bite and didn't really want to eat any more of it. They really need to offer butter or oil. Honestly the meal was really great and I will definitely be back. read more

Excellent! Best Short-rib I have ever had. My Arugula and Pear salad was perfect as was my wife's grilled Caesar. The Tomato Basil was extremely fresh, awesome. Drinks great. Fun night. Highly recommended. read more

It's OK nothing great nothing terrible just OK the service was good but as far as the food just OK, I had a Caesar salad. It did not even resemble a Caesar salad.oh well read more

Great service, fantastic server. Lovely ambiance. Food was terribly over-salted. Yuck. read more

The food and service was excellent! I went here as a mother-daughter date and we enjoyed it so much! Our waiter was Emmanuel and he took great care of us! The restaurant was beautiful and the food was delicious. We will definitely be back! read more

We were two couples who dined at LuLu's on Friday evening. I will say from the start that my husband and one of our friends are first generation Italians, so we were expecting a fabulous meal. Other than two other tables, we were the only adults in the restaurant. (It was prom night somewhere, and there were two large parties that seemed to be enjoying themselves.) We read many mixed reviews about this restaurant but still decided to give it a go. Our waiters were attentive almost to the point of being annoying--"Would you like another cocktail?" "Would you like another glass of wine?" "Would you like???" etc... The polpette and polenta appetizer was enough for the four of us, but the meatballs were tough and not very flavorful. The "bread service" was ok; some of the focaccia tasted like fennel, other pieces did not so I think it was not well-mixed before baking. The salads were fine. Three of us had the short ribs, and my husband had the Papparadelle with bolognese sauce. That was pretty awful; it did not taste at all like any bolognese sauces we have ever had--including in Bologna, Italy. The short ribs were good as was the polenta under them. However, the carrots were not cooked; they were not even al dente. Dessert was gelato, although the raspberry gelato was more sorbet than gelato. The bombolino were were just okay. The real kicker however was our "doggy bag." Half of my husband's beet salad was missing which I did not notice until we got home. They boxed his pappardelle which we said we did not want, but they did not box my short rib of which there nothing left except half the short rib; I ate the polenta and did not want the carrots. They went to the kitchen and brought out a box that was not mine because it still had lot of polenta in it. They went back to the kitchen to get another box which had carrots in it. At that point I said no thanks as I did not want someone else's leftovers. The thing to do was offer me an entirely new meal to take home since they messed up. I would have refused, but there was no offer forthcoming. I am glad we tried LuLu's, but the four of us will not be returning. Unfortunately that means that none of our grown, married children will be trying it nor will their friends. I was really expecting so much more. read more

We visited on a Wed. night to have our company Christmas Party. The experience was very enjoyable and the food and drinks were excellent and very well priced. Service was top notch and the ambiance made it literally an escape to a restaurant in Italy or New York. I had the Caesar with chicken, cheese board and Italian margarita! read more

Terrible service, was not busy at all and took an hour to get our pasta. The carbonara had no flavor and was very Al dente. For the price you pay, not worth the food and service. read more

The three of us ate there tonight. Wonderful service. Best Caesar salad I've ever had.

I was excited to try this new Italian restaurant and made Friday night prime time reservations about two weeks out. The entire experience left me feeling like I wasted my night and money. The pros: 1) The restaurant is beautiful. The wood paneling, artwork, mirrors etc really make this restaurant beautiful. 2) Our server was very attentive and friendly. She had a smile the entire time. The cons: 1) I had scoped out the menu online in advance and noted lack of pricing. I thought how bad can it be? Well it is REALLY BAD! Salads are tiny and range from $16 to $22. Desserts are $14. Non-alcoholic mocktails are $13 (one is just topochico and juice). I can understand the pricing if the quantity and quality are there. There are many restaurants in River Oaks that do not have such high pricing. 2) The restaurant is unbearably loud. I believe the stucco walls and tiled floors hold the noise and just makes for a very loud environment. I could hear everyone's conversation because everything had to scream to be heard. This is not a low-key date night place. 3) The complimentary bread was extremely dry and hard. I started coughing after the first bite. Also, the restaurant does not provide olive oil or butter. 4) The quantities are so small. As I mentioned above, the salads are $16. We ordered a pear salad. It had three small pieces of pear!! Less than 1/4 of a pear! The salad was so small that sharing wasn't a great idea. 5) For my main meal, I ordered a Margherita pizza. First, it had no tomato's. I believe all Margherita pizza's have tomatoes on them. Second, there were only three little pieces of basil. Third, the pizza looked like a school cafeteria pizza and worse tasted like one. Lastly, the amount of cheese on the pizza was beyond ridiculous. There had to have been at least a pound of cheese on the pizza. This made eating the pizza extremely difficult. 6) My partner ordered the chicken. The mashed potatoes were dry and lacked any taste. We will not be returning to this restaurant. read more

I really wanted to love this place but it was not good. My waiter was absolutely lovely as was the host so I have no complaints about the staff. I would absolutely return for a glass of wine only but the food was not good. The pasta Vognole was overcooked and congealed. The sauce was lacking in taste. The prices were also very uncharged for the offerings. Unless this restaurant decides to change their dishes and make their prices more affordable, I don't see myself ever returning. read more

Incredibly fresh pasta cooked perfectly al dente. My lunch guest and I agree this little gem will be on our regular restaurant rotation. Warm, cozy interior. Pleasant staff. Cant wait to try the dinner menu! read more

A friend picked this place for dinner and I am so glad that he did. The service was spot on and the calamari and carbonara were outstanding. The tables may be a little close together, but we got to chat up some lovely people next to us which I considered a plus. I will definitely go back! read more

After reading the few reviews for this newly opened restaurant, I had low hopes. But fortunately, it was far better than expected. Service was excellent, maybe even a little too over bearing, but that is better than no slow service. The three of us each had something different (chicken marsala, salt and pepper pasta, and Caesar salad) and each was very well done. The chicken was moist and tender, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the salad was fresh and tasty. It is a little expensive but for this neighborhood, not overpriced. Overall, an excellent meal. read more

We stopped in on the way back from the airport on a Sunday about 4pm. Service was great. Had a couple glasses of wine, the Bolognese and poppette (meatballs). The tiramisu was excellent! I try to eat gluten-free and dairy free but splurged for dessert. Food, wine and service were excellent. Pricing was in line with the neighborhood. Definitely will go back. read more

No lobster in lobster bisque, ergo very expensive spicy tomato soup. Bread stale, olive oil tasted rancid. There were three of us, and we were all very disappointed. Eat a what a burger, and donate the difference between this overly priced menu, to your favorite charity. read more

First, I'll say that the server was excellent. Very kind and courteous. The food? Bordered on terrible. The "Lobster"bisque: no lobster and insanely salty. Too salty. The Lobster Ravioli: very small portion and the sauce was watery. Not very good. The Tiramisu: decent but way, way, way too much coco powder. I always give Armando great props as he is a Houston legend, but this place misses the mark. I wish I could say I enjoyed it, but I did not. I left very dissatisfied. I do not recommend nor will return. read more

Delicious food, beautifully presented. Intimate, neighborhood atmosphere. Great service!

Today I had a nice dinner at Lulu's for the first time. I sat at the bar with a friend, and Mandy the bartender served us so well and attentively. It was such a pleasure to be welcomed by her and by Courtney. They made us feel at home. The food is delicious, well presented and served with care. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere too. Go and enjoy it read more

Being a huge fan of Armando Palacios for decades, I was excited and looking forward to Lulu's. I've tried it 3 times now. All for business lunches as our office is near. All I can say is, never again. With all the amazing Italian dining options in or near upper Kirby and surrounding areas, there is absolutely no reason to waste money on subpar food and service. The calamari is rubber and really no sauce (in the bowl) to speak of. I did ask for a side of marinara. The salads are limp & mediocre. Truely, the pizza seems to come literally frozen out of a box (see photo) and put in the oven. My waiter the first 2 visits was woefully inadequate and not trained on the menu or service in general. The tables are very small (as are the dimensions of the restaurant) so maybe they have to be. I don't like being arm's distance from other guest tables (covid or not). However, my waiter on the last visit was excellent. It's a tough business but Armando's been doing it for 40 years, I expected more. read more

Lulu's - Frozen Pizza? - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great food, great service, wonderful atmosphere. Love this place. We will be back. Love the short rib!

After reading other reviews, we were skeptical about going but it turned out to be great! Cute space, kinda tight, but private enough. We were there for the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu but they always have those options available. We got the arugula pear salad and calamari for starters...both fantastic! Cacio e Pepe and bucatini allamatriciana was great for second. And the dessert was a great finisher too. Service was great too. Overall, worth a try! read more

We met a dear friend there for brunch today. Lovely atmosphere, Frank our waiter was excellent. Service was good and we all 3 had the Avocado toast it really good. The lemon pie sorbet was to die for. We will definitely return for dinner soon. They are supporting restaurant week. Possibly offer some side items as well. We loved it. read more

Great experience overall. Hostess was very welcoming and checked on our table several times. Chris, our waiter was also very attentive. Food was fabulous. I had the spaghetti carbonara and my friend had the chicken marsala. I would recommend that you make a reservation as it was full for lunch. Plenty of parking read more

Non-eventful food and poor service. Try to get to Nobie's House, their branzino will change your world!

I really wanted to love this place but the food is horrible. The restaurant itself is super cute and the staff is wonderful, however the food is just bad. I had the lobster ravioli and my husband had the bolognese which looked and tasted like stroganoff vs bolognese. I wish the owners would take note of all the bad reviews on the food and replace the chef/menu with much better food. We would love to support the business but cannot get past the food. read more

AMAZING!! Can't wait to go back!! Went to dinner with some girlfriends on a Saturday night. The waitress was sooo sweet!! She helped answer all our questions and gave recommendations. Started off with the Calamari Frito 9/10. Then I had the Braised Short Rib and OMG 10/10. It was so good!!! Friends had the Parpadele Bolognese, Carbonara, and Lobster Ravioli. All had good things to say! We ended the night with Tiramisu and Bombolini. You HAVE to get the bombilini, 10/10!! read more

Went with my wife for New Years Eve. Checked all the boxes. Delicious gourmet food, properly lit romantic ambience, very friendly service, and fairly priced. We will definitely return! Try the braised short rib w/ polenta. read more

We come here often for brunch, lunch and dinner. The drinks are top notch and the service is just as amazing. This is one of our favorite restaurants in the loop now. You'll definitely find us here a few times a month! read more

Agree with the others. I love real Italian food. Went for lunch on 10/01 It was so disappointing. First, the 2 slices in my bread basket were stale. I was not offered oil or butter I had to ask for it and was then brought plain olive oil. I ordered the ravioli. I had visions of warm soft pillows of pasta with butter and sage. I got a raviolo! One. $20.00 for one raviolo (italian for one of the stuffed pasta), the pasta was tough not al dente as it should have been. I asked about a side salad, they do no offer a small side salad, you have to order one of the pricey ones listed on the menu. $16.00 was a bit much for a mixed green salad to accompany my 2 food orders. I also ordered the Ranch chicken Marsala. I tasted the mashed potatoes and Marsala sauce were delicious. The chicken however was tough. It was part of a bone in chicken breast with wing, skin on. I could not cut it, I had to ask for a steak knife. It was tough to chew and I sent it back. I asked to speak to a manager to let him know why I was rejecting it as an FYI. If I were in charge I would want to know why an order was being rejected. He said it was a "Ranch" chicken and could be tough. I felt bad for my sweet waitress so I ordered something else. I ordered the meatballs on polenta. The polenta was creamy but blah. The meatballs were ok, just ok. They had a hint of a gamey flavor. I ate 2 and brought the rest home and tossed them out. The manager never checked back with me to see how the rest of my meal was. The waitress I had was great. She was very attentive, friendly and good at her job. The hosts were great. I like the decor. I tipped 25% because of my waitress and left. Mind you I was not angry just very disappointed. I do not anticipate returning. Too many other Italian restaurants in the area that serve better food. I will however return to Armandos, they do have good food. It is because of Armandos good food that I expected Lulu's to be on par. read more

I want to give this place 5-stars but for the valet monopoly and lack of management presence during dinner. We had a family dinner last night. First of all, the parking lot is 100% dominated by valet - shame on the landlord for allowing that. Management - please know that this is a major pet peeve to force clients into valet parking by allowing the valet to lock down every single parking space with the cones. Valet should be an option but not the only option unless it's free (they shook us down pretty hard after the meal for a tip AND $5. Our friends parked out behind the restaurant where the actual free parking is). We were seated quickly and the restaurant seemed really empty for a Sunday night at that time. Service was casual, to say the least. Management was nowhere to be seen. Staff were seen mingling by the bar a lot of the evening...not sure what was going on over there. Food came out reasonably well-timed. The five-stars part of the review is the food. Some of the best I've tasted in Houston. Seriously - amazing. Drinks were good portions. Will definitely be back to see if the valet situation has improved. Will park in back if it's the same issue...and won't be back again after that. read more