12 Italian Restaurants In Texas That Feel Like Local Favorites
Texas might be famous for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but it’s also home to Italian eateries that locals hold close to their hearts. Family-run trattorias and elegant dining spots alike serve up authentic flavors that whisk you away to Italy.
Craving perfectly al dente pasta or wood-fired pizza with just the right char? These 12 restaurants across Texas deliver dishes worth savoring.
1. Red Ash: Austin’s Wood-Fired Wonder
Flames dance in the open kitchen where chefs transform simple ingredients into Italian magic. The restaurant’s rustic-modern atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for their specialty: wood-grilled meats and handmade pastas.
Red Ash’s carbonara might make you weep with joy – it’s that good. Their carefully sourced ingredients and traditional techniques create dishes with depth and character that keep locals coming back week after week.
2. Intero: Sustainable Italian Cuisine in East Austin
Farm-to-table philosophy meets Italian tradition at Intero. This East Austin gem crafts seasonal dishes using local ingredients while reducing waste – they even run an in-house chocolate program.
The pasta here tells stories of heritage and innovation. Their constantly evolving menu reflects what’s fresh and available, creating an experience that feels both authentic and uniquely Texan.
3. Bufalina: Pizza Perfection in the Capital City
Neapolitan pizza lovers unite at this intimate Austin spot where dough is treated like royalty. The blistered, perfectly charred crusts emerge from their imported oven in just 90 seconds.
I still remember my first bite here – the margherita pizza with its simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil changed my understanding of what pizza could be.
The minimalist space lets the food take center stage, with a thoughtfully curated wine list to match.
4. Tony’s: Houston’s White Tablecloth Italian Icon
Sophistication meets warmth at Tony’s, where fine dining never feels stuffy. For decades, this Houston institution has delivered impeccable service alongside masterfully executed Italian classics and innovative specialties.
The truffle pasta, prepared tableside with theatrical flair, draws gasps from first-timers. Their wine cellar boasts one of the most impressive Italian collections in Texas, curated to perfectly complement the menu’s regional Italian dishes.
5. Trattoria Sofia: Houston’s Romantic Escape
Stepping into Trattoria Sofia feels like discovering a secret garden in the heart of Houston. Lush greenery surrounds intimate tables where couples lean in close over plates of rustic Italian cooking.
The handmade pasta here has a perfect bite that would make any Italian grandmother proud. My anniversary dinner here last year featured a pappardelle with wild boar ragu that was so good we canceled dessert plans just to order a second serving.
6. Da Marco: Houston’s Slice of Tuscany
Authentic Tuscan cuisine shines at Da Marco, where seasonal ingredients drive a menu that changes frequently. The understated elegance of the space mirrors the straightforward, unfussy approach to their cooking.
Regulars know to order whatever truffle dish is available – the restaurant is famous for its generous shavings of this prized ingredient.
Their risotto achieves that perfect balance between creamy and al dente that few restaurants can master.
7. Lucia: Dallas’ Tiny Treasure
With just 36 seats, scoring a reservation at Lucia feels like winning the lottery. This Bishop Arts District jewel serves handcrafted pastas and house-cured meats that have earned a devoted following.
The salumi board showcases the kitchen’s dedication to traditional preservation techniques. Everything here is made with intention – from the fresh-baked bread to the seasonal vegetable sides that could easily steal the show from main courses.
8. Partenope Ristorante: Naples’ Embassy in Dallas
Neapolitan authenticity reigns supreme at Partenope, where owner Dino Santonicola brings his hometown flavors to downtown Dallas. The certified pizzaiolo crafts pies that would make any native of Naples proud.
I once watched my Neapolitan friend tear up after tasting their margherita pizza. Beyond pizza, their seafood dishes transport diners straight to the Mediterranean coast, especially when paired with a glass from their Italian-focused wine list.
9. Campisi’s: Dallas’ Historic Italian Destination
Local lore and legendary pizza converge at Campisi’s, affectionately known as “The Egyptian.” Operating since 1946, this Dallas institution serves thin-crust pies and Italian-American classics in an atmosphere rich with history.
The oval-shaped pizzas arrive on silver trays, continuing a tradition started by founder Joe Campisi. Famous patrons from Jack Ruby to countless sports stars have dined here, adding to the mystique of this family-owned establishment that helped introduce pizza to Dallas.
10. Nonna Osteria: San Antonio’s Refined Italian Experience
Chef Luca Della Casa brings northern Italian finesse to the Alamo City at Nonna Osteria. The restaurant balances elegance with accessibility, serving sophisticated dishes without pretension.
The handmade pasta here achieves that elusive perfect texture. During truffle season, their special menu becomes the talk of San Antonio, with dishes that showcase this prized ingredient without overwhelming the palate.
11. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana: San Antonio’s Pizza Pioneer
Certified Neapolitan pizza isn’t just food at Dough – it’s a passion. Their dedication to authenticity includes importing specific ingredients from Italy and using traditional techniques that honor pizza’s heritage.
The burrata bar offers a creamy prelude to their exceptional pies. When I brought my Italian colleague here last summer, he declared their margherita better than most he’d had in Naples – high praise indeed from someone who grew up eating the real deal.
12. Bellino Ristorante Italiano: Corpus Christi’s Coastal Italian Gem
Gulf Coast seafood meets Italian tradition at Bellino, where fresh catches enhance classic recipes. The family-owned restaurant brings generations of culinary knowledge to every plate, creating an experience that feels both authentic and uniquely coastal.
Their seafood linguine combines the best of both worlds – fresh Gulf shrimp with perfectly al dente pasta.
The warm service makes everyone feel like part of the family, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular who’s been coming since they opened.