Italian Cafe

We have been going to Italian Cafe for years, and we always liked it. But lately, it has been very disappointing. The food is still good, but the environment has changed. Example: last night we went there for a quiet dinner, away from the kids. We ordered, payed, and sat down to relax...that's when the table moving started. One bus boy moved two tables around for what was at least 20 minutes, as the loudest, most obnoxious sound imaginable filled the room. My husband was getting so mad he finally went to tell somenone to ask him to stop and she just laughed it off. Then the ""owner"" decided the tables should be put back as they were, so more table moving and ear piercing screeeeeeching until they were set right. We had lost our appetites, but we had already paid so we had no recourse. Otherwise we would have walked out. I understand it's a ""family"" business, but every time we tried to get someone's attention for anything, they were too busy visiting among themselves to be of service. Choosing Italian Cafe completely ruined our evening. We won't be going back any time soon. more

The Italian Cafe offers the best of everything that makes a restaurant great! Outstanding food, BYOB, casual atmosphere with a great patio. We've been going for years and especially enjoy seeing Frank and Bessilyn there who always greet customers. I've tried many different items on the menu, but have to say Pasta Sorrento is my favorite. I never leave without a bag of sand tarts homemade by Bessilyn. This is a great place for couples, small families and groups who want to hang out on the patio. Very relaxing. No one rushes you. It's a great place with great food! Love it! more

My husband, daughter and I have been dining here weekly for over 6 years. Why? Deliciously consistent food. Generous portions (hubby and I typically share an entree). Bring-your-own wine with minimal corkage fee. Complimentary house bread and dipping oil/herbs. Yummy desserts, especially the sandtart cookies! Dog-friendly patio dining. Self-service style (a.k.a. no tipping allowed). Top all of this off with the gracious hospitality of owners Frank & Bessilyn Piazza and it's like being members of the same family. We've made friends with other regulars and enjoy the unrushed, comfortable atmosphere. Helpful hint: Sign up for the email newsletter and enjoy weekly specials and savings for subscribers only. We'll be back this weekend--as usual! more

Me and my classmates had a Christmas party and had no idea that it was self serve everything. You have to order your own food at the register, which is complicated for a party and all the people in line already. Also you have to get your own food, silverware, drinks, napkins and wine. The food is way overpriced for how much you get. I got the eggplant primovo which was only 5 shrimp on top of eggplant for $17. OMG I was still hungry and the food was NOT GOOD AT ALL. Oh yeah it was $6 dollars for a half a loaf of french bread (and the bread wasn't even good). All my classmates were dissapointed too. DONT EAT HERE-IT IS NOT A GOOD RESTAURANT. more

I LOVE the Italian Cafe! When the weather is nice, there is no where else I'd rather eat but on their patio. The inside is very nice too.... a little small for parties larger than 6....unless you reserve the back (which they happily do). The house bread and dipping herbs are complimentary. If you can go for lunch, definitely do! The specials are around $6 and are amazing. You can bring your own wine or beer (or liquor....they really don't care unless you get too loud and roudy) and they will open it for you for a very small corkage fee ($2). You can even bring your dog if you sit on the patio! The owner, Frank, usually brings out some meatballs for my 2 babies =) Pros: HUGE patio, excellent food, BYO wine! Cons: A bit pricey for dinner more

Why anyone would think this place is worth the time or money is beyound me. We just ate there today for the first time and last. Our meal for two was $49.00 for very chewy pasta with a bland sauce and the chicken picatta a very small portion in a bowl. For that kind of money you should not have to get your own utinsels, drinks and pick up your own food on a tray. But then again the food was as good as the service. Pros: Nothing Cons: Everything more

It's always a treat to find a locally owned restaurant, especially when they offer such tasty dishes as The Italian Cafe specializes in. Come in, grab a menu, chose a table and order at the counter. Bring your own wine or purchase it on the way. Also, when Houston weather permits, The Italian Cafe offers outside dining to make the experience even more casual. Add that to its easy-to-find location on NASA Rd 1, and you've got a great place to satisfy your Italian cravings. Pros: Great location, abundant parking, and no tips necessary! Cons: Italian food ain't exaclty cheap more

go here if you want a charming not quite hole-in-the-wall italian dining experience in the midst of seafood joints galore. best enjoyed outdoors on the patio in front of the restaurant over red wine (BYOW: bring your own wine ... also there's a conveniently placed alcohol store next door) and good company. the food is decent, i've had better quality at other cozier italian restaurants. i also love how they display the food out on a table for all to scrutinize and ultimately pick a dish more to their preference. overall, if you just want to enjoy the weather and share stories with friends, this is the place to go. fyi: coffe oasis in just within walking distance if you want to grab some coffee and catch some live music after dinner.* Pros: outdoor patio, bring your own wine Cons: food quality, not cozy more

If youre looking for an intimate, romantic, and great food for your money, this is NOT the place. It is a really busy and loud place during the evening. It has more of a family-screaming children ambience. They display a few of their main entrees as you walk in. The displays looked pretty sad, but I thought it was just because they might of been sitting there all day. I was wrong. Expect to pay 16.00 per person on a main entree. I felt that was a little overpriced considering the quality of the food i had. Pasta was a little bit too chewy. On the good side...Definately not your typical mainstream ""Italian"" place. Which im not sure if thats what they were going for. It would seem more of a place to go after getting drunk or a place to go get drunk (BYOwine) with friends and spend time. Pros: Layed back, Bring your wine Cons: Loud, Overpriced food, compact and busy more

The first time I encountered this wonderful place, I knew it was an event I would never forget! I was right. And I have been eating here regulary since then. The food can be best described as fresh. All the sauces are made from scratch. Try the spicy tortellini, be forewarned that it is a little hot, but it's worth a little sting! Another thing I like about the Italian Cafe is that you can bring in your own favorite bottle of wine. This alone saves you a small fortune. The owners, Frank & Bess Piazza sure have a winner in the Italian Cafe. Wonderful food. more