It is so refreshing to find a restaurant with plenty of free parking and no need to pay valet parking tips. My food choices were the pizza Terzo Cerchio, and to take home, eggplant parmigiana and lasagna bolognese (see note below on take out choices). I would rate this pizza highly. The person making them, obviously not Italian, but well trained, resulting in a quality pizza. The Roman variant, pinsa, also available. Introduction of rice flour and soy flour with the wheat flour resulting in a more digestible dough. Many entree specials not seen elsewhere. Service, great. Ambiance, great. Based on my experience with the lasagna and the eggplant, I cannot recommend these as take out items that one would refrigerate and have a day or so later. Neither held up to second day consumption and were thrown out. These dishes should be considered for consumption at the restaurant, straight out of the kitchen while still hot. Melanzane parmigiana is not a dish from Parma. It is southern and a toss up on originating in Napoli, Calabria or Sicilia. The name likely derives from the Sicilian word parmiciana, referring to the wooden slats of shutters, mirroring the layered structure of the eggplant. But there are other theories. read more

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Visited Davanti for the second time and found the experience much improved. Our waiter was exceptionally attentive. Although Davanti comes across as casual, there is a certain refinement that even some higher-end Italian places lack -- for instance, recommending how to eat a particular pasta dish or swapping out silverware without being asked. Food-wise, it was quite good. My husband described it as unique. We all loved the octopus appetizer. The Caesar, however, was bland -- skip it. They had a lasagna special that was cheesy, creamy, and smooth. It would be easy for such a decadent pasta dish to feel overwrought, but it was delightfully rich without crossing that line. My mother-in-law ordered a pasta with shrimp that was one note and forgettable. We all enjoyed the prosciutto pizza, though it wasn't the best I've ever had -- but that's likely because I prefer a tangier sauce, and this one leans more subtle. read more

The service was ny favorite thing about visiting here. Everyone is so nice and helpful. It's a small restaurant and it was very quiet and serene. The young lady let us know everything was made fresh and you could tell! They have a beautiful wine list as well as options for anything you may be craving! read more

Davanti Ristorante - Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food quality was exceptional and the service was excellent. Fresh flowers and linen tablecloth made it for a cozy dinner. Don't forget the dessert read more

Home of the perfect pizza crust! The octopus is amazing, cannoli is on point, and the coffee is divine. I've had several pasta dishes and I cannot find a flaw. Love this place It's beautiful and the staff are wonderful. Great location. Find your way here. read more

I have been here twice .. the food is good and the deserts are a hit ! The creme brûlée is generous and creamy , delicious !! The almond cake is delicate yet with the perfect structure and sweetness. The service has been great and the restaurant is cozy , really beautiful . Enjoy! read more

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I had kind of forgotten that chef Roberto from Fresco opened another spot after they closed. Happy to say the pasta is just as good as I remember! Still loved my old favorites - Lasagna and ravioli Octopus was super tender in the spaghetti Tagliatelle with lamb was nice and rich Lamb chop special was tender and flavorful Pepperoni pizza had a nice crust but too topping heavy Pistachio olive oil cake was very dry Location is at the bottom of an office building and the inside layout is a little odd. Counter ordering, blackboard specials. Service was very attentive and expeditious. Little pricey but what isn't these days? read more

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This is my new FAV Htown restaurant. Cannot wait to go back. Parking was easy. The dining experience was 5-Star in all ways. read more

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Davanti changed a lot. I haven't been visiting for two years because of absence. And boy, a lot has changed. I'm very happy to report that the overall 'italianita' did not suffer from the - addition of a traditional pizza oven (and what pizza they make - hilariously authentic and delicious. - addition of a small bar area. - changing the concept from counter-self-service to a real Italian ristorante with actual waiters. - change to tablecloths and Damast napkins (thus reducing the noise level effectively) - changing whatever they did to keep the place cooler. Food, Ambiance, Hospitality. Top Notch. All the best! read more

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I ordered the "handmade" spinach and cheese ravioli but when I asked for a side of spinach they didn't have any. Where are the ravioli made then? I was able to add chicken for an additional fee. It's a good thing I ordered the chicken because the pasta alone was was equivalent to the size of an appetizer. In all I paid $44 for a bowl of pasta, tax and tip. This place has a counter where you stand in line to order; not full service. The acoustics are loud and not a great place for conversation. The food was good but way overpriced. read more

Davanti Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Solid dinner of some great dishes. Loved the tagliatelle lamb sauce all'Abruzzese. Noodles were handmade and cooked to perfection with a great chew. The lamb chops special was also delicious. The Manhattan clam chowder was super soothing to the soul. Thumbs up! read more

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Davanti is on Westlayan where the Chase Bank location use to be. Lots of parking. At happy hour they offer a bottle of wine that comes with a charcuterie. There was 5 of us and everyone was very please with their choices. read more

What a wonderful meal we had where everything tasted so delicious! My Caesar salad was so fresh and my homemade from scratch pasta entree was simply perfection. I also tasted my Mom's eggplant Parmesan and that one bite made me smile. I can't wait to return for another fabulous meal! read more

Bad food, bad service. Will shall see what opens in its place. Bbbbbdkdkdkdkdkdkdkdkkskskskskskskks

Best Italian Restaurant in town.. White table clothed tables in unassuming location, with plenty of parking. The star, Chef Roberto makes authentic and fresh Italian dishes. Don't be late, the food is great! BYOB w no corkage fee! read more

Really enjoyed my experience here! One of the partners at the restaurant gave us a good run down of the menu and spent extra time making suggestions when someone in my party had different diet/allergy restrictions. In the display case when you walk in, they have the different types of pastas on display. They do have a gluten free pasta, which was great! The gluten-free one that they had was penne. I ended up getting the build your own carbonara, which is one of my favorite pastas. Unfortunately I think this sauce was a bit on the salty side maybe due to the parmesan? It needed a bit more liquid, but otherwise it was pretty good overall. The portion was kinda small for the price though. The meat was excellent - pork cheek. So delicious - just wanted more of it! Definitely would love to come back here to try a different pasta dish - I love the quality of the food here and getting to talk to the partner really got me excited about the different dishes. Before we left, I also tried some of their gluten-free chocolate fudge cake. Wow, that was good! Didn't get a chance to snap a pic, but it's almost like a brownie but more fudgy. If you decide to get it, you won't be disappointed! read more

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There isn't a thing I'd change about this place. We arrived at about 730 on a Saturday and there was plenty of parking and seating. You order at the counter, then wait at your table for the magic to arrive. We tried the octopus with side spaghetti and the lamb ragu. Both were amazing. Loved the char grill flavor on the octopus and the sweetness of the ragu sauce. We tried the cannoli and pannacota as well and they were beautiful. We can't wait to return and eat everything. read more

My fiancé and I decided to try this place out of sheer convenience because it was close to our apartment. We kept going out of love for the food, the vibe, and the staff. We have never had a bad dish here and when I tell you there are so many things to try, I mean it. They have daily specials, and a happy hour for people trying to watch their spending. The dessert is something you CAN NOT skip! We have tried every single one and they're all as good as the next. Our personal favorite is the Panna Cotta! The happy hour board is very large and the bruschetta board is also humongous. My favorite dish is the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus with Side Spaghetti. It's always so satisfying and good with a glass of wine. Not sure what to get? Ask the person behind the counter! They are soo unbelievably kind and helpful! I have only ever had positive exchanges with everyone here. I even watched them remain calm and polite in the face of horrible karen customers. Although we have since moved, we're so grateful our apartment gave us this underrated GEM! read more

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Amazing food, lovely service. Super cute little spot worth stopping by! We were in the area for work and the Bf wanted some pizza! I'm a huge fan of tiramisu so of course we got one we also were given a Panna Cotta to try and it was lovely! We will definitely be back! read more

Davanti Ristorante - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Had grilled octopus w spa spaghetti, and eggplant parm w spaghetti Both were bland and underwhelming for the $ read more

I had lunch with my daughter and my nephew. We all agreed that the food was delicious, the service was very good and the ambience was very good even at lunch. I will definitely again and I would certainly recommend it! read more

Yall...they don't serve the romano style pizza anymore, actually so sad because I was looking forward to eating it again since I haven't been back in a while. Now they only do a thinner crust pizza but it's nowhere near as good as their previous pizza. Such a bummer. read more

Davanti Ristorante - Pepperoni Pizza - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I dined here for lunch about a week ago. This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available and dedicated parking spaces next to the restaurant. I guess if those are full your next best bet is in the parking garage next door. I was a little surprised walking in that this is a counter service eatery. For some reason I thought it was going to be table service. My order was for the Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe for $19. After getting a drink from the self service machine we sat down and the meal arrived in less than 10 minutes. The rigatoni was their large size and was chewy. I love cacio e pepe and didn't mind the rigatoni pasta as opposed to other pastas that I have had it with like spaghetti. I just wanted it more tender. Also the cheese and pepper sauce was just ok taste wise. This meal was acceptable (except for the chewy rigatoni) but not worth repeating for myself if I return. It would have been nice to get some bread with it. read more

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This place has some of the best Italian food I've ever tried. Everything was made so well, and it felt so authentic. The service was also excellent, and our food came out very quickly. The restaurant is kind of hidden, but I think that makes it unique. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice as well. read more

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This place is a true gem. Those who love real Italian food and haven't discovered it miss a lot. The chef Roberto puts all his Italian passion and love in the food that he prepares, and it definitely feels. Everything we tried there is plainly and simply delicious. The atmosphere is of a family-type restaurant: friendly and attentive service, great food. The feeling is as you're visiting your Italian uncle who prepares his food especially for you. Every Thursday the chef Roberto prepares some of his special dishes (in addition to his regular menu) and you better to come there on Thursday because on Friday there's a good chance nothing will be left. The restaurant has his circle of the 'regulars' and we are proud to be part of these. read more

We have been sharing Davanti with family and friends, and are never disappointed. The space is elegant and welcoming. Chef Roberto indulges his passion for Italian cuisine upon his grateful guests. The handmade pastas are always Al Dente and satisfying. Ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality, seasoned to perfection. Service is friendly and accommodating, and it is always a pleasure to see Chef Roberto in the front of house ensuring that guests are delighted. Next best thing to actually dining in Italy. read more

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I had the linguine pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce, and my wife had spaghetti with clams in a white wine sauce. You can tell that the chef prepared my pasta in a pan with the sauce. Everything was coded evenly across the pasta to the meatballs. My wife's clams were tender delicious pasta was perfect. Al dente and the sauce was delicious with the basil kick. Will definitely come back multiple times, this place is really authentically delicious. read more

Davanti Ristorante - Wife with Spaghetti, and Clams, finished with White Wine sauce. - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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A great pick for when you're craving pasta but in a casual setting (or just near Costco and hungry). They have a menu of homemade pastas and you can create your own too. A display of the shapes and names of the pastas make it easy, but the numerous choices of sauces makes it hard to choose! There are daily specials as well as baked desserts like cherry chocolate cake bites, tortes, etc. The grilled octopus was super tender with a slight chew, and while it didn't have any of that char or crispiness I usually like, it was still quite delicious! I didn't think the tomato sauce served alongside really added anything as the octopus was tasty alone, and the sauce was very salty with olives and capers. Our tagliatelle with lamb sauce and conch-shaped pasta with Amatriciana sauce were so tasty-- very savory and nicely portioned to fill you up. The lamb meat was tender and in little pieces, really hit the spot. The tagliatelle was nice and al dente, but the conchiglie was slightly undercooked and was a bit hard. We still ate everything though, haha~ Service was so friendly and super! I think it was the owner's son who took our order and he was enthusiastic, answering our questions with the best smile :D You pay at the counter, fill your own cup of water, and they bring out the food. There's a handful of reserved parking for the shop, but there's also 2 hour parking all over the lot as well. Although there's the casual café atmosphere, prices aren't as cheap as you might expect (it's $18-25 ish per pasta). It gets a 4 stars from me, but I added another because for the service and quality-- you'll have to stop by at least once to try some delicious *chef's kiss* Italian flair from a local shop :) Hoping to try the seafood pasta special (Frutti di Mare) on my next visit! read more

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There's a few reserved spots in front of the place for Davanti's only. Also a few tables outside on the patio! When you enter, it gives NY vibes. Order at the counter, and they also have wines/ champs on ice to enjoy with your meal. Desserts are showcased in the front. Pastas can be made how you like with the sauce that you want. If you are unsure, they will help you select! Pick the pasta they help pair the sauce, and vice versa. When we sat down, someone immediately came over to drop off waters for us, which is awesome! They dropped off utensils as well. Definitely will be back since the pasta was excellent! read more

Davanti Ristorante - Carbonara pasta - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great food great service The pizza is very good The ambiance is great and not to noise read more

Small local spot that appears to make EVERYTHING from scratch and does a marvelous job! The Caesar salad is delicious and the ravioli and linguini could not have been better. read more

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Fantastic Food, service, and ambiance. Well done!! Dined-in twice and take-out once this past week. read more

loved the carbonara pasta, the service was good but it was mostly self serve order from the register. A bit disappointing but the food was fresh & delicious I'm a native New Yorker grew up in NY for the first 21 years of my life, 1950 to1972, then off to Florida (Miami) so I know great Italian home made food my folks are from Naples & Pescara Italy. I will go back to try other dishes but I wish they would improve their serving methods all things said, the food is the bomb! Try the Manhattan Clam Chowder outstanding! You can never get good Manhattan chowder this place has it & it's unreal! read more

The food is amazing and very authentic. They are always very friendly and attentive. I'm going back next week

If you like fresh pasta with authentic Italian flavors I would highly recommend Davanti! My favorite is the clam linguine and I could eat it all day everyday. The place is small, but cozy and the staff are always really friendly. This place never disappoints! read more

Davanti Ristorante - Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Un-freakin believable!!!! The food was sooooo BAD that I had to drink lemonade in an attempt to get the taste out of my mouth. The pasta tasted as if it was made a month ago and warmed up. The Pepperoni pizze, which was not pepperoni, was absolutely disgusting. Amazingly over-priced. The only good thing about this visit, is you don't get much food. I ended up throwing everything away. We received 3 entree's just in case one was bad. I never ordered food where all 3 entree's are bad. I don't know who the cook was that was working this evening but OMG!!! Maybe get a job driving a truck. I should have read the reviews prior to going. I've learned my lesson!! I threw away all of the food and wasted over one hundred dollars. I hate giving bad reviews but I want to help other people. Maybe the manager can explain what happened. read more

The owner was great. Answered all of our questions and gave great recommendations. The staff (i.e. bussers) was friendly. The lamb pasta dish was so good. Great fresh pasta. Super tender lamb. We got the scallop wrapped in pancetta on top of risotto special and it was amazing. Scallops perfectly cooked. The risotto was super cheesy and creamy. And it seems simple but a great Cesar salad is hard to come by. This one was dressed properly. No overly crunchy croutons breaking your teeth. Just so good. No complaints. read more

Davanti Ristorante - Tagliatelle with lamb sauce all'Abruzzese Scallop risotto - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I used to like the food at Fresco. I had eaten their pizzas and pastas. This time I ordered the eggplant parmigiana. It needs more breading and marinara. The salad's dressing needed vinegar. The salad comes already dressed with oil. At $18, I'm disappointed with the eggplant parmigiana and the salad. There were only two slices of eggplant. Service is great though. It looks like they have nice outdoor seating. You order at the counter and food is brought to you. read more

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This is the upgraded Fresco Cafe Italiano. I used to go to Fresco frequently. The menu here is pretty much the same. They now serve alcohol. This location is slightly better. It's still cafeteria style. The Burrata appetizer was served with toasted pizza bread. The sauce on it has olives cooked in it. It was difficult to eat with the Burrata because it became soggy. Fresco used to serve it with diced tomatoes which went much better with the Burrata and prosciutto. I also got the linguine with clams. It was slightly on the salty side but was still good. read more

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Davanti Ristorante was thoroughly delicious and their staff was amazing! Everyone on my team enjoyed their entrées and desserts. Most of us ordered the grilled Mediterranean octopus with a side of spaghetti while one of us ordered the lasagna. Needless to say, we were all pleasantly surprised when we tried our selections. I highly recommend this restaurant if you're interested in amazing Italian food at a reasonable price, and a calming ambiance. Also, if you try their almond cake, you won't regret it! read more

Davanti Ristorante - Grilled Grilled Mediterranean Octopus with Side Spaghetti. - Italian Near Me - Houston, Texas