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    Riva's Italian Restaurant

    4.0 (866 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Open 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Riva's Italian Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    RIVA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Riva's Italian Restaurant

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    Capellini Carbanara
    Jen S.

    We really enjoyed trying this restaurant for holiday dinner. They don't take reservations so there is a bit of a wait to be seated but once you are at the table- service is friendly and prompt. And the pasta- it's fantastic! Parking is a bit tricky during the holidays, so patience is your friend.

    Jessica W.

    first time going went with 2 other people who have been going here awhile. ambiance was a small mom and pop shop. service was really bad. they got the drink orders and then left us hanging. we tried multiple times to get the attention of another staff to order our food but they didn't pay attention. our actual waiter walked by multiple times past our table and didn't check on us again. when we finally got someone they were flustered and in a hurry and asked what do you want with a condescending tone to them. the guy at the table handled the interaction. he told me that that is probably the owner and that's just his personality he's good people. i wasn't amused. the food was very basic. tasted like something you would make at home. waiting for something like that was very disappointing. the soup came after the main meal and awhile after the main meal was at the table instead of with the salad. another weird quirk of the order of how things were handled. overall i wasn't impressed and was confused why a place like this was beloved in town.

    Italian margarita
    Uzi J.

    Cry me a Riva's! Riva's is hands down one of my favorite Italian spots in Houston. Their Alfredo has me in a chokehold every single time. I've tried it with chicken and shrimp and it's never missed. The place is cozy and feels like dinner with your big Italian family. Everyone is friendly, the vibes are warm, and the energy is pure comfort. The seasonal decorations are a whole event on their own. If you love pasta, this is your place. The drink menu leans toward wine and beer, but if you ask for a custom cocktail they'll make it happen. Try the Italian margarita for something different or the cosmopolitan if you want to see stars. Their drinks pack a punch in the best way. The fresh garlic bread baguettes are heavenly. Most meals come with lentil soup and a crisp garden salad before the main dish, which always hits the spot. They also have steak, chicken, and fish options served with a side bowl of your favorite pasta. Riva's is comfort food, good company, and good times all in one. I love me some Riva's. Side note: Their birthday surprises are wild and absolutely worth trying if you want to catch a friend off guard. I promise you'll have a good laugh.

    Nina K.

    Was excited to come here for a fun dinner and immediately regretted it. Upon arrival, the restaurant smelled dingy and off putting. We decided to try it anyways since so many people seem to like the place. We were sat at a 2 seater table that was nearly touching the table next to us. The server came out and didn't introduce himself or say hi whatsoever, just asked what we wanted 2 minutes after sitting down then walked away when we weren't ready. We each ordered an entree which included soup and salad to start. The soup portion is maybe 8 spoonfuls. Take a look at my pic, that's untouched and it was lukewarm when the restaurant had literally just opened 5 minutes before we arrived. The salad was meh. The garlic bread was good. For my main, I got the penne cream rosa. It was decent but a bit heavy on the cream - not balanced with tomato enough. We also got the chicken fransico which was tasty but kind of an odd dish on an Italian menu in my opinion with the poblano cream sauce and sautéed veggies on top. It almost reminded me of fajitas. I took a bite and it had a piece of bone in it which was surprising and unpleasant. The fettuccine Alfredo was abysmal. It was straight cream with no seasoning or flavor or cheesiness. Our server never checked on us and we had to catch his attention to ask for simple things. Overall, I wish I didn't come here. Really hope it doesn't destroy my stomach tonight. I threw away my leftovers from how terrible the experience was. Sure they have cute decor but at the end of the day, it's a restaurant and what matters is the food and service quality which were both poor.

    Lasagna
    Katarina C.

    I love the atmosphere here! The owners are amazing & the service is always consistent. Christmas is a gem here due to the decor! Favorite menu items Shrimp scampi (yummy) Chicken piccata Penne cream Rosa

    Chicken funchezzi and veggies
    Stacey G.

    Was pleasantly surprised by Riva's! Friendly staff and large menu to enjoy. The chicken funchezzi was super thin and crisp. Well cooked. Veggies on the side were good. Hubby had the cream penne with chicken and it was good. Big portions. Both plates came with soup and salad which honestly isn't needed but I get it. They were fine, but next time I would decline. Focus on the main meal. :).

    Chicken Marsala

    We had the absolute best experience at Rivas. The staff makes you feel right at home like you've been a regular for years. They serve you like you're their favorite relative coming by for a good meal that they made just for you. The value for the incredible food is something you don't find everywhere these days. You get a bowl of delicious lentil soup almost immediately after your drinks are served. Salad, bread and a side of pasta are served with most entrees. The portobello mushrooms we got for an app were so good. I highly recommend the Pollo San Pietro and the pesto pasta though everything we got was amazing. We will certainly be regulars here.

    Prison food lentil soup
    Sasha G.

    I feel dooped by my fellow Yelpers who have this place more than 2 stars!! I can not imagine how anyone went to Rivas, tasted the food and possibly gave it a good review. I'm shocked, after reading that people used the words 'delicious and flavorful' !!! Yes, the decked out Christmas decos are cute and it must be why it draws in most of its new patrons, it was the reason why we visited. Besides that, everything is a thumbs down. Bathroom is dirty, smells bad and is in need of renovation. The waiters, although nice, since they have no assigned area, constantly take turns asking you if you're ready to order and since there is a dinig time limit it all feels rushed. The menu has only half of the items, as the regular menu, during the holiday season. The presentation of the food was unappealing. Garlic bread was burned, cold, absolutely had no butter or garlic taste and it was so hard to bite and chew. Soup came in a plain, white, plastic bowl. Filled only half way, looked like prison food you see on tv. We got mildly warm, unseasoned lentil soup. Then we got a plain jane salad with only 2 choices of salad dressing, ranch or Italian. It tasted like the chef salad I ate in school. Lastly the chicken from my entree was hard to chew and tasted processed, the shrimp tasted like it was frozen and the whole thing lacked flavor. The chicken marsala was overly sour and it could hardly be eaten without puckering. In all honestly SAVE YOUR MONEY, go to Olive Garden, you are better off saving money, time. Sad news Rivas!

    Penne chicken pasta
    Kendrick D.

    Riva's is always a good choice. I love their pasta and their portion sizes. I had to take my food to go because kids under 14 aren't allowed and my son was with me, and although I did want to sit down and dine in I still enjoyed my meal when I made it home. The food is always good, and it's always enough to have leftovers if you're like me and like to wake up for a late night snack.

    Capellini W/ meat sauce

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    10 months ago

    The lentil soup is amazing as is the bread. I always get the veal parm but the lasagne is excellent as well. Best dirty martini in Houstin.

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    Page 1 of 22

    Ask the Community - Riva's Italian Restaurant

    Are they authentic made from scratch pasta place or trendy come eat for the vibe?

    It's a Houston staple for decades! Very large portions, simply prepared but yummy. You go for the lovely owner, staff and patrons. They do put on a show in terms of decorations during Halloween and Christmas.

    Do they take reservations? Not open for lunch but a lunch menu?

    I believe you can for reservations and they open for brunch only on Sunday.

    What is the dress code? Would athletic wear (Lullulemon) be acceptable?

    Just about any dress is acceptable except nudity.

    Do they really open at 11? Other websites suggest that they open at 5

    Rivas opens at 5 pm from Monday to Saturday, on Sundays at 11:00am. Bon appetit!

    Do they take reservations? I've seen mixed answers and tried calling multiple times but it just goes straight to voicemail!

    I just called. They do not take reservations. It's first come first served but they aren't extreamly busy during COVID. They are closed between 2 and 5 each day except Saturday. I've never had a problem calling during their business hours.

    When do they have the Christmas decorations up?

    I've been inside a few times during COVID, but not eaten there. I think the question should be do they ever take the lights down. I hope not.

    Are there any gluten-free options?

    The menu doesn't give any options, but it truly is a local resultant. I'd call ahead...I bet they'd fix you any dish you'd like.

    I've never been and some friends want to try it out; but tonight is Rockets playoff game!! Are there TV's to catch the game?

    I'm sorry that I just received this question in my inbox. Yes there are TV's in the bar, but the answer comes too late!

    Is there still a no kids policy here? I went in December and they turned us away bc we had my son with us.

    Yes, they still have a "no kids" policy.

    Good for kids?

    Not good for kids. They have a sign on the door that says, "due to the mature environment, no children will be allowed" -- great place for date night or fun with friends!! Always have a blast here.

    Is it noisy at dinner?

    Yes it can be especially on the weekends when it's crowded

    Does this restaurant take reservations?

    Yes...and highly recommend you make one if going Fri or Sat night or on a day like Valentine's, Mother's Day, etc.

    What time does it open for Sunday brunch?

    11:30am

    I'm trying to call the restaurant to make reservations for tomorrow evening, but the only phone number on file is going directly to voicemail saying the voicemail is full, is there another number I can call?

    They do not accept reservations unfortunately... but they can usually get you in without a problem.

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    Mimo

    Mimo

    4.5
    (110 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    Went here for a late dinner date and I cannot recommend it enough! The service was quick and easy…read more Our waiter was so helpful in going over the menu for us. We ordered two different pastas to try and fritters to start. The vibes were IT for both a date night or to have a chill night with a big group. I think the menu had a good variety in each course without it being overwhelming, I will be going back to try their large selection of wine and more of their dishes!

    The restaurant has old school New Jersey Italian vibes - low ceiling, a little moody ambiance - but…read morenone of the attitude. The staff is super friendly, and we were welcomed as we were (we had hoped to eat at a sister establishment but they sold out of what we wanted). Mimo's offers a great selection of Italian inspired apps, three well appointed pizzas, a few varied and surprising options for pasta dishes, and some mains. Items we tried: Pane - delicious Roasted Carrot Pizza - AMAZING, A little spicy, but definitely something we would order again. Pastas we ordered initially came out cold - our incredible waiter immediately corrected the issue. But from a flavor profile - Pansotti - sooooo delicious. You'd never guess that it was a vegetarian option - the mushrooms were so meaty. The delicate pouches with the spinach and ricotta were heavenly. Pappardelle - The lamb braised sauce had a depth of flavor that could rival any restaurant in Italy. My only tiny hope was that the pasta would have been served aldente, it was a little overcooked. But to each his own. Overall - really great. Would recommend. This would be great for a weeknight dinner or an off the beaten path date night.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Appetizer
    Appetizer
    Outdoor dining area

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    Outdoor dining area
    Mia Bella Trattoria

    Mia Bella Trattoria

    4.5
    (811 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    Went for my aunts 70th birthday the good was really good and our waitress Kara was great!!…read moreDefinitely enjoyed it and the restaurant was super cute!

    Mia Bella's was an amazing experience from start to finish. It easily had some of the best service…read moreI've ever received. Emilio was incredible--very attentive to our needs and made sure we were 100% satisfied with everything throughout our meal. I've never experienced service quite like this before. Even as we were leaving, the staff opened the door for us and sent us off with a warm handshake, which was such a thoughtful touch. The food was also a 10/10. The build-your-own pasta menu was fantastic and offered so many different options. The weekday happy hour until 6:30 p.m. is hard to beat, especially with $6 Aperol Spritzes and margaritas. The complimentary focaccia bread was delicious, and the olive oil, balsamic, and garlic dipping sauce was the perfect touch. We also ordered the fried calamari, and the sauce it came with was unlike any marinara I've ever had--in the best way possible. Everyone there was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere made me feel like I was transported somewhere else entirely. It's also very family-friendly, making it a great spot for any occasion. Definitely my new date night spot, and I can't wait to come back. I highly recommend Mia Bella's to anyone looking for amazing food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Eggs bene
    Eggs bene
    Ceasar salad (half)

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    Ceasar salad (half)
    North Italia

    North Italia

    4.2
    (2.6k reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    I'm not often wowed by Italian food in restaurants but North Italia is amazing! I find that a lot…read moreof restaurants don't put enough seasoning. Here everything was hot and fresh and flavorful. First off, get the Zucca chips. I could literally eat a whole basketful. I need to figure out what slicer and oil they use because I can never get mine this thin and crispy. We then Arugula and Avocado salad, which was light and refreshing. Then onto the Cacio e Pepe Arancini. Cacio e Pepe is my favorite pasta, so I was a little disappointed they don't have it on the menu as a dish itself, but the arancini was delicious! For mains, my husband had the salmon. We ordered it medium and it came more well done, however, it was perfectly crispy on the outside and still moist in the center. Very tasty. I had the ricotta cavatelli, which might be the best pasta I've ever had. The shrimp were so plump and fresh. There was plenty of crab throughout. And the flavor had the perfect amount of salt and spice. My husband, who isn't a pasta person loved it too. It's a nice open space and service was friendly. We will definitely return to try more things.

    Stopped by for the first time and I thought it was okay. With the open concept, it's pretty loud…read more Parking on the weekday wasn't horrible but I could see it being difficult during busier times. As for what I had: Zucca chips: 3/5 what I received was much different from everyone else's pictures. My chips were much smaller and mostly pieces of chips. Maybe I got the bottom of the batch? The flavor was good, but because they were small and folded in on themselves, they held a lot of the oil. The oil did taste fresh though. Eggplant parm (small plate): 3/5 most cheese and very little eggplant. The flavor was good. My waitress told me it came with noodles but then no noodles came out. I know this place is popular and everyone seems to like it. I would try it one more time just to see if maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but overall I didn't think it was worth the money.

    Photos
    North Italia
    North Italia
    North Italia

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    Tiny Champions

    Tiny Champions

    4.5
    (517 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    Another 10/10 experience at tiny champs!!…read more Service is always excellent. Love the vibe here because it can be a date night or a casual dinner with friends and the food never misses. I don't know what exactly it is about the braised butter beans but I love them so much. The sweet peppers are such a nice surprise with every bite. The oysters are also fantastic, and I don't usually like raw oysters, but the topping makes them addicting. I've never had a bad pasta here. The agnolotti is such a fun filled pasta, the sweet peas were delicious. The bicoli was perfectly al dente and the guanciale bits were so savory. The salami piccante pizza is a classic and the hot honey just sends it over the top. Big fan of all the cocktails too. The desserts are delish- tried the lemon fennel cake and loved the texture from the sugary crust. The whip was also excellent!

    The best dining experience of my trip to Houston!…read more We visited on a Wednesday during happy hour and had an incredible meal from start to finish. The restaurant itself is absolutely charming, with a warm, stylish atmosphere and adorable decor that made the space feel both inviting and memorable. We ordered the carrot hummus, pepperoni pizza, bigoli with crispy guanciale, tomato, and pecorino, and finished with the vanilla ice cream sundae. Every dish was outstanding, and I would gladly recommend any of them. A special shoutout to Fran, our server, who was phenomenal. They guided us through the menu, provided excellent recommendations, and made sure our water glasses were never empty. Their attentive and friendly service elevated an already fantastic experience. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, the ambiance was wonderful, and the service was just as impressive. If you're visiting Houston, this restaurant is a must-try. It was easily my favorite meal of the entire trip, and I can't wait to come back.

    Photos
    Interior / ig: @joyyeats
    Interior / ig: @joyyeats
    Radiator Pasta - $26
    Radiator Pasta - $26
    Drinks - just okay

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    Drinks - just okay
    Aperitivo

    Aperitivo

    3.8
    (70 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$$

    It was my first time at Aperitivo and I must say I'm still impressed. I've had some time to sit…read morewith my thoughts/experience so here's the review you've all been waiting for. We arrived on a Friday evening during Happy Hour (HH) around 5:30pm. Maurizio stopped by to introduce himself and let us know that he would ensure we were taken care of. As stated above, it was happy hour during our time there but we ordered from allllll the menus haha! Check out the eats below: -Fried Shrimp -Chicken Parm Sliders -Tuna Tartare -Brussels Sprouts -Aperitivo Sliders -Bottle of Wine + Pizza (x2) ~Pepperoni Pizza ~Chicken Alfredo Pizza Bottles of the Sparkling and Rose - these are the bottles we selected based on their Social Hour menu bottle of wine & pizza deal for 35 dollars! Great deal! The experience was great, there were many waiters and waitresses stopping by the table to check in on us. The food was fresh, flavorful, and piping hot! The views are lovely and the ambiance is a combination of chill, chic, and relaxing. Very vibey and spacious place. The restrooms are really nice as well and they were clean and stocked. Aperitivo is definitely on my list of places to return to, especially for happy hour. It's worth it to check this place out!

    We had a reservation for 9:00 PM for an indoor table, but ended up waiting until almost 10:00 PM…read morebefore being seated in the lounge area. We were never asked for our drink order and, for the most part, weren't even acknowledged by any server. The manager did stop by and apologized, offering complimentary shots, which was appreciated, but we still weren't asked what we wanted to drink afterward. Meanwhile, we watched several groups who arrived after us get seated, order, and receive both their drinks and food before anyone came to our table. At that point, it felt like we had simply been forgotten. The atmosphere is nice, but the service really took away from the experience. I understand busy nights happen, but basic communication and acknowledging your guests goes a long way.

    Photos
    Gorgeous place
    Gorgeous place
    Truffle fries
    Truffle fries
    Aperitivo spritz

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    Aperitivo spritz

    Riva's Italian Restaurant - italian - Updated July 2026

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