Beautiful place, horrible service, and the food "looked" good. I waited almost an hour, even tried to got to the bar, no one would take my order. One server said she would be right out (didn't happen), the other said he couldn't take my order until he closed out other tabs. It's sad when businesses lack basic customer 101. So I left to go get food. read more

Salento was recommended to me by a friend because of their squid ink paella. Unfortunately, I don't tend to like strong fishy tasting foods and was told by the server that this was the case when adding the squid ink to the paella. I decided to order the regular Paella mixta (with chicken, sausage, and seafood). I'VE HAD BETTER PAELLA. I was disappointed because I only had one sausage and 3 shrimp. My muscles tasted the way goldfish poop smells. I was disappointed. I wonder if their paella is just hit or miss. The other menu items I tried were pretty good. The calamari was great, not too hard or too chewy, and the sauce that came with it, a type of garlic green sauce, was very good. I tried the chicken empanada and the spinach-ricotta empanada. Both were tasty. The pastry shell was flaky and tied the flavors together. My friend had the crab cakes and reported that the crab was fishy and soft, making me question the freshness of some of Salento's seafood. We ordered a bottle of wine called Stond, a 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. The wine we ordered was very smooth and went down way too easily. Can't lie, I left a bit buzzed. The atmosphere was amazing. There was a live musician playing instrumental covers of popular songs and offering soothing background music. read more

See all

Came here for Restaurant Week. Tried all the featured dishes - Steak & Margarita Empanada: Perfect. I liked the steak one just a littttle more but I think it would all hinge on just personal preference. The shell was flaky and perfectly made 4.5/5 - Yucatán Ceviche: Not a lot to say about this one, just pretty good ceviche, i do wish they were more generous with the avocados 4/5 - Butternut Squash Soup: Might be my favorite thing from their menu. Creamy and light, it's pretty good soup y'all 5/5 Entrees: - Paella Valenciana: Favorite entree by far, this one just worked really well all the flavors worked really well and chicken and sausage was amazing 4/5 - Lomo Salteado: this one was pretty good, the potatoes were perfect texture, the steak was good (imo a little too salty). 3.4/5 - Wild Mushroom Shrimp Pasta: man this pasta was so rich it pulled out a black amex after the meal. The noodles were a little too thick imo, and it was just very creamy i couldn't imagine finishing a whole plate of it 3/5 Dessert: ok the desserts all kinda fell flat for me, but the Alfajor was the best. the rest were pretty much HEB grade bakery section. 2.5/5 Overall 39$ for a meal was pretty good, I came with a group so we got to try a little of everything. If I came by myself I would probably do the Butternut Squash Soup, Paella, and Alfajor. I wouldn't say anything here is bad, probably just not for me personally. Great meal! read more

If you are brown or black they will not acknowledge you. I had a reservation and I sat with my date for 20 minutes and no one greeted us but they were very active with the people around us. This is unacceptable, will never go back. read more

Some friends were in town and wanted to visit this place because it was a favorite when they lived in the area. I hadn't ever been, so I didn't know what to expect. Upon arriving, I quickly remembered why I hate going to Rice Village. Parking has gotten ridiculous around the area, and now even the storefront parking is metered. We ended up finding parking several blocks away and made our way over to the restaurant. The place is a cute little bistro with a variety of food options, some of which strike me as a little odd, like the fajita plate. The menu seemed to have a ton of good lunch specials, but they're only available on weekdays, so we couldn't try them on a Friday. We ended up going with the Argentine empanadas, which came served with a salad, and the chicken curry tartare, which is basically an open faced sandwich. Portions are European cafe size, which fits the theme of the restaurant, but as a result come off as a bit pricey. It was a nice place to visit, and if you're looking for a European style cafe in Rice Village, I guess it's a good option, but I probably won't be back. read more

See all

We tried this place during their Valentine's Day special. It was our first time and we really enjoyed it. They did put us on a weird bar table, squeezed into the back corner with three other tables, which was super uncomfortable, but once we asked to move, they let us. The food was really good and we were super happy with the options on the limited menu. read more

Had lunch here with friends and ordered a salad bowl, a steak, and paella rice. The food was decent, but I wasn't a fan of the chicken and sausage in the seafood rice. The chicken seemed a bit stale, and the sausage was reminiscent of Cantonese sausage, overly sweet and not quite complementary to the rice. I recall there used to be squid in this dish, but I might be mistaken. Prices have increased, and the minimum tip is 20%, despite the service merely consisting of food delivery. read more

I came in the morning and had the breakfast sandwich with egg whites and truffle aioli. The brioche was PERFECT. Overall, it could have used some salt but I liked it. Their menu seems pretty limited though and I think there are better options in the area. But based on what I had, it was good. read more

Such a cool little restaurant! Great happy hour deals and still a great deal outside of that! We got the Empanadas and a single Paella which were plenty of food and super tasty! The wait staff was friendly and there was live music as well! One of my new favorite European spots! read more

See all

Would do ZERO stars if it was possible. My coworker and I order from Salento often she more than I. We ordered 2 ceviches and 2 empanadas and this is what they sent us. They really charge $16 for 2 bites of ceviche? They always put more ceviche but they have been known to run out of ceviche and that's probably what happened today. They split a full portion of ceviche into 2 and charged us for 2 separate plates. When we tried to call back to let them know nobody answered. We're hairstylists and cant just take a break whenever so we had to eat these crumbs they gave us cause nobody answered the phone. I'm beyond dissatisfied and disappointed in their service and these portions they magically came up with today read more

See all

Tasteless steak tacos, no ice available, terrible waiters...f minus - just terrible!!!! How do they survive??!!!!

Good spot for brunch but limited drink option. read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

I went here after a play with my boyfriend and I loved it! The atmosphere was super nice and relaxing with dimmed lights. The waiting staff was super kind and attentive. I ordered the pesto pasta which was delicious and was a HUGE portion. I only finished half and took the other half home. My boyfriend had the Wild Mushrooms Pappardelle and he loved the actual pasta. His portion however was a lot smaller than mine and more pricey. We had the same bread which I thought was okay but he didn't love. Overall a super cute date spot. I'd recommend :) I want to come back to try their brunch. read more

Salento Bistrot - Creamy pesto penne - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Salento es uno de mis lugares favoritos de Houston! El ambiente del restaurante es hermoso. La pasas increíble, es un lugar donde uno puede disfrutar de un buen desayuno, almuerzo y cena. La comida es exquisita! he probado la mayoría de los platos; como la paella que es deliciosa y uno de los más populares y su chimichurri stake que su corte es perfecto!!! El menú de salento es muy amplio y puedes encontrar pastas, ensaladas, salmón, mariscos, carne y pollo. Además una variedad de appetizers y postres que son increíbles. De verdad si quieres ir a pasar un buen rato con tus amigos y familiares te recomiendo ir a salento!! sea para comer o tomar café con postre, hacer una de tus reuniones o celebrar algún día especial Salento Bistrot es una súper súper opción. La foto que publico es uno de mis platos favoritos! Cauliflower Steak! Créeme si te gusta lo saludable esta es un súper súper opción! read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Salento Bistrot is located in the heart of Rice Village, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and stores. I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon to meet up with a friend. There's a complimentary two-hour parking garage a few blocks down or you can pay for metered parking. You order at the counter and then they bring your food and drinks to you. I ordered a Bellini because hey, it was five o'clock somewhere and I was also looking for something to nibble on. I wasn't that hungry so I looked at the appetizers but none of them interested me. The cashier was nice enough to let me order from the kid's menu because he knew I'm a big kid at heart. I went with the grilled cheese with a side of fruit and apple juice. Double fisting with apple juice and a Bellini like a champ. The grilled cheese was disappointing. It was toasted bread with a slice of cheese melted on top and that's it. Not anything like what a true, glorious grilled cheese would be. Not even little Johnny or little Jane would approve. Maybe the adult's menu is better! read more

Not much on the breakfast menu (brie was removed) but I ended up getting the turkey mole empanada and the chicken empanada with side of fruit. $10. And a chai frappe. Everything was delicious. The turkey was sweet. Nice service. Nice interior. Order at counter at bar. Oh and parking in front is metered parking so park across the street. It's weird. read more

See all

Perfect place for having a casual meal with friends. The environment is very relaxing, tables are not crowded together, they also have outdoor sittings. We shared two appetizers, gambas al ajillo and octopus ceviche, also a seafood paella. The food is wonderful. The wine selection is great. The service is friendly and professional. We enjoyed the evening there! read more

See all

This place always seems busy so I decided to try it. I ordered the crab salad and my husband ordered the empanadas. I got a decent amount of crab and the ingredients for fresh and light. My husband's empanadas were delicious with a light golden brown crust. We sat outside so I cannot tell you about the interior of the restaurant.The waiter was very good and told us about the happy hour. You can get a bottle of wine for $20 during happy hour. I had a glass of rosé which was light and refreshing. If you're in the neighborhood, I would definitely check this place out. read more

What a great place to enjoy an amazing cup of coffee. The ambiance is so chill and relaxing. One of my favorite places to unwind. The chocolate cake and lemon cake is a must have to accompany the delicious coffee. The service is impeccable. read more

Heard great reviews and was in the Village and decided to try especially b/c it's locally owned. As soon as you walk in the door friendly welcome inviting atmosphere that is chic with great patio for ppl watching or enjoying sunset. The white sangria was delicious flavorful ample portion size. Everyone raves about the food quality here salmon tacos, empanadas, salads, & desserts! I had the shrimp/watermelon salad that was beyond scrumptious and huge position with large warmed gulf shrimp, feta cheese, & glazed walnuts. A mixer was occurring in the back party room that can be reserved in advance to accommodate events. read more

See all

Came here on a Saturday morning for brunch. There's parking out front but I parked in one of the parking garages in rice village that's free for 2 hours. There was plenty of seating. I ordered the migas and hazelnut latte. Coffee was brought out in less than 5 min and migas quickly after. Portions are on the medium side; it's definitely more European than our huge American portions. It's a pricey place and so I feel tempted to give 4 stars overall for that but it's in Rice Village and rent is high there. I've been coming here on and off since 2010. It's a good place to go if you want a peaceful place to study, work, sit alone, or on a quiet date. It's a wine bar but definitely a peaceful one. read more

Salento Bistrot - Migas and hazelnut latte - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place was a breathe of fresh air! Great service. Good A/C after walking from the museum of natural science to the restaurant lol The lunch menu is a good deal. Pick two for $11 plus a choice of coffee or tea. I would suggest you get the Chicken empanadas for sure! E says the tacos were delicious and filling. He also surprised me and order dessert. It was two heart shaped pecan cookies with ice cream. Sooooo delicious! read more

See all

The coffee was not really something I would come back for. The location is nice in Rice Village, but I did not manage to try the wine when I went. I was there picking up a bottle of champagne for a friend as a gift. I will have to sit and sample some light bites and wine next time. read more

Went here today for a late lunch with one of my friends. Firstly, it took around 25 min just to get water and some drinks. We got the hummus platter which was really good but when our entree's came out I noticed mine smelt a little fishy. I didn't end up finishing the meal because of how rich it was and all the oil in it. Not even 10 min after leaving the restaurant I felt SO sick and nauseous and had to use a nearby bathroom. I would not recommend this place because no body seemed to care or want to serve two girls and the food makes you sick. read more

Salento Bistrot - Hummus Duo Plate - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Good for a group dinner. We had a nice area to meet with a good selection from the menu. The waiter was very professional and polite. Excellent atmosphere too! read more

Great lunch with eclectic menu. My partner raved about her Chimichurri Steak which was perfectly cooked with chipotle mashed potatoes and my fish cakes were flavorful. read more

Quaint little spot to post up, drink coffee, nibble on something and people watch on a Saturday morning or any morning for that matter. The people are nice and courteous, the food is good. There is free wifi. And it's on a nice little spot in Rice Village. read more

Salento Bistrot - Breakfast tacos! - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

The reason for my rating is based on the poor service. With the degree of competition in this industry, I don't think I should be expected to place my order at a kiosk, seat myself, pay premium prices for a cup of lettuce and then be expected to give a 25% tip. Who and what am I tipping? The food was good however, very fresh and lots of healthy choices. I was just disappointed in the prices and service. I had the grain bowl for $15. No protein and was literally one cup of food. I had to ask for a glass of water and was never offered a refill. We wanted a cup of coffee after our meal and was asked if we wanted to go back in and place our order at the kiosk or if we wanted the waiter to take the order. It was surreal. I know we have a shortage of servers but if you are right there at our table, why not just take the order? Probably will not go back. read more

Had a wine club party here last weekend and the food was really good. The wine selection was good. I had the mushroom pasta (5/5) and it was outstanding. Had a taste of the some other dishes-the paella was just ok and the flat iron steak was a 4/5. I didn't love the dessert but overall a really nice atmosphere and food was very good. read more

Loved this restaurant located in Rice Village shopping area. It was during lunch time in the week, and enjoyed the ambiance, the food, and the entire staff. Everyone was so nice and attentive. I would recommend it to anyone. read more

Salento Bistrot - Enjoyed my me time, food was delicious. My kind of place. - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been coming here for years and can't believe I never wrote a review. Usually I come for brunch/lunch. I can say I have never had anything here that I did not like. The food always tastes fresh and they have a unique way of putting it all together and serving it. It's a nice spot to go after a good run at rice track or you can dress up if you wish, either way the atmosphere accommodates both. They have a small little patio that you can enjoy if the Houston weather permits, or you can sit a cute little table inside. They have a nice wine menu or if you need to start your day (or end the night) with some good coffee, they have that too. Definitely one of the spots I like in RV. read more

Salento Bistrot - Ceviche tostadas with salad - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I took my wife here for a date night. We both enjoyed the meal and environment. Will come back. read more

Salento Bistrot - This was the menu. I had shrimp penne al pesto - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a cute little cafe I wouldn't mind calling my own. It's a coffee shop and wine bar in one, so don't be ashamed to go from midday cup of Joe to "I'll have a bottle of that." It has an international feel with the music, menu selection and even the clientele. They have weekly specials like Ladies Night, Mimosa Sundays, live music. Enjoy free Wi-Fi (but you have to sign up for some weird site), only a few outlets to plug in your comp should it die, outdoor seating and a few nibbles and bites. read more

I don't drink coffee but I am a fan of coffee shops to come in and study and use the wi-fi. When I first entered here on a Thursday night I knew I had come in at the wrong time to do some studying. It was more of a bar/lounge type of feel. They had a guy with a guitar to entertain the crowd. I went ahead and grabbed a table anyways and looked over the menu. I saw some fruit frappes that looked very good, however they were no longer on the menu as they are in the process of changing the menu. It's a bit hot inside since it feels like most of the cooling is coming from a couple of fans. There is free Wi-Fi during the days and at night they shut it off. The teas are 50 cents a refill which was a drag. As I was sitting down a little bit disappointed the manager, Sean, came up to me and introduced himself. He then explained to me what the was trying to do with this place. The best description was a coffee shop by day and a nicer wine lounge at night. I respected that he took time to come and explain to me what this place was all about. I appreciate a manager who can notice distraught and try his best to fix the problem. I will be back during the day to see how it is, until then 3 stars for a nice wine bar. read more

Salento Bistrot is located in one of my favorite areas of Houston, the Rice Village, as well as another location on the Rice University campus. The Rice Village is located southwest, just a few miles from downtown. Not only is this a very prominent area of Houston, but it is filled with a number of great eateries, pubs and cool boutiques and shops. If you haven't made it to the Rice Village...let's just say I am giving you one more very good reason to check it out! There's only so much time to take advantage of beautiful weather in Houston. So, it was nice to see so many people out on the patio enjoying a glass of wine and small plates with friends when I arrived. Once at the Salento Bistrot, you walk through the doors and instantly know what you have in store. The décor has a European feel, along with a definite Latin American influence. The vast selection of wine is in plain view as the bottles sit beautifully shelved for display. This is the type of place to spend a late afternoon or evening with that special someone... creating a foundation through enjoyable conversation and excellent wine. With smiles from ear to ear, we decided to start off with the Large Tray. This Cheese Plate comes with four types of cheeses (we chose the Bleu d' Auvergne, Smoked Gouda, Brie and Bel Paese) served with bread, herbed olive oil, grapes and walnuts. As you can see in the photography, this Cheese Plate is literally a piece of art. If you have been following my reviews for any length of time, you know I have a passion for blue cheese. So, naturally this was my favorite. But, I highly recommend this selection because it combines different textures and flavors that are very unique to each other and that get your palate talking! This enjoyable cheese plate was paired with a 2013 Drylands Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. I must thank our server for that! Salento Bistrot is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and enjoy pleasant conversation... and nothing goes better with that than hummus and tapenade! So, we got a traditional hummus dish served with roasted red pepper tapenade and olive bread. You must start with this appetizer; it was very good. My favorite starter was the Filet Mignon Bites. Maybe it is my nature as a man, but when you taste this dish, you will understand exactly what I'm talking about. The Filet Mignon is perfectly cooked and crusted with cracked peppercorn, topped with sautéed onions and served with honey mustard. Every bite is better than the last. What a great way to enjoy mouth-watering steak without ordering a full entrée! A great lunch choice is the Brie & Prosciutto Sandwich. This awesome sandwich is built with layers of Brie, Prosciutto, tomatoes, spinach and avocado slices between slices of olive bread and served with your choice of chips, salad or soup. This is not your average sandwich, but is exactly what you can expect from Salento's, a little different... a little better! Now, for the entrees! The aroma is wonderful and hard to put into words. I love having a small group of friends join me on these eating escapades... it allows me to try everything (almost) I want while plus I get an idea of what others think as well. Besides, I wouldn't be able to fit into these places if I didn't! LOL. For our final entrée, we sampled the Montreal Steak Tacos, a great example of the Latin flare I mentioned earlier. They were prepared with perfectly-cooked beef tenderloin, mixed peppers, onions, mushrooms, artichokes, poblano, avocado aioli with Bel Paese, a side of black beans and tomatillo sauce. I hate to toot my own horn, but toot toot! Check out the photography of this dish. It literally says it for me... and it doesn't take a thousand words. Just one "Impeccable". This is my go-to entree here! Surprise, surprise. I couldn't decide on just one dessert... so, as a table, we chose two to share. It was a very good decision. We picked the Flourless Chocolate Cake and it was very good. This dessert is great for those who are on a gluten-free diet. But, keep in mind - it is not on the Atkins diet. Ha! The Santiago Almond Cake is a local fan favorite here and I can see why! Also known as Torta de Santiago (in Galician) or Tarta de Santiago (in Spanish), this delectable cake has a sweet almond flavor which is elevated with lemon zest. The top is decorated with a beautiful layer of powdered sugar. Like everything else we enjoyed here, the Santiago Almond Cake is almost too exquisite to eat. Almost! My experience at Salento Bistrot was unbelievable...and this feeling was shared by the whole table. Everything is amazing: from the outdoor seating, where you can enjoy people watching and enjoyable conversation, to the fine wine and cuisine that keeps you coming back for that favorite menu item. And they serve breakfast, too! Oh, well... I guess I will just have to make another trip. Ha! Stay tuned and find out how it goes. read more

See all

This is a lovely little place that reminds one of an Italian cafe (just a busier and smaller sidewalk). My girls and I indulged in lovely happy hour delights as well as dinner! Among us, we had: 1) Hummus and Tapenade plate with their delicious olive bread 2) Spanish Margarita Pizzetta 4) Salmon Salad 5) Butternut Squash Soup We had no room for dessert, but we'll have to return to try some of their specializes. Or, Hell, I'll come by myself for a coffee and pastry with a book! read more

Love this little cafe, has a very cozy intimate setting. They absolutely make the best breakfast empanadas ever ! My favorite empanada is their fig and Brie. They have great service and on Thursday evenings they usually have a live music. read more

This is by far one of my best stops in Houston. If I am anywhere near this place, I will stop in for the best chai tea latte in Houston. They have great cakes, pies and pastries along with daily soups. Their outdoor options for those with dogs. There are indoor options for those with service dogs. read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's probably been 6+ months since I have been here and it seems they changed their menu slightly. They kept some of the really good dishes that I love though, like the Arugula Salad and the Ceviche Tostadas. They still do Happy Hour Daily until 7pm, but it's only on drinks. There is no happy hour food. The place is still adorable and great for a cute, inexpensive date night. I enjoy the outside patio area (albeit small) because I can bring the fur baby along with me too! The owner even brought out a water bowl for my fur baby too, that was very nice! I did notice a few changes is the flavor of some of the dishes though! The ceviche is still served the same way, laid upon two large tostados with a salad and nut mixture in the middle. I love this meal because it's fairly inexpensive and you get A LOT of protein! The ceviche flavor was off this time, not terrible, but not as good as I remember. Not sure if they altered the recipe. And the Olive bread, that I used to love, was just so-so this time. I hope they aren't changing recipes on me!! Follow me on my way to Foodietown! http://britneygfoodie.yelp.com read more

See all

Super menu and even better atmosphere for a tête-à-tête drink or meal with a friend! One of my fave Rice Village venues!