Salento is nowhere near my house or my job, yet I find myself driving 20 minutes out to the Village just to come here. The BF practically lived here while attending Rice, and many a weekend was spent here working/studying/drinking... coffee for him, wine for me. I think their key to success is variety. A variety of food, drink, and music draws a variety of clientele. You'll find anyone from a soccer mom to a biker to a college student to your grandma here. The wifi is free (technically with purchase, since the code is on the receipt, and you should buy something anyway!) and I have had no problems with Less Networks as mentioned in another review. I am sitting in Salento as I type this, using the wifi, drinking the wine (if you can have mimosas for brunch, you can drink whenever you want), nibbling on some hummus and tapenade while the door is open to one of the few gorgeous days we get here in Houston. Things to note: wifi is turned off at night, there are only 2 areas where you can get an outlet, and they have live music and tango in the evenings on various days. read more

All the fruit, strawberries and grapes and meat and cheese Board were spoil and had rotten spots, you haft to pay and tip before you get your food, like the atmosphere, barley any parking. Soups cups are big, cheese and meat board are preselected and they don't tell you what they on the menu. read more

Oh I loved this place so. It made me feel like I was in a little French Bistro in France. The setting is very cozy and romantic. I would definitely suggest this as a first date or special occasion restaurant. My hubby and I started off with ordering a bottle of wine and a cheese plate. They have a beautiful selection of wines. Our bottle was $16 at the happy hour rate which I thought was a great deal as it was a terrific wine. My hubby had the sirloin tacos and I had the stuffed portabello mushroom, both were amazing. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone visiting the Rice University area. Excellent service, easy parking, and great food at an awesome price. read more

Salento Bistrot - Romantic setting. Quaint place for mid week dinner. - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

My first time here and my meal was absolutely phenomenal! I'm obsessed with the baked chicken breast, I love the sautéed mushroom herb sauce the chicken was dressed with. I cleaned my plate I also recommended the wine selection I paired my meal with it was a Vistalba Corte B 2014. This wine is sweet, smooth and delicious. I definitely recommend this place and would definitely come back for dinner! read more

Salento Bistrot - Baked chicken breast with veggies and mash potatoes - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Been a year since I've been here and I didn't even remember coming here! Wanted to grab a quick dinner and popped in here to see what they had and if they had any gluten-free options. I quickly was seated (self seat) and got served water out of a jar and ordered an iced coffee which was nom. Got the Carnita appetizer with onions, red peppers, and what seemed like a chimi churri sauce which both together were good. Then for my entree I chose an item on the menu that had a black dot which was noted *Gluten Free* at the top of the menu to what had a black dot and asked him how is this gluten-free since it's breaded and he asked the chef and came back and told me it was not. So be warned they do denote items gluten-free that are in fact NOT gluten-free... really mind boggling I have no clue. So instead of that I ordered the chicken with goat cheese, beets, cauliflower and some greens. I never thought in a million years I would be eating a dish with chicken/goat cheese/beets but let me tell you it looked like Valentines day on a plate and was darn good. I would eat that everyday and it was cooked perfectly. I didn't think beets and goat cheese would pair but it very well surprised me. I was to full for dessert but got an espresso to go which gave me that goat kick I needed. I will def be back soon! Walk in, grab a menu, sit down, wait for waiter. Lunch specials, wine specials, and water served out of a jar. Bathrooms in the back right corner. read more

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Owners! Pay attention to your biz. Your employees are not running it properly. No greetings, employees on their phone. We sat inside and we waited until one of your employees was done using his iPhone. We had to ask twice if we needed to order at the counter or if they had full service. They don't care for your biz. Other customers ignored as well. read more

Reliably good coffee, has become more popular. They've changed the bar/ counter configuration and really cranked up the music - too much for me. They did turn it down some when requested. They had a few of tables of 'ladies who lunch' in this case late breakfasters at 10 am, must be nice! Used to be more Rice U students and professors, may be later in the day? Didn't sample the carb-loading goodies, maybe next time. read more

Such a beautiful environment, the live music is great. It caught my eye so i sat down and ordered a hot tea and they brought me a whole tea pot which is way more than i expected i really loved this place. The service is great too, they speak both English and Spanish so easy to communicate with. Definitely will recommend read more

This place got it goin on! Super chill vibe, fresh food and ingredients, plant based options, live music, great hours, and right in the heart of Rice Village, one of my favorite Houston hubs! read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Salento is a very neat place. While I was here, mid afternoon, there were people eating and drinking wine and others drinking coffee. Location is great in rice village. Coffee is about the same price as Starbucks. Recommend the iced Americano. read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We go here all the time. The ambience is wonderful, evocative of a European cafe- outside or inside seating in the Rice Village The food is always interesting and well prepared. They are famous for their tartines. Salento started as a coffee and wine bar but has evolved into a restaurant as well Enjoy! read more

Salento Bistrot - Over Easy Salmon Tartine - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Coffee ONLY review. Staff has no clue on how to make espresso based coffee. They have good equipment and apparently good beans but by far the worst coffee in the Rice village so far. read more

whatever you get, skip the ceviche. Here's why: Salento Coffee 2407 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Demerits: 24 Inspection Highlights: Observed no records indicating raw tilapia used in ceviche dish was maintained frozen before use. If the fish are frozen by a supplier, a written agreement or statement from the supplier stipulating that the fish supplied are frozen to a temperature and for a time specified under section 20-21.03(b)(08) of this code, may substitute for the records specified under part [01] of this subitem. Discontinue sale or service of ceviche until approved documentation is received. http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Houston-Restaurant-Violations-Oct-26-Nov-2-12327620.php?ipid=hpctp#photo-14475179 read more

Nice cozy and homey coffee shop in Rice Village - one of the nicest and coziest I've been in Houston that has an upscale European flair despite its much touted South American flair (the only thing South American at this place are the empanadas anyways). This place hosts tango nights on Wednesdays and wine tasting on Thursdays (if I remember all this right). I took off a star because I thought it was priced a bit too high although the quality is good. I'm just not used to seeing these prices for a coffee shop. But overall, this place is still recommended. read more

So I owe this place a review as I've been here a few times by now! The first time I ever came here, it was years ago during happy hour and my friend and I partook in some wine tasting happy hour deal. I'm not certain that they still have such a happy hour, but it was definitely enjoyable and a nice respite from the usual cocktail-themed happy hours. I've only had the soy latte here and it's pretty darn drinkable. But I don't have a discriminating coffee palate (what's with coffee snobs?! I don't get it!). Although I will say this - I am incredibly sensitive to coffee caffeine and the both times I've ingested this coffee, I haven't been eye-bulging, frantic, ready to take out a small army of men. I'm pretty sure it was just coincidental, but I think that's rather nice that Salento's coffee didn't wreck havoc on my nervous system. Anyway! I've also had some salad there - can't recall the name, but it was by default - vegan. It's a fairly modest portion, but fresh, crunchy, and the vinaigrette - had a nice finish. It's a pretty cushy area - this joint! There's free wifi until 6 (allegedly, I didn't utilize it because my iPhone is lame as heck) and there's a decent amount of table and chair seating, as well as a couch (or two) chillaxin' area. There's also tables and chairs set up outside for those nicer Houston days (few and far in between)! In closing, this is a pretty darn tootin' okay place, but I don't see myself clawing my eyes out, trying to visit here again! It's great, but not OMG exceptionally conducive to studying because it can get a tad loud. read more

Salento Bistrot - Salad - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This place is alright. I had the chicken pesto sandwich and it was.. Well.. A sandwich. Nothing fancy at all. Skip the main course and go right for the desert case. The almond cake and cinnamon iced tea tasted pretty good. read more

Salento Bistrot - Chicken pesto sandwich - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Always fun and the service is amazing! Great Sunday spot for some drinks and food. A great little gem in the village read more

Salento Bistrot - Bottomless drinks - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Came in for a cup of latte..ended up having a French breakfast which came with a bowl of fruits, warm olive bread and two slices of brie. If you love brie like me you will enjoy it. I requested to warm my plate which they gladly do so and I think it is very nice of them since I like my brie to be served warm. My cup of latte was good. Salento has a very clean nice warm decor with comfortable booth seating and Soft classical music constantly playing at the background . This is a place where I saw mostly mature crowd, family with small child or Individual working on their work or papers. Noise level was acceptable and lively where you can still carry on conversation with my friend. It does get fill up quickly after 9:30am in the morning with a line but only a short wait before your turn to order. This is a place where I would come to kill time but don't want to go to Starbucks or shopping... FYI...free WiFi... and if you speak espanol they give you bigger grin ^o^. Otherwise they are mostly looking like :-/ except one handsome chef in white uniform are always happy and smiling :DD. read more

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My husband and just happened in for lunch. Limited menu but the food was very fresh. The Mediterranean quinoa feta salad is excellent. Had the quiche and empanada I lunch menu. 20 for the whole thing and very good. Highly recommend if your looking to escape crowds and want good quality healthy non fried food read more

My husband & I have been coming to Salentlo Bistrot regularly for its warm European ambiance and good food. We enjoy their seafood paella, chimichurri steak, and salmon steak & pastries. Their white/red sangrias are pretty good as well. read more

Best coffee in town! The selection of gluten free products is super. Great lunch salads and dinner as well. read more

Salento Bistrot - Great lunch at Salento, the salmon cooked to perfection! - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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My wife and I went for dinner this Saturday evening. Salento has a nice ambiance and an interesting menu. However, this experience left me wanting. We ordered the ham and cheese empanada and spinach and ricotta. However, we were then informed they didn't have any ham today. So I went with the Basil and mozzarella. The plate arrived with a dry side salad which was not ordered, and no dressing was offered. My wife ordered the paella, and I ordered the grilled chicken and homemade penne. Her meal was excellent. I, however, was informed that they had no chicken and that their delivery would arrive on Tuesday. My pasta was dense and chewy, not al dente. My iced tea was ordered un-sweet and plain, and I was served a mint tea. Our drinks both ran empty. Service was also underwhelming. The waiter would bring food before clearing the previous course. They only checked on us one time during the meal and spent the rest of the time talking at the bar. When we went to pay, they held on to the payment unit and watched as I selected the tip amount which started at 20% and went up. from there. This place has potential but for the price, there are better options within a block, and the service must improve to demand these prices. read more

Wowwww. Went today for the 1st time. Sat outside with my wife. After studying the menu, we opted to leave as we were in the mood for pasta. When we told the waiter, he insulted us by suggesting that the prices were a bit too high, as if we were leaving because we couldn't afford the place. He said that to us in Spanish. I told him I was a pilot & make plenty of mula and that our decision was based on food choices not affordability. Classic case of projecting...but the Insult solidified that we will never return.. read more

I really want to like Salento (good location in the Rice Village). The first time I went, I thought it was just ok. I ordered an iced latte and thought size was somewhat small for the price. Then I find out there is no wifi but that's ok, I get some work done anyways. I tried it again out of convenience - this time I arrived and was told to sit down somewhere (apparently it is only table ordering at night, even if you just want a cup of coffee). I sat down but decided to move to one under a light as the one I was at was pitch black except for a candle. Then I was rudely told to move to a different table because because that table was for parties of 4. I can totally understand if a place wants me to do that but 1) the store was COMPLETELY empty and 2) You could ask nicely. I quickly paid and left. read more

Nice place and great staff. However, I really don't think this place is hitting it's potential. Good Happy Hour drinks but no food!! Get some good food deals going and fill those empty seats. read more

Salento has quickly become one of my favorite spots in Houston. They offer a selection of coffee and wine, so your decision might be difficult if you roll in around 3PM like I did. My brain says coffee, but my heart says wine. The ambiance is fantastic here. The place isn't too quiet to where you feel uncomfortable having a conversation, but it's not loud to the point where you're frustrated and can't get any work done or hear yourself think. Music was my taste, sets a great mood, and I love the higher ceilings and natural light here. I also like that you order at your table and aren't pressured to pay until you are ready to leave. Very relaxed environment with nice energy. Prices are about the same as Starbucks or any other coffee shop, but it feels like you should be paying more for a place this great. read more

I love the ambiance in here- the breeze from the fans, the students and faculty typing away on laptops (free Wi-fi), the wine bar, the coffee bar, the airiness of the room.... and I'm a cappucino junkie, so you'll find me trolling every coffee shop in the city looking for delicious drinks. Salento has loose tea (I sniffled the Japanese Sencha while the barista made my cappucino), and several tasty looking pastries. I bypassed the delicious looking apple tart in favor of a chocolate-filed croissant, another favorite of mine. Apparently I've been settling on the croissant front lately, as this pastry took me immediately back to my time in France. It was a real step above most I've had in this country, to be honest, although this hasn't and won't stop me from eating croissants just about anywhere when given the chance. My cappuccino, on the other hand, was just okay. I drink decaf, and the beans are often inferior to the caffeinated beans that any shop stocks. Jim seemed to like his decaf iced Americano more than I did my drink, but I'd come back here and give them another shot, particularly since Ruggles, up the street, doesn't open until 10:30 on a Saturday. At some point, I will come here to work in order to get out of the house, I'm sure. read more

I've had my first leather Croissant while eating here...... Welcome to TEXAS? well it wasn't really leather... it was semi-tasty but tough as leather with a feathery interior. thumbs down on that... but the drinks? they're standard coffee shop fare with the earthy tea gear to boot that's all the rage now.... There should be better places to take your 10 bux and spend it on a latte and a croissant, especially around here.... read more

My visits to Salento are more a marriage of convenience than actual predestination to visit. It's situated nicely in Rice Village, and trips there during the day generally involve shopping and thus a need to infuse my veins with caffeine. Salento is somewhat solid during breakfast, and at the very least less hectic than Croissant-Brioche. Their coffee isn't that good. Trying to study or get work done here in the evenings is a fool's errand since it turns into one of those strange lounge-coffeeshop hybrids. read more

Just about done with this place. They only have one coffee roast available, and it's a medium. So if you like dark roast you're out of luck. The wifi is slow and is not available after 6pm, which is very annoying. It's not like this place ever gets crowded. I'm not normally one to complain about the service, but there are a few people here (the owner, maybe) who are very snobby (hence, turning off the wifi after 6pm). The food is alright. read more

Stopped in here for a quick glass of wine before our reservation at Helen Greek Food and Wine, and I think we'll be back for a longer visit! The service was friendly; our waiter appeared new and didn't seem too familiar with the menu, but he was attentive and nice. The prices here are pretty reasonable and had a good variety from all over the world. We didn't order any food, but oogled at some of the plates coming out of the kitchen - we'll be back to try those soon! read more

Salento has a nice chill vibe, free wifi, and a decent menu. I once spent a Sunday here with a mimosa, mini-paninis, and a pastry (yeah...alcohol leads directly to the munchies). In fact, I think I spent most of that afternoon writing Yelp reviews rather than what I was supposed to do. The food was good (prosciutto, pesto, paninis? all three are good "p" words) and one of the...er, baristas? let me taste a Riesling before ordering. The seating is awesome; there are a few tables outside, where I saw this girl I recognized (which is kind of freakish; we're not even acquaintances and I keep seeing her at places that serve wine). There are small tables inside, as well as a curving banquette. Inside the curve of that banquette is a nook of sorts, where you can sit on high chairs. You see some people working, some people chatting with friends, and some West U types. There was an hour or two on that Sunday afternoon where it was overrun with families with their toddlers. The woman next to me was Eastern European, and the man sitting at another table was also Eastern European, which made Salento feel remarkably cosmopolitan, until I realized they were together. This would get four stars, except for the occasional proliferation of tots, not-quite-abundant outlet plugs, and the barista who gave me the "Bitch, please" look when I asked for a different pastry, because the one she was going to give me looked like it had a bite out of it (even if it hadn't been bitten into, I want 100% of the original pastry!). read more

I don't drink coffee. And I'm not a huge fan of coffee houses. And yet, I really like Salento. They have wine! And cheese trays! And pastries! And wireless internet! And comfy couches to people watch! (Oy with the exclamation points already!) It is not a huge cafe, but it has outdoor seating too. It is an easy place to come and digest food after a nice big meal nearby. The prices are a bit high, but one) we're in Houston and two) we're in Rice Village which makes it worth it. read more

My gf and I frequented Salento from '05-'10 during our high school and college years, and boy have things changed. Do not come here to do work. Though they dont have many afternoon patrons, laptops are not welcome here. The OUTLETS have been covered. This is a pretty loud message to wifi-using patrons. The wifi doesnt connect well and requires you to register a valid email address.The environment is mildly quiet minus the waitstaff gossiping wildly behind the counter. I ordered a prosciutto salad which would have been good, but four nats landed on my plate in 2 minutes and continued to visit my plate consistently. Lastly, the most offensive and heartbreaking event: the girl sitting next to me left her table with a beautiful message written on the paper cut out used as a table covering and left a BEAUTIFUL dark purple and white origami heart. I would have kept it for myself, but i wanted to leave it for the next patron. 10 minutes later, the waiter came, looked annoyed, and threw it in the coffee cup with some dirty napkins. The water is beyond gross. And I really cant get over the fact that I shared my meal with nats. I don't see myself ever coming back here. read more

Ok now this is an unfair report on Salento because I have only been two times, both on wine tasting nights BUT I LOVE IT! It's like agora but cheaper and with better food. They throw out about 10 bottles on the bar, you pay your 5$, and then you taste away! Try the empenada plate for about 7$ as well as a choco croissant and you will be pleasantly blown away by good cheap wine tasting food! The music is very subtle so it is a great place for good conversation! I will be back so trust me and come up for a good time on this one. Best Thursday evening place I have been too yet. They also have a very decent selection of beer and coffee's. read more

Nice music!! Nice nice place!! Nice people!! Little expensive.. Excellent coffe!! Excellent food!! read more

I was there earlier today with a friend so we could get lunch and write about our recent adventures. We chose this spot since we needed wifi to facebook stalk people we were talking about. We split a sandwich and hummus between the two of us, and it made for a nice lunch. During this time we tried multitask eating and writing. The tables aren't conducive to the hungry writer. Overall it's definitely a good place to meet up and chat with friends. It's got good food and a quiet atmosphere. read more

A good spot for the Rice Village crowd, with a semi-upscale, semi-euro vibe. Dance lessons/practice some nights (usually Thursdays). The coffees and espressos are good, as are the house wines, though this isn't really a dining destination. I visit Salento most often to kill some time between activities in this part of town, or to meet up with old friends with whom I don't have much in common anymore (the atmosphere can help you work through those awkward pauses). read more

Salento Bistrot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Okay, here's why I have a butterfly shaped palmier (with part of the wing missing) in my freezer. I needed a cup of coffee. That's it. End of story. I've been to Salento twice in the past week, and think it's a great place to get an afternoon pick me up whilst shopping in The Village. I tend to park at one end of The Village and walk travel from store to store on foot. (I know some that drive from store to store...lazy mofos.) Salento is roughly in the center of everything interesting, so it makes for a very convenient pit stop for wine, tea, or coffee... ...it was because of their $5 minimum for credit cards. The coffee came to $3 something. I had to get the palmier. Back off... They have happy hour from 3-7 daily with $5 wine specials. On my first visit, I stopped with a friend so that we could catch our breath and figure out whether or not a cold front was about to pass through or if the food we'd just eaten was turning. No, we were just looking for an excuse to have a glass of wine at 3:15 on a weekday... ...I had to take a bite of the palmier to make certain it wasn't stale. Perhaps the guy behind the counter's Italian accent confused me... The second visit was to get a cup of coffee, verify that everyone inside was STILL able to access the free wifi, look at the food menu (hello brie sandwich on olive loaf!), and have a nervous breakdown over a palmier cookie...and yes, it is still in my freezer. All, but the couple of bites. I didn't believe enough in the first bite; I needed to test for staleness a second time. read more

I have to second the person earlier who said it was a little expensive. I ordered an Italian soda and was floored when it was almost $4. Most other places have them for around $2. The decorations are very cool. They are modern, but without that cold sleek feel. The music was a little odd and didn't seem to really go with the ambiance. read more