Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar

Great place! Love Chef Giancarlo :)

Easily has become the go to Italian restaurant in Houston. Get over the strip center location and enjoy the genius of Giancarlo and his staff. Always feel welcome and the food is amazingly consistent. If it’s not on the menu, you can ask and they do for you. I enjoy squid ink pasta and its usually available. Seafood options are superb. I have a previous history in the Italian wine business and their selection from all Italian provinces is first rate and the prices are more than fair. I wouldn’t miss this one and I’m sure it will be in your rotation.

Flawless can’t even begin to describe the experience I had last night at Amalfi. Chef Giancarlo continues to dazzle me every time I have the pleasure of delighting in his culinary masterpieces. Last night I witnessed and enjoyed the black truffle wine dinner he hosted with his lovely wife Lisa. Every single course was spectacular beyond measure. This place is truly my favorite Italian dining establishment outside of Coastal Italy. I’d even go so far as to say it rivals my very best food experiences there. My months in Italy consisted of enjoying food, wine and studying opera exclusively and I can’t recount a culinary marvel greater than what was presented to me last night.
Again, flawless. Go. Eat whatever he puts in front of your face and be grateful to the heavens for it.
#SelfAppointedChefGiancarloFanClubPresident

I’m french. It doesn’t mean that I’m a food specialist by birth but I can recognise good food when I taste it! What I have to say about the Amalfi experience: certainly one of the best food I’ve ever tried in my life and career (I’m in the restaurant business too). I had the privilege to meet the Chef and owner Giancarlo for a private tour of the front and the back of the house. This man is not only gifted, he is also a true passionate.
I’ve experienced several 3 stars Michelin, Amalfi its easily at the same level.
By far, best restaurant in Texas.
Only one word for the entire team: RESPECT!

This may be my worst dining experience in Houston.
Service was just so terrible. We had reservations for two and were seated at a nice, quieter table for four in the corner of the restaurant. It took our waiter about 10 minutes to greet us and bring menus, and it took two requests to even get water. Then, about 20 minutes after we’d been seated, the manager/​owner (?) saw that we were taking up a table for four and asked us to move to a louder table for two in the middle of the restaurant – so RUDE! And she unprofessionally threw the sweet hostess under the bus for seating us at the wrong table.
Because of the table change, our waiters were confused, and we basically got no service – no bread plates, silverware or water for a while. When our entrees arrived, one of them was the wrong entrée, and we didn’t have silverware to even eat the other entrée. At that point, we gave up and left.
While it was nice that the rude manager/​owner comped the 1.5 courses we actually got, we really would have preferred to pay for a blowout 3-​course meal ourselves with good service.
And I guess I should comment on the food – in comparison to the service, it was actually pretty great. The foie gras terrine was tasty, and the mozzarella with prosciutto was very good. The squid ink risotto was just OK though.

A second visit proved the first impression was right… unbelievably noisy, deafening, full of tables of squealing women, waiter who couldn’t get the bartender to fix a martini with a little extra vermouth and when it was pointed out the second martini had no gin, brought a bottle to the table and turned the bottle upside down in front of the customer.
Noise was louder than any restaurant visited in Houston.
Food mediorcre, and compared to Da Marco is way overpriced.
The waiters are untrained in everything.
Don’t consider this place unless you want to see what mediocrity is in a Houston restaurant.

By far the best Italian food we have had in Houston. It is a hidden little gem that I could dine at every night. We loved it so much we have taken 3 different sets of friends there. There specials are wonderful, don’t miss the home made ravioli special that just melts in your mouth. Prices are reasonable and seem to be very competative for the quality of food that you get and there is usually someone on the piano. I felt like we were back in Italy. The waiters and management is also very professional and friendly, they are helpful with their suggestions and don’t rush you through your dinner.

This is a wonderful Italian restaurant, but with the Amalfi coast twist. It was a great date night place for my boyfriend and I, and everything we ordered was amazinggggg. Everything was loaded with flavor and the portions were pretty good. I felt completely happy with everything here. Extra points for: owner/​wife was charming and we felt so welcomed when she sat us at the table and told us about the concept of the restaurant and her husband being the chef. Also, the oven is a lovely functional, yet stand-​out, flourish. 5 stars all around!

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar is located in West Houston off Westheimer, not far from the Galleria. Amalfi has had its fair share of accolades and press and many people have told me about this wonderful Italian restaurant.
When you first walk in, the first thing you notice are the beautiful colors. They have done a very good job with the design. Everything here — from the art to the beautifully-​tiled fire-​brick oven — puts you in the mood for some authentic Amalfi Italiano.
We head over to the bar and immediately start talking to the well-​versed bartender. She explains that the chef/​owner, Giancarlo Ferrara, is originally from Salerno, the largest city on Italy’s Amalfi coast. This is where Amalfi’s gets its inspiration for fresh seafood, vivid citrus, and lovely olive oil. I can’t wait for my first visit to the beautiful Amalfi, even if it is just through the spirit of food!
We got a couple of Peroni’s to start and looked over the vast selection of specialty cocktails. We ordered the Amalfi Sunset: Grey Goose Vodka, Aperol, ruby red grapefruit juice, and agave nectar seasoned with dashes of old-​fashioned bitters. So good and perfectly mixed! We also sampled the Sensazioni al Limone, made with Limoncello liqueur, Hammer & Sickle Vodka, fresh lemon juice, and mint leaves — all served in a sugar-​rimmed glass. Both cocktails were highly recommended by the bartender and now they come highly recommended by me.
We sat down at our table and it was like the chefs table. From there, I could see a kitchen area where they were rolling up some bread sticks and cooking our pizza at the same time. I always enjoy the Chef’s table environment.
To go with our small plates, we ordered a glass of a special wine recommended by our server. The Terra de Lavoro was divine: deep purple in color, smoky aromas of earth and black fruits complemented with undertones of tobacco and graphite.
Our first small plate was delivered and it was not small at all! The Mozzarella Di Bufala E San Daniele, always a favorite of mine, consisted of imported Buffalo Mozzarella served with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and prosciutto.
Just after, we received the second app and my jaw just dropped! The Tagliere di Salumi Creminelli is a selection of Artisan Creminelli salami, including Sopressa Veneta, salami with truffles, Wild Boar Cacciatore, Coppa, Prosciutto San Daniele, Bresaola, Bocconcini di Mozzarella di Bufala, and veggie pickles served on a cutting board. Need I say more? Definitely order this and thank me later!
We decided to put Amalfi to the test to find out just how fresh the seafood was, so we ordered the Crudo al Taglio: a selection of sliced raw fish including tonno (Pacific big-​eye tuna), dentice (Texas Gulf red snapper) and riccola (Hawaiian amberjack). This irresistible medley was served with capers, lemon, oregano, olive oil, and parsley. Another must-​order dish! The fish was super fresh, and along with the oregano and olive oil, tasted unique to my palate but amazing! Giancarlo, buddy, you passed the test with flying colors!
live oil. We got to watch it get made — part of what makes the experience here so great. And look at the photography! The thinly-​sliced pizza was delightfully rich and crispy. Each bite was followed by another and another. Truly intoxicating. If you’ve never had gourmet pizza, then order one of these. You may never look at a slice of pizza the same way again.
Now, I can’t say that octopus is my favorite dish, but our server highly recommended it. And boy, I tell ya what! I have been proven off, once again. This is why I like to let the servers and chefs decide my meals — I get to try new things that I would not even consider otherwise. And many times, I have enjoyed things that I never thought I would. Come to find out, the people who work at the restaurant and cook the wonderful food actually know what the restaurant does best. Who would have thought?
So, enough of my preaching, the Polpo Arrostito Con Patate e Peperonata is a Mediterranean octopus roasted with rosemary, garlic and fine herbs served over sautéed fingerling potatoes, peperonata, and arugula pesto. Simply amazing! The octopus had absolutely the freshest taste and a smoky flavor that was simply delightful.
Dessert anyone? Yes, please. We decided on the Tortino al Cioccolato Fondente: a rich, dark chocolate cake with a white chocolate heart and Recioto wine sauce — sweet sweet, sweet! You have to be kidding me!
Well, I admit I had high expectations when I made this journey to this beautiful coastal paradise. And Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar is everything I had been told and more. Everything — from the cocktails to the small plates to the desserts — was beautifully presented and the flavors were a step above the rest. If you love Italian cuisine, then Amalfi’s is definitely a must-​try.

If I could give a zero… I did it.
Our first impression was: huh? An italian resto? Maybe it changed… (because Mexicans are running the business there). And yes, I do respect all people :)
Our waiter was Juan T (name receipt). Very insistent and pushing a lot.
We started with 2 cocktails (amalfi sunset 11 dollar and bellini moderno 9 dollar). We got some free breadsticks which were good. We ordered the Polpo Arrostito (16 dollar), my husband a pizza rustica (16 dollar).
Unfortunately I became sick from the pesto and we left very fast this place.
The waiter was angry. He came after us and told us very rude that the tip was not included. The money he got was not enough and he gave it back and said to us: you need it more than me !
What the hell ??? Is this customer minded ?
We will NEVER go back to this place. I expected much more and being sick from food is for me a sign of bad food/​ingredients.

This restaurant is a trip to the Amalfi coast. It is not an Italian restaurant there is really no such simple thing. Italy is made up of many diverse regions and cuisines and the Italian American version is wonderful comfort food but too often is the frame of reference for average American.
All this is to say that the food at Amalfi is extraordinary. This place is The Big Night with a much happier ending.
Beyond the food the ambience is bright and has a seaside feel akin to Caracol without the noise levels that pummel the brain.
The wine selection is unique and diverse and of the highest quality. Forget Super Tuscan and enjoy Campania.
Service is friendly, attentive and knowledgeable without intrusion. There are no insipid statements such as «how are we doing?» or «are you still working on that?» It is dinner for two with a server and the cuisine is not rawhide (I am talking to you, Peska).
Amalfi rivals Da Marco in quality and is different enough to offer Houston wonderful options for first-​rate Italian based cuisine.

Almalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar was a pleasant experience.
My companion and I tried this place for my 3^rd Houston Restaurant Week this year. The name comes from the province of Salerno in Italy, according to the chef’s spouse, where the chef is from.
Parking is easy — huge private lot shared by other businesses in the area. Amalfi Ristorante is located in the same strip as The Melting Pot. The outside area may not look the best but don’t be fooled. Despite being an intimate restaurant, it does get noisy after sunset.
My companion thankfully chose a great spot in the corner before the crowd came in 30 minutes later. Seating here is not the best because you can hear the person next to you conversing even if you did not want to. Tables are so close together. Eeeep, not a fan! By the way, you can reserve the ‘not so private’ Positano table located in the corner.
Food:
Our waiter greeted us with complimentary bread, oil, pizza, and ceviche. Pizza and fish ceviche were bite-​sized and delicious. Menu was unique — the chef incorporates and executes the dishes with creativity. From presentation, freshness, and perfect portions, we were in awe.
CARPACCIO DI MANZO RUCOLA E CAPRINO (5/​5, black angus beef carpaccio drizzled with lemon olive oil dressing, served with arugula salad and fresh texas goat cheese): A gluten-​free appetizer, this was my absolute favorite. It was simple and tasty. The lemon-​oil dressing was just the perfect amount with the salad and carpaccio. I believe they serve a similar dish in their menu with pear.
FILETTO DI BRANZINO CON GNOCCHI AL LIMONE E CARCIOFI (4/​5, filet of mediterranean sea bass «branzino» pan roasted, served with potatoes gnocchi, roasted artichoke and lemon cream sauce): I’ll admit — I love anything with lemon cream which is the reason why I chose this as my second course. The pan roasted sea bass was light and delicious. It felt like each piece complimented with contrasting flavors/​textures — all working together. It was my first time trying gnocchi, which was decent.
DOLCE AMALFITANO DI PERE E RICOTTA (3/​5, almalfi coast traditional cake of ricotta cheese and pear mousse, fresh whipping cream and strawberries): Wanting to taste a traditional Almalfi cake, this was «a-​ok» but not too sweet. I preferred the CAPRESE AL CICCOLATO E GELATO AL PISTACCHIO (flourless almond and dark chocolate cake with pistachio gelato) my companion ordered.
Wine list was a bit lacking but no other complaints. The chef’s spouse would make rounds around the restaurant, saying hello to each patron. I would definitely be back to dine if I’m craving Italian. Make sure you do reservations because it does get packed.

I was excited to try a new upscale restaurant. My experience was disappointing. Even if it is a busy night or HRW an upscale establishment should provide the best service possible.
The dining room is small and the tables were packed in. I felt like we were sitting on top of the table next to us. It is hard to have a quiet enjoyable dinner when all you hear is the conversation on either side of you. I sat on the isle and my chair was tapped several times by wait staff.
The service was lack luster. Our server was nice but seemed pre-​occupied by other tables. The food runner keep trying to give me the wrong dish.
The food was good but not good enough for me to come back.
First Course: CARPACCIO DI MANZO RUCOLA E CAPRINO (GF) — Super Yummy.
Second course: BISTECCA DI TONNO ALL’AGLIO NERO (GF) — was ok
Third course: TORTA DI PESCA E CREMA ALLA VANIGLIA — unfortunately I could not eat most of the dessert, too creamy… My dining companion said it was good.
This review was saved by the CARPACCIO.

I came here for HRW as well as my dad’s birthday. We came at around 9 pm and it was still packed! It’s pretty loud. Like really really loud. The tables are super close to each other. The waiter bumped into me every time he was walking around the tables.
The service was nice though. For my appetizer I had the prosciutto, I love prosciutto and the sweet balsamic dressing made it even better. I ended up trading that with my sister for her beef carpaccio bc she didn’t know it was raw beef. Well, the carpaccio was super bland with no taste to it. I didn’t finish it because it wasn’t that good. For the entrée, I had the pork tenderloin. The mushroom sauce was really flavorful and delicious. The chef actually gave my dad extra fish for his dish for his birthday which was really nice of him. For dessert, I had the peach cake but was way too full to finish it. The waiter gave us birthday shots for dad’s birthday instead of the mimosa because he said people were not liking the mimosas very much,.
Overall, the service was excellent but the food was only ok.

Pretty good but not the best I’ve had.
Appetizers
Mussels — 4 star
Carpaccio — 3 stars — needed salt
Entrees
Tuna — special — 3.5 stars — I love tuna and it wasn’t what I was expecting
Seafood risotto — 3 but keep in mind I’m not a big risotto fan. Hubby & parents give it a 4.
Crab special — 3– it was all tempura fried. I tried some and was really disappointed it was fried.
Dessert
Fresh gelato and very flavorful! I would rate it a 4. It took too long to come out and we thought the waiter forgot about us. He said everything is fresh and made in house so took longer to prep. I guess that’s good?
Overall I would give it a 3.5 rating! I went to try their pasta dishes

Great ambience, very intimate and romantic! Excellent service! Carlos is a wonderful waiter and knows a lot about the food on the menu! Andres and Carlos made our evening absolutely perfect! Would definitely recommend it this place to anyone who likes wine, seafood, or appreciates 5 star service.
The red snapper is great!

I went to Amalfi for my first time last night. I took my Mom who is very difficult to please. She had the red snapper and I had the lobster risotto. Both were very good. The menu said the red snapper had a broth which is a little deceiving. It seems like it would be some type of fish soup but really it just a small amount of favorable broth drizzled on top. It was very light.
Service was great. Our waiter even let us sample our wine since the wine selection included some wines we weren’t familiar with. The only negative was there was a very rowdy party talking extremely loud and standing on chairs to take pictures. It doesn’t seem like that kind of crowd would usually be there though.

Come for Happy Hour! Free food and amazing cocktails. Ask for Juan!
Great place to bring clients after work!
New favorite place.

Great food service and atmosphere! I recommended the paccheri ragu di maiale and their chicken!
The moscato they have is also delicious. I’m usually a very picky person w my drink but I LOVED their moscato. For desert, we had macarons — again delicious!
Make it a point to visit this place. You will not be disappointed :)

As a native Houstonian, I’ve dined all over the city and I’m not one to give reviews on Unilocal too often. However, I just had a lunch worth reviewing!
In short, if you want delicious authentic Italian food Amalfi is your place. I’m not a food critic so I don’t know how to describe the nuances too well, but it’s one of those ‘you have to eat it to experience it.’ The pasta alone was amazing. Freaking pasta! I never thought I’d compliment pasta by itself. The seafood concoction was perfect, and say hello-​goodbye to the mussels as you savor!
The service was top notch. Few descriptors are: attentive, friendly, informative, and most importantly … inviting.
The restaurant has a minimal elegant décor which suits my tastes. The place has a family feeling, yet classy for a corporate luncheon or dinner. A very well balanced ambiance.
As I stepped foot outside the restaurant I began brainstorming as to when I can return. In short, Amalfi will be a go-​to restaurant in my small circle of choices for visiting family and friends along with business meetings.
You must try.