Buon Appetito Restaurant
| Address: | 2231 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA |
| Phone: | +1 713-665-4601 |
| Site: | buonappetitohouston.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 12
Reviews 21
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A Private User
I was in town for business and was intending to go to a place called "Freds" down the street. I saw this restaurant and mistook it for Freds. I am GLAD I missed the other restaurant, because this was one of the best Sicilian meals I have ever had. I travel a lot and always try to find a good little Italian / Sicilian restaurant -- this is one of the best Ive found in the USA. I had Shrimp Marinara, which featured six large fresh prawns, lightly sauteed in olive oil, then placed in a marinara sauce that I can only describe as heavenly. It was made with absolutely fresh vegetables, and had a light, yet spicy taste. Wonderful! For dessert, I had their rum cake, which was absolutely one of the best desserts Ive ever had -- and Im 51 years old! It was fluffy, light, and coated with thinly shaved almonds, incredible to describe. If I wasnt meeting friends for dinner the next couple of nights, Id go back again and again. Im from Denver, but Id fly down here just to eat at this jewel of a restaurant.
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A Private User
My wife and I have eaten here for the last eight years. The food is really good. Im not an expert, but I did live in north Italy for three years, so I know a bit about Italian food. Its great. And the guitarist is a gem. (Some day hell remember the intro to "September Song," but never mind.) What drags this review down is the waiter (maitre d?) they have recently brought on board (2009), the old guy. Hes impertinent, cheeky, and out of place in such a nice setting. The last two visits were ruined because of him. The owner would do well to run him off. The rest of the staff (and the owner)--and the food!-- are magnifico.
DA
Da Gualtieri
Mixed emotions... Atmosphere was quaint... Old house charm, classic Italian music, dinning areas were separated into small little rooms. A bit romantic actually. The service struck me as a bit rude and impatient. Avoiding all the inappropriate details dont expect good service. A bit arrogant north east New York / Jersey style and charm. Due to poor service we decided to stop at the appetizers. Crab meet stuffed calamari was a great idea, sauce was very good but the calamari was overly tough. Second chance? Maybe at a later date.
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Vickie Vik
This place feels very cozy and has cute decor... I live and work in the med center for many years but never ate here before until recently. I thought it would be expensive because its facing Holcombe, but I was wrong. The food was good and price was reasonable! I love supporting local businesses such as this place so I would recommend it. However, if you are used to eating salty fake Italian food from Olive garden... Its not the place for you. (just saying)
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John Cooper
Normally we get very good service and good food. Tonight was an exception. The first batch of bread was very dry, it must have sat under a heat lamp for a very long time. We had to remind them to bring us some water. It took about 40 minutes to get our food - I dont think we have ever had to wait nearly that long and there were hardly any customers when we arrived. The food was fine and plenty hot but the long wait left a sour taste.
MA
Matthew Bainbridge
Its a classic 1980s itallian restaurant with a tired menu frequented by people who dont know what italian food should taste like. Nothing is fresh, everything comes from packets or is frozen. My lamb was over cooked, my porcini mushrooms were sandy and gritty. Everything had too much garlic and the wine tasted watered down. For what its worth, we had no problems with the service.
DA
David Eckberg
Love this little Sicilian place. Homemade entrees are invariably tasty and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Its in an old home so it has its own old-time atmosphere and feel. The heating and cooling can be a bit hit or miss because its all added on to the old structure . But we go back time and again for the food and atmosphere.
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Steven S
Fantastic restaurant with top notch food and service. Feels as authentic as you can get in the Houston area and the family that owns it makes you feel at home. First time I came here was with my wife to be, we are now married and this gem has become our favorite "date night" spot. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS PLACE!! (Try the Rum Cake :)
MA
Mary Hines
Weve made many trips to Houston in the past 18 mos. This was THE BEST dining experience in Houston. Pablo was great. The food is made fresh. The ambience is very soothing. Forget your chain, commercial places and give them a try. We celebrated our 44th anniversary and were thrilled with the choice! Wish wed found you 18 mo. ago :)
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Sérgio Longo
Lugar agradável com um bom cardápio. Comida italiana, boa. Pelo que servem, não é das melhores relações de custo/benefício, mas é um lugar muito agradável.
A
A Private User
Food is phenomenal, first of all. I went for dinner with two companions - we ended up spending a hair over what we would have spent at a chain restaurant for 3 courses. I really loved the cozy atmosphere and attentive, friendly staff. The live music was excellent without being intrusive.
MO
Monica Fitzgerald
Love this great find! Quaint atmosphere, good service. The food we had was fantastic, love the crab stuffed calamari appetizer. Huge portions. Weve eaten there 4 times and have had a very good experience every time. Prices are extremely reasonable. Definitely will return.
WY
Wyatt Robertson
Just visiting Houston for a couple days, decided to take my Mother out to eat, this place was magnificent! Great atmosphere, sincere service and both our meals were perfect and had an unmatched original/authentic flavor. I will eat here every time I come to Houston.
HO
Hoang Bui
Waitstaff was wonderfully on point and the food was beyond good. Minestrone soup is to die for. The salads have a very unique lighter dressing on them. The pasta was cooked perfectly and fish was as best as could be. Will definitely come back.
GR
GregR R
Love the atmosphere, but the A/C was lacking. The food was good, but the dishes were very basic, with little thought to creativity or presentation. The spaghetti sauce was tomato-heavy in the traditional way. Overall, would not recommend.
YO
Youga Yoga
We r here visiting family in the hospital and tired feom our lomg drive. I immediately smiled when a friendly italian man answered the phone and was more than happy to help and answer questions. The food was amazing!!!
GR
Griffin Wilson
Cute decor- feels like your grandmothers house. Food and service both a little lacking- we had Eggplant Parmesean and Veal Saltimboca, and Ive had frozen eggplant Parmesean that tastes better and more authentic.
TO
Tony Potter
Had the veal which was tender in part and chewy/tough in the other part. Service was good at best with a near empty house. Over priced for the meal we received. House wine was a weak Merlot.
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A Private User
Wonderful little place great food...so much better than chain restaurants about the same price. Cozy old house with several room size spaces that an intimate quiet atmosphere ..a real find!
HA
Harold Woods
The original taste of Italy, with all the trimmings...small, quant and intimate. With the sweetness of a guitarist soothing your palate. A total rarity among Houstons restaurants.
A
A Private User
What a charming little house. This place is great. The real thing. So enjoyable every time I have been. I love the food. And the service is very friendly. Again I love the food.
