Amore Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Houston

Amore Italian Restaurant: Where Love Blossomed Like Truffles

My partner and I recently visited Amore Italian Restaurant, and it's safe to say it left an imprint on our hearts (and taste buds) that will last a lifetime. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was pure enchantment. Twinkling lights cast a warm glow, soft music played in the background, and the air buzzed with a gentle murmur of conversation – a delightful symphony that set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

We started with the cacio e pepe spaghetti, a seemingly simple dish that exploded with flavor. The creamy pecorino cheese sauce clung perfectly to the al dente pasta, and the freshly ground black pepper added a touch of piquant heat. It was a testament to the power of high-quality ingredients and skilled preparation.

Next, we shared the Tagliolini with black truffle and reggiano cheese. This decadent dish was pure luxury. The earthy aroma of the truffle filled the air, and each bite was a luxurious explosion of richness and umami. The reggiano cheese added a salty bite that perfectly balanced the truffle's earthy depth.

To complement the delicious food, we chose a bottle of red wine recommended by our knowledgeable server. It was a smooth, bold blend that paired beautifully with the rich flavors of our pasta dishes.

We ended the night on a sweet note with a shared panna cotta. This classic Italian dessert was light and airy, with a subtle vanilla flavor that was the perfect way to cleanse our palates. The silky texture and delicate sweetness were the ideal ending to a truly magical meal.

But beyond the exquisite food and charming atmosphere, what truly made Amore Italian Restaurant special was the incredible service. Our server was attentive and friendly, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring our every need was met. They made us feel like the only two people in the room, adding to the romantic ambiance of the evening.

Most importantly, my partner absolutely loved everything about Amore. The elegant yet cozy atmosphere, the impeccable service, and the incredible food all came together to create an unforgettable experience. And the best part? She said yes! So, Amore Italian Restaurant, you hold a special place in our hearts not just for your delicious food and charming ambiance, but for being the backdrop to the beginning of our forever together.

Grazie mille...

Overall: Great food, service, and ambiance. Price point was high, especially for the wine, but you expect that coming in (prices are higher than what is stated on their website at the time of this review). If coming for dinner, get a reservation.

Appetizers: Smoked Salmon and the Octopus were both very tasty. Note that complimentary bread is served with olive oil.

Pasta: The Angelloti was by far the best. Yes… even better than the Tagliolini. Didn’t try anything else.

Pizza: The Capricciosa was delicious and great as an appetizer for a larger group before your pasta dishes. I believe they are 12-inch pizzas (ours came sliced to 6 pieces).

Dessert: Highly recommend the Buttermilk Cake! The Amore Cake was also very tasty. Chocolate Cake was good but not outstanding. The Mille Foglie was a large cream-filled puff pastry so good but I would recommend one of the other options.

Portion size: The desserts, pizza, and appetizers are a “normal” portion size. Pastas are on the smaller end so I would recommend appetizers or if you’re in a larger group, sharing a pizza as an appetizer is a great way to go. Can’t speak to any of the other dishes.

Price point: It’s Modern European/finer dining so be ready to pay about $10 per appetizer, $15-20 for pizza, upper $30-40s for most entrees, $7 for sparkling water, and minimum $17 for a glass of wine/$60 for a bottle. Most of the bottles are 3-4 times retail price. Note that as of the writing of this review, the prices on their website are lower than the actual prices.

Service: Classy, professional, and timely.

Ambiance: Fine-dining vibes but since there is a massive window overlooking Shepherd, you’re bound to see bright lights from emergency vehicles zooming by during dinner service.

Attire: While they don’t have a strict dress code to my knowledge, I recommend business casual to formal attire.

Reservations: Definitely call in advance for reservations, especially for dinner service.

Parking: $5 valet or free street...

Two years later and this is still my favorite restaurant in Houston! Chef Alfredo has created a beautiful masterpiece with his restaurant. Every single menu item is full of flavor, enjoyable through every single bite.

Nearly his entire staff has been with him since opening, making this place one of the most well-run places to enjoy a meal. Chef Alfredo’s team knows his mission inside and out, so no detail of the experience is missed. Everyone is beyond kind, hospitable, professional, and eager to give you that special and memorable dinning experience you came in for.

For the quality of food you receive, I would not say this restaurant is expensive. Now, you will not pay Olive Garden prices, but I believe the tastes you will enjoy far exceed the price for all menu items. I have never regretted paying my bill here.

To name a few items that are favorites of mine (and this is not my complete list) are the lamb meatballs, potato croquettes, caviar, pappardelle, strangozzi , the entire truffle menu, all of the pizzas, and the Mille Foglie is the dessert I order every visit.

It is very hard to beat Amore if you want a beautiful and loving Italian meal experience in Houston! It’s my favorite, and I’m sure once you try it, you’ll add it to your...