Magdalena’s Trattoria & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Houston

For our Friday night outing, my wife and I decided to try something new and stumbled upon Magdalena’s Trattoria and Pizzeria on Buffalo Speedway. What started as a spontaneous decision turned into an absolute gem of an evening — one that we will repeat soon.

From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and professional. Our server, Ivan, went above and beyond to make us feel like regulars, and the entire staff contributed to a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The true highlight, however, was Chef and owner Nicolas Nikic. Throughout the evening, Chef Nikic personally checked in with guests — always gracious, never overbearing — making sure each dish exceeded expectations. His genuine hospitality elevated the experience to another level.

As for the food — every dish was a standout. We began with the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad and the Tagliatelle Frutti Di Mare. The salad was crisp and fresh, with a perfectly balanced dressing, and the tagliatelle was rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

The Osso Buco, a rare find in Houston, was the star of the evening. Slow-cooked veal so tender it melted in our mouths, paired with a risotto that was nothing short of sublime — subtly enhanced with delicate shavings of dried orange peel. The dish instantly transported us back to a family-run trattoria we visited twice in Florence.

We also shared the Calabrese Pizza — their take on spicy salami (or pepperoni) — and it, too, was crafted with care, capturing the right balance of rustic home-cooked flavor and sophisticated presentation.

To end the night, we indulged in the Panna Cotta and Cannoli — both fresh, decadent, and the perfect closeout to a flawless meal.

Chef Nikic and his team have created something truly special. From the food to the ambiance to the heartfelt hospitality, everything was top-tier. We’ll absolutely be returning — especially for the Osso Buco — and can’t wait to explore more of the menu. A solid 5...

Coming from out of town I didn't know what to expect when a friend suggested Magdalena’s but it turned out to be an absolutely amazing meal that's already calling me back.

From the moment we walked in the atmosphere was fantastic, classy, and charming with the decor that struck a perfect balance of excellence and comfort a beautiful pizza oven stood prominently a striking focal point that promised culinary excellence even though we didn't try the pizza this time. We were seated right away and the staff greeted us with a warmth and professionalism that made us feel like regulars. Then, the owner and chef, Nicholas, came to our table to personally welcome us. His presence was confident, kind, and utterly professional. Watching him engage with the staff and customers, it was clear that he's the soul of the place. Everything ran like a finely tuned clock, a testament to his leadership and teams’ dedication.

The food was phenomenal I started with the pappardelle/chicken cacciatore as my main course. The pasta was perfectly cooked- al dente with just the right bite- and the chicken speechless. My friend's spaghetti carbonara was equally impressive creamy, perfectly seasoned and showcasing the homemade pasta. Even though I was full, desert proved irresistible: organic chocolates and cannoli. The chocolates were pure and luscious, while the cannoli was creamy, delectable, and perfectly crisp- a fantastic finale that I couldn't resist. I am already planning my next visit-Magdalena’s is that good. The staff's attentiveness, chef Nicolas’s passion, and the unforgettable food makes this a five-star stand out.

What touched me the most, though, was learning that Chef Nicolas’s named Magdalena’s after his mother. It's a beautiful tribute, and I'm sure she's smiling down on him and this lovely restaurant, proud of the passion and the care that he's poured into...

My friend and I recently had lunch at Magdalena’s, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. We were drawn in by their $32 Lunch Special, which offers a three-course meal. The special is perfect for two people if you're not too hungry, as the pizza is quite large for one.

We started with the Caesar salad, which was fresh and crisp. For the main course, we went with the Calabrese pizza, and it did not disappoint. The pizza was generously sized and packed with Calabrese Salami (pepperoni). For dessert, we ended with a scoop of vanilla gelato, which was creamy and refreshing.

What really stood out to us, though, was the service. Chef Nicolas Nikic, the owner, was incredibly attentive throughout our meal. He made it a point to walk around and engage with guests, asking for feedback and making sure everyone was enjoying their experience. His attention to detail was evident, and it made the dining experience feel personal and welcoming.

The restaurant itself had a clean, cozy interior, and there’s also a lovely outdoor seating area that I wish we had a chance to sit at. The decor in the outdoor space made it feel like we were dining in Italy, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Chef Nicolas also showed his thoughtfulness by offering me a complimentary raspberry sorbet after noticing that we were sharing the gelato. He also made a fresh batch of tiramisu, which he kindly gave us to try. Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts, and his version was fantastic and was beautifully plated. It’s clear that Chef Nicolas has a deep passion for his craft, and that passion shines through in both the food and the service.

Overall, we had a fantastic experience at Magdalena's, and I would love to return to try more dishes off their menu. The customer service was top-notch, and the food was delicious. I highly...