When searching for "Italian restaurants near me," you may have found several unrecognizable names flooding your feed recently. A flock of Italian restaurants have opened in rapid succession in Houston, giving even the most finger-on-the-pulse diners a lot to keep track of.

While institutions like the original Carabba's on Kirby, Damian's, La Griglia, and even fine-dining stalwart Tony's continue to reel in loyal patrons for their comforting pastas and bounty of Italian wines, the city is experiencing a sort of Italian food renaissance as chefs and restaurateurs add a fresh crop to the bunch.