ich, delicious Italian cuisine along with friendly service draws a steady crowd of patrons to Piatto Ristorante and makes it the finest Italian food in Houston. With extraordinary service and a delectable menu, this family-owned restaurant is a sure win.

As a fourth generation Houstonian and part of the Carrabba family, owner John M. Carrabba learned Italian cooking and entertaining from his parents and grandparents. He opened the first Piatto Ristorante in the Galleria area in 2001 and infused it with Italian heritage and family tradition. Four years later, Carrabba added a new location at Royal Oaks. He is involved in the restaurant from the recipes to the final product and is committed to making sure that diners are comfortable and the food is superb. Piatto is a true testament to the famous Carrabba name with personalized service, a warm dining atmosphere and fine Italian food.  

Piatto features irrefutably delectable recipes, specializing in rich and flavorful home-style Italian cuisine, prepared every day from scratch, that includes pastas, grilled meats, seafood, soups, salads, Panini sandwiches, pizza and one-of-a-kind appetizers. The menu features recipes handed down through four generations. The Minestrone Soup was created by Carrabba ’s grandmother, Johanna Triola and the Lamb Chops are a popular dish at Carrabba family holidays. Many menu items were inspired by Carrabba ’s family. The outstanding Veal Janice is named after Carrabba’s wife, Janice. The dish is prepared with sautéed veal, stuffed with spinach and Italian sausage topped with a lemon butter sauce and served with conchiglie tomato cream. A popular pasta dish, Jessica Gnocci was inspired by Carrabba ’s daughter Jessica. It is made with fresh homemade gnocchi in a tomato cream sauce. The restaurant uses high quality ingredients when cooking from scratch —olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish and whole grains.

Another customer favorite, Pasta Vento combines penne pasta tossed in garlic and extra virgin olive oil with grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, diced tomatoes, broccoli, kalamata olives, and basil, topped with ricotta salata cheese for a heavenly tasteful meal.

Seafood lovers are in for a real treat with Piatto’s Italian take on calamari and stuffed shrimp. The stuffed shrimp is filled with fresh crabmeat, topped with a lemon butter sauce and served with orzo pasta. Signature Piatto calamari is tender crusted and topped with a tasty pepperoncini pepper sauce.

Every Wednesday Piatto offers the classic Italian Osso Bucco special and monthly wine dinners.

Along with delicious Italian cuisine, Piatto offers full service off-site catering by Carrabba ’s mother, Mary Ann Carrabba. Catering includes all types of food from Italian, to Mexican and American. Items from the regular menu are also available.  

While Piatto offers fabulous food, wine and desserts, they also have boxed lunches for an easy, quick meal that includes wraps, sandwiches, pastas and salads. Piatto is the ideal place for large party needs.  Both locations offer accommodations for private parties, including breakfast for business meetings. The Galleria location offers private parties for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Royal Oaks private dining room accommodates 12 to 85 people and Galleria accommodates up to 34 people. Gift certificates are available.  

Carrabba’s family recipes and Italian heritage combine to create Piatto’s delicious Italian cuisine. Known for impeccable service and unbeatable food, Piatto is unmatched in dining experiences. After one visit to Piatto, you too will be hooked.

Due to numerous customer requests, Piatto is now offering their mouth-watering dishes seven days a week. The Royal Oaks location is open Sundays from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and offers brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Galleria location is open Sundays at 5 p.m. Visit www.piattoristorante.com.

Piatto Ristorante - Galleria: 713-871-9722

4925 West Alabama at Post Oak Boulevard

Piatto Ristorante - Royal Oaks: 281-759-7500

11693 Westheimer at Royal Oaks Club Dr.