Zanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks Reviews

We had visited Zanti some weeks/months earlier for lunch. It was a wonderful, relaxing experience, with excellent food and service. Our return visit for dinner was much less relaxing! The place was packed, there was a piano player who sang and the place was incredibly noisy. We were three at our table, but could hardly hear each other. Everyone else in the restaurant was yelling to make themselves be heard. Quite unpleasant!!! The food was excellent, and our wait staff did an outstanding job. However, the noise was unbearable, so we will not return for dinner ... ever! What a shame! This could be a nice, elegant, refined restaurant: instead, it has the feel of a sports bar on game night...

Six months after our last visit, we returned with two other couples, who are usually quite picky and critical. We had a very good table and an excellent and very patient server. We shared some appetizers (octopus carpaccio, beef tartare, scallop carpaccio, a couple of salads. etc.), the we moved to larger dishes: lamb shank, tagliolini frutti di mare, beef ravioli, pappardelle al ragu, etc. All were beautifully presented and perfectly prepared. A bottle of Vermentino with the appetizers and a lovely Beneetti Amarone were perfect pairings with the rest. Crostata al limone, lemon sorbet, semifredo al gianduja and a pana cotta were shared and exceeded our capacity, despite their exquisite variety. Overall, a highly successful dinner, satisfying all present.

They did a great job with the younger members of our party. Service was excellent. Catered to the audience even though not really a place for kids. Food was fine but the service and friendly atmosphere won the day

The steak was very salty Quality of the meat did not taste prime Very large portions the dessert was interesting I would consider comeing back to try other food

This was out fourth meal at this restaurant, and the least memorable. First, the restaurant remains as noisy as always. Second, there were TV sets blaring throughout the restaurant, showing a ball game. It is unclear whether Zanti wants to be a fine restaurant or a sports bar. Third, our food was not as good as expected. My pasta with white truffles was drowned in cheese, suppressing the delicate flavor of the truffle, and my rack of lamb was just average. In fairness, the Octopus carpaccio was divine and so were the gelatos. Service was very good, but we were distracted and frankly annoyed by the TV screens. If I want to watch a ballgame, I rather go to the stadium or stay at home, instead of spending $400+ for dinner in this place.

On previous visits we had sat indoors, but this time we visited during Houston's brief spring, so we sat outside. It was a great choice and it was made better by a wonderful waiter: she was helpful, attentive and there when we needed her, while not in our face. A glass of Languedoc Rose started our meal, followed by the gorgeous Octopus Carpaccio. This is the nicest Octopus Carpaccio in town, although other restaurants also offer this dish. The Truffle Beef tartare is another highly accomplished appetizer at Zanti, and it has been consistent over several visits. The Scallop Carpaccio completed our started and we were quite pleased with the freshness of all ingredients, the delicate flavors and the beautiful presentations. The gnocchi with wild mushrooms was excellent: the mixed mushrooms were delicate and the gnocchi was rich, plump and of the perfect texture. The garlic and parsley cream brought the entire dish together. The Lobster Tagliolini was another success: fresh lobster, with resilient meat, a touch of Parmesan and finely sliced summer truffles. Finally, the lamb ossobuco was moist, tender and it melted in my mouth. It came atop a perfectly prepared risotto. The Zanti Crostata al Limone is one of the best around town and the Semifreddo al Giandujja didn't disappoint. Zanti offers an excellent and extensive wine list, with all Italian wine regions well represented. For this spirng lunch, we selected a bottle of Cannonau Rose (Sardinia) and a 2015 San Gregorio Aglianico. Zanti also offers excellent coffee to complete the meal.

Zanti is a welcome addition to the Houston food scene. The dining room and bar are beautifully enhanced by lots of natural lighting during the day and great chandeliers t night, reinforced with mirrors on the wall. There is a covered outdoor dining area which unfortunately looks out to the parking lot. We had outstanding service, with a polite, helpful, knowledgeable and attentive waiter: he was there when we needed him, but was not intrusive. The food was outstanding, reminiscent of our bet meals in Italy. The Octopus carpaccio was beautifully presented and reminded us of one of our visits to Rome. It was fresh, tender yet crispy, with just the right amount of vinaigrette. The Black Truffle Beef Tartare was offered to us slightly de-constructed (one of us is allergic to black truffles, so the truffle slices were brough on the side). Despite this, it was an excellent tartare, served with thin slices of toast and a great dressing. For main, we enjoyed a Ribeye tagliata: while it was slightly more than medium-rar, it was still tender, juicy and full of flavor. The mustard demi-glaze and the roasted potatoes only enhanced the overall flavors. The Beef filet was grilled to our specifications and served with creamy mashed potatoes and delightful sauteed Chiodini mushrooms. The charred onion side was delicious. All this was enhanced by a 2015 reserva Brunello di Montalcino. As we progressed to desserts, we loved the Crostata al Limone: different in appearance from all others, it was a perfect combination of merengue, lemon custard and crust. Our second dessert was a Semifreddo al Gianduja: the hazelnut and chocolate mousse was to die for, even for someone like me who seldom enjoys chocolate. The side of nougat ice cream enhanced the sweetness and nuttiness of the dish. The final touch was a perfect espresso and a good, frothy cappuccino. Overall, a better dining experience than you'll find in the great majority of our Italian restaurants in Houston.

I went to this spot after work and sat at the bar. While the service and food were very good, I was taken aback by the price of a Belvedere Martini $24 to be exact. I’m used to paying up for one of these, but I believe this to be excessive. I questioned it at the time and didn’t get a good response, so I paid. I reached out several times to them afterward, but was rebuffed on the explanation. I believe they have the title of the most expensive martini in Houston.

Kudos to the owners of Zanti for creating such an impressive space. They’ve developed a concept that can truly be whatever you want it to be. There’s a large, beautiful bar where you can dine comfortably, an enclosed “outdoor” seating area, large tables that accommodate bigger parties with style, and plenty of more traditional dining areas as well. They also offer a happy hour, which lets you enjoy this magnificent place at value pricing — or you can fully lean in with tableside preparations, including truffles, if you want to do it up. I actually stopped by in the afternoon to scope out the restaurant and snapped a few photos so you can see some of the different seating areas. The place is magnificent! The menu is extensive and thoughtfully put together. Everything we had was excellent — particularly the tableside pasta and the steaks... really well exectuted and a lot of fun. There’s a nice wine list; a bit on the pricey side, but I was happy to see Le Difese, a great offering from the producers of the legendary Sassicaia — love this wine. Service thoughout our meal was professional and friendly. You don't create a multi-dimentional place like this, on this level, by accident. It’s obvious the people behind it truly understand the restaurant business and what I most admire is you can feel their overriding goal is pleasing the customer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My husband and I go to Zanti once or twice a week for a couple years. The food, service, and atmosphere is always amazing. The entire staff make you feel like family. we have never been disappointed.

Zanti is a hidden gem of an Italian restaurant, perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays. We recently dined there and were blown away by the exceptional experience. To toast the occasion, we indulged in the magnificent Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, a full-bodied red that perfectly complemented our meal. The charcuterie platter was a delightful symphony of flavors, showcasing the chef's mastery of cured meats. The raviolo di manzo, stuffed with succulent beef, was a divine pasta creation. And the ossobuco di agnello brasato, braised to perfection, melted in our mouths. Zanti delivers an unforgettable dining experience that is worth every penny.

From minute I arrived was told “No”…. Could not go sit at bar to get a drink as I was a bit early, could not order a drink while standing with 20 people also being told “no”, and could not be seated at our table when time for reservation arrived because not all in party had arrived. The atmosphere so loud could not hear the waitress two feet away. While the food was decent, they confused shredded lamb on pasta for the Osso bucco that I ordered. They tried to make it right by comping my pasta but experience was less than stellar. Perhaps after enough people get tired of being told “no” it will improve—but by then the “trendy people” will have moved on to the next newish restaurant. Beautiful restaurant but too crowded and noisy.

Entertaining out-of-town business partners was easy at Zanti. Our servers made sure we got what we ordered in a reasonable period of time, that our cocktails and wine were properly presented and kept our glasses filled, as needed. The selection of appetizers (octopus carpaccio, scallop carpaccio was excellent, as always, as was the selection of main dishes: lamb osso bucco, Baked Branzino, black truffle tagliolini, gnocchi ai Funghi silvestri, etc. The desserts are first class, especially the Semifreddo al Gianduja.

Stepping into Zanti Cucina Italiana, I was immediately enveloped by its warm and inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a charming Italian trattoria. Recently, I visited with a friend to explore their acclaimed pasta offerings, and the experience did not disappoint. I savored the black truffle tagliolini, a dish so flavorful it was utterly addictive, with rich truffle notes perfectly complementing the delicate pasta. Meanwhile, my friend enjoyed the seafood cioppino, praising its unique and vibrant taste that showcased the freshness of the seafood. Each dish was meticulously crafted, reflecting the kitchen's dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. The friendly staff and elegant setting made our meal even more memorable. For anyone passionate about pasta, Zanti Cucina Italiana is a must-visit. I left feeling completely satisfied and eagerly anticipate my next visit to indulge in more of their delectable creations.

Amazing atmosphere. Great food. Awesome looking people. La Griglia is no match. It is lively and the service is relaxing and they look like they enjoy working here too!

We had reservations at another restaurant, but a storm knocked out the power. Fortunately, Zanti was able to accommodate us at the last minute. We had a wonderful server: discreet, helpful, prompt and efficient. He was there when we needed him, otherwise he was invisible. Our favorite octopus carpaccio was perfect, as was the beef tartare. These are two of our favorite dishes here, and quite consistent. The mussels Tarantina were delightful, with just the right amount of condiment to complement the shellfish. The gnocchi al funghi silvestri was truly wonderful, although it is generous enough to be a main dish. The lamb osso buccos (another favorite at Zanti) were perfect: tender to fall off the bone, juicy, flavorful and satisfying. The tagliolini frutti di mare were also delightful, with lots of shellfish and the pasta al dente. For dessert, we shared a Zanti Sphere, an impressive chocolate globe that is cracked open at tableside by pouring melted chocolate over it. Quite amazing! The crostata al limone was traditional and well prepared as was the tortino de latte bruciato. Wines by the glass and a Pio Cesare Barolo rounded up a perfect meal for all four, a rarity, since all four of us are quite picky and critical. Well done, Zanti!

If you want to show off your Maseratti and your new plastic surgery, this is definitely the place to see and be seen. If you want tasty Italian fare at reasonable prices, not so much. The food wasn't special, but the prices were. There are much better Italian restaurants in town, unless you're all about the scene.