La Griglia

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Houston Institution, Refined

For more than three decades, La Griglia has held a firm place in Houston's dining landscape. Now at its address on West Dallas Street in the Montrose neighborhood, the restaurant continues what it describes as a tradition of "tastefully old world, playfully modern, elegantly Italian" — a phrase that captures the balance the kitchen and dining room consistently strike. The space itself sets the tone: marble and brass finishes meet supple leather seating and crisp white tablecloths, with a main dining room, a dedicated wine room, and an expansive courtyard and bar offering distinct atmospheres under one roof.

The Kitchen and the Cellar

The Italian cuisine at La Griglia is grounded in sourcing — a significant portion of ingredients come directly from Italy, informing a menu that moves through the regions of Sicily, Rome, and Tuscany. Antipasti range from the delicate Flounder Crudo with Marcona almonds and smoked trout roe to the indulgent Raviolo filled with ricotta di bufala and egg yolk, finished with shaved winter black truffle. The pasta selection is a particular strength: Bucatini Amatriciana, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle Bolognese with Barolo, and the showstopping Pasta alla Ruota — prepared tableside for two or four with shaved winter black truffle. Secondi cover similar ground with confidence, from a whole Green Circle Farms hen carved tableside to the signature Red Snapper 'La Griglia' with jumbo lump crab, grilled prawn, and Barolo.

The wine program has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, and it's easy to see why: the list spans all 20 regions of Italy across some 200 selections, overseen by in-house sommelier Josh, who offers personalized wine pairings for guests who want a more guided experience.

Beyond Dinner

La Griglia opens for lunch during the week and runs a Sunday brunch that leans into its Italian roots — golden focaccia, ricotta pancakes, and a broader midday menu that shares the same sourcing philosophy as the evening kitchen. Private dining rooms and a courtyard accommodate events of varying scale, with the restaurant's team available to tailor the experience. A business casual dress code is observed throughout, keeping the atmosphere appropriately considered without being stiff.

The combination of long-standing local loyalty, a kitchen that takes Italian cuisine seriously from antipasto through contorni, and a cellar recognized by Wine Spectator makes La Griglia one of Houston's most complete Italian tables.