Insider Pages Reviews for Arturo's Uptown Italiano

5 Stars: Italian Par Execellent (by SirAlan)

SirAlan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The food here is quite good. No gimmicks, no silly architectural stacking, just tasty Italian dishes. We reccommend the fish and the Osso Buco when they have it (weekend special). Pasta like they make it in Italy. The wine list is five or six pages and excellent. They had a weekly special and we got a Barolo, normally $125 for $95. Our waiter was savvy and helpful. All the tables were full as was the bar, and the room had a hum, but somehow the noise wasn't overwhelming and we were able to converse comfortably. I wish other places would learn this secret. Arturo's is lovely and with a beautiful stone columned patio. We felt very comfortable there. We just moved back from New York and Arturo's is the standard we will judge all other restaurants by. Highly recommended. Oh, and ample parking. We love this place.

5 Stars: Arturo's sits on top (by Pat C.)

Pat C. — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:14:00 GMT

In a city with several Italian resturants to choose from, Arturo's stands out as a top choice. The setting is intimate, the food is great and the chef can be seen mingling with the patrons at any given time. Try the mushroom stuffed ravioli with lump crab meet on top.

5 Stars: Cool Place in Hot Town (by Pearls)

Pearls — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I found this place tucked away in the back of Uptown Park. We ate pastas our first couple of visits and then discovered the seafood. While the pasta is certainly good (get the margarita pasta with olive oil and garlic), the seafood is as good as can be. Red snapper with grilled shrimp is the best. By the way, they will make your pasta dish with whole wheat pasta if you ask, but we are stuck on the fish for now. We eat out a lot, and I think Arturo's is our favorite. They are totally on every detail. I can't think of anything they aren't good at, except that Sunday Brunch.

5 Stars: As it should be (by eztop)

eztop — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I used to be in the biz, and I can see that this restaurant has its act together. The menu is excellant and the kitchen consistant. If I had found a chef like this, I would still be in the game. The soups and salads are very good, and don't miss the veal and fish in particular. The staff is spot on and the look is warm and elegant without being pretentious. It's a bit dressy by Houston standards, casual anywhere else. I saw a guy in a tee shirt and shorts with flip-flops on come in and they turned him away. I almost stood up and cheered. If only other fine dining restaruants would demand a little respect for the other guests it would be nice. Oh, well. Food, staff, wine, decor - all A plus.

3 Stars: Almost perfect! (by moliqued02)

moliqued02 — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

My date sugested we go here because he loves italian and the reviews were great so we decided to try it. After we were seated we were finally greeted. Well I wouldn't really say "Greeted" more like he was rude, condecending and treated us like we were not worth his time. At this point we were thinking about leaving since it seemed we could not be bothered with, but we were able to get another waiter that was more courteous and the hostess was very eager to help us as well from that point out. I really enjoyed the food and SOME of the evening. If you like Italian and want a great place to go, make sure you head to Arturo's just as long as you stay away from the waiter Geurmo (he was so bad that we made sure to get his name on the way out so that we would request anyone but him). We gave it 4 stars and would have gave it 5 if it was not for that initial bad impression. Other than the bad apple, we enjoyed it and will be back.

Edit. After thinking more about the initial visit, we decided to drop it down another star to just 3. Better luck next time Arturo's.

5 Stars: Bellissimo !!! This is great italian! (by spartyhoustontx)

spartyhoustontx — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I just went here for my 1st anniversary dinner with my wife. I moved to Houston last July, and have been looking for a great italian place worthy of my $$$. I grew up with a 100% Sicilian mom who can cook anything on this menu, or any other italian place. She could have been a chef like her brother, but instead raised four kids. I learned how to cook from her, and feel I can cook anything on an average italian restaurants menu. Because of this, I am usually disappointed when I try a new italian place, and would dismiss most of the restaurants that people say is good italian food, because most don't know. I know, am very critical, and LOVE this place.

The marinara sauce is very close to my moms, which is a very fresh tasting sauce. My wife had the eggplant appetizer. Outstanding! We then tried two pasta dishes. I had the spicy italian and penne. Very good, but moms homemade italian sauage is better. My wife had the grilled chicken and bowtie pasta (farfalle). I liked my wifes entree better than mine, but both are very good. I would order both again, and look forward to trying the rest of the menu. I mentioned it was my 1st wedding anniversary dinner when I made the reservation, and the waiter was told this. I was ready to order tiramisu, but he said dessert was on him because of our anniversary! He brought us the CREMA CATALANA, and a puff pastry filled with chocolate. Both desserts were very good!

If you are looking for great italian food, and willing to pay a little, then you found it here. The prices are right for gourmet italian food. I will be back, and only wish my budget allowed it to be weekly!

5 Stars: Uptown Italian Restaurant is Perfect Place for Romantic Dinner (by yellowrose79)

yellowrose79 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

We discovered this restaurant last year and decided to go back for our Valentine's Day dinner. Thank Goodness we did! Easy reservations and no waiting once we got there. They sat us in a beautifully decorated room in the back of the restaurant, which was never noisy. The service was great and the food was out extremely fast. We both had pasta dishes after the calamari appetizer - everything was perfect! I also was impressed with their wine list - they have great italian reds by the glass, so you don't feel pressured to buy an entire bottle if you are the only one drinking wine. The tiramisu was so deliciously decadent - you can tell it is homemade. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a great romantic italian restaurant without the wait and pretentiousness of some of the other uptown/galleria area eateries.

5 Stars: A Place To Go (by Gustavolot)

Gustavolot — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

If you haven't been to Arturo's, hie thee hence. This one has it all: parking, ambiance, service and great food. We are regulars and have had only one minor problem and management took care of that in a heartbeat. The employees really enjoy working here and it shows. Get to know them and you will love them. The so tender ossobuco on Friday's is my favorite and my girl loves seafood stew, I forget the name. It is so nice to go to a restaurant that isn't a chain and doesn't change personell every week and the friendly staff cares that you have a good time, which we have had everytime. It's not the most expensive place in town, but it's not cheap either, and worth every penny. I entertain doctors here for my job and they have loved it too. And two other dishes not to miss -the grilled snapper and Sonia's ravioli. I'm getting hungry. Fine wine list, too. I'm on my way.

4 Stars: Horrible Service, Ditzy Receptionists-Disappointed- * UPDATE MUCH BETTER ON SECOND VISIT! * (by gueneverejj)

gueneverejj — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

This place is one of the worst places I have ever been. I called about a week before going to get information and some ditzy girl answers the phone laughing and laughing and says, 'please hold', not even a hello, or can you please hold and wait for my reply, just laughing and they have no idea who is on the other end of the phone. After holding for a while the brain-dead girl finally answered and answered my question.

A week later I stop in for lunch, front receptionist sits me at a table with menu. I wait and wait and wait....no one comes to see me. Finally I get up and find the receptionist and tell her I would like to order. She follows me back to my seat and takes my order. After a few minutes she brings my ice tea and disappears. Still I sit not having seen a single waiter. After a while someone comes to my table and drops off my food. Again NO WAITER. I run out of ice tea and NO ONE even knows I am alive. I have to get up and track down someone to get me some tea. Finally some older man shows up at the same time the other man is bringing some tea. He says, oh sorry. I said, 'I have had horrible service' He says, ' you got over looked because you are by yourself'. WHAT? Very disappointed.
**********UPDATE second chance lunch visit
My second visit to the restaurant was greatly improved. After being seated, I got up to go to the ladies room. When I came back the waiter was there waiting for me. He quickly took my order. A few minutes later the old waiter who I had dealt with before came over to my table to ask how I was. I said I was giving this place a second chance. He said I am so glad you did. During the entire meal BOTH waiters came by often to see how I was doing. My tea glass was refilled and service was very good. The food here is top notch, that was never the problem. I had the shrimp bisque soup which was very delicious. I also had grilled salmon mixed with bow tie pasta and this was cooked to perfection and very tasty.

5 Stars: Our Favorite (by GaleriaGene)

GaleriaGene — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and I both office in the Galleria area so we meet for lunch or dinner when we can. There are a lot of good places here, but this is our favorite. Not only is the food good - whatever fish special they have and the ravioli - but this is the only Galleria spot where there is plenty of parking and we don't like to valet. We asked for extra-virgin olive oil only the chef took us into the kitchen and showed us that extra-virgin is all they have. We were impressed. The interior is very nice as is the covered patio. The staff is friendly and professional. But the food is the main thing and it is delicious and not made with artery clogging ingredients. This is a very impressive restaurant.

4 Stars: Great food (by EMcD)

EMcD — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I love going to Arturo's. My favorite thing to eat here is their Yellow Bell Pepper soup, it's amazing (almost like a bisque). Other than that, I have tried almost everything else, and have never been disappointed.

3 Stars: Good location but the food was not exceptional. (by bmwm5driver)

bmwm5driver — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The location is great, the service was good but I did not find the food to be beter than other average italian resturants. It certainly felt like a place to be seen, so if the social exposure is important then you better make a reservation. I was taken back a little when the server offered me a seperate list of "limited" wines not included in the wine menu. Felt like a up sell process. I recommend you try the restaurant atleast once.

5 Stars: Love It! (by tc749)

tc749 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Recently started going to Arturos and would actually like to keep this place a secret if i could! =) It is EXCELLENT. I have had veal, snapper, steak, pasta, and SUPERB creme brulee which is served in a very distinct way on large spoons. Completely delicious! Wonderful service, great atmosphere, and impressive food. Need I say more?

5 Stars: great Italian restaurant in Uptown (by chatsilin)

chatsilin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Escellent service, food and ambiance. The waiters are very knowledgeable and very helpfull, just let them know ahead of time your wine price range.
We like to sit outside (weather permitting), and Pierre usually takes good care of us.
We looove their crab cakes and their sea bass, but really everything on their menu is great.

5 Stars: Best service in town (by RoseKelly)

RoseKelly — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went to Arturo's Friday night, this was my second visit and had another OUTSTANDING visit! Tony the server gave us great suggestions and we also saw Chef Arturo walking around. I had the Ravioli main course which was the best I have ever had. My friend had the Osso Buco which is definitely the best in town. The General Manager came by our table to see if everything was ok. Usually you dont see a General Manager going by and talking to tables, but he had an outstanding personality. Cant wait to get back as soon as possible to the best Italian resturant in town!!!!!

5 Stars: Great waiter, wonderful food (by gimross)

gimross — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I was looking for a wonderful italian resturant in houston and one of my friends recommended Arturo's up town italiano. I brought my family and friends to this resturant and had a wonderful and unforgettable experience. We started with a cup of cream of bell pepper soup and then we had the house salad with cannelli beans.I ordered the snapper special which was out of this world.
our waiter by name of Tony.n was so polite and very knowledable of the menu and the wine list . He went all out to give us the best service we ever had. He was very attentive but not annoying. He had a wonderful sense of humor which we all enjoyed plenty. I did not have to ask for not one thing. every thing from our app to dinner to desert was on time. His service was a wonderful compliment to the food and wine we had in that resturant. I recommend this resturant to every one that is looking for great food and great service. especially if you happened to get Tony.n as your server.

5 Stars: Great food & great service (by shinobi)

shinobi — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I had lunch here yesterday w/ a friend. The great service starts w/ a gentleman at the front opening doors for its guests. Our waiter, Carlos, was very attentive & seems to be as excited talking about the food as my friend & I were to eat it. We both had a cup of clam soup for our appetizer which was very good. My friend had Sonia's Ravioli which is stuffed w/ chicken and mushrooms topped w/ crabmeat. It was very tasty & very rich. I had the spicy penne and Italian sausage. It's a little spicy & very flavorful. We did not order desert. However, the waiter brought both of us a spoonful of creme brulee. That was a nice touch that they just gave us that & a spoon is just the perfect amound because we usually don't eat desert. The creme brulee was very good.

5 Stars: My Take On Arturo's (by Mrhouzton)

Mrhouzton — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

A pretty cool cafe. I dine here often and, as a single man, frequent the bar maybe more often. It is more restaurant than bar, not a meat market, but there are always some interesting and pretty people at the horseshoe bar. The bartenders and waiters are personable and well trained. They have added a beautiful covered patio on front with stone columns and blooming flowers and you might as well be in Italy. This is where I dine with my date and she loves it. We were seated by Tom Waits, the singer/actor last time, which was pretty cool because we had tickets to his concert the next night. The food is classic Italian, no neo nonesense, and very tasty. They have a very good wine list -I reccommend the Tomasi Amorone (hope I spelled that right). Arturo's has it all going on; plenty of parking, upscale decor, great food and a pleasant staff that is very attentive. It is my favorite and it could be yours. The only down side is that it is pretty dressy and I am a casual kind of guy, but I really don't mind.

2 Stars: Good food, but the upselling is annoying (by teekhe)

teekhe — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I took two business associates for dinner here in April. We had mid-week reservations and sat inside. Our waiter, a Tony N., was competent but greedy. Everytime a question was asked he always suggested the most expensive alternative. He pushed one of us to order the Veal Tbone special that turned out to be over forty dollars. For after-dinner drinks he pushed Grappa's on us that were over twenty dollars apiece. Our bill came to over three hundred. If you must go, make sure and ask how much everything costs that they suggest (some of these items may not be on a menu). Better yet, go to some of the restaurants in Mid-Town and enjoy a cooler scene and far better value.

5 Stars: BEST CRAB CAKES EVER!!! (by KellyLynnClemons)

KellyLynnClemons — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I love this place! I dont think I have ever heard anyone say ANYTHING but great things about Arturos! Their Crab Cakes are seriously TO DIE FOR it comes with two difference sauces SOOOO YUMMY!! I work right across from UpTown Park and its too bad they dont serve crab cakes on their lunch menu or I'd probably be there every day! Haha! I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an elegant yet very chill atmosphere with a great wine list and all types of specialty drinks!! KUDOS ARTUROS!! Thanks for having the greatest crab cakes in the world!! = )

5 Stars: Good place (by Madnira S.)

Madnira S. — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:04:00 GMT

Wonderfully intimate for you and your lover/spouse. I wouldn't recommend bringing the kids because the environment is a bit more mature. Excellent wine list and food was top-notch.

5 Stars: ambiance, good service and good food (by mspalding)

mspalding — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised to have an intimate dinner with excellent service. Our waiter John Solomon was very personable but not over doing it. He answered our questions with knowlege and sincerity. The motif is warm and the soft background music helps mitigate the room sound. We started with the house salad which is excellent and then had the pallaea which was great and the Viel Salopini. We had the Klime pie for desert and John brought us a sampler of their signature Creme Brulle desert both excellent. total bill 108. We recomend Arturo's if you are looking for good Italian food combined with a charming reastaurant with good service.

5 Stars: We Love This Place (by riverlake77)

riverlake77 — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Wife and I are frequent flyers at Arturo's and for a good reason. We eat almost all our meals out and if there is better service or food in Houston we haven't found it. Salads, soups, pastas, steaks, seafood -all full of flavor. Some of the desserts are great and some so-so -get the creeme brulee or the apple tart, but avoid the cannoli's. Small matter. The wine list is first class. Plenty of parking and we don't have to valet. I do business lunches there often and we have dinner at least twice a week. If you see us say hi, look for the gorgeous wife with the plug ugly husband. We will be at our regular table, #73.

5 Stars: Excellent spot for lunch (by z_man1025)

z_man1025 — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I took my wife to Arturo's recently for lunch. She loved it and now we'll be going back soon. The decor is great adn the attentiveness of the staff was excellent without being over-powering. We were seated quickly and in a great spot where we could talk without nearby tables being so close they could share in the conversation. The food was homely Italian cooking and on a par with anythign we'd experienced in Italy. I had the pasta special (tomato based with chilli) and my wife had calamari. Both meals were excellent quality and reasonably priced.

Although we didn't have alcohol, I took the opportunity to peruse the wine list and was suitably impressed. We'll going back for dinner where we can spend longer to enjoy ourselves and let the chef really look after us.

5 Stars: A Favorite (by mrp957)

mrp957 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Came to Arturo's with a group and then came back with my husband and then again with a friend. Very good all three times. The interior is softly lit and nicely decorated with stone and orangey golds. I haven't been to the bar but it seems lively. The dining room noise level is a big plus, you can actually hear each other talk. I had a beef salad which was excellant. Another time I had the shrimp pasta and once the fish special and all were very good. The hostess and waiters were friendly and attractive. The crowd was "dress for success" and my lawyer husband knew half the people there. And we are going back this week end.

5 Stars: A lovely spot, this. (by escape22)

escape22 — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Waitstaff is friendly and on it. Not a dictionary lenght wine list, but excellent choices. We eat here often(know our favorite table number) and the food is among the best in town. Our favorites are the veal tbone, snapper, clam pasta and the magnificent ravioli with crabmeat. Sauteed shrimp or baked eggplant parsessean for appetizers. We promised ourselves to try something different next trip. Great bar scene, sat next to Billy Gibbons of ZZTop one time -very nice guy. Ask for a booth in the bar if you want to be in the action. Really sharp decor and background music with old and foreign classics. Music not intrusive (a pet peeve). Noise level is low for easy conversation, another pet peeve. Plenty of parking. This is probably our favorite in Houston and we eat out almost everyday. Better than the food in Rome.

5 Stars: Great Service (by att5)

att5 — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We would go here for the food, but we go even more because the food and the service are so good. One of the few truly professional staffs in Houston. Each one is a character and you will find a favorite. Anotnello, the Italian, is our favorite. Tommy is another. All are friendly and know their stuff. And the food, yes. Veal Tbone, Italian sausage, veal saltimbucca, all good. Excellent wine list. Ask for the off-the-menu Malbec. $100 and worth every penny. Good bar scene. An upscale crowd that dresses well, which we appreciate. Went to a well known high end eatery and half the people were in shorts and sandals. Not here. Sound level friendly for conversation. The only downside is that if you have an attractive wife, which I happily do, the chef will come over and talk your ear off. Small price to pay for a wonderful meal in a lovely restaurant. Great place.

5 Stars: Fantastic trip to Milan, save the airfare!! (by davidhenesy)

davidhenesy — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The attention to detail in this place is incredible. Boada does it again, after an incredible run at Solero and Beso he's up to new tricks at this joint. A crowd pleaser, I know because I send alot of people and they always come back raving. Keep up the good work! And I want those shrimp thingies you had before back on the menu!

5 Stars: perfect power lunch spot (by irishm)

irishm — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

my wife and I are transplanted nyers, and tough on food ratings. Not everything is superb, but many really excellent offers, my business guests rave over sonia's ravioli, and frutti di mare. best eggplant parmigian I have maybe ever had- eggplant is NOT fried, spinach layered in, a friend who hates eggplant has it every time she is in from california. High end crowd can eat in comfort. Dinner crowds always have energy, but I really do a lot of business lunches there. Also, parking is great. And on occassion, we call the personable chef out to do something from scratch.Bread is not ny class, but ok. The food is great,the menu varied, and I am picky. I really like this place.Try it.

5 Stars: Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name! (by katiacondette)

katiacondette — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

This is the only restaurant that I have seen in Houston, in 10 years, that has a chef taking personally care of his clients because he trained and trains his cooking staff so well that he has the times to mingle with his clients and I see he takes a lot of pleasure doing it. Some of them become his friends and whenever you enter the restaurant you fell at home because ''sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name'' :-)
And why is that? Because hostesses do not change, waiters and bartenders do not change.
Last but not least, the food is excellent and the menu is changed regularly! Salads (can be customized), Great pasta combinations, Fried Calamari, Milanese and the best Crema Catalana as desert! I forgot the bread...excellent. Furthermore the wine selection is huge...I'm a wine lover.
In my point of view this is a great success and achievement to be able to create this atmosphere with all the most important things in a restaurant combined. I just love this place. Convinced?

5 Stars: Michael Berry was right! (by rcreese3)

rcreese3 — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Michael Berry from TalkRadio 950 was right! This is the BEST Italian food in town. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal, ambiance, and service. I would recommend any of the appetizers. They are simply the best in town. If you are looking for a great place to take a date, this is the place. I now know why Michael Berry was willing to endorse them.

5 Stars: Best Italian in Houston (by giagia3)

giagia3 — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Great spot for lunch or dinner. Arturos salads and great dish has made my experience magical. We love it and I think would should give it a shot.

5 Stars: Best bar in town...Numero uno on my list (by mariasindoni)

mariasindoni — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I go to Arturo's often and always enjoy myself, alone or with a group. Arturo is always there to welcome his guests and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves. There is always plenty of parking and the crowd is great. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet light so it makes for a wonderful romantic dinner out or a fun evening with the girls. Thurday-Saturday nights are especially lively so dress to see and be seen. If you want to impress this is definitely the place to take a local or out of town guest. The food is fabulous too, there seems to be something for every taste and a nice selection of desserts for those with a sweet tooth.

5 Stars: Great overall experience (by miguelbocco)

miguelbocco — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Great Food, service, environment and location. Arturo is always there making sure that his customers are enjoying the visit.

5 Stars: A good experience (by b2buck2)

b2buck2 — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I have really enjoyed Arturo's. The food is delicious, especially the fish, the service is top notch and wine savvy and the look of it is very pleasing. The hostesses are personable and the bar staff friendly and attentive. A lot of movers and shakers were dining there the last time we were there. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed a terrefic meal on an absolutely perfect spring night. Highly reccommend.

5 Stars: Great Italian restaurant! (by momtob)

momtob — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Arturo's is a really great italian restaurant in the galleria area. It's one of my favorites in Houston. A little on the pricey side for lunch but the food is well worth the price. Never been during dinner but think it's probably a nice romantic place for a date or special occasion. Nice atmosphere and decor. Most definitely one to try... especially if you love italian!!!

5 Stars: Best Italian restaurant in Houston (by klt2007)

klt2007 — Wed, 23 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Absolutely beautiful restaurant and the best italian food I've had since living in Houston. The bar is huge and the staff is top-notch. I would definitely recommend Arturo's if your looking for great italian food and a nice atmosphere.

5 Stars: A slice of Rome (by djimxx)

djimxx — Thu, 17 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Wife and I dropped into this new place for a drink and to check it out. Had a goofy wonderful conversation with a blonde bartender, Annie, and she talked into eating and we stayed at the bar where there was a classy crowd. The osso bucco was as good as any we had in Italy and the veal t-bone was moist and perfect, cooked in extra-virgen olive oil - tasty and healthy. Her reccomendation on the wine was on the money also. We are coming back for table service next week for our anniversary. Arturo's is really pretty and has a great patio. It is kind of hidden away in Uptown Park near Memorial on 610, but well worth the effort to find it. It may become our new hang out. When you go, don't miss blondie at the bar.

4 Stars: Upscale Flair with a (by wadester)

wadester — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Arturo's presents an upscale, slightly modern facet in contrast to the multitude of other hobnob, "see and be seen" cluster of restaurants up and down the Galleria area. The menu is somewhat brief for an Italian restaurant, but includes notable seafood, pasta, and veal dishes that will delight most any palate. The walls are adorned with a wide variety of both modern and classic Italian scenes that add an upscale yet comfortable aire to the dining environment. The waiters are highly trained, well-versed in the menu selections, and also well-prepped to make excellent wine recommendations for the beginner or novice wine connoisieur.
With a few more classic Italian dishes added to compliment the menu, and a slight reduction in price, I would upgrade the rating from four stars to five stars. All-in-all, it was a very delightful dining experience, that outshadowed many past experiences in other restaurants within the local Galleria area.
PS: The crushed tomato brushetta sauce served with the Calamari appetizer, was truly wonderful.

5 Stars: A Classic (by mmbobs)

mmbobs — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Arturo's is along the backside of Uptown Park and has a large parking lot in front for easy access. Two very personable girls greet you when you enter. To the right is the dining area which bends around the large bar area, an entertaining spot to watch as you dine on some seriously delicious food - best snapper I have ever eaten. Book it. We've been several times and like the sauteed shrimp appetizer, the pizza, great ravioli, the veal tbone and the pasta with sausage. The desserts are good and the wine list is very good, with my favorite Altimura and Amarone on the menu. A very competent waitstaff, professional and helpful. Big business and society types at everyother table.

The secret of success here is that the owners are on premise and have been there everytime we drop in and always come to our table. We think it is a good thing that they care that much. Watch out for the chef/owner, he will flirt with your girl. He's harmless, though, I think. We really appreciate the accoustics, even when the place is humming you can still have a decent talk, so different from so many places where you leave with a headache and no idea what was said to you. We don't go to the bar, but it is a lot of fun to watch the beautiful people doing their thing. All in all, highly reccomended. Good luck.

4 Stars: Great appetizers and stellar service (by sunshine33)

sunshine33 — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Great place to sit at the bar, enjoy small plates, and sip wine. The "Mela" salad is terrific, as is the tuna, and sauteed shrimp with basil. Michael, the bartender, is just the right fit for this place. He pours a good drink and gives excellent menu recommendations. There's a blond gal who works behind the bar too, who's quite delightful. I love that Arturo and Bill stop by to say hello and dole out hugs and kisses (to the ladies, of course!). I do hate the cigarette smoke, though on the weekends you'll see fewer smokers than on Thursday night.

5 Stars: Our new favorite (by menkelly)

menkelly — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We've been to Art;uro's three times now and it has been just as good each time. Have only been at night but they do serve lunch. Very classy and romantic with an old world feel. The place has a sort of orange/golden glow to it. Horseshoe bar inside of stone wall. Great for people watching with a lot of movers and shakers -wife's big time atty boss was there last time. The food is drop dead delicious. The ravoli with crabmeat and the seafood are my favorites. She likes the pasta. The wine list is not huge but has great selections. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. A great patio. Plenty of parking. The only downside is that it is a little pricey (for us) and they are snobish about dress code. Great accoustics -you can acutally carry on a conversation. Highly reccomended as the best new place in Htown.

3 Stars: Uptown All the Way (by kradjian)

kradjian — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Went to Arturos for a birthday party on a Saturday night. The place has tables available but we were told we needed to wait, even though we had reservations. The atmosphere was very classy, but somewhat cold and stuffy. The service was excellent but a little snobby. The food was ok, nothing outstanding and quite expensive. This is a good place if you have the business card or the parents are springing. Otherwise, Houston has considerably better values.

3 Stars: Nice date place and atmosphere (by azgrenader)

azgrenader — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I thought the food was ok but I am not sure I would return here. I can't say I thought the menu was all that. It seemed like a mostly twenty or thirty-something crowd which kind of took away from the sophistication I was expecting to find here. Not that I mind the young people, but they are usually a little more rowdy.I had more fun at the wine bar nearby than I did having dinner here.

5 Stars: Wonderful Date Place (by kkbb)

kkbb — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Must try the beef tenderloin or the veal! Wonderful dessert selection and great service. Ask the server for a recommendation - they are seem very knowledgable about the selections!

5 Stars: EXCELLENT new Italian restaurant (by 77003diner)

77003diner — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

GREAT fresh Italian food, charming Italian waiter. THAT is the way that CALAMARI is supposed to taste-fresh, flavorful and tender. They could have put any so-so copycat Italian chain in this shopping center, but they put a great and original restaurant. I am surprised at the quality and will be back soon.

5 Stars: Classy and Elegant (by chuckies)

chuckies — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I went there with a group of 10 and had a great time there. We had very picky eaters with us but we all loved the food. Calamari and mussels for appetizers were very, very good. I had the veal and it was delicious. The restaurant is very upscale and maybe a bit stuffy, but it's not unreasonably priced. It's a tough reservation to get and they even turned away 2-somes so call early. You won't regret the experience.

5 Stars: Excellence.... (by chanito)

chanito — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

What a joy and what an experience...Service, wine list, and the food was an unforgetable experience. Your senses will thank you for being there. I highly recommend it. You will be pleased and go back for many years to come. Gratzie Arturo

5 Stars: Arturo's is my new favorite! (by chantelled)

chantelled — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've been to Arturo's Uptown for both lunch and dinner and it was excellent at both times. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful with a great bar area with leathers booths. If you go for lunch try the Seared Tuna Pasta Salad and at dinner you have to try the Ravioli appetizer, it is the best thing I've ever eaten.

5 Stars: Yah Baby! (by melizabethr)

melizabethr — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Try the veal with lump crab meat. It's splendid! Didn't care for the bread basket (white rolls servecd cold); wheat rolls or artisan bread might fit better with the posh, festive atmosphere. Service was great. Go see David.