Crapitto's Cucina Italiana

Great place, great food.

Made our night really special, excellent food! awesome service!!

I am disappointed to say it was my first visit to Crapitto's and perhaps my last. We sat in the bar before dinner (approx 6pm, the only two there) and was very disturbed by the large gathering of wait staff in this area to socialize (some of the conversation seemed to be restaurant business...shouldn't that take place out of the public area?)? We could not figure what was going on but when you are outnumbered 4:1 and the noise of them talking in such a large group and back/forth to the bartenders it made us, the customers, feel as though we were intruding on them!? OK, so on to dinner. We ordered the mozzarella wedges to start and split a Caesar salad. The cheese came out at room temperature and was not even close to melted!! It was as though they put the pre-processed cheese triangles on the plate and serve them...they were still firm and tasted as though I had just had a sample in the cheese department at my local supermarket. We sent them back and were brought some that were a bit warmer but still not the hot, melted and creamy items we were expecting. They appeared to be previously processed and possibly frozen. While I can't be certain, they just didn't appear or taste like freshly made that one would expect. The waiter was kind enough to split the salad for us and include anchovies on mine as requested...mistake on my part! The anchovies were dry and hard as though they were old. The dressing was bland and tasted more like mayonnaise than Caesar dressing. Newman's Own does a better job. At this point I didn't have much hope for the entrees and they lived up to my expectation. My date ordered Cappellini Di Mare which was OK. The large bites of crab and the shrimp were prepared well (not overcooked as many do) but it seemed nothing more than every other average alfredo sauce and again with little flavor. I ordered the Pollo Pamela and the chicken breast was pounded extremely thin and extremely overcooked. It was dry, stringy, and again like with most everything, no distinctive flavor. I can't say for sure why it had to be hammered so thin...perhaps to give the impression of being a larger portion? I would have been happier with thicker and cooked properly to come out tender and juicy not chicken jerky. I am very disappointed in my experience in this restaurant and would not recommend it. Perhaps some will say my expectations are too high, but what else should one expect from a restaurant of this caliber and reputation? Eat at your own risk.

This has been a favorate of mine for years, but unfortunately it has been going downhill for a while now. The quality of food has been disappointing the last 3 times I`ve eatin here. The calamari used to be amongs the best in the city and 1 reason for that was the fresh, very large shrimp they put in the dish. The last time we ordered this, the shrimp were probally 23-27 count instead of the usual 9-12 count.The calamari itself was a little on the soggy side (tough to do with fried calamari). Crapitto`s had a good run but it seems it`s over now.

August 18, 2010

My family and I returned back to the restaurant yesterday for a second visit via Mr. Crapitto's invitation. The service was much better this time and the waiter was a lot more welcoming and attentive to our table. We saw Mr. Crappitto stepping outside as we were walking in. We later asked to speak with him but was told he had left for the day. I wanted to thank him in person.

Thank You Mr.Crapitto,
from previously
"Very Bad Experience"

Cons: Racist

Took my wife and daughter to Crapittos for Mother's Day. They were impressed with the romantic atmosphere, the attention to service and the all so delicious food! Will be going back real soon, next time with friends!

Pros: Ambiance, Excellent menu, service with class

Cons: Nothing

Wife and I did not have reservations, just showed up and they put us in a semi private room. The atmosphere was romantic, which was great. The wait staff were all very attentive. From the appetizers to the main meal, dessert and even the coffee were all excellent. Everything tasted so fresh. There was not one bite of food that we did not like. And to top it off, the valets did not give us a ticket when we parked, but when we left later, they were pulling our car up as we stepped into the parking lot. This place is a first class run business. This has now become our favorite Italian place to dine at.

Pros: From valet to atmosphere to food as great

My family and I have been going to crappito?s for many years now, but unfortunately and during my recent visits both for a business lunch and at night with my wife, I noticed that the food quality isn't what it used to be. I ordered a risotto for my lunch and my client ordered the cannelloni, but both dishes were undercooked; the risotto wasn't as chewy as it supposed to be, and the cannelloni was cold from inside. Later that week when I went back with my wife, I was disappointed about the kitchen not been able to accommodate my wife's small changes to one of her favorite dish, on my part my veal chop was just not cooked right, I made it known but nothing was done about it.
I am only making these comments so that someone would look into the food quality and the way it is made, I wonder who is running the kitchen. I will still go back to Crappitto's, but if I have any further disappointments I will then take my business somewhere else.

My parents were in town recently, and we decided to try Crapitto's. What a great find!! My mother is unable to walk very well- which I had indicated in the reservation- and our table was easily accessible for her. This meant a lot because they had clearly considered my request. The food was just delicious- I had the chicken with artichokes, my husband had the pork chop, my father had the capellini del mar (?) and my mother had another chicken dish. All were just incredibly delicious!! We were so impressed with the dining experience, that we have returned several times- the last time was with one of our sons- and all visits have been very impressive. This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Houston.

Pros: great ambiance, nice staff, delicious food

Cons: can get a little loud

Reading the reviews I've been dying to try this place. My bf and I got there early and we were seated right away. Service was great, but the food was only so so. I guess I had expected a lot, but it wasn't anything special. I might try it again sometime in the future.

Pros: Great Ambiance

Cons: Parking

Crapittos was the best experience I've had in a very long time. The food was great. The service was excellent. My husband and I met his brother and girlfriend there for a birthday celebration. This was in the middle of November, a very cold night. I think the temperatures that night was around 40 degrees. Once we walked into the restaurant, it was warm and the aroma was delcious. The prices were very resonable. My husband and I are on a very strict budget with two kids. We could afford to go there every weekend or every other weekend and not be worried about spending too much. The crowd was lite, so there was no waiting to be seated. You can valet park or park across the street. Very quiet neighborhood right off Westheimer Rd. We had such a great time we were the last customers to leave the restaurant. A truely great experience. I recommend them highly!! We have been back 5 times since November.

Pros: Ambience, Food, Service, Parking, Very relaxing and fun

Cons: We had to leave because they were closing

Two of us and a baby lunched al Fresco today .The food was excellent, and our server was informed and friendly. My daughter and I proclaimed the canneloni, the best in Houston. She had the roast chicken with spinach and mashed potatoes. The chicken was juicy and delicous.
After we saw several people eating the giant seafood salad, she regretted not having ordered it, but we'll be returning.
As a smoker I was delighted to discover it is permitted out on the patio, and no one threw anything at me:-)

My wife and I have been to Crapitto?s three times, and though she prefers Mia Bella by a small margin, I greatly prefer Crapitto?s. The restaurant itself is intimate ? a great place to take a date. If you have a larger party, try reserving the wine room. When the weather?s nice, the patio seating is great; at night, it can be romantic. Parking is difficult ? you can try to find a spot on the street, take your chances being towed/booted for parking in the lot across the street, or you can valet.

I enjoy the Cappellini di Mare, but my favorite dish is the Crawfish Linguini with spicy alfredo sauce. It?s on the lunch menu, but I?ve requested it at dinner and the kitchen came through for me. Actually, it?s my favorite Italian dish in Houston (though it?s not a traditional Italian dish). The salads are good, as is the bread. I?m not a fan of olives, so I pass on the olive spread. Service has always been prompt and friendly.

This is my favorite Italian place in Houston, and I prefer it over Mia Bella, Palazzo?s, Vincent?s, Nino?s, Ciro?s, Carrabba?s, and Maggiano?s.

Pros: Ambience, patio, food

Cons: Parking

We came for dinner with another couple, sat outside, the place was empty (outside) the service was uber slow, we never got an ashtray (we had the boss out for dinner he wanted to smoke a cigar, alas, we got an ashtray about an hour later) We could not understand the waiter, his latin accent was so heavy. Ok, and let me say with no uncertainty, my husband will eat ANYTHING, when his food came, his face dropped, everyones face dropped, there was a ragu sauce mixing with the spinach cream sauce next to it, forget it, I said send it back, he took two bites, ordered a beer, and called it a night. The boss man wanted to see the port list, funny I guess, needless to say, no port list. Why haven't I written about my food? Or the other plates? Why bother, it was bad Italian food, and for anyone that knows Italian food, they would be lying to say Crapitto"s has good Italian food, LYING!! Or.............they do not know good Italian food. So, bad service, scary food, but nice patio, good for a glass of wine, but that's it

My first visit to Crapitto's will likely be my last. The food was not bad, but also not good...extremely average. We ordered crab cakes for starters, and they had a strange taste to them. The entree was nothing special either. Nonetheless, we decided there's just not too many ways to mess with dessert,
we ordered the tres leches and a cheesecake of some sort. The tres leches was horrible, but the
cheesecake was YUMMY! The service was nice, as well as the ambiance.

Pros: Service and Ambiance

Cons: Food Quality

This is a fantastic Italian restaurant. The best in Houston. The location is great located inside the loop off of Westheimer. Old style building which gives you that old Italy feeling. Service is spectacular ever visit and they have a great little bar in the front. Very nice wine list and you have to taste the food to really appreciate it. Lasagna is my favorite!

Pros: Food, Service and Location

Cons: Better for smaller groups

I have been to Crappito's many times! It has been excellent every time I have been! The service is excellent, the atmosphere is excellent and of course the food is TO DIE FOR!! I made reservations for inside seating and when we got there we decided to sit on the patio - no one blinked an eye. They changed everything up in a snap and we enjoyed a wonderful lunch under the beautiful oaks! There is not one complaint so far! Bring your best friends or family anytime and in the evening it is a very romantic place to take a date or significant other!! ENJOY!!

Pros: EXCELLENT FOOD & SERVICE

Cons: NONE!

Made a reservation a week in advance giving my credit card info. When the day came I had not received a phone call to confirm the reservation so I called the restaurant. They could not find my reservation after looking but told us to go ahead and come in. We did and had a great time.

So, now a week later I find a $100 charge to my card because we "did not show for our reservation". ..the reservation he booked wrong. The guy had booked the reservation for the wrong Saturday and was being hostile to me on the phone for not answering his phone calls this past weekend. I was out of the country and was not expecting the call. He was very very rude for something he did.

Dinner was great - oh how one person can but a bad bad taste in your mouth.

Pros: nice waiter

Cons: the guy taking reservations

I never miss an opportunity, when in Houston, to eat at this great restaurant. As a single diner, I am usually guarded about where the host will seat me. Not here! I have never been shown the seat by the kitchen door. The staff is very friendly and accomodating. Special requests are not a problem. The food is alway consistant and flavorful. If you just want to sit in the bar and enjoy lunch, the crowd is ecelectic and the bartender gives you just the right amount of attention. On confortable days, the patio works and you are not forgotten by the waitstaff. Overall, it's apparent to me that the owner and mananger have never forgotten that the customer is the best source of advertising and they are willing to go the extra mile in their customer service to prove it. Buenocomida

Pros: Consistantly excellent food, great ambience and excellent service

For authentic italian cuisine in a romantic setting, Crappittos is our place! My husband loves the traditional italian fare here and I love the atmosphere! The owner personally came and chatted with us and we consistently have had great service at Crappittos. The patio is large and extremely romantic. We love Crappitos!!

Pros: Delicious Italian Fare, Romantic Dinner

Cons: none

I want my money back. Slow services, cold food, and $$$$. I want to talk to a manager to get my money back.

Pros: ummm, nothing. I want my money back!

Cons: $$$$$

I have eaten Italian food in dozens of restaurants around the country and the food prepared here is mediocre at best. With numerous good choices in Houston why would anyone eat here? Even the chain Italian ones are better.

Pros: was seated promptly

Cons: food is marginal, service was slow

everything was wonderful. the wine was fantastic, our waiter was very attentive but not bothersome, and the food was excellent! try the Shrimp Nellie for an appitizer.

Pros: atmosphere

My friend organized my birthday party here last night and everything was so perfect. The service was impeccable! When my friend called to make the reservation, we thought we were going to have about 20 people. The restaurant originally offered us the red room which accomodates that many people but later upgrade us to the private room upstair. On the day, several people had to cancel and we ended up with 13 people. My friend called to inform the restaurant and they were so nice about it. They still let us have the big room upstair and set the table for 16 people. When I walked in I was told that the table is ready but some of my friends are in the bar. The bar is isolated from the main dining area in a charming little room. I was immediately asked for drink order as soon as I sat down. When more than half of us have arrived, we went upstair. Our waiter was on hand to take drink orders of the new arrivals. When we sat down, he promptly brought breads and spread. The olive spread was so delicious. We ordered a couple of appetizer sampler- great calamari and crab cakes. I had the salmon and spinach - so so good. Everyone in our party seemed to enjoy his/her food. The wine was also very good and not outrageously expensive. My friend had brought me a cake and gave it to our waiter, Dave, ahead of time. After he cleared the table, Dave brought me the cake with lighted candles, sang happy birthday to me then proceeded to cut and serve the cake. And through all of this, he kept separate checks for every body! He was pleasant and attentive the whole time. We all had a great time. I will definitely come back to Crapitto's often.

Been quite a few time and always enjoy the experience. Wait staff is very attentive. The best alfredo sauce I've had anywhere. Quaint atomosphere. Eat outside on the deck if the weather allows.

I have been to this restaurant many times and they always find ways to amaze me. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and very romantic. The deserts are mouth-watering. My girlfriend and I will continue to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great place to dine.

Pros: Ambience, Service, Food

Cons: None

This is the place to go for the best Italian food in town. The atmosphere is very nice and easy-going. I've been there with just my wife several times and have always had a great experience. We have also had parties of 12-20 there in their upstairs banquet room which was very accommodating. The food is excellent and the service is top notch. Highly, highly recommended.

Monday for lunch at 1pm. Can valet or park on the street, we went to the patio which was deserted on this lovely autumn afternoon and were enjoying great service immediately. Food was good, above average, no wine. Tab for 2 came to $40 for the lunch special plus a nice salad with chargrilled chicken, iced tea and 2 coffees. Perhaps a bit pricey for some but the service was excellent, food above average and atmosphere under the trees was just right. If you want cheap Italian go somewhere else, want a pleasurable dining experience in the Galleria area try Crappitto's.

GOOD ITALIAN FOOD IN A NICE SETTING QUALITY OF FOOD IS EXCELLENT AND SERVICE IS ATTENTIVE. PATIO DINING ON A FALL DAY IS VERY ENJOYABLE

Pros: CONSISTENT ITALIAN FOOD AT REASONABLE PRICE

Cons: NOISY

This place is solid italian fare in Houston... you will enjoy the traditional fare and great scene. MANGIA!

Eating at Crapittos reminded me of the story of the elderly Florida couple walking out of a restaurant after finishing the early-bird special. As they leave, the husband turns to his wife and complains, "You know, the food there was terrible." "Yes," his wife agrees, "and such small portions too!" For all the praise Crapittos receives, it delivers very little in return. The food is overpriced, bland, unoriginal and uninspired. From overcooked veal and odd-tasting fish to salads drenched in balsamic vinegar dressing and chewy calamari, Crapittos is a restaurant I would avoid. Furthermore, the portions are small, leaving you not only dissatisfied, but hungry as well. The antiquated interior, which has aged badly, only adds to the mediocrity of the experience. In short, a waste of time and money.

I've eaten there several times and each time it's good food, good atmosphere, good service. Not a bad place to eat.

I just came back from this place, amid some good reviews posted in this website. I eat out everyday of the week, and I am happy to report that this restaurant was pretty good if a little over hyped. I came here for lunch and had the Caprese Salad and the seafood ravioli. The Salad was great, the tomatoes were ripe and the mozzarella fresh. The ravioli were good, especially the sugo rosso sauce they use. I paired this with a Murphy Goode fume Blanc.

The crowd here seems upscale; outside you will only see Mercedes and BMWs.
The décor was nothing out of the ordinary, but the place was clean and quiet. I think it would make a terrific romantic scene if you come for dinner. A little overpriced for the service you get, but overall a very good experience.

the salads are wonderful, romantic place. love the food and quiet atmosphere inside, but they have a lovely patio. mediocre to good service.

Pros: food, not crowded

Cons: not vegtrn friendly

This place is tucked away off of the hustle and bustle of Westheimer. Great Itilian Food with good ambience and outdoor dinning. This place can be as romantic as you want it to be.

Pros: Outdoor Seating, Value, Ambience

Who puts these comments here! Please get real and tell the truth. The name says it all. CRAPittos.

I do not get to Houston as often as I used to, however I have to say that this place is still "the tops" - Excellent staff and service, great food, I have had 2-3 group dinners for both business and personal, owner visible. I would say Top 5 in Houston for all around restaurant.

Pros: free parking, staff, atmosphere

Cons: none

Lovely atmosphere, friendly service and consistently delicious food. Heartily recommend the superb osso bucco, the Saturday night special. If you like calamari and/or eggplant, this is the place: never greasy, always crisp and so light. In season Frank Crapitto will bring in his own home grown tomatoes for the Tomatoes Caprese. Also some of the best authentic spumoni you have ever had to round things out. The patio is devine in nice weather. We are regulars at Crappitos and have introduced many of our friends to this hidden gem.

Pros: Involved proprietor, Nice atmosphere, Great food/service

We chose to dine on the patio here on a recent Friday evening. The food was excellent, but I had to wave down a waiter to provide a set of silverware for us. The inside of the restaurant is pretty, but smells heavily of cigarette smoke. Patio is charming, but needs outdoor music speakers, a muffler on the A\C unit which was too audible, and elimination of the harsh flourescent lighting in the trees overhanging next to the patio.

Pros: Great Food, Wonderful Pasta, Seafood Dishes

Cons: , Smoke Smells Inside

I reserved this restaurant for my first date and it was simply the best. The area is secluded and the food phenomenal. The chef did a great job with the flavor in our trout and veal chop. Everything went well with the great selection of wine and topping it off with a juicy tres leches. All the staff is very patient and we stayed way pass closing time. I can't imagine how anyone could give a negative review. I lived in Houston all my life, and this is a hidden treasure!

Pros: Quaint, Immaculate Service, Great Wine Selection

There is nothing special about Crapitto's, unless you don't go out much to eat. The food is Italian-American, red sauce or cream sauce, and is done better elsewhere than here, notably Damian's. But if you decide to go, repeat the romantic lure that it was once a farmhouse on the outskirts of Houston. That should get you past the old, stodgy stuff like lasagna and veal chops....and you can linger at the well-stocked bar with stock-broker types, tips abound, who probably don't venture beyond "little italy" when dining in NYC. overall, it's a yawn....if you've been to italy, ever, even on a low-budget package tour.

Pros: setting, bar

Cons: , musty cuisine

One of the best thing about Crapitto's is the consistent excellent service--you can be sure that no matter when you go, you will always get DELICIOUS italian food, EXCELLENT and courteous service, and an overall wonderful dining experience.
Everything from the appetizer and wine list to the desserts is great. My husband and I have dined here a few times and would go more often if we lived closer, but we continue to recommend Crapitto's to anyone searching for good Italian food and an amazing dining experience.

Pros: Wine Room, Split Checks, Courteous Staff

This has got to be the best kept secret in Houston. The food is unbelievable!!! Along with great service and the most private and romantic atmosphere at any restaurant we have eaten at. We eat out about four nights a week and Crapitto's has become almost a weekly stop. From traditional Italian, to seafood and a mouth watering steak Crapitto's can't be beat.

Pros: Great food, romantic, service

This restaurant has always come through for us. The setting is pleasant, the ambience quiet, the service attentive, the prices lower than expected. The food is very good, and the menu has a variety of choices. Definitely a good choice.

Pros: food, service, price

I decided to try out Crappito's for my girlfriends birthday in hopes of a romantic evening. Frank, the owner, made sure that the night went perfect. From the waitstaff, to the food, to the trouble they went through for her desert, I cant say anything but the best for the Crappito staff.

From our humorous waiter to the perfect rendition of Frank Sinatra's "YOUNG AT HEART" from one of the staff, the dinner was just amazing!

I highly recommend this to anyone for any special occassion. Frank and his crew will make sure it goes off without a hitch!

Pros: Delicious Food, Courteous Staff, Romantic Setting

the food was better than any other italian restaurant. the setting and atmosphere was very classy and romantic. the service was good, they were very attentive to you. overall price was worth it for the atmosphere, food, and experience.

Pros: service, atmosphere, food

Went there for the first time and will definitely return. It's a charming restaurant and we had a section all to ourselves. Highly recommend the Papardelle Tony pasta dish-- yum! My only two complaints are the lack of tasty dishes for vegetarians (my companion's meal was tasteless) and the too attentive waitstaff. I know, I know-- being too attentive is not as bad as not being attentive at all, but it can be disruptive nonetheless.

Pros: ambience

Cons: , vegetarian dishes

I came here based on others recommendations, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was charming. Everything ordered - from salads to pastas to desserts was divine! You have to get the shrimp nellie. The restaurant definitely exceeded any expectations and I can't wait to go back!

Pros: Great Food, Friendly Staff, Great atmosphere

Cons: Valet parking

Made my first visit to Crapitto's and found it exceeded my expetations which was based on the reviews from Citysearch. Food was excellent, service was good, ambience was fabulous. Went with two other couples, arrived early and our table was waiting...not a common happening around town. We ate visited, ate some more, dinner lasted 2-1/2 hours and not once did anyone try to shove us out. A must try for everone.

Pros: food, decor, service

Cons: parking

My wife and I went to Crapittos recently at 5:00 PM after leaving the New Pearl Exhibit. We were warmly greeted, promptly seated and immediately served by gracious, efficient staff. We had a bottle of wine, two wonderful entrees properly cooked and attractively presented. It was obvious a number of the parties arriving after us were regulars which I feel is a good sign. The place was immaculate and my wife is hard to please in that area. We will return and we were able to park without Valet, something I never use because I do not like strangers in my car.

Pros: Good Food, Good Service, easy parking