HOUReview
photo credit: Quit Nguyen
Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino
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The neighborhood Italian restaurant Giacomo’s Cibo E Vino in River Oaks might be one of Houston’s best-kept secrets. It’s bright, kitschy, filled with endless boxes of wine, and staffed by folks who resemble seasoned European professionals—the type of server who will always get your order right, but also remains aloof and uninterested in the best way possible. No two tables here are wearing, celebrating, or enjoying the same thing. You could be on a special date, celebrating a birthday, watching a toddler rip apart a plate of spaghetti, or having dinner with your dog on the garden patio. Giacomo’s is for everyone.
photo credit: Liz Silva
If your definition of Italian food is a lot of little tiny plates ordered en masse served alongside a gigantic wine list, then Giacomo’s will delight you. The massive food menu is divided into sections titled “little dishes cold” and “little dishes hot” as well as “salads and soups” and “main proteins”—the list goes on. There is also an entire page of pastas separated by fresh egg pasta made in house and imported dried pastas. Everything is fantastic, like a crisp and nutty fresh shaved brussels sprouts salad with pine nuts, cheese-stuffed radicchio, spicy shrimp with a hunk of baguette, and fresh pappardelle smothered in mushrooms and cream sauce.
Humble and casual, no one at Giacomo’s is trying to impress you or make you feel fancy or special. It’s just trying to serve you great food and spectacular wine. And despite the somewhat dated and chaotic interior, the entire experience, no matter what the occasion, feels tailor-made for a low-key but great dinner. Every time we visit Giacomo’s, we can’t wait to go back. Some places just fill your heart with joy, as well as stuff you full of pasta.
photo credit: Liz Silva
photo credit: Liz Silva
photo credit: Liz Silva
photo credit: Liz Silva
Food Rundown
photo credit: Liz Silva
Insalata Di Tre Cavoli
photo credit: Liz Silva
Gamberi Al Diavolo
photo credit: Liz Silva
Radicchio Ripieno Alla Griglia
photo credit: Liz Silva
Pappardelle Ai Funghi E Gorgonzola
photo credit: Liz Silva
Rigatoni Puccini
photo credit: Liz Silva