Lulu's Introduce
In the heart of Houston's upscale River Oaks neighborhood lies a true culinary gem, Lulu's. This isn't just another Italian restaurant; it's a cozy and sophisticated escape that transports you to a world of authentic flavors and peaceful ambiance. Lulu's is a place that feels "just right," as one satisfied customer put it—a destination for a no-fuss but delicious meal that is both comforting and elevated. The restaurant is a labor of love, owned by the same team behind the beloved Houston institution Armandos, which speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and service.
Lulu's offers a dining experience that is both trendy and intimate, perfect for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a relaxed brunch with friends. The menu is a thoughtful curation of Italian classics, from rich and creamy pastas to perfectly grilled meats and seafood. What sets Lulu's apart is its ability to maintain a calm and inviting atmosphere, even when the dining room is full. The music is at just the right level, allowing for conversation and connection. This balance of an upscale atmosphere with a comfortable, friendly feel makes it a favorite among locals and a delightful discovery for tourists. We'll dive into what makes Lulu's a standout choice, from its accessible location to its fantastic food and well-regarded services.
Lulu's is strategically located at 2518 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77019. This address places it in the prestigious River Oaks area, a central and highly desirable part of the city. Its location on Kirby Drive makes it a convenient spot for people living in or visiting the surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant is situated in the same shopping center as its sister restaurant, Armandos, creating a vibrant culinary hub.
For patrons arriving by car, Lulu's makes parking simple and stress-free. They offer a free parking lot, which is a major plus in a busy urban area. For added convenience and a touch of luxury, valet parking is also available. The restaurant is also designed to be fully accessible. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably and without any barriers.
Lulu's provides a variety of service options to cater to a range of dining preferences, from a romantic dinner to a large celebration.
Dine-in: The primary service is the dine-in experience, which allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the cozy and romantic atmosphere. With table service, guests can relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Outdoor Seating: For those who enjoy dining al fresco, Lulu's offers outdoor seating, a perfect option for a pleasant evening or a sunny brunch.
Takeout & Delivery: If you're craving Lulu's delicious food at home, they provide both takeout and delivery services, including a no-contact delivery option for added safety and convenience.
Catering: For special events or private gatherings, Lulu's offers catering, bringing their celebrated Italian dishes to your event.
Reservations: Lulu's is a popular spot, and reservations are accepted and highly recommended for dinner, ensuring a seamless and timely dining experience, especially on busy nights.
Lulu's stands out in Houston's dining scene not just for its food but also for its exceptional features and welcoming atmosphere.
LGBTQ+ and Women-Owned: Lulu's is an inclusive establishment that proudly identifies as both LGBTQ+ owned and women-owned, contributing to Houston's diverse and welcoming business community. It also identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly.
Great Beverages: The restaurant is known for its impressive drink selection. They boast a great wine list, featuring a variety of options to pair with any meal. Their cocktails are also a highlight, as is their high-quality coffee.
Perfect Atmosphere: The ambiance at Lulu's is a key feature. It's described as cozy, romantic, and upscale, yet not pretentious. One reviewer praised the music for being at a perfect volume, allowing for easy conversation, a rarity in many restaurants.
High-Quality Dishes: Lulu's focuses on classic Italian comfort food made with fresh ingredients. The menu includes a variety of healthy and hearty options, from small plates to full-sized entrees.
Family and Kids Friendly: The restaurant welcomes families and is good for kids, with high chairs available, making it a great place for a family outing.
Popular Brunch: Lulu's serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, a popular option for those seeking a delicious weekend meal. The brunch menu includes classics with an Italian twist, such as Steak & Eggs and Italian Shrimp & Grits.
To plan your visit or get more information, here is the contact information for Lulu's.
Address: 2518 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA
Phone: (713) 590-7350
When you visit Lulu's, you're not just choosing a meal; you're choosing an experience. The menu is filled with exceptional dishes, but some stand out as must-tries based on customer praise. For an appetizer, the Bruschetta comes highly recommended, with a customer raving about the "perfect" seasoning and the freshness of the ingredients. The Calamari Frito is another great option.
For the main course, you can't go wrong with the pasta. The Pappardelle Bolognese and the Lobster Ravioli are both fantastic choices. A customer review highlighted that the pasta is cooked to "al-dente perfection" and the sauces are "rich and creamy," leaving them "wanting more." The Carbonara is a classic and another great pick from the pasta menu. The entree list is equally impressive, with a customer-favorite Braised Short Rib and a top-tier Black Angus Tenderloin. For a truly special experience, the Tagliata for Two is a great option.
Don't skip dessert, as Lulu's is known for its excellent sweets. The Tiramisu is a classic choice, and the Bomboloni (Italian fried doughnuts) and House Gelato are also excellent ways to finish your meal. The commitment to fresh, simple, and high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish, from the appetizers to the desserts. The staff's attentive and friendly nature, combined with the relaxing atmosphere, makes every visit feel special. Whether you're a local looking for a new go-to spot or a visitor seeking an authentic and delicious Italian meal, Lulu's on Kirby Drive is a choice that consistently delivers on its promise of a wonderful dining experience.
Lulu's Menu
Small Plates
- Bread Basket $7.00
- Bruschetta $15.00
- Mixed Olives $10.00
- Polpette $18.00
Meatballs over soft polenta, shaved grana padono cheese
- Calamari Frito $16.00
Lightly fried rings and tentacles glazed with balsamic gastrique
- Antipasto $28.00
Three meats, three cheeses, cornichons, mustard, fruit compote, pickled red onion and fresh bread
- Caviar
- Soup of the Day
Soup of the day
Salads
- Lulu's Salad $16.00
Hearty greens, shaved vegetables, blood orange, Yuzu vinaigrette
- Grilled Caesar $16.00
Lightly charred, homemade caesar, pickled red onion, boquerones
- Arugula & Pear $16.00
Arugula, grilled pears, candied pecans, gorgonolza cheese, agrumato
- Burrata $22.00
Radiccico, baby beets, vincotto
Pasta
- Bucatini Puttanesca $20.00
- Spag Langostine $25.00
- Pappardelle Bolognese $28.00
Bolognese, parmigiano, fresh herbs
- Lobster Ravioli $60.00
- Carbonara $22.00
Pancetta, green peas, carbonara sauce, egg sunny side up
- Caccio E Pepe $20.00
Sheep's milk, pecorino, toasted black pepper
- Lobster Risotto $40.00
- Fettucine al Buro $20.00
- Spaghetti $20.00
Entrees
- Chicken Milanesa $26.00
- Lamb Rack $55.00
Airline chicken, mushrooms, mashed potato, marsala jus
- Braised Short Rib $36.00
Soft polenta, roasted baby carrots, glassato
- Grilled Branzino $35.00
Tomato, sugo finto, baby spinach, pizzaiolo sauce, grilled lemon, salsa verde
- Black Angus Tenderloin $45.00
Cipollini mushroom agrodolce, pancetta, cheese fonduta
- Wagyu Ribeye $60.00
- Tagliata for Two $125.00
Desserts
- Tiramisu $14.00
Layers of lady fingers & marscapone
- Bomboloni $14.00
Italian fried doughnut with a side of creme anglaise
- House Gelato $14.00
Gelato of the day
Sides
- Mushrooms $6.00
- Polenta $6.00
- Spinach $6.00
- Mashed Potatoes $6.00
- Side of Marinara Sauce $1.50
- Side of Parmesan Cheese $1.50
Add On Items
- Salmon $12.00
- Airline Chicken Breast $10.00
- 3 Meatballs $10.00
- Branzino $14.00
- Truffles Sliced
Brunch Menu
- Brunch Bread Basket
- Steak & Eggs $28.00
- Uova In Purgatorio $18.00
- Truffle Polenta $22.00
- American Breakfast $17.00
- Carbonara $22.00
- Pappardelle Bolognese $28.00
Bolognese, parmigiano, fresh herbs
- Braised Short Rib $36.00
Soft polenta, roasted baby carrots, glassato
- Italian Shrimp & Grits $25.00
- Lulu's Chicken & Waffles $26.00
- Avocado Toast $17.00
- Waffles & Bacon $18.00
- Crab Benedict $32.00
- Lobster Roll $29.00
- Wagyu Burger $22.00
- Arugula & Pear Salad $16.00
Brunch Sides
BRUNCH IS SERVED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11AM TO 2:30PM
- Bacon $6.00
- Eggs $6.00
- Berries $6.00
- Toast Bread $3.00
- House Potatoes $6.00
- Chicken $10.00
Desserts
- Tiramisu $14.00
Layers of lady fingers & marscapone
- Bomboloni $14.00
Italian fried doughnut with a side of creme anglaise
- House Gelato $14.00
Gelato of the day
N/A Bev
- Coke $3.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Sprite $3.00
- Dr. Pepper $3.00
- Lemonade $3.00
- Btl Still $8.00
- Topochico $5.00
- Ginger Ale $3.00
- Coffee $4.00
- Decaf Coffee $4.00
- Espresso $6.00
- Double Espresso $8.00
- Latte $7.00
- Cappuccino $7.00
- Hot Tea $7.00
- Iced Tea $4.00
- Machiatto $6.00
Lulu's Details
From the business
- Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Valet parking
Lulu's Photos










Lulu's Location
Lulu's Reviews
italianbrunchappetizercalamarilobstercarbonaratiramisucacio e pepebolognesebartender
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had the bruschetta for appetizer and it was so good. The oil and balsamic vinegar seasoning was perfect, the bread was soft, the tomatoes and cheese were fresh. Highly recommend it for an app. For entree, I had the pappardelle bolognese and my fiancée had the ravioli of the day which was a 4 cheese ravioli. Both were fantastic. The sauces were rich and creamy. The pasta was cooked to al-dente perfection. The meat on my dish was delicious. Left me wanting more. We got the gelato for dessert which was equally delicious!
March 15 · Gabriel MartinsNo idea if I've written a review before but we (my husband and his mom and I) have been coming here on Sundays a few times a year since they opened. It isn't pretentious. Prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable. The staff seem to recognize us (I realized this the last time we went, which was lovely). We pretty much order the same appetizers and salads and change up our entrées depending on the season. My MIL has a more limited diet and Lulu's has some of her favorite simple dishes. We've had some mixed service over the years—sometimes really attentive, other times not, but no big complaints overall.The atmosphere is calm, even when the restaurant is more full. The music is the best part. So many places have really loud music playing so you can barely hear the people you're sitting with, but at Lulu's it's just right. That's probably the best way to describe Lulu's—just right for a peaceful, no-fuss but delicious meal.
June 28 · Sarah FrapsSuch a lovely place. We had my friend’s birthday dinner here with a party of 9. Our server was very attentive and kind. She brought plenty of bread and butter for the whole table. We had their Antipasto Board which was delicious. I had the Chicken Milanesa, it comes with creamy mashed potatoes and arugula salad. I definitely recommend it!
February 03 · Cindy Nicole MaxGreat place for a quiet dinner. The place is beautifully decorated and the the atmosphere is fun without being loud. The food is great. Limited vegetarian options on the menu but they will tailor something specific for you. They added perfectly cooked vegetables to my dish. Rudy, our server, was attentive and jovial , and offered great suggestions when he learned I was vegetarian.I would happily return.
January 18 · N MaharajI put in a Google search to look for an Italian restaurant and found a great location that I drove by plenty of times. I’m glad I stopped this time. The host Katlin was so friendly when she welcomed us in, and the waiter Isreal gave us the best customer service. We were given great recommendations on daily food and drink specials. The Caesar salad was the best. I look forward to returning.
May 18 · Viktor Moody
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