Perbacco Introduce
Nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, Perbacco is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary escape to Italy. For those of us in Texas who appreciate authentic, high-quality Italian food, this spot is a true find. Located almost directly across from Jones Hall in the bustling Theater District, it has become a go-to for a perfect pre-show dinner, a business lunch, or a quiet, romantic meal. What sets Perbacco apart is its dedication to classic Italian fare, crafted with care from a seemingly "tiny kitchen" that delivers "gorgeous, delicious" dishes, as one customer enthusiastically noted. The atmosphere is a delightful blend of casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place for any occasion. The attentive and friendly staff, combined with an owner who pays attention to every detail—including lowering the shades to ensure diners’ comfort from the afternoon sun—creates a truly special dining experience. It's a place where you're guaranteed to leave with a "full, happy belly," as another reviewer perfectly described it.
The essence of Perbacco lies in its authenticity. Owner Vittorio Preteroti, originally from the island of Capri, brings his passion for the Mediterranean diet to every plate, offering an "authentic Italian eating philosophy." This is evident in the fresh ingredients, classic recipes, and simple elegance of the dishes. While the space may be intimate, the flavors are anything but, with a menu that is both extensive and meticulously prepared. Whether you’re craving a classic pasta, a perfectly grilled piece of fish, or a robust meat dish, Perbacco provides an exceptional taste of Italy right here in Houston. This article will guide you through all the elements that make Perbacco a must-visit destination, from its convenient location and wide range of services to its impressive menu and unique highlights.
Perbacco is conveniently situated at 700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, USA. Its prime location in the downtown area makes it an ideal spot for professionals, tourists, and theater-goers. Being a short walk from major venues like Jones Hall, it's the perfect place to grab a bite before a show. Given its downtown setting, parking is available via paid parking garage and paid street parking, which are standard for the area and provide convenient options for all guests. The restaurant is also mindful of accessibility, with wheelchair accessible seating available to ensure a comfortable dining experience for all patrons. The central and well-connected location allows for easy access via public transport as well, making it a great option for those who prefer not to drive.
Perbacco prides itself on offering a classic, full-service Italian dining experience. The staff is known for being attentive and friendly, making every guest feel welcome. Their services are designed to accommodate a variety of dining preferences and occasions. The primary services offered are:
- Dine-in and Table Service: The main way to experience Perbacco is by dining in and enjoying their full table service, where attentive staff will guide you through the menu and ensure your meal is perfect.
- Takeout: For those on the go or looking to enjoy their food at home, the restaurant offers a takeout option, allowing you to savor their delicious dishes wherever you are.
- Accepts Reservations: Given its popularity, especially for pre-theater dining, the restaurant accepts reservations. This is a great way to ensure you get a table without a long wait.
What makes Perbacco a standout in the crowded Houston dining scene? It’s the little details and key features that make the experience memorable. These highlights contribute to the restaurant’s reputation as a local gem:
- Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the fast and efficient service, making it a great choice for a quick lunch or a pre-show dinner when time is of the essence.
- Great Dessert: The dessert menu is a highlight, with classic Italian treats like Tiramisu and Italian Cream Cake. A customer review noted that the food is "delicious," and this extends to their impressive dessert offerings.
- Great Wine List: To complement the authentic Italian dishes, Perbacco offers a fantastic wine list with a wide selection of both Italian and international wines.
- Serves Local Specialty: While a classic Italian restaurant, they do an excellent job of sourcing fresh, local ingredients, including their seafood, to give their dishes a unique regional flair.
- Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as both "casual" and "trendy," creating a comfortable yet stylish setting perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a more special event.
- Accommodating Staff: The owner, Vittorio, is known for being incredibly friendly and accommodating, often willing to modify menu items as long as he has the ingredients on hand.
To make a reservation or inquire about the menu and services, you can easily reach Perbacco via phone. Given that they are often busy, especially during dinner service, calling ahead is recommended to secure your spot.
- Address: 700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
- Phone: (713) 224-2422
The menu at Perbacco is a testament to the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. With so many tempting options, it can be hard to choose, but a few dishes consistently stand out. The PASTAS section is a must-explore, as many of the dishes are classic and beloved. The LASAGNA and MANICOTTI are excellent comfort food options, while the PENNE DELLA CASA, made with a creamy brandy pink sauce, is a fan favorite. For seafood lovers, the RAVIOLI SEAFOOD and the LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE, with fresh clams, are highly recommended. A reviewer noted that their meals were "beautifully plated and beyond delicious," which holds true for the entire menu.
Don't skip the ANTIPASTI. The PROSCIUTTO E MELONE is a classic Italian starter, and the COZZE ALLE MARINARA (mussels in marinara sauce) is a popular and flavorful choice. For a refreshing start, the salads like ROMA or CAPRESE are perfect, featuring fresh ingredients that reflect the Mediterranean diet philosophy. The menu also offers a wide range of entrees from the grill, including GRILLED SALMON and GRILLED SHRIMP, served with a side of vegetables and a house salad. The MEAT, CHICKEN & FISH section features hearty dishes like VITELLA AL MARSALA and MAHI CON RUGHETTA, ensuring that every palate is satisfied. And of course, no Italian meal is complete without dessert. The TIRAMISU is a must-try, and the ITALIAN CREAM CAKE is also a delightful and indulgent end to your meal. The affordable prices for such high-quality food, as mentioned in a customer review, make every choice a great value. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, Perbacco's menu provides a true taste of Italy that is worth savoring.
Perbacco Food & drink
SALADS
- ROMA $15.95
crispy greens with egg, olives, tomatoes, cheese and grilled chicken
- CAPRESE $14.95
sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with olive oil and basil
- DELLA CASA $15.95
spring mix with shrimp and blue cheese
- SPINACH $15.95
fresh spinach with grilled salmon and red bell peppers
- BURRATA AND ARUGOLA $14.95
PASTAS
served with house salad and plain bread *WHEAT AND GLUTEN FREE PASTA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*
- LASAGNA $14.95
layers of flat pasta in meat sauce, béchamel and mozzarella cheese
- MANICOTTI $14.95
homemade pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
- CANNELLONI $14.95
homemade pasta stuffed with beef in tomatoes sauce topped with mozzarella cheese
- EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA $14.95
layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked in tomato basil sauce and mozzarella cheese
- CREPES DI POLLO $16.95
two crepes stuffed with chicken and mushrooms baked in light white wine cream sauce
- SPAGHETTI MARINARA $14.95
spaghetti servedin tomato sauce sautéed with garlic, black olivesand capers
- SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO $14.95
spaghetti tossed with garlic olive oil and mushrooms
- PENNE PRIMAVERA $13.95
penne pasta served with zucchini, carrots,broccoli and peas in a tomato sauce
- PENNE ALLA BACCO $14.95
penne pasta, fresh spinach and cut tomatoes tossed in garlic, olive oil and light tomato sauce
- PENNE DELLA CASA $18.95
penne pasta with fresh gulf shrimp sautéed in garlic brandy pink sauce
- RAVIOLI ALLA CAPRESE $14.95
ravioli stuffed with riccotta cheese in a tomato sauce and brandy
- RAVIOLI SEAFOOD $18.95
cheese ravioli sautéed in a brandy tomato sauce with shrimp and scallops with a hint of cream
- LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE $16.95
linguine tossed in garlic and oil with clams
- TORTELLINI ALLA PANNA $16.95
dumplings stuffed with meat in cream sauce with asparagus and peas
- FETTUCCINE ALFREDO $14.95
fettucine served in our cream sauce and basil
FROM THE GRILL
served with house salad and a side of vegetables NO HALF PORTIONS* Prices are subject to change without notice
- GRILLED SALMON $18.95
6oz
- GRILLED TROUT $18.95
8oz
- GRILLED CHICKEN $17.95
- GRILLED MAHI MAHI $18.95
7oz
- GRILLED SHRIMP $18.95
- GRILLED PORK LOIN $17.95
ANTIPASTI
APPETIZERS
- BURRATA & ARUGULA $13.95
cow milk cheese and arugula
- COZZE ALLE MARINARA $16.95
fresh mussels in a spicy marinara sauce *not always available*
- PROSCIUTTO E MELONE $14.95
dry-cured ham over cantaloupe
- CAPRESE $14.95
chilled tomato slice and fresh mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and basil
- MISTO DI VERDURE $14.95
carrots, eggplant, peppers, & artichoke marinated Italian style
INSALATE
SALADS
- INSALATE DELLA CASA $16.95
spring mix with fresh gulf shrimp, tomatoes, capers and bleu cheese
- SPINACI CON SALMONE $16.95
fresh spinach with grilled salmon, red bell peppers and tomatoes
PASTA AL FORNO
CASSEROLES served with a house dinner salad
- CANNELLONI $16.95
beef stuffed pasta baked in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese
- LASAGNA $16.95
layers of pasta baked in meat sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese
- MANICOTTI $16.95
cheese stuffed pasta basked in a light tomato basil sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- CREPES DI POLLO $16.95
two crepes stuffed with chicken and mushrooms baked in light white wine cream sauce
- PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE $16.95
layers of thinly sliced eggplant baked in tomato basil sauce and mozzarella cheese
MEATCHICKENFISH
Served with a dinner salad and side of vegetables of the day
- VITELLA AL MARSALA $19.95
Veal in our classic marsala sauce topped with mushrooms
- SCALOPPINE DI MAIALE AI FERRI CON ARUGULA $18.95
grilled pork loin arugula and cheese
- PETTI DI POLLO ALLA TOSCANA $18.95
chicken breast sautéed in wine sauce, garlic, rosemary, artichoke and mushrooms
- GAMBERI AL LIMONE AND CAPERS
fresh gulf shrimp sautéed in a garlic lemon white wine sauce and fresh parsley
- GAMBERI AI FERRI $19.95
grilled fresh gulf shrimp drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh mint
- SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIA $21.95
grilled salmon drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh mint
- TROTA ALLA MARINARA $23.95
grilled fresh trout, with tomato, oregano and garlic
- MAHI CON RUGHETTA $22.95
grilled mahi topped with baby arugula, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- SNAPPER NAPOLII $28.95
gulf snapper sautéed in white wine onion fresh tomatoes capers and basil
PASTA
Served with a dinner salad *WHEAT AND GLUTEN FREE PASTA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*
- PENNE ALLA BACCO $16.95
penne pasta, fresh spinach and cut tomatoes tossed in garlic, olive oil and light tomato sauce
- PENNE DELLA CASA $18.95
penne pasta with fresh gulf shrimp sautéed in garlic brandy pink sauce
- PENNE ALLA CONTADINA $18.95
penne pasta sautéed in olive oil, garlic, artichoke, cherry tomatoes and fresh gulf shrimp
- TORTELLINI ALLA PANNA $17.95
beef dumplings, asparagus and peas in a classic cream sauce
- RAVIOLI AL SAPORE DI MARE $22.95
cheese ravioli sautéed in a brandy tomato sauce with shrimp and scallops with a hint of cream
- RAVIOLI GRANCHIO $24.95
ravioli sautéed in sage lemon butter sauce with jumbo crab meat (may not be available everyday)
- GNOCCHI AL POMODORO $17.95
home made potato dumplings in tomato sauce
- PENNE SAUSAGE AND EGGPLANT $18.95
penne pasta, Italian sausage and eggplant in tomato sauce
- LINGUINE ALLA PESCSTORA $24.95
linguine pasta with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, calamari and fish in tomato sauce
- MIMI'S SPECIAL $24.95
cappellini pasta, fresh mussels clams, shrimp, scallops,calamari and fish in an extra spicy tomato sauce
- LINGUINE CAPRI $18.95
linguine pasta with fresh gulf shrimp, sautéed in olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes and basil
- LINGUINE ALLE VONGOLE $18.95
linguine pasta served with clams in garlic and oil
DESERTS
- ITALIAN CREAM CAKE $6.95
- CHOCOLATE CAKE $6.95
- TIRAMISU $7.50
- CREAM PUFF $7.50
- ZABAGLIONE WITH BERRIES $8.95
Perbacco Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Perbacco Photos










Perbacco Location
Perbacco
700 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Perbacco Reviews
tiramisulasagnafood and servicecreamshrimptheatersalmonolive oilfeellinguini
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Perbacco is STILL bringing out gorgeous, delicious, classic Italian fare from their tiny kitchen. Located almost directly across the street from Jones Hall (a more than perfect location for a before-theater meal), this little restaurant is huge on terrific food. Our meals were beautifully plated and beyond delicious. High marks for having decaf espresso! The staff is attentive and friendly, the owner is watching the sun’s reflection off of the glass towers all around - he lowers the shades at just the perfect moment to ensure diners’ comfort. Mangerai bene! Highly recommend.
May 27 · Deanna SharpWe visit here from out of town once a year. The food is absolutely delicious and the staff is outstanding. Hands down best place to eat in downtown, and you will never leave without a full, happy belly. Prices are super affordable, too. Thank you!
January 19 · Red SoxThe staff is friendly and welcoming! The food is delicious! We made it right as they were closing so turned around to go somewhere else. Russell, our outstanding waiter, saw us and told us to come in. We did not feel rushed to order and eat, even though they were closed. We will definitely be back! Get the tiramisu for dessert! So good!
July 28 · J WWe had an absolutely wonderful meal here before heading to the Alley Theater. The owner and staff super courteous. Over the years we have enjoyed dinner here and have always had great food. My daughter and I split the zabaglione with berries for desert….fantastic! Thank you as always.
July 13 · Chris MayeuGreat food and atmosphere. Felt more warm and inviting than most downtown restaurants. Enjoyed the pasta, the salad, and the strawberry and cream dessert.
August 21 · Shaun Sun
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