Potente

Walk-in 45 mins before closing on a Thursday--prompt seating, fast & professional service. Ordered, served, and left in 40 mins? BF and I both opted out of drinks this dinner as a consideration to our aging livers. We were sat in the bar area. While the scallops were well cooked for their plump size (pretty great sear), the risotto it was served with wasn't creamy. The agnolotti was also very large & filling in size. I didn't love the artichoke filling but appreciated the generous amt of lump crab meat. I didn't feel like the flavors married well (definitely was giving starter marriage) but liked the ingredients separately. Sometimes you thrive apart. Overall, Potente was just...ok? I can see how it would be a good place for a company dinner.

What a gem! It did give me Vegas vibes, but it was really good. The menus are backlight, which is really nice. We started with the yellowfin tuna and mela salad, and both were very good! I had the truffle pasta, and my husband had a spaghetti, and both again were outstanding. The service was above and beyond.If we're ever in Houston again, we'll be back!

Outstanding! Jose B was our server and he was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and kind! Every dish was phenomenal, hands down the best restaurant I've been to. We ordered the truffle pasta, duck, octopus, and burrata and it was amazing! The house Cabernet Sauvignon was extremely good as well. I highly recommend this place! It was also super easy to make reservations to my surprise.

Fancy Italian restaurant. There are plenty of free parking nearby. Service was good. Restaurant was very clean and I liked how the menus lit up when you open them. Food was pretty good. Portions were sufficient. It's worth checking out once, there are so many other restaurants in Houston.-charred octopus 5/5-branzino 5/5-spaghetti al tartufo nero - it's good but they were very frugal with the truffle. -cafe cioccolato 5/5

Given its pleasing aesthetic and overall impressiveness, it's hard not to be smitten with Potente. As far as downtown eateries go, it scores well on all fronts from the service to the food, to the ambiance and the presentation. It is a lovely establishment and one that I would unequivocally give a big thumbs up. The space is really ideal for all party sizes and makes for a quality destination for a power lunch meeting or a fun date. The interior has a cozy, intimate vibe and a super polished bar, stocked with some very quality liquors. The staff is professional and polite, which is expected in high end places like this.Quality Italian fare is not much of a thing (#1) in H-Town, but I appreciate the work they've put in to lessen the gripe that many east coasters have with the scene. Their preference for utilizing a lot of local products is admirable and definitely pays off with their variety. The menu is simple enough and I love the fact the menus are illuminated for easy viewing in darker ambiance.The appetizer that stood out the most was the polipetti arrostiti, a charred octopus over a small bed of squid ink spaghetti. Coming close is the Texas wagyu carpaccio and the crespelle di coniglio, which is a crepe of rabbit meat with whipped ricotta, black garlic jam, and fresh morel. The burrata is pretty average, but is presented nicely with an array of greens, and a nice addition of fig saba. My first time here was to fulfill my mission of having cacio pepe (dubbed "spaghetti al tartufo nero") which had a heavy dose of parmigiano reggiano and some shavings of black truffle. It was a little overpowered by the latter, but the perfectly al dente pasta made up for the hype. Their tagliatelle al fagiano, aka pheasant, was a lovely surprise. The guanciale paired so nicely with the kale and it was a beautiful dish.I'm never one to turn down branzino, which overall was solid. Within the surfs food wise, the capesante (large diver scallops) was the winner but I do wish the portions were just a tad bigger. Despite being the cheapest beef option on the menu, the costolette di manzo, is a rather impressive smoked beef rib. It was plup, extremely fatty, and melt in the mouth good.The ultimate selection is their bistecca alla florentina, which is their 44 oz prime porterhouse and comes with a smattering of sides that include their farmer's veggies, marble potato, and bacon. It's intended for two and is the portion gods made this $120 selection a worthy one. ___________(#1) And really, anything European.

First time here and everything was absolutely delicious.. the service was absolutely phenomenal and the atmosphere was just as wonderful as the food! If you haven't been.. try it.. you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful place, love the atmosphere and the food as well. This place holds a special spot in my heart, because it was where my husband asked me to be his girlfriend back in the days. We had such a romantic evening, enjoyed by delicious wine, with excellent food and an even better service. This is the spot for when you are trying to impress your girl and also make her happy because she will love all the food! Highly recommend it

My husband and I pick a new restaurant each year for our anniversary. I seen the glowing reviews and decided here. The inside is beautiful and low lit. Perfect for couples. The service has honestly been the best out of any other high scale restaurant we have been to. Water is constantly refilled, chairs are pulled out for you. Little things that make a difference. I had a glass of rose that was absolutely delicious. I chose the branzino for the entrée and enjoyed that as well. It was also a very nice touch for the head chef to come by and wish us a happy anniversary. I would definitely return. Thank you for a beautiful night.

Truly amazing - from the decor to the food and the service is exemplary. It's really romantic and I would recommend it to anyone that asks. Parking is sometimes tricky which is part of being in Downtown...You will be so happy with whatever you order. Truly an experience to repeat on a regular basis.

My team is craving Italian restaurant last night and Potente pops up. We went Nd just realize it's an upscale Italian restaurant. Though we had the great experience!!! Service is top notch - even the chef went to our table to explain the details bec one of my colleague is vegetarian. I love the truffle pasta - it's the best pasta!!!!! Our waiter even mention that's its #3 in the nation. Salad is super recommended.In the end they even gave us a free dessert as we are so vocal that we love the food! Thank you so much..