Italian is one of the most popular cuisines for business catering in Houston, Texas.
Fabulously diverse and undeniably cosmopolitan, Houston is America’s fourth-largest city and home to more than 2.3 million people. Since it was founded in 1837, the city has grown from being a cotton-shipping port to a railroad center to the world capital of space exploration.
And that’s not all.
Houston is also home to the world’s first domed stadium (the Astrodome), Texas’ largest shopping mall (the Houston Galleria), and one of the biggest rodeos in the world (The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo). Oh, and did we mention that Houston is also the hometown of the Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé. Not too shabby.
Houston is also home to some 10,000 restaurants, representing the cuisine of more than 70 countries and regions across the states. They really do have something for everyone, and Italian food is a consistent favorite.
There’s a theory that Houston’s love affair with Italian cuisine may have blossomed back in 1949 when the Italian restaurant Vincent’s Sorrento made national headlines because a photographer from the Houston Post snapped a photo of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner having an illicit dinner there.
But it’s more likely that Houstonians simply have good taste, and–done right–Italian food is hard to beat.
Here are some of the best Italian restaurants delivering to offices in Houston.
1. Buca di Beppo
Known as the perfect place for any celebration, Buca di Beppo has been serving up delicious, family style Italian food since 1993. They offer a wide range of catering packages as well as individual catering options.
Their Chicken Parmigiana Pan is a crowd pleaser that serves 10 and comes with house-baked bread. Or for a lunch meeting, you might try their Individual Catering Package #1, which features salad with a choice of one of five different pasta options. Evelyn’s team gives Buca di Beppo two thumbs up, “The meatballs are to die for!!! The dessert was amazing. My office loved it.”
2. Postino
Postino is a wine cafe that combines scrumptious food with a warm, edgy culture. They started the hashtag #drinkingwineatlunchisnotacrime (we’re not judging), and are on a mission to leave every customer feeling “crazy-good.” To get your meeting started right, they offer a wide range of unique appetizers including a Bruschetta Platter, Chefs Charcuterie, Meatballs & Goat Cheese, and Smoked Salmon (just to name a few).
Their Panini Lunch Box is also a favorite. This individually packaged meal includes a panini (there are four options to choose from) and a side of chips, salad, or fruit. Missy is a first-time customer who will be back for more, “This was our first time ordering from Postino and everyone raved about the sandwiches and how amazing the chips were. We will definitely be ordering from them again!!”
3. Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Catering
Founded in the early 80s by the son of first-generation Italian immigrants, Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is renowned for its hand-tossed dough, sauce made from fresh-crushed California tomatoes, and imported Italian cheese blends. They are strictly old school.
Made-from-scratch is their thing. And with 24 pizza varieties to choose from, you know they will have something everyone will love. They also offer other Italian fare, including calzones and pasta meals, available as catering packages or boxed lunches. Cheryl knows she can count on Russo’s, “Best pizza around! My groups request it and love the different varieties!”
4. Gugliani’s
From specialty pizzas to unique chicken dishes, the team at Gugliani’s promises to bring the best of Italy right to your doorstep. Their tagline kind of says it all: “… Just Great Italian.” In addition to pasta, chicken, and pizza, Gugliani’s offers a wide range of salads including Fresh Roasted Beets Salad, Baby Spinach Salad, Tomatoes Caprese Salad, and many more. And to indulge your sweet tooth, they offer a half dozen irresistible desserts including classic Tiramisu and their signature dessert, Zabaglione (Italian custard with strawberries). Michelle knows how to keep her team happy, “Never disappoints. The site is excited to hear we are ordering from Gugliani’s.”
5. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Founded by two Sicilian boys from Texas, Carrabba’s Italian Grill delivers food that’s fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Their love of great food was inspired by the generations that came before, and continues to evolve as they adapt their 100-year-old family recipes. They offer eight different individually packaged entrees that are perfect for office meetings.
A favorite is the Tuscan-Grilled Chicken, which is seasoned with Mr. C’s grill baste, olive oil, and herbs along with choice of side and salad, bread, and herb mix and oil. June will be putting Carrabba’s into her regular rotation, “This was a crowd pleaser! Would definitely order again.”
6. Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill
One of the founders of the Adriatic Cafe spent years working in the kitchens of Venice, Italy. The other attended school right in Houston, and worked in the pizza industry before creating his own dough and sauce recipes. Together, they built the Adriatic Cafe, a family-run restaurant that serves delicious hand-made meals full of the little touches that make a meal memorable. Their number one appetizer is their traditional garlic bread, made with bread that they bake daily. Their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is another can’t-miss favorite that is available family style or individually packaged. Gabriela gives them five stars, “Always a win when ordering from Adriatic Cafe. Well prepared, tasty and packaged as requested. One of our favorite caterers.”
7. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Founded in Chicago in 1991, it wasn’t long before Maggiano’s Little Italy had expanded to numerous locations across the country. The great service, generous portions, and authentic Italian recipes (many of them coaxed out of Italian grandmothers, mothers, and aunts) made customers everywhere instant and loyal fans.
Maggiano’s Little Italy offers all your favorite Italian classics, but Mom’s Lasagna–featuring crumbled meatballs and sausage, ricotta, and your choice of sauce–is definitely one of the most-ordered items on their menu. Monique loves everything about Maggiano’s Little Italy, “Always a great choice. The customers are always very impressed, especially with the mini cheesecakes.”
Browse the Maggiano’s menuAnd with over 60 Italian restaurants catering lunch in Houston, there’s more where that came from! Search for more Italian catering in Houston, Texas.