Our Story
The Only Original Authentic Real Italian Game in Town
From Italy to Houston — decades of culinary tradition, passion, and the relentless pursuit of Maximum Excelsior.
Welcome to Impero Italiano
Italian Empire
Impero Italiano — translated "Italian Empire" — has become a major Italian Epicurean Enogastronomic Empire in the world. We are Houston's best and unique, family-owned boutique pizzeria, restaurant, and trattoria. We come from Italy and have been in business for several decades.
We are exclusive importers of Italian culinary excellence: from pasta, pizza, paninis, and street food, to aged cured meats and fine cheeses, pastries, homemade gelato, Italian sodas, beer, and wine.
Eating and drinking Real Italian — we made it available to everyone in Houston. A privileged way to virtually visit Italy while remaining at home. With our specialized knowledge and artisan know-how, we are true ambassadors of Made in Italy, ultimately making us conquerors of palates and raving reviews.
The Meaning Behind Our Logo
Our logo features two columns — the foundations upon which our commitment, core values, and beliefs are built. They represent our guiding principles of Maximum Excelsior: "Highest Excellence" in everything we do.
And most importantly: Ante Lucrum Nomen — "Our Name & Reputation First, before making a profit." These are not just words. They are the code we live and cook by, every single day.
Maximum Excelsior
Highest Excellence
We pursue the absolute highest standard in every dish, every ingredient, every interaction.
Ante Lucrum Nomen
Name & Reputation First
Our name and reputation always come before profit. Trust is the currency we value most.
Our Mission
"Impero Italiano aims to deliver great, fresh, and real Italian food at affordable prices to our customers."
We are an omnipresent force for good in the community and we make our name synonymous with the greatest quality.
We will never forget that our customers are the motor of our business. We work constantly to offer them the best consumer experience — a diverse product range and various associated services to improve the quality of everything we do.
Our ultimate goal is to wow our customers.
As Italian-Italian as It Gets
Our food is made fresh daily using the highest quality ingredients and secret family recipes that promise and guarantee the truest Italian flavors. Our cuisine and concept isn't Italian-American — it's hardcore, old-school, real, and authentic Italian. We have no competition.
Our dishes and flavors are unlike anything you've tasted before — unless, of course, you've been to Italy.
The entire staff is 100% first-generation Italians: Barese, Sicilian (Catania), Torino, Roman, and Neapolitan chefs and staff are dedicated to personally cooking and bringing your food to your table.
Full with Imperial Italian tradition and exceptional décor, our tiny, cozy restaurant delivers a great vintage flair atmosphere and unique personality — and it is Family & Bambini friendly!
"A Place Where Italians Gather & Eat"
The Full Experience
What We Offer
Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza
Best authentic wood-fired and gourmet pizza crafted by certified Neapolitan Pizzaioli.
World-Famous Pastas
Handmade fresh pasta using secret family recipes passed down through generations.
Italian Street Food
Paninis, salads, meats, seafood, and salumeria charcuterie — the real flavors of Italian streets.
Artisan Gelato & Dolce
Homemade artisan gelato, cannoli, tiramisu, coffees, Italian bread, and bakery.
Italian Wines & Beer
Our private label Italian wines and curated beer selection at budget-friendly prices.
Italian Music & TV
Live Italian music and direct Italian cable TV — the full cultural immersion experience.
Made in Italy — A UNESCO Heritage
Our name, "Impero Italiano," translates into "Italian Empire" — honoring the greatest culinary and enogastronomic empire inspired and founded by Italian immigrants around the world.
This cultural culinary phenomenon — Made in Italy — and the Italian flag brand is recognized as tradition and strong values by UNESCO as humanity's heritage. Come visit us and you will discover and cherish it on your own.
Find Us in Houston
Corner of Memorial & N. Kirkwood Drive
Heart of the Energy Corridor, West Houston
Come Experience Real Italy in Houston
Reserve your table today and taste the difference that decades of Italian tradition make.