Antonia's Of Katy Mills

“Any publicity is good publicity.” Those were the final and prophetic words of the hostess at Antonia’s as I left the restaurant this evening on my second, and final, visit. My family had an absolutely horrific dining experience. Antonia’s seemed to think it would be a good idea to set up a table of ~30 people in the center of the dining room for a crew that included an 86 year-old woman whose birthday was apparently the cause for celebration, along with cowboys, prom-looking couples, ‘prostitutes’ (so opined my 16 year-old son), and an AA Lifetime Achievement Member who thought it would be appropriate to toast his mother (and the rest of us in the restaurant) for nearly 30 minutes before we called “no mas” and left this Saturday evening. The noise level in restaurant was deafening. Though the wait staff seemed to be growing increasingly uncomfortable with the bedlam that had erupted and the pained expressions showing on the faces of the other patrons, the manager just stood by (silently in the corner) as it all began to unfold. Antonia’s reminded me more of a Skeeter’s Grill after a Little League practice, when twenty chanting 8-year olds are fighting over fries. All that was missing from my ‘dining’ experience was some blank newsprint and crayons, so that we as disgruntled Antonia’s patrons could release our frustrations as the mayhem levels continued to increase around us. It’s a shame too, as the restaurant seems to feature some pretty good food – among the best escargot I’ve ever tasted…and some pretty darn good mussels too. This was our second attempt to dine at the restaurant in the last month. Our first visit wasn’t without incident – the bartender (who apparently ‘doubles’ as manager and was there again as the strong, silent type this evening) made me a martini on Visit #1 that I had to send back as it had the essence of cat urine. Not sure exactly what the issue was on that occasion, but he felt compelled to come out and challenge my taste buds…despite a Stoli dirty martini being my drink of choice for nearly two decades and my having never had to send one back in hundreds of prior attempts at restaurants all over the world. After two failed visits to Antonia’s, I’d suggest that you can do better when choosing a place to dine near Katy. Try Da Vinci’s a few miles south on Fry Road or Nick’s down FM 1464 closer to Sugar Land. Or head to an Olive Garden or make the drive into Houston (Vinoteca Poscol or Piatto’s). But I’d avoid Antonia’s. You (and those you love) deserve better! more

We had a party of 6 go in for lunch and arrived at 12:10. We needed to be back at the office by 1:00. We didn't get our orders taken until 12:30 and had to get our food to go, sadly to say. I ordered a Pasta Dish with Shrimp that had red tomato sauce, and had to peel the tail of the shrimp off by hand since we weren't given any utensils in our to go bag. Talk about a mess!! It may be homemade food, but lunch should be a bit faster than 35 minutes (which made us late back to the office). One of the girls even received the wrong lunch when she had time to unpack it and eat it. I am very disappointed that a group cannot get together for a lunch and being able to enjoy it within an hour. Of course the food wasn't hot when eaten, but when taking all into consideration, it was a poor experience without a happy ending. Like I stated, don't plan on lunch at this restaurant if you're working that day! Go somewhere else where it is understood that during the weekday you're on your 'lunch hour'. Pros: Easy to Get to Cons: Takes forever to get your meal more

My husband and I ate at Antonia's for the first time this evening. We'd never tried it because it's in a shopping strip near WalMart, so we always thought - how good could it be?? Well, we were in for a surprise. It was outstanding! It's very small and quaint. Perfect for a date night. Our entrees were so tasty - the best italian food we've had in Katy. The service was absolutely phenomenal - thanks to Juan. And the tiramisu was to die for!! We'll be back again and again! Highly recommend it! Pros: Food - delicious; Service - great Cons: None that I could see more

I am Italian, I cook Italian and found that this restaurant cooks the dishes the way would make them. They also will cook your dish with your imput. The service is perfect...feels like Roma, Italia near the Trevi Fountain. Pros: Pasta dishes are great Cons: None more

We are so happy to have such a wonderful Italian restaurant so close! Our New Year's Eve price fixe dinner was easily the best meal of the entire year! The starters of a shrimp martini or cucumber salad in champagne vinigrette were amazing. My husband and I each ordered the other so that we could sample both. Each were equally good. The pasta special was angel hair in a sherry tomato cream sauce with seafood. Imagine our surprise when the dishes arrived and there was an entire lobster tail sitting atop a perfectly prepared bed of pasta adorned with two huge shrimp and two gargantuan scallops! Dessert, poached pear slices with a dollup of white chocolate mousse, was superb. We have been multiple times and Roberto's wonderful menu never fails to satisfy on any scale! The atmosphere is inviting, the staff warm and engaging. You can't go wrong with Antonia's for any occasion! Pros: Exemplary waitstaff; amazing food; reasonable pricing; excellent wine list Cons: None more

This little gem in Katy is by far the best Italian food I've ever had ANYWHERE! Roberto's veal is by far better than any of the restaurants in Houston. Raphael will assist you with your wine choice if you are not certain what would go best with the dishes you are chosing. They also make some of the best calamari in the world. The wine list is also very reasonably priced. The staff is so friendly and helpful. You will enjoy your evening out in Katy, Tx. Go yourself or take friends. You will not be disappointed ever! The veal at Antonia's is what we usually get. It is wonderful! We've tried them all. more

This is easily our favorite restraunt in town. Every time we have been there we have been extremely pleased with the food. It is a taste sensation! more

If you haven't discovered this gem, you are truly missing out. Located out near Katy Mills Mall, this fabulous restaurant is in a little strip mall center. If you didn't know it was there, you would miss it. Roberto and his staff have created the type of Italian food I remember growing up on the East Coast. His meats are flown in from Boston. He has different specials every week and if you like Osso Bucco, his is to die for. Find out when he's making it. Staff is young and attentive. Wine list is reasonable with good choices so ask Raphael to pick out a bottle for you. It's a bit noisy but I could still hear my husband when he asked to taste my food. We had my birthday there and they handled 18 of us effortlessly. Make reservations-it gets busy as people have started to find out the best kept secret in Houston Pros: Ample parking, great prices, good service, nice wine list Cons: A little noisy more

My wife and I have eaten here quite a bit since they opened. In that time I have come to the conclusion that you cannot order anything bad here. Everything is excellent and we have been through the entire menu, so I'm speaking from true experience. The portion sizes are not as big as your typical Texas fare, and that is a refreshing and wonderful thing, considering Americas's bulging waistline. It is true that Antonia's doesn't have a child menu. This restaurant is more of an adult dining experience, but I have seen children (well-behaved as a rule) a few times. Keep in mind that the food leans more toward traditional Italian so that there are no menu items like spaghetti and meatballs here. I think that Rafael and Roberto have brought a real breath a fresh air to the Katy, Houston, and Texas dining experience. This is, without a doubt, the best restaurant I have ever been to. Please go and see them tonight. Oh yes, the iced tea glasses are larger now and the server staff kinks are on the way to being completely ironed out. Pros: Food Taste, Food Portion Size, Personal Attention Cons: none more