Marmo Italian, 888 Westheimer: Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group, which also operates Loch Bar and Ouzo Bay, debuted a lively, Italian chophouse in mixed-development hub Montrose Collective. The vibrant 120-seat dining space also features a 10-seat lounge and U-shaped bar. The menu from executive chef Eli Jackson and chef-partner Julian Marucci (of parent company Atlas) includes classics such as chicken and eggplant parmigiana and chicken marsala next to innovative dishes like squid ink campanelle with blue crab, uni cream sauce, basil and chile, and a colorful hamachi dish topped with basil, avocado and squid ink rice chips served over passion fruit ponzu.

High-end Italian chophouse Marmo debuted in Montrose Collective, Houston’s newest mixed-use development hub, back in April, and it’s already making waves through a robust menu heavy on steaks, pasta, and seafood dishes—the essentials, in other words. Standout dishes on its menu, which was curated by executive chef Eli Jackson and Julian Marucci, a chef-partner with Atlas Restaurant Group (also the force behind buzzy H-Town spots Ouzo Bay and Loch Bar), include a beautifully plated hamachi, a heavenly squid ink campanelle, and any of the restaurant’s 45-day dry-aged steaks, which come in cuts like American Wagyu, Black Angus, and veal.

High-end Italian chophouse Marmo debuted in Montrose Collective, Houston’s newest mixed-use development hub, back in April, and it’s already making waves through a robust menu heavy on steaks, pasta, and seafood dishes—the essentials, in other words. Marmo is Italian for “marble,” a name that speaks not just to the restaurant’s deliciously marbled steaks but also to a stunning interior (designed by Patrick Sutton) that is heavy, of course, on marble while also featuring soft touches that help give the space a light and airy vibe.

M – Maderas, Maine-ly Sandwiches, Mai's, Maison Pucha Bistro, Mala Sichuan (all locations), Mama's Kitchen, Margaux's Oyster Bar (Bravery Chef Hall), Marmo, Mary'z (both locations), Masraff's, McCormick & Schmick's (all locations), McGonigel's Mucky Duck, Mean Grille, Melange Creperie, Mia's Table (all locations), Millie's Kitchen & Cocktails, Molina's (all locations), Money Cat, Monkey's Tail, Morton's (Downtown), Mucho Mexico

This Italian steakhouse in Montrose whose name means “Marble” in Italian, offers premium dry-aged steaks, hand-rolled pastas, and dishes like Ricotta Gnocchi and Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana. Add to that recipe a romantic dining room and attentive service, and you have the perfect environs for a cozy date night. There’s also a piano bar that hosts a rotating ensemble of Houston singers.

Alex Smith, CEO of the Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group that's behind Marmo, agrees that Houston was underserved with Italian cuisine. He feels that while there are wonderful traditional options—attributing Da Marco as his own personal favorite—there's room for more variety. Now with recent openings, there is far more than a plate of pasta to get amped up about.

Marmo is upscale with a delectable menu and live pianist, but boasts a beautiful patio in the heart of Montrose. Enjoy unique Italiane fare amongst the hustle and bustle where the vibes are top-notch. If posting your meals is a priority, this outdoor seating area is perfectly Instagrammable, and the house made pastas, steaks, and happy hour items will not disappoint.

The new Italian restaurant, from the owners of Ouzo Bay and Loch Bar, has a happy hour in its bar and lounge area with $8 cocktails, $6 wine and $7 small plates that include meatballs with whipped ricotta, Tuscan fried chicken, veal Bolognese and rigatoni with creamy vodka sauce. And $2 oysters with Calabrian chili mignonette?

The meal concluded with a standout Tiramisu desert, universally recognized as the best encountered. The Tiramisu featured intense, genuine flavors, providing a satisfying end to the meal. Specifically, the Tiramisu excelled due to its perfect balance of rich mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers saturated with espresso.

Visit Marmo Italian for freshly made pasta and hand-cut steaks, paired with prized Italian wines. On the menu, indulge in Texas Wagyu, New York strip, cowboy ribeye, porterhouse and beef tenderloin. Elsewhere on the menu, enjoy highlights like lobster ravioli, squid ink campanelle, and prime beef tartare.

This sleek dining room in Montrose is an expensive roller-coaster ride. To stick with the high points, order pastas and more pasta. Lobster fra diavolo, squid ink campanelle with blue crab and rabbit lasagna showcase quality ingredients that are complemented by consistently al dente pasta.

Marmo at the Montrose Collective offers a large covered, wraparound patio lined with planters. Visit during happy hour for specials on East Coast oysters and bar bites, and enjoy live music from the resident pianist. Location: 888 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

This chic steakhouse is a perfect fit for those who crave Italian glamour but are still waiting on their passport renewal to arrive. From Sunday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Marmo has a buzzy social hour in the lounge, at the bar and on the patio.

Earlier this year, I visited Marmo in Montrose for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the pasta and the live music. I had their rigatoni alla vodka and a nice glass of Pinot Grigio. Marmo now has happy hour from 3 p.m.

I have celiac and a shellfish allergy and they are very accommodating and always take extra time on my food. the vodka rigatoni with gluten free noodles is my favorite dish!. Been in several times and no issues.