Tired of the same old Italian restaurants in Houston? Well, look no further. Now open in the Rice Village area is Milton’s: some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had (and I’m an avid Italian food enjoyer).
Created by none other than Benjy Levit, a celebrity in the Houston Jewish community and owner of popular restaurant, Local Foods, Milton’s has already solidified itself as a Houston staple that is here to stay.
When I attended Milton’s soft opening with my family, I immediately fell in love with the antique charm and cozy, yet intimate, decor. Despite it being my first visit, the atmosphere made me feel completely at home as if I had been a regular for years. But what stood out to me the most about Milton’s was its menu.
While many Italian restaurants stick to the familiar staples of pizza and pasta, Milton’s dares to redefine tradition with a fresh and innovative take on Italian cuisine while still honoring tradition through skillfully crafted classics that remain on the menu.
My family and I shared the Shrimp de Jhonge, Hearts of Palm salad, and the Fritto Misto appetizers; all three completely different dishes, but all executed to perfection. The shrimp was seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices, herbs, and sauce and featured a smoky, charred exterior that brought it all together. The Heart of Palm dish masterfully balanced the tender heart of palm with crisp, sweet fennel, earthy toasted pistachios, refreshing mint, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette for a light yet tasty experience. And lastly, the Fritto Misto was a standout, with its perfectly golden, crisp breading encasing the tender and beautifully seasoned octopus.
For our main courses, we shared a variety of entrees, as we wanted to have a taste of every corner of the menu. We each ordered the chicken parm, grilled hanger steak, and the Cresta di Gallo. The chicken parmesan was a hearty delight, with its crispy breading giving way to tender, juicy chicken smothered in a tangy marinara sauce and melty mozzarella– easily the best chicken parmesan I’d ever had. The grilled hanger steak was flawlessly cooked, delivering an explosion of bold, savory flavors that felt almost too good to be true — each bite a perfect balance of smoky char and tender, juicy richness. However, the Cresta di Gallo pasta truly stole the show for my family. Consisting of roasted and pickled mushrooms and toasted yeast, and coated with flavorsome parmesan cream, this pasta had a harmonious balance of texture and flavor in every mouthful. Words could never fully capture its deliciousness — you’ll just have to experience it for yourself to understand just how extraordinary this dish is.
While my family and I weren’t able to try EVERYTHING on the menu (unfortunately), I can say with confidence that this was the best experience I have ever had at an Italian restaurant. For me, dining out is about more than just the food — though Milton’s offered some of the best I’ve ever had. It was also the ambiance–playful yet still traditional decor– and the friendly service that made the experience a 10/10 for me. Go see for yourself!
