Magdalena’s Claim this business

Karen McCartyon Google

2 months ago

This evening my family enjoyed a meal at Magdalena’s to celebrate the time we spent in Italy! This was my first time at this restaurant, and it was incredible! The quality of the ingredients and finished meals was so delicious. I hadn’t had real Italian risotto or panna cotta in so long and it was such a treat. The wait staff and management was attentive and friendly, and we could tell they took great pride and joy in their restaurant. I will certainly be back!

Yen Nguyenon Google

2 months ago

I wanted to share my recent dining experience at Magdalena’s Trattoria & Pizzeria, where we celebrated Mother’s Day dinner. It was truly a memorable occasion. From start to finish, the meal exceeded our expectations. Each dish we ordered was delicious, flavorful, and cooked to absolute perfection. The portions were perfect. Moreover, the service was impeccable—attentive and friendly staff without being intrusive, which greatly enhanced our dining experience. One aspect that particularly stood out was the freshness of the homemade pasta. It was evident that great care and skill went into its preparation. For dessert, the tiramisu and panna cotta were exceptional and provided the perfect conclusion to our meal. These desserts are a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. In summary, I highly recommend Magdalena’s Trattoria & Pizzeria for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. We will certainly be returning for future special occasions.

Richard Christianion Google

a week ago

The food was incredible. All of it. Came here with my wife and friends for my birthday and was completely taken care of. The owner and head chef was very attentive. Was constantly coming to check on us. He even gave me a happy birthday Tiramisu. We also had to try the other desserts which were exquisite. All pasta is fresh pasta made there, pizza is wood fired cooked. My wife had the salmon risotto which she said was delicious. Id recommend this place to anyone.

Jing Jingon Google

3 months ago

We also ordered the truffle pasta and octopus salad, though they looked so good we dove in before getting photos! Every dish was exceptional, a testament to the chef’s skill. The pasta was perfectly seasoned with an ideal al dente texture, while the octopus was remarkably tender—never chewy. This spot offers high-end flavor at a great value. I highly recommend it; easily one of the best Italian restaurants in the Houston area.

5star4meon Google

a month ago

I've written a lot of reviews over the years, and one thing I've learned is that time has a way of separating hype from reality. Great restaurants don't just survive—they consistently deliver. Magdalena's is a perfect example. I first visited Magdalena's when it opened about 2½ years ago. Nicholas Nikic, the former General Manager of Houston's iconic Da Marco, took a leap of faith and created something of his own. I remember those early days well. Unfortunately, there was a surprising amount of negativity directed toward both Nicholas and the restaurant. Fake reviews, false accusations, and people eager to criticize before giving the restaurant a chance to succeed. Fast forward to today, and the marketplace has spoken. Magdalena's has become one of Houston's premier Italian restaurants, and after another outstanding dining experience, it's easy to understand why. From the moment we arrived, everything was first class. We started with cocktails that were perfectly balanced and expertly prepared. The Margherita pizza was outstanding—thin crust, light, authentic, and exactly what great Italian pizza should be. We also enjoyed the artichoke appetizer, which was excellent. One of the touches I appreciated most was the homemade bread served with their own extra virgin olive oil and light Italian seasoning. Simple, elegant, and a reminder that quality ingredients make all the difference. What continues to impress me about Magdalena's is Nicholas himself. During the entire evening, he was constantly moving throughout the restaurant—checking on tables, greeting guests, working with the staff, and keeping an eye on the kitchen. You simply don't see that level of engagement from many owners today, even at some of Houston's finest establishments. For dinner, my wife enjoyed the gluten-free pasta Bolognese, my son had the truffle risotto, and I ordered the oven-baked Branzino with spinach and potatoes. The Branzino was exceptional—perfectly prepared, fresh, flavorful, and one of the best fish dishes I've had in quite some time. Even though we were completely full, we couldn't pass on dessert. We shared the homemade bread pudding and the carrot cake panna cotta. Both were phenomenal and the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. What makes Magdalena's special isn't any one thing. It's the combination of authentic Italian ingredients imported directly from Italy, excellent execution, attentive service, a welcoming atmosphere, and an owner who genuinely cares about every guest's experience. Houston has no shortage of Italian restaurants, and I've visited many of them. Magdalena's belongs in the conversation with the very best. The food, ambiance, service, consistency, and attention to detail are all exceptional. Two and a half years later, Nicholas has proven the critics wrong and built something truly special. 10 out of 10. Highly recommended.