Potente Reviews
Submitted by James Robayo on 04/06/2022
James Robayo 5 stars rating.
Dining at Potente is for lack of better words, other worldly... I was privileged enough to meet some friends there before a concert and I was able to experience a flavor extravaganza I've never before had. Chef Danny Trace is by far one of the best chefs ever. His attention to detail and ability to bring out so many layers of flavors in the simplest of dishes is beyond verbal description and only going to Potente and experiencing it for yourself will do. The entire Potente staff is friendly and attentive, fast and a pro at their art. I haven't given any other restaurants this high of praise and I doubt any other will receive it. Get there. Enjoy it. Spoil your taste buds... It is all worth it.
Isaac Bean 2 stars rating.
We arrived for our 6PM reservation and greeted by super friendly valet which was awesome. When we walked in we were instantly greeted and walked down to our table which was near the bar. My fiancé and I were trying to sit down relax and enjoy a nice quiet romantic dinner but it was one opposite. For a fine dining restaurant I’d imagine people would have class and establishment would have rules set. There was a lady at the bar just talking on speaker phone loudly to where I heard the whole conversation from the moment we sat down until we left. On top of the lady at the bar there was a group of young ladies next to us literally yelling over each other even though they were at the same table right next to each other. We only made it bread service before we decided we couldn’t handle it anymore, it was absolutely loud in there and ruined our date night and probably one of the worse we ever had while on top of that the bread we received was hard as rock and hurt your teeth when you bit into it. Definitely will not be returning or recommending to anyone. Only reason for a two star instead of a one was because our waiter was extremely nice and he helped with the menu for the short bit we were there, also gave a great recommendation for a champagne that was very good. If it wasn’t for the valet and waiter definitely would’ve been a one star. If you are looking for a nice date night I do not recommend
Submitted by Isaac Bean on 04/30/2022
Cynthia 5 stars rating.
Amazing service and food. Everything came out hot and flavorful. Also loved that everything came out in tiers so we could enjoy every course accordingly. The waiter even offered a second course! He split 1 of the top selling entrees 5 ways for me and party to try. I would definitely come back again for the Cacio Pepe Truffle Spaghetti. It's a classic dish but potente has done it justice! Grateful to spend my birthday there!
I'd recommend making reservations, it's really busy and parking vallet will cost you an additional $11.
Worth every penny!
Submitted by Cynthia on 03/14/2022
Wensie C 4 stars rating.
Great service and nice environment. The music played in the background is just the right volume so you can still hold a conversation and enjoy the ambiance.
The cocktails were unique and really impressive wine and liquor selection. Loved the attention to detail on the ice cubes.
The cacio e pepe is definitely worth it- unfortunately we only ordered the "taster" which is a half portion. The fresh truffle and fresh pasta make this dish truly exquisite.
We also ordered the scallops and the pappardelle bolognese. These dishes were nice, but expected a better sear on the scallops. And the pork in the bolognese was a bit tough and overcooked, a little too busy of a dish with the pork belly and pork rinds on the side.
For dessert, the chocolate hazelnut cake was delicious.
Overall, a good meal and would definitely come back.
Submitted by Wensie C on 02/22/2022
Donnie 3 stars rating.
Ok wait. I can explain the 3 stars. Basically,
If you are a foodie or actually hungry. Don’t go here ???? If you want an expensive snack with fancy bougie vibes. Like fancy without good music and ok cocktails, you’ll love it! Personally I’d chose their wine over the cocktails. BF and I had a $200 tab. Mmm honestly Steak 48 may have been a better option. ????
Submitted by Donnie on 02/17/2022
Brad Geiger 5 stars rating.
Just had a wonderful experience at Potente. There were 6 of us and every dish was exceptional. The meat was beautiful, the seafood perfectly cooked and immaculately seasoned. The front of the house was every bit as good: attentive, respectful and fun. This was as good a meal as I have had in years. It's fine dining done very very well. Go there and enjoy every minute.
Submitted by Brad Geiger on 02/03/2022
Dee Dee 5 stars rating.
This is probably one of the best Italian places I’ve been to in Houston. The ambiance was really romantic and the service was impeccable. Every dish we ordered was delicious. We brought our picky kids and they enjoyed their food so that’s says a lot. Looking forward to going back.
Submitted by Dee Dee on 01/22/2022
Auda Gee 5 stars rating.
Fine dining for sure, didn’t really get an Italian feel.
Although, the highlight of our five course meal was the squid ink spaghetti with oysters.
Bread was served with hummus.
Appetizer— had two (octopus and foie gras)
Salad course (would pass on any of the three choices)
Pasta course—would choose all three next time.
Main course, we had beef cheek (which needed salt) l, but really tender, and the branzino (which I wouldn’t get again). Our mates’ meat choice was seasoned really well.
Dessert— had the chocolate ball with tiramisu inside, carrot cake with gelato and crème brûlée). Out of these three—the crème brûlée was my fave—that was the only thing really uniquely done here.
This was the main event of the night.
We spent more than three hours and $434 (not including tip) there.
Our waiter turned what could have been a pretentious night into something enjoyable.
He timed everything really well and staggered the meals so nothing was piled on top of each other as the table was small for the four of us. However he did forget to put in the order for the branzino.
Table was by the door, so felt the wind every time the door was opened— glad I didn’t check my coat.
Have definitely had better foie gras in other restaurants.
Submitted by Auda Gee on 01/16/2022
Vu Nguyen 5 stars rating.
Hands down the best Italian restaurant in Houston maybe even Texas. First time having white truffle shaved in table side. Amazing! The Polipetti Arrostiti (charred octopus) was one of the best dishes i ever had. Service has always been good here.
Submitted by Vu Nguyen on 12/31/2021
D K 4 stars rating.
Food: A
Service: A+ and F
Ambiance: A+ Swanky, modern and Astros-themed.
Cleanliness: A+
Parking: Valet only but there is metered, street parking in the area.
I arrived early so I decided to sit at the bar and grab a drink while waiting. The bar was not crowded. Someone, assuming a bartender, threw down a couple of cocktail napkins (one was wet!) and a menu and walked away. No greeting. Several other staff came and went without greeting or acknowledging me. I had to stare a guy down to get him to come over and take my drink order, which he did without enthusiasm. I didn't feel welcome or wanted. Not a positive start to the evening.
Everything turned around when I went to the hostess station and got seated. Hostess was friendly and welcoming. All of the waitstaff was great. They made you feel welcome, wanted and pampered.
It's the little things that I notice - the chairs reminded me of my seats in my Audi. Comfy, smooth and luxurious! I was in heaven. They also have lighted menus. These are great, especially for older eyes, because you are able to see them in the dimly lit dining area!
The food was great. Absolutely no complaints, except that the scallop tasted like it might have had some spice in it that I really don't like (cumin, maybe). I'd go back to the restaurant (not the bar) again if I felt like treating myself.
Submitted by D K on 08/21/2021
