Since 1986, Antonio’s Italian Grill has served fresh, flavorful Italian fare to La Porte residents celebrating a special occasion or a weekly dinner date. The casual yet upscale eatery has a number of artistic dining rooms decorated with murals depicting outdoor scenes throughout Italy, from the beautiful coastline to the country’s boat-filled canals. Dark green tablecloths cover the antique tables, while golden chandeliers and French doors add a touch of elegance to your dining experience.

Antonio’s menu includes the usual Italian fare favorites like ravioli, fettuccini Alfredo, and housemade lasagna, as well as seafood specialties and marinated steaks. The little ones will love the freshly baked pizzas, and the traditional Italian desserts are the perfect ending to any meal. Pair your pasta with a glass of red wine or a frothy cappuccino for a true taste of Italy right in the La Porte area.

Antonio’s offers takeout dining and catering in addition to its dine-in menu.

Antonio’s Italian Grill
1438 West Fairmont Parkway
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 867-9001
www.antoniositaliangrill.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Maggie Hoffman

Sure, it may be that La Porte's Mainly drinks makes visitors think that they serve, well, mainly drinks. But this local restaurant also offers a selection of refined New American cuisine that draws visitors for more than just the drinks.

On the menu, you'll find options like a Gourmet Cheese Plate with crostini, Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms in herb butter, or Smothered Cajun Fries with crawfish, shrimp & lobster. The place also serves dishes like a well-regarded Seafood Gumbo and a Warm Spinach Salad with warm bacon vinaigrette. Burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads are also on the menu.

If a full entrée suits your appetite, you can feast on dishes like Pepita Crusted Chicken Fried Steak, Fish Tacos with green tomato salsa, Seafood Pasta with chipotle cream sauce, Blackened Red Snapper with mango relish, or Pan Seared Ribeye with chef’s sauce. Note that the menu changes periodically to highlight fresh ingredients.

And yes: Mainly Drinks does offer drinks, including wine and cocktails. It's open Monday through Saturday, and you can make reservations online on the Mainly Drinks website.

Mainly Drinks
223 W. Main Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 867-1700
http://www.mainlydrinks.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mainly-drinks-la-porte

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffreyw

For truly authentic Mexican fare El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant is the place. This is as close as you can come to a home cooked Mexican meal in a restaurant. Everything here is made fresh daily, from the delectable menudo to the signature sauces, available in mild flavors as well as a super hot concoction that is not for the faint of heart. El Ranchero even provides breakfast offerings. Breakfast plates feature a number of Mexican goodies in addition to eggs and potatoes. The breakfast tacos are made fresh to order and include sausage, ham, chorizo, as well as many more tasty fillings. For lunch or dinner choose from El Ranchero’s unbelievable assortment of quality fare. This includes the fajita dinner with your choice of steak or chicken, chile relleno featuring peppers stuffed with beef and lightly fried, and the pork tamale dinner smothered with gravy.

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
308 West Main Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-7461
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-ranchero-mexican-restaurant-la-porte