West University Place has got itself a new Italian hot spot with Magdalena's Trattoria and Pizzeria swinging open its doors. The neighborhood joint, specializing in handmade pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and a host of grilled delicacies, marks the latest venture of chef Nicolas Nikic, who has quite the resume with 17 years under his belt at established Houston eateries like Da Marco and Dolce Vita. According to a Houston Chronicle report, some of Magdalena's ingredients journey from Italy, ensuring a genuine taste right from the source.
Among these cherished family recipes are treats like sweet corn ravioli with lobster and baked quail with polenta, which has customers talking. The Houston Chronicle shares that "Magdalena's will give our guests a true Italian dining experience in the heart of Houston," as Nikic takes pride in his heritage.
It's not just about the grub at this new trattoria; Nikic has assembled a dream team to run the show. Executive Chef Luis Silva, with his previous stints at Vic & Anthony’s and La Griglia, and Pastry Chef Maribel Zarate, whom the dessert aficionados amongst us might recognize as having worked her magic at Houston hotspots, are at the helm of the kitchen. “We’re thrilled to bring this restaurant to life and to share my family’s authentic Italian recipes with the Houston community,” Nikic told the Houston Chronicle, enthusiastically articulating the launch of this culinary venture.
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended hours on the weekends, this dining establishment doesn't only stand out for its hearty main courses. A wine list featuring a variety of domestic, Italian, and French wines aims to pair perfectly with every dish. And breathed into life by a killer culinary crew, customers can bet on closing out their meal on a high note with Zarate's sweet concoctions. As per a report by BNN Breaking, the rigatoni with jumbo lump crab and tiger shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce is already turning heads, and you'd be hard-pressed to pass on the chef's choice pizza, flaunting the freshest picks of the day.
