Nestled in the heart of River Oaks on West Grey, Zanti Cucina Italiana is a culinary gem that has been making waves in the Houston dining scene. Originally hailing from The Woodlands, Zanti opened its doors in the summer of 2019, a challenging time right before the pandemic hit. Despite the odds, they’ve persevered and continued to captivate diners with their Italian offerings. We recently had the pleasure of exploring their new concept – brunch – and the experience left us with a flavorful impression.

Stepping into Zanti is akin to entering a glamorous dream world. The restaurant occupies a spacious 9,000 square foot building adorned with chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow. It’s a visual spectacle that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The ambiance is further enhanced by the exceptionally attentive waitstaff who make you feel like a cherished guest.

At the helm of Zanti is Santiago Pelaez, a multifaceted talent who serves as both the CEO and founder of the restaurant and its food and beverage director. Hailing from Mexico City, his vision is the driving force behind Zanti’s culinary offerings.

We embarked on our brunch adventure on a sun-kissed October afternoon, choosing to dine on the patio and relish the glorious weather. The menu was an enticing blend of Italian classics and innovative creations, a testament to Zanti’s commitment to pushing culinary boundaries.

Our culinary journey commenced with the Shrimp Ceviche, a departure from traditional Italian fare. It featured a tantalizing mix of lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, serrano pepper, red onion, cucumber, and homemade plantain chips. While not Italian, it was an excellent dish, elevated by a slightly spicy and beautifully balanced green sauce.

Next came the Burrata Caprese with prosciutto, a beautifully light creation boasting burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, pesto, roasted pistachios, and Maldon sea salt. The addition of pesto added the perfect complexity, making it a harmonious delight.

The Octopus Carpaccio, with its paper-thin octopus slices, fennel, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette, was a visual and gustatory masterpiece. It was both a delight to the eyes and a treat for the palate.

While the Lobster and Quinoa dish featured a combination of quinoa, cucumber, baby heirloom tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, lavender, cilantro, and lemon vinaigrette topped with lobster, it didn’t quite stand out among the other culinary stars of the brunch.

The Salmon Omelette, with ricotta cheese, onion, red bell pepper, crispy capers, fresh chives, and paprika, was a masterpiece perfectly executed. It felt like a decadent breakfast at a French bistro, showcasing Zanti’s versatility.

Oysters, a seafood lover’s delight, were served with lemon, mignonette sauce, horseradish, and tabasco sauce. What made them truly special were the flavorful little pearls that accompanied each oyster, offering an explosion of flavor in each bite.

The Crab Cake Benedict, featuring crispy jumbo lump crabcakes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, served with mixed salad, was decent but not as exciting as we had hoped.

However, the Braised Beef Benedict stole the spotlight, with toasted English muffin, tender braised beef, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise sauce, crispy potatoes, and mixed salad. This dish was a standout, an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures that lingered on the palate.

To conclude our brunch experience on a sweet note, we indulged in the Tiramisu, elegantly presented in a conventional stovetop espresso maker. The mascarpone cheese, espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuit, and cocoa powder combined harmoniously to create a delightful dessert.

Zanti doesn’t just excel in the realm of food; their cocktail selection is equally impressive. We had the pleasure of sampling both traditional and creative options. The Guava Twist, a personal favorite, featured Don Julio Blanco, Ginger Liqueur, guava purée, lemon juice, and salt. It arrived beautifully presented in a cloche, emitting a hint of smoke, and the flavor was a complex and exceptional revelation.

Another standout was the DOUBLE D, boasting Jalapeño-infused tequila, honey, and fresh lemon juice. It delivered a slightly spicy margarita experience that was both refreshing and invigorating.

In summary, Zanti Cucina Italiana is a dining destination that deserves recognition for its innovative menu, visually stunning dishes, and impressive cocktails. While a few dishes didn’t quite hit the mark, the culinary highlights more than made up for it. Santiago Pelaez’s vision continues to shine through at this River Oaks establishment, earning Zanti a solid 4 out of 5 crowns in our book. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a decadent brunch, Zanti is a testament to the enduring allure of Italian cuisine, reimagined for the modern palate.