Wow, not so hidden gem. Surprised I only recently tried this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallop, Truffle
T T
After my last visit at Potente, I’m not sure I’ll return. It left quite the sour taste in my mouth. I was disappointed in the reaction to my child that’s been going to Potente since he was 4 years old wearing shorts. I left a review on Open Table and got no response. I was quite disappointed that no one called to apologize and try to understand the situation. In 7 years, Potente has never once cared that a child was wearing shorts (my husband and I were in jeans). Now, all of a sudden they care. In all of our visits over the years, during Astros season and NOT during Astros season, no one has ever said a thing. I understand a dress code for adults. And had someone told us any of the many many times over the last 7 years, I would have been more understanding. But to have the reaction that was had and act as if they are doing me a favor by allowing my son to dine, left me not wanting to return.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
My husband and I are in Houston TX for the first time. We walked past Potente and the building was eye catching so we made a reservation for that evening. We prefer the atmosphere of the lounge, so we dined at a table for 2. There was live music, which added to the environment but you could still hold a conversation. Our service was excellent, from the hostess, to the servers, the wine expert, and the chef (who came out to great us). We would definitely go back! The food was a creole Italian mix and excellent. We had a happy hour beverage the Potente 75, light and refreshing martini. We started with bread service (house made hummus was good, but I would have preferred butter or EVOO). We had the GAMBERETTO for the beginnings, which was an amazing meaty shrimp appetizer. For our mains I had the pasta and added the blue crab for protein source. I do not typically order pasta, but it was light and delicious. The pasta is made in house daily and I didn't suffer from any GI discomfort afterwards (I do not have celiacs but do try to minimize gluten). My husband had the veal chop with morrell mushroom risotto, it was tender and delicious. For dessert we had the TORTA DI MARSALA and a dessert beverage (my hubby's preferred way to enjoy his dessert). We would certainly go back! Excellent date night spot!
jean louis Poisson
We wanted to have a romantic dinner after enjoying our engagement photo. Oh boy, this restaurant was extremely elegant and romantic. And the food was completely in the same standards as the decor. Everything was amazing. I would strongly recommend the pasta del mare or the octopus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
We've been going to Potente with our child since they opened in 2017. All of a sudden, after 7 years, they now care if a child is wearing shorts. I said I can go elsewhere then and they acted like they were doing me this huge favor to allow my child in wearing shorts. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Potente used to be the best Italian in Houston and I love their truffle pasta, but with Bari and Lombardi also having really good truffle pasta, I'm good. I can go elsewhere if they are going to throw a fit that my 11 year old child is wearing shorts.
Monique Robinson
The food was incredible. If you are looking for a culinary delight, this will definitely satisfy your needs. However, if service is important to you, you may be left unimpressed. There were several noticeable lags in service/wait times in between courses. As we were seated, we were not greeted immediately. Our waiter had visited our table (along with other people - water, menus), but never introduced himself. We noticed another table, had received an explanation of the menus, we did not receive that until it was time for us to order (at least 20 min after arrived). Our biggest complaint with the waiter was that we had inquired about a recommendation for wine. He gave us 3 wines to try (which was great), after we decided on 1, we asked for a bottle. He bought back the wrong bottle which I didn't realize until he was about to open the wine. It seemed as if the waiter was not paying attention to our table as much as I would have expected for this caliber of restaurant. Lastly, valet returned our car without the key inside. We did not realize until we returned home (almost an hour later), that there was no key. When we called the restaurant, they had our key and apologized and asked if the valet could drive the key to us. However, we did not feel comfortable giving our address out. So, we drove back the next day to retrieve our key. There was no note of apology or acknowledgement of the inconvenience given. We frequent restaurants of ALL calibers very often and this is not level of service I would have expected. I felt very disappointed and am not sure that the excellence of the food, outweighs the underwhelming service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Shelvy Cottes
Been twice with coworkers and both times have been exceptional services. Do yourself a favor and try the Sphagetti and the vanilla peach margarita. For dessert the crembule.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hummus, Salad
Summer H
Potente is a gorgeous restaurant and their team delivered the most beautiful and delicious meal. From planning our small private party to bidding us farewell after the meal, the restaurant and its entire team was impeccable. Cameron led an elegant dinner experience for our party of 13. Our sommelier was excellent. I can’t adequately describe the attention to detail that Potente put into our meal and service.Congratulations to Potente and their amazing team. I will not forget the incredible meal and thoughtful service you provided. I highly recommend this lovely restaurant if you are looking for a one of a kind experience and deliciously satisfying meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Berkman
? as a guest in Houston, the staff made me feel right at home and even the valet went above and beyond by retrieving something from my car????✨?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rob Geissmann
Great staff, great food. This place never disapoints and the staff's attention to detail is unparalleled.
Loved the ambience of this restaurant. The bartender was amazing as we ate at the bar top. The food was good but a little too saucy for me. I prefer enjoying the fish with minimal sauce and good seasoning.
OKtraveler
Potente is an elegant restaurant with an excellent dining experience. Great for special occasions or business events. There several unique items on the menu. The service is exceptional.
Justin T. Dolan
Great place for a business dinner or date night. Could not have had better service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marie Ekpema
This place is a hidden gem and definitely has an upscale atmosphere. It was clear that some of the patrons were repeat customers. Thanks to Kristine for a wonderful experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Branzino
Tee B.
A stunning ambience for dinner. Stellar service and a supremely polished well-versed staff. The appetizers and entrees were excellent in quality and freshness. We will keep this restaurant in rotation for business, personal and special occasions!
Wow, not so hidden gem. Surprised I only recently tried this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallop, Truffle
After my last visit at Potente, I’m not sure I’ll return. It left quite the sour taste in my mouth. I was disappointed in the reaction to my child that’s been going to Potente since he was 4 years old wearing shorts. I left a review on Open Table and got no response. I was quite disappointed that no one called to apologize and try to understand the situation. In 7 years, Potente has never once cared that a child was wearing shorts (my husband and I were in jeans). Now, all of a sudden they care. In all of our visits over the years, during Astros season and NOT during Astros season, no one has ever said a thing. I understand a dress code for adults. And had someone told us any of the many many times over the last 7 years, I would have been more understanding. But to have the reaction that was had and act as if they are doing me a favor by allowing my son to dine, left me not wanting to return.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
My husband and I are in Houston TX for the first time. We walked past Potente and the building was eye catching so we made a reservation for that evening. We prefer the atmosphere of the lounge, so we dined at a table for 2. There was live music, which added to the environment but you could still hold a conversation. Our service was excellent, from the hostess, to the servers, the wine expert, and the chef (who came out to great us). We would definitely go back! The food was a creole Italian mix and excellent. We had a happy hour beverage the Potente 75, light and refreshing martini. We started with bread service (house made hummus was good, but I would have preferred butter or EVOO). We had the GAMBERETTO for the beginnings, which was an amazing meaty shrimp appetizer. For our mains I had the pasta and added the blue crab for protein source. I do not typically order pasta, but it was light and delicious. The pasta is made in house daily and I didn't suffer from any GI discomfort afterwards (I do not have celiacs but do try to minimize gluten). My husband had the veal chop with morrell mushroom risotto, it was tender and delicious. For dessert we had the TORTA DI MARSALA and a dessert beverage (my hubby's preferred way to enjoy his dessert). We would certainly go back! Excellent date night spot!
We wanted to have a romantic dinner after enjoying our engagement photo. Oh boy, this restaurant was extremely elegant and romantic. And the food was completely in the same standards as the decor. Everything was amazing. I would strongly recommend the pasta del mare or the octopus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
We've been going to Potente with our child since they opened in 2017. All of a sudden, after 7 years, they now care if a child is wearing shorts. I said I can go elsewhere then and they acted like they were doing me this huge favor to allow my child in wearing shorts. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Potente used to be the best Italian in Houston and I love their truffle pasta, but with Bari and Lombardi also having really good truffle pasta, I'm good. I can go elsewhere if they are going to throw a fit that my 11 year old child is wearing shorts.
The food was incredible. If you are looking for a culinary delight, this will definitely satisfy your needs. However, if service is important to you, you may be left unimpressed. There were several noticeable lags in service/wait times in between courses. As we were seated, we were not greeted immediately. Our waiter had visited our table (along with other people - water, menus), but never introduced himself. We noticed another table, had received an explanation of the menus, we did not receive that until it was time for us to order (at least 20 min after arrived). Our biggest complaint with the waiter was that we had inquired about a recommendation for wine. He gave us 3 wines to try (which was great), after we decided on 1, we asked for a bottle. He bought back the wrong bottle which I didn't realize until he was about to open the wine. It seemed as if the waiter was not paying attention to our table as much as I would have expected for this caliber of restaurant. Lastly, valet returned our car without the key inside. We did not realize until we returned home (almost an hour later), that there was no key. When we called the restaurant, they had our key and apologized and asked if the valet could drive the key to us. However, we did not feel comfortable giving our address out. So, we drove back the next day to retrieve our key. There was no note of apology or acknowledgement of the inconvenience given. We frequent restaurants of ALL calibers very often and this is not level of service I would have expected. I felt very disappointed and am not sure that the excellence of the food, outweighs the underwhelming service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Been twice with coworkers and both times have been exceptional services. Do yourself a favor and try the Sphagetti and the vanilla peach margarita. For dessert the crembule.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hummus, Salad
Potente is a gorgeous restaurant and their team delivered the most beautiful and delicious meal. From planning our small private party to bidding us farewell after the meal, the restaurant and its entire team was impeccable. Cameron led an elegant dinner experience for our party of 13. Our sommelier was excellent. I can’t adequately describe the attention to detail that Potente put into our meal and service.Congratulations to Potente and their amazing team. I will not forget the incredible meal and thoughtful service you provided. I highly recommend this lovely restaurant if you are looking for a one of a kind experience and deliciously satisfying meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
? as a guest in Houston, the staff made me feel right at home and even the valet went above and beyond by retrieving something from my car????✨?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great staff, great food. This place never disapoints and the staff's attention to detail is unparalleled.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Loved the ambience of this restaurant. The bartender was amazing as we ate at the bar top. The food was good but a little too saucy for me. I prefer enjoying the fish with minimal sauce and good seasoning.
Potente is an elegant restaurant with an excellent dining experience. Great for special occasions or business events. There several unique items on the menu. The service is exceptional.
Great place for a business dinner or date night. Could not have had better service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is a hidden gem and definitely has an upscale atmosphere. It was clear that some of the patrons were repeat customers. Thanks to Kristine for a wonderful experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Branzino
A stunning ambience for dinner. Stellar service and a supremely polished well-versed staff. The appetizers and entrees were excellent in quality and freshness. We will keep this restaurant in rotation for business, personal and special occasions!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Branzino, Polipetti Arrostiti, Cast Iron Seared Diver Scallop, Truffle