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The Italian Homemade Company (Cow Hollow)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Italian Homemade Company (Cow Hollow)
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service spot for fresh pasta, mix-and-match sauces, and piadina. Lines move fast, portions satisfy, and the casual setup works for quick weeknight carb fixes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle al ragù, Piadina prosciutto, Gnocchi pesto
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fresh, house-made pasta at counter-service speed and pricing.
Who should go: Casual pasta fans on a budget
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for shorter lines
What to order: Tagliatelle ragù, gnocchi pesto, piadina
Insider tip: Grab fresh pasta and sauce from the fridge for at-home dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union or Fillmore; metered spots turn over regularly but can be tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from the open kitchen and steady crowd, but conversation is easy at shared tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line at peak hours; tables turn quickly once seated.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pastas and sauces like pesto, tomato basil, and arrabbiata are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—opt for plain pasta with marinara or ask for veggie-only options.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta, but you can order salads or piadina fillings without bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and unfussy—it’s counter-service with minimal ambiance, better for quick comfort than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Lines move fast, and seating opens up frequently, especially outside peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the simple pasta plates and open layout. High chairs are available and service is patient with families.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, house-made pasta at a lower price point than sit-down Italian spots nearby; ideal for quick, satisfying carb fixes.
Skip if: You’re looking for a romantic dinner or full-service dining—try A16 or Roma Antica instead for a more elevated experience.
The Italian Homemade Company (Cow Hollow)
7.8
Casual counter-service pasta shop turning out fresh housemade shapes, piadine, and simple sauces. Limited outdoor seating makes it an easy al fresco carb stop on Union Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Gnocchi al pesto, Piadina with prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fresh, housemade pasta with fast pacing and sidewalk seating.
Who should go: Casual pasta lovers on the go
When to visit: Early lunch to beat peak lines
What to order: Pappardelle Bolognese; gnocchi pesto; piadina
Insider tip: Customize pasta shape and sauce—staff will guide pairings if you ask.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street and surrounding residential blocks; meters fill fast around lunch hours.
Dress code: Ultra casual—tees, shorts, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush; otherwise easy to hold a conversation outdoors.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for an outdoor table; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before noon; short line 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta sauces and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—only 1–2 options depending on daily specials.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta; some salads available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and low-pressure—it’s more a quick bite than a romantic sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is walk-up and first-come-first-served; grab one of the few outdoor tables early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for families with younger children—simple pastas, friendly staff, and fast service.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, handmade pasta served fast—ideal for casual outdoor lunches or solo meals.
Skip if: You want a full-service dinner experience, cocktails, or extended patio seating.
The Italian Homemade Company (Cow Hollow)
7.9
Counter-service pasta shop turning out fresh tagliatelle, pillowy gnocchi, and piadine at friendly prices. It’s a fast, no-fuss option when the family needs carbs and minimal wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle Bolognese, Gnocchi al Pesto, Piadina with Prosciutto & Arugula
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fresh, house-made pasta in a quick, kid-tolerant format.
Who should go: Families short on time and budget
When to visit: Peak lunch for fastest turnover
What to order: Pappardelle bolognese; gnocchi pesto; piadina
Insider tip: Grab takeout and eat at nearby Allyne Park.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Union and adjacent side streets; usually available within a block before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—come as you are; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush with family chatter and open kitchen, quiet mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta sauces and piadine can be customized meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – some tomato-based sauces and salads work if ordered without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta; salads and piadine are options with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date—it’s more functional than atmospheric, though fine for a casual meetup or post-park lunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—it's counter-service only, and tables turn fast even during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—kids love watching pasta made fresh behind the counter, and portions suit family sharing; high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and fresher than nearby sit-down trattorias; ideal when you want real pasta without table-service time or cost.
Skip if: You’re looking for a longer, wine-paired meal or quieter ambiance—try Pane e Vino or Roma Antica instead.