North Italia Opens June 10 in Katy: A First Look at the Handmade Pastas, Wood-Fired Pizzas and Brunch Dishes Coming to LaCenterra
For months, Katy-area residents have watched construction crews transform the former Baker St. Pub space at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Next week, that anticipation finally comes to an end.
North Italia will officially open its doors on June 10, bringing one of the country's fastest-growing Italian dining concepts to Katy and adding another highly anticipated destination to the heart of Cinco Ranch.
While the opening itself is significant for LaCenterra and the continued growth of West Houston's dining scene, many local residents are asking a simpler question: What's on the menu?
The answer is a lineup designed around fresh, made-from-scratch Italian cooking, with handmade pasta prepared daily, wood-fired pizzas, shareable appetizers, brunch favorites, seasonal desserts and an extensive beverage program.
A Restaurant Built Around Scratch-Made Italian Cooking
Founded in Arizona and now operating more than 50 locations nationwide, North Italia has developed a loyal following by focusing on house-made ingredients and approachable Italian dishes.
The Katy location becomes the fourth North Italia in the Greater Houston area, joining existing restaurants in The Woodlands, CityCentre and Uptown Houston.
Inside the nearly 9,000-square-foot restaurant at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, guests will find an open-kitchen concept where pasta is made fresh and pizzas emerge from the restaurant's signature ovens throughout the day.
That focus on craftsmanship is evident throughout the menu.
Start With the Appetizers
Many first-time visitors are expected to begin with one of North Italia's most talked-about starters: the White Truffle Garlic Bread, topped with house-made ricotta, mozzarella, Grana Padano and fresh herbs.
Other shareable favorites include:
- Crispy Eggplant Parmesan with fresh mozzarella and spicy vodka sauce
- Cacio e Pepe Arancini featuring crispy risotto and pesto aioli
- Calamari Fritti served with Calabrian aioli
- Wild Shrimp Scampi with garlic confit and herb butter
- Heirloom Tomato & Burrata with grilled ciabatta and Calabrian vinaigrette
- Italian Meatballs served over creamy polenta
For groups gathering before concerts, shopping trips or community events at LaCenterra, the Chef's Board offers a shareable selection of imported meats, cheeses, olives, fig jam and black truffle honey.
Handmade Pasta Takes Center Stage
Pasta is where North Italia has built much of its reputation, and the Katy menu features several dishes that have become guest favorites across the country.
Among the standout offerings:
- Spicy Rigatoni Vodka: One of the restaurant's signature dishes combines rigatoni with Italian sausage, crispy pancetta, garlic, basil and Grana Padano.
- Bolognese: The house specialty features traditional meat sauce served over pappardelle pasta and finished with Grana Padano and oregano.
- Braised Short Rib Lumache: A rich dish combining braised short rib with Grana Padano crema and horseradish gremolata.
- Squid Ink Tonnarelli: For seafood lovers, this pasta features shrimp, calamari and spicy tomato sauce accented with fennel pollen and mint.
Additional options include Agnolotti al Pomodoro, Strozzapreti, Ricotta Cavatelli and Sunday Night Lasagna. Gluten-free pasta and vegetable noodle substitutions are also available.
Wood-Fired Pizza Fans Will Have Plenty of Choices
North Italia's pizza menu ranges from classic Italian preparations to more creative combinations.
The Margherita remains a traditional favorite with fresh basil, mozzarella and red sauce, while the Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto pizza layers Calabrian honey, arugula and pecorino for a sweet-and-savory combination.
Other notable selections include:
- Funghi with roasted mushrooms and truffle
- Fig & Prosciutto finished with black truffle honey
- Cacio e Pepe pizza
- Spicy Meatball pizza
- The Pig, topped with pepperoni, calabrese, sopressata and Italian sausage
Weekend Brunch Could Become a Katy Favorite
One menu that may attract significant attention from local residents is North Italia's weekend brunch service. Brunch has become increasingly popular across Katy and Cinco Ranch, and North Italia arrives with a menu designed specifically for that crowd.
Highlights include:
- Strawberries & Cream French Toast
- Breakfast Carbonara Pasta
- Eggs in Purgatory
- Bistro Steak & Eggs
- Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
- Tuscan Hash with short rib or pulled chicken
- Breakfast Rosa Pizza topped with eggs, pancetta and Italian sausage
For families visiting LaCenterra on weekends, a dedicated kids menu includes pasta, cheese pizza, chicken strips, grilled cheese and meatball sliders.
Save Room for Dessert
Dessert options continue the restaurant's from-scratch philosophy and include several items likely to become social media favorites.
Guests can choose from:
- Tiramisu
- Bombolini Italian donuts with lemon curd and blueberry compote
- Salted Caramel Budino
- Hazelnut Torta with house-made Nutella
- Seasonal Butter Cake
- Brookie Sundae
- Affogato featuring espresso poured over gelato
Cocktails, Wine and Happy Hour
North Italia's beverage program extends beyond traditional Italian wines.
The cocktail menu includes drinks such as the Sicilian Margarita, Limoncello Sbagliato, Turino Old Fashioned, Neapolitan martini and New Italian Spritz. Non-alcoholic cocktails and wines are also available.
Guests looking for after-work specials will find a weekday happy hour featuring discounted appetizers, pizzas, cocktails, wine and beer from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar area.
Why This Opening Matters for Katy
The arrival of North Italia represents more than another restaurant opening.
As LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch continues to evolve, the addition of a nationally recognized dining destination further strengthens the mixed-use center's role as one of Katy's most active gathering places. Whether it's date night, a family celebration, weekend brunch with friends, a business lunch or a post-shopping dinner, the restaurant is expected to become a regular stop for residents throughout Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear and West Houston.
With opening day now just days away, North Italia's debut marks another milestone in the continued growth of Katy's dining landscape—and gives local foodies a new reason to spend an evening at one of the community's most recognizable destinations.
North Italia opens June 10, 2026, at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in Katy.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of new restaurant openings, business development and community growth across Katy, Cinco Ranch and West Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
