North Italia Set to Open at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Spring 2026
Big changes are underway at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, where the former Baker St. Pub is being transformed into something entirely new. North Italia, an upscale Italian restaurant known for its house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh takes on classic dishes, is slated to open its doors in the spring of 2026.
According to an official permit filing, renovation on the 8,732-square-foot space at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. will kick off in early November 2025, following the closure of Baker St. Pub in late 2024. The upcoming restaurant is privately funded, with a renovation budget of $1.87 million. Once open, it will be North Italia’s fourth location in the Greater Houston area, joining spots in The Woodlands, BLVD Place in Uptown, and CityCentre.
A Fresh Spin on Italian Favorites
Owned and operated by The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated, North Italia offers a neighborhood-style dining experience with a contemporary twist. Each dish is prepared from scratch daily, from the freshly kneaded pizza dough to the handmade pastas and rich sauces.
At North Italia, guests can expect an impressive lineup of seasonal dishes and creative combinations. Small plates include items like white truffle garlic bread with house-made ricotta, crispy eggplant parmesan, and calamari fritti with Calabrian aioli and grilled lemon. Signature entrees range from the spicy rigatoni vodka with pancetta and sausage to squid ink tonnarelli with shrimp and calamari. For pizza fans, choices span from the classic margherita to the decadent hot honey and smoked prosciutto or the richly flavored “The Pig,” topped with four types of salami.
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The lunch menu also features hearty salads, sandwiches served on hearth-baked bread, and unique offerings like garlic knot sliders and strombolis. Guests with dietary restrictions can choose from gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles for most dishes.
A National Brand with a Local Touch
North Italia is no stranger to expansion. With more than 30 locations across the U.S.—from Arizona to North Carolina—the brand continues to grow in major cities and suburban lifestyle centers. Each restaurant features a carefully curated list of wines, craft beers, and house-made cocktails tailored to the local market.
What sets North Italia apart is its attention to detail. Every restaurant is designed with open kitchen layouts, high ceilings, and modern décor. This design philosophy—paired with a focus on genuine hospitality—creates an environment that’s both lively and welcoming.
Bringing Something New to LaCenterra
For Katy residents, the addition of North Italia fills a void left by the closure of Baker St. Pub and reflects LaCenterra’s continuing evolution as a destination for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The open kitchen and thoughtful menu will offer a fresh place to celebrate milestones, enjoy weekend brunch, or share a pizza after a day of shopping.
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LaCenterra’s walkable outdoor layout and blend of retail, dining, and community events make it an ideal fit for North Italia’s neighborhood-first approach. And for longtime fans of the restaurant’s other Houston locations, this new outpost will offer the same high-quality experience—now closer to home.
Renovations to the space for the upcoming North Italia in Katy is expected to wrap up by early March 2026. The new addition is expected to bring fresh energy to LaCenterra’s dining scene, offering Katy residents a new place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy a modern take on Italian cuisine when it opens next spring.
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.
