There are bread baskets, and there's the best bread basket in Texas at La Griglia in Houston. This cozy neighborhood restaurant doesn't offer the traditional breadsticks found at most Italian restaurants. Instead, it serves up delicious strips of cheesy bread with marinara sauce (so basically cheese pizza!) that are so good, it's basically impossible not to fill up on them before the main course.

If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Lone Star State will be delivered straight to your email. Yum!

While the famous La Griglia moved to a new location in late 2023, it still serves up the same award-winning Italian food Houstonians have been enjoying for over 30 years. The new spot is located in Montrose and is sleek and modern, yet still maintains that comforting charm that locals have come to know (and love).

The menu also hasn't changed much; guests can still expect to see both traditional and innovative Italian dishes made with ingredients sourced directly from Italy.

From soups, salads, and appetizers to wood-fired pizzas to mains like flounder piccata, mushroom lasagna, and short ribs, there is something for everyone on the menu. Not only is the food delicious, but it's also presented beautifully, and you really can't go wrong no matter what you order.

While the menu items deserve plenty of praise, the real star of the show is the bread basket. Sure, most Italian restaurants offer them, but La Griglia takes it to the next level by including strips of cheese pizza instead of the usual breadsticks or rolls.

The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, the house-made marinara sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the cheese needs no explanation (does it ever?).

Normally I would tell you to pace yourself with the bread basket to save room for dessert, but I understand that's asking a lot here. You can always take some of your food home in a to-go box if necessary!

If you happen to have any space left for dessert, the options are the definition of decadence. From strawberry mascarpone cheesecake to tiramisu to an Italian cookie platter, you'll be in pure foodie heaven.

For those who imbibe, the cocktail list is next-level. Espresso martinis and more are made by expert bartenders, and there is also an extensive wine list.

Visit the La Griglia website or the La Griglia Facebook page for more information, including current hours and a full menu.

Have you ever eaten at La Griglia? If so, do you think it has the best bread basket in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article below for a nearby underground attraction that will change the way you see Houston. If you need somewhere to stay in the city, I highly recommend the Marriott Marquis Houston.

The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern In Houston, Texas Is A One-Of-A-Kind Attraction Brimming With Creativity