Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
l’ambiente, la compagnia, and I’ingrediente
Zanti Cucina Italiana is a traditional Italian restaurant that has earned a stellar reputation for outstanding food, ambience, and service. According to their management, Zanti is proud to emphasize the importance of “l’ambiente, la compagnia, and I’ingrediente – the setting, the company, and of course, the ingredients – all essential to the Italian experience.”
So it’s not just about the food. The food is fabulous, by the way. What is extra special about Zanti is the overall dining experience. From the inviting exterior, the welcoming lobby, the casual but elegant dining room, and the smiling faces, first impressions are spot on.
Zanti’s is a Welcome Addition to The Woodlands Dining Scene
Located in the northwest part of The Woodlands at 10000 Reseach Forest, Zanti’s is a welcome addition to the local dining scene. Founder and CEO Santiago Pelaez created the incredible combination of fantastic food, a modern upscale facility, and a knowledgeable, talented, caring staff.
Zanti’s is the perfect place for a romantic evening with that someone special, or to enjoy time with family and friends. With plenty of indoor and outdoor dining space, anytime is a good time for Zanti’s.
Fabulous Food and Drink
One of our main courses was the delicious Rib Eye Tagliata. The tender beef was served on a bed of arugula, with cherry tomatoes, crispy potatoes, shaved parmesan, and a wonderful mustard sauce. This beautiful Rib Eye is pictured here with two of our appetizers below. The starters were the amazing Burrata Cheese with Proscuito and the Zanti Artichoke with pancetta, sun-dried tomatoes, stracciatella cheese, white wine, and olive oil.
Other popular main courses include the Branzino & Crab, a baked branzino fillet filled with crab in lemon butter sauce, heirloom tomatoes, sautéed spinach, capers, and red bell pepper. Another favorite is the Truffle & Cheese Ravioli with fontina cheese, taleggio cheese, burrata cheese, parmesan cheese sauce, truffle oil.
The Staff at Zanti is Family
The nucleus of Zanti’s kitchen is Stefano Forrero, the Executive Chef. Born and raised in the Piedmont area of northern Italy, Stefano began at an early age with his family’s restaurant. He trained professionally at Centro Professionale Spai Trevano in Switzerland, and has worked at many high profile restaurants throughout Italy, Switzerland, and Mexico.
Stefano took my wife and me on a tour of the kitchen and restaurant. Every corner, shelf, and countertop was spotless, clean and modern. We could see and feel the passion Stefano displayed for his chosen career. Knowledgeable, passionate, warm, and friendly, we talked with Stefano and Santiago Pelaez, the CEO and founder of Zanti’s, for an hour after dinner. We talked about food, wine, Zanti’s, people, and life. It was like talking to old friends you love, admire, and respect, even though that night was the first time we met.
The Perfect Pizza
There is nothing better than a fresh pizza out of the oven with your favorite beverage. Stefano explained how the dough is made with a special water to enable a natural fermentation process where the sugars don’t ferment into heavier sugars. We thoroughly enjoyed our Neopolitan Pork Pizza – a thin crust with a puffy edge and the perfect blend of salami, pepperoni, sausage and mozarrella cheese. The pizza is cut in four large slices, perfect for folding and eating!
Causual Upscale Dining at Zanti’s
Upon arriving at Zanti’s, we were welcomed by smiling faces. Our hostess walked us to our booth, designed with high curved backs to ensure our privacy, but still open to the other diners and lovely chandeliers above the main room. Katie, our waiter, was friendly, helpful, and always seeing to our every need. She was very personable and professional, and helped make our evening special.
Zanti’s is definitely an upscale restaurant, but comfortable and casual. Some diners were dressed up, but many were also in casual attire enjoying this neighborhood eatery with family and friends.
Dessert at Zanti’s
To complete a wonderful meal at Zanti’s, you must try one of the tasty desserts the kitchen prepares. You can’t go wrong with traditional treats like the White Chocolate Cannoli, Piemonte Tiramisu, and Vanilla Panna Cotta. Others include the Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Bomboloni (Italian donuts), and the tantalizing Apple Crisp. There is also gelato, dessert wines, and after dinner drinks.
Then there is the Zanti Sphere. When our waiter walked up to our table carrying a huge globe of chocolate, our eyes widened in amazement. The waiter then poured a hot liquid chocolate on top, and we watched the hard chocolate shell crack and collapse to reveal the inside. Enclosed in the globe was scoop of salted caramel gelato on top of a decadent brownie, all enriched with a delicious fudge sauce. We dug right in, and can happily report the Zanti Sphere was as delicious as it looked.
Welcome Zanti’s to the Neighborhood
Thanks to Zanti’s for hosting us for a wonderful evening. Whether it’s for lunch with friends, a romantic evening, or to gather with family and friends, Zanti’s is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. We are sure to return for the outstanding food and service – and to spend some time with new friends!
