Salento Bistrot
Support ME on the Good Eats Houston Group Page
Do you know what I love about Houston? This city is broken into cool nooks and crannies where delicious little cafes can be discovered everywhere you turn. Salento, in the Rice Village, is no exception. Amongst the bustle of village shoppers, sits an unexpected gem. Housed in a newly renovated store front on Rive Boulevard, this cafe pulls you in from the moment you walk up with its tables and chairs lining the sidewalk. Folks are chatting over a glass of wine and others enjoying coffee while working on Salento’s free Wi-Fi.
Entering the main dining room, a vibe of groovy European cafe comes into focus. Jazz music plays with a chill beat and something about this place just puts us at total ease. Salento is neither rushed nor pretentious. Service was very kind and knowledgeable. You can tell pride is taken the craft of hospitality here at Salento.
The menu at Salento is a fusion of European classics and Latin flare. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered every day. The hubs and I were in on a Saturday evening for dinner. Although after reviewing some of the breakfast selections, chef’s special pancakes call from the blackboard of specials, for this we will be back. The dinner menu is a great mix of smaller plates, think cheese boards and flat breads along with bigger portions including the yummy roasted salmon. A hand selected wine list offers a little something for everyone’s taste and budget. My husband and I enjoyed a bottle of Cabernet and made some food selections.
We started off with a couple small plates. The Shrimp Alambres were phenomenal y’all! Unlike any dish I’ve had before, it is not to be missed. Eight perfectly grilled shrimp rest on a fiery hot bowl, this alone is worth ordering the dish, but it doesn’t stop there. Inside this piping hot bowl is a bubbling red sauce that is both spicy and slightly sweet, topped with roasted cactus slivers and fresh cotija cheese. All served with fresh made tortilla chips and corn tortillas for dipping and stuffing to your hearts content. Absolutely delicious!
I would also recommend the fresh Burrata cheese with cherry tomatoes tossed in a house pesto over arugula. The tomatoes and arugula were extremely fresh and perfectly seasoned. Just a simple classic done very well.
After these ‘small plates’ we wondered how we could stand to eat more, but then we caught wind of the neighbors Chicken Marsala. This moist chicken breast is grilled and served with the most amazing and densely flavorful balsamic glazed farro. Then the sauce, oh this sauce ya’ll, rich with wine and mushrooms, cries for bread to soak up every last bit.
Coffee at Salento is not to be missed. High quality beans roasted and ground to make the perfect cappuccino, espresso or latte. This is my recommended way to end the perfect evening, because at Salento you want to sit, relax and stay awhile.
Support ME on the Good Eats Houston Group Page
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMBER FATHEREE
Traveling? Take a look at the Good Eats Local Travel Guide for the best restaurants and local activities!
Stay in the loop with our Guide to Good Eats & Craft Beers!
Please Share Our Page!
Certified #goodeatsHouston #SalentoBistrot #Wine #Bistro #goodeatsLocal @goodeatsLocal @MikePuckettDDM
Directions
Salento Bistro
Good Eats Houston Facebook Group
Salento Bistrot
Click the image above and take a look at the website for more information.
Houston Good Eats Guide
Featuring the Best Restaurants in Houston! Providing locals and travelers a guide to what’s good in Houston!
Houston Craft Beer Guide
Featuring the Best Craft Breweries in Houston! Providing locals and travelers a guide to what’s good in Houston!
Cool Houston Activities
Featuring the Best Activities in Houston! Providing locals and travelers a guide to what’s good in Houston!
Where to Stay
Featuring the Best places to stay in Houston! Providing locals and travelers a guide to what’s good in Houston!