IT SEEMS THE groundhog was right, and spring has come early to Houston! Perfect timing for a prime patio spot to arrive in CityCentre: North Italia, the casual hotspot for pizza and wine on Post Oak, just bowed in the former Tasting Room location, boasting two outdoor spaces, complete with greenery and fireplaces.

The laidback but cool environs — think artful graffiti, and bold red accents throughout — are home to North Italia’s modern twists on Italian staples. The chef’s board offers three types of cheese, house pickled veggies, olives, a fig spread and grilled bread. (The grilled bread makes another appearance, alongside garlic-and-truffle-infused ricotta… Yes, please.) It all pairs perfectly with one of the fun Italian-inspired cocktails, like the Julietta with ginger and vanilla vodka, elderflower and prosecco.

For the mains, there’s a handful of pizzas like the wildcard Chef’s Daily Choice, The Pig (with every type of pepperoni, sausage and salami imaginable), or the veggie-friendly Funghi pizza with mushrooms and onions. The pasta is made in house — it’s delicious, but substitute for vegetable noodles and save around 400 calories — and paired with traditional toppings like meatballs or the more adventurous jumbo lump crab, tiger shrimp and pepperoncino.

It's bound to be a new Sunday Funday destination for westsiders, with decadent menu items Banana Coffee Cake with dark-rum butterscotch and caramelized banana, or the Breakfast Carbonara Pasta with poached egg and crispy pancetta.

The patio at North Italia

Breakfast Carbonara

Brunch Cocktails

Inside North Italia

Pollo Frito

A mural on the patio at North Italis