Photos by Jhane Hoang
Styling by René Garza
Models Charlie Ferguson, Sarah Wohlschlaeger
Hair and makeup by Tonya Riner
Photo assistance by Collin Kelly
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on Location Downtown, at Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations in the Niels Esperson Building
Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
Decadent pasta and wine awaits at Milton's.
The convivial American trattoria is the brainchild of Houston restaurateur Benjy Levit (Benjy’s, Local Foods, Lee’s Den, Maximo), culinary director Seth Siegel-Gardner, exec-chef Kent Domas and the Local Foods Group. Milton’s, named after Benjy’s late father, resides in the former Eau Tour space above Local Foods.
If you’ve followed the Houston dining scene long enough, you know that if Levit’s concepts need tweaking, he will quickly pivot. "We wanted to create an intimate space where people can come together to meet old friends and make new ones," says Levit. "Reflecting back to the golden age of gathering, our team has worked tirelessly to create an elegant yet unpretentious dining experience with comforting shareable dishes and incredible drinks evoking subtle nostalgia.”
Craveable starters include the Tigelle Platter with baked-to-order Emilia Romagna-style stamped flatbreads and salumi, house pickles, or chicken liver mousse with whipped ricotta. Three-day-fermented sourdough garlic knots with burrata and fresh shaved truffles; and rocket and parsley salad with Parmesan, warm guanciale, and lemon also hit the spot.
A scratch-made pasta program is at the heart of the menu, and you can really taste the freshness. Options include pillowy ricotta gnocchi with cacio e pepe; Bolognese with rigatoni, sherry and Parmesan; and agnolotti del plin stuffed with mortadella and prosciutto. Chicken Parmesan will be a staple, alongside eggplant and veal Parmesan options, and luxurious 100-layer lasagna will feature unique fillings changing weekly. We look forward to the towering tiramisu with made-in-house coffee liqueur as our sweet finale.
Highlights of the bar program by beverage director Máté Hartai (Refuge, Tongue Cut Sparrow) include Milton’s Martini with Barolo Chinato, dry vermouths, and London dry gin, kissed with champagne bitters; The 77 Beige, whiskey and Benedictine enhanced with sesame and brown butter; and Caffe Incoretto, a riff on the classic espresso and liqueur drink. Hartai also makes Rubycello with Texas Ruby Red grapefruit in a limoncello treatment and as the star of a highball with Cocchi Rosso and rosé bubbles.
Rather sip vino? Expect Old and New World options and some fun and funky bottle and by-the-glass selections at various price points.
To create the warm interiors, Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design leaned away from classic trattoria colors and motifs, choosing a preppy color palette of Irish green and golden yellow. An 11-seat Brunswick-styled bar leads to the open kitchen and roomy plush banquettes welcome guests for a leisurely supper. Mahogany accents throughout the dining room channel a New England yacht club, with brass lighting fixtures completing the 60-seat space. An enclosed patio will serve as a private dining room for intimate gatherings.
Vaughan is also spearheading the revamp of adjoining concept Lee’s Den, expected to open this winter as an elegant speakeasy tucked away amongst the canopy of surrounding trees. Cocktails, wine, and small bites will be on offer.
Gnocchi
Tiramisu