D’Amico’s Italian Market Café in Houston Serves a Pizza That’s Straight from the Family Playbook
HOUSTON, TX — In the heart of Houston’s Rice Village, there’s a place where pizza isn’t just a meal — it’s a family tradition. D’Amico’s Italian Market Café, led by Chef Nash D’Amico, has carved out a loyal following over the last two decades thanks to its deeply personal approach to Italian cooking. And if you’ve ever had the Nash Pizza, you already know why this café keeps drawing regulars back like clockwork.
A Legacy of Sicilian Flavor in the Village
D’Amico’s has been serving up authentic Northern and Southern Sicilian dishes for over 20 years, and it still feels like stepping into your nonna’s kitchen — if your nonna had a thing for marbled countertops and white wine pairings. The café atmosphere is warm, casual, and unpretentious, with checkered tablecloths and the aroma of simmering marinara practically hugging you as you walk in.
And it’s no surprise — Chef Nash D’Amico hails from one of Houston’s most respected Italian culinary families. You can taste the experience in every dish.
Let’s Talk About This Pizza
The star of the show? The Nash Pizza — a house creation that’s anything but ordinary. Chef Nash shared his own recipe recently, and the ingredients alone say it all:
- Pesto and marinara layered together
- Pecorino Romano and mozzarella cheeses
- Grilled chicken and thinly sliced artichoke hearts
- Finished with a squeeze of lemon juice
It’s baked on a thin, house-rolled oval crust — 9×15 inches of perfectly crispy, golden edges with bubbling, melty cheese and just the right punch of citrus. The combination is bright, herby, and absolutely addictive.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up eating half the oval pizza before you even think to share it.
More Than Just Pizza
Sure, the Nash Pizza is worth the trip on its own — but D’Amico’s full menu delivers on all fronts. From hand-rolled pastas to hearty Sicilian seafood, this place excels at classic Italian comfort food without the fuss. Their antipasti board is a perfect start, and the tiramisu? Let’s just say you’ll be dreaming about it days later.
Whether you’re on a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating something special, D’Amico’s manages to feel both cozy and celebratory — the kind of spot that easily becomes a go-to.
Author’s Take: It’s Houston’s Hidden Pizza Hero
On a personal note, I stumbled across D’Amico’s a few years ago while walking off a disappointing brunch nearby. One slice of Nash Pizza later, and I knew I’d found something special. There’s something about the lemon-kissed pesto that just hits differently — it brings balance to every bite and reminds you that pizza can be both indulgent and bright.
It’s hard to find places that manage to feel both familiar and surprising. D’Amico’s walks that line with ease. You’ll come for the pizza, but you’ll stay for the vibe — and likely leave with a to-go box for tomorrow’s lunch.
Don’t Miss This When You Visit
- Nash Pizza — obviously
- Their homemade pastas with seasonal sauces
- A glass of chilled white to go with your artichoke-topped slice
- Dessert — any of them
And if you’re lucky, Chef Nash might be in the kitchen that day, ensuring your pizza comes out just right.
What’s your favorite under-the-radar pizza spot in Texas? If you’ve been to D’Amico’s, let us know which dish stole the show. Explore more authentic spots like this at CityScoopNow.com.