Bari Hospitality Group is bringing its acclaimed Italian dining experience to The Woodlands. The new Bari Ristorante will open its doors on September 30 at 24 Waterway Avenue, a 9,000‑square‑foot space that will seat 250 guests.
Dining options and menu highlights
The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily from day one, with a weekend brunch debut slated for October 4. Guests can expect a contemporary take on classic Italian cuisine, featuring European cheeses, dry‑cured meats, fish imported from Europe, and house‑made pastas crafted with imported Italian flour.
Signature dishes from the original River Oaks District location will be available, including Fritto Misto, Pappardelle Bolognese, and pizza. Tableside preparations such as Branzino alla Griglia, Truffle Pasta, and Bananas Foster will also be on the menu, alongside new creations developed specifically for the Woodlands site.
New entrées include Pollo Piccata with lemon‑caper sauce, sautéed spinach and roasted potatoes; Scaloppine Sorrentina topped with cherry‑tomato sauce and mozzarella di bufala; and a grilled chicken sandwich with pesto, tomato and shallot mayonnaise.
Chef leadership and design
The opening is being led by Italian Master Chef Renato de Pirro, with Executive Chef Marcelo Mintz remaining on‑site to oversee daily culinary operations. The design mirrors the River Oaks District restaurant, featuring lava‑rock wall covering, Spanish‑sourced wallpapers, and Lladro chandeliers.
In addition to the main dining room, the venue includes two private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 40 guests each, a bar lounge for 30 guests, and a weekday happy hour. The back‑of‑house includes two kitchens to support the extensive menu.
Community response
“Guests from The Woodlands have supported Bari from the beginning, often traveling to our River Oaks District location and asking us to bring the experience closer to home,” said Pedro Teyuca, co‑owner and operator of Bari Hospitality Group. “We listened. This new restaurant delivers the quality, energy and hospitality they know while giving Chef Marcelo Mintz and our culinary team room to create something distinctly suited to The Woodlands.”
The site previously housed the restaurant TRIS, which closed in early 2025. With its opening, Bari Ristorante adds a new upscale dining option to The Woodlands, supporting local employment and expanding the area’s culinary landscape.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
