Rising high above The Woodlands Waterway, The Westin at The Woodlands is already a hot destination for business meetings and staycations. The hotel’s location in the middle of shopping and entertainment action make it a natural address for those what to be in the center of it all.
Now, the swank lodging is upping its game even more, with the addition of two new concepts, both drawing heavily from luxe Italian influences: Sorriso, a modern Italian trattoria and the bustling Como Social Club Poolside Terrace and Bar.
Led by EDG Design, a hospitality design firm based in San Francisco and with offices in Dallas, the two spaces should provide hotel guests and drop-in diners alike an opportunity to feel transported from Houston’s high energy into a graceful Italian village.
Located right on the Waterway, Sorriso (which means smile in Italian) is intended to evoke the joy of sharing food with friends and loved ones. Chef Enzo Fargione’s menu blends local ingredients like Texas-raised beef and produce with curated selections from around the country to create regional Italian cuisine.
A daily charcuterie bar allows diners to choose as many cured meats and cheeses as they’d like to create a DIY dining experience. House-made pastas like black spaghetti and tagliatelle highlight the lunch menu, alongside grilled branzino, roast suckling pig, and a seasonal spring veal stew. For dinner, selections include red fish Milanese; squid ink cavatelli; and a host of shareables, like roasted beet salad, charred octopus, and eggplant parmigiana.
The restaurant’s interior is a blend of neutral tones, rich leather and wood, augmented by industrial touches like metal and steel. Designers note the design elements “bring timeless Italian craftsmanship together with a contemporary flare.” Guests will arrive through a two-story glass entrance, and the restaurant boasts an open-hearth display kitchen to bring diners into the center of the culinary experience.
Meanwhile, from its perch overlooking the Waterway, Como Social Club Poolside Terrace + Bar is inspired by the chic style of Italy’s Lake Como. Utterly Instagrammable, the space is an oasis of glistening blue water, cozy private cabanas, and a menu of fast-casual cuisine like quesadillas and burgers. The handcrafted cocktails arrive with an Italian flair, with options such as a traditional Negroni or a classic Aperol spritz, along with selections such as a Limoncello Mule made with vodka, limoncello and ginger beer.
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Sorriso and Como Social Club Poolside Terrace and Bar; 2 Waterway Square Pl., The Woodlands. Sorriso is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour.
Como Social Club Poolside Terrace and Bar is open Monday through Thursday, 5-11 pm, Friday from 5 pm to midnight, Saturday from 11 am to midnight, and Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm.
Como Social Club brings an Italian lounge vibe.
