A River Oaks-area Italian restaurant has shuttered, but its prime location will soon be the home of a new Italian restaurant. Concura Italian Bites has shuttered to transform under new ownership into Dante’s River Oaks.

In a social media post announcing the closure, Concura owners Jessica Biondi and her husband Alessio Ricci said they’d decided to move back to Italy. Opened in 2021 in a space near River Oaks District (4340 Westheimer Rd. #150), Concura served rustic Italian food such as Pappa al Pomodoro and rabbit roulade prepared by Italian chef Angelo Cuppone. The stylish interior and traditional menu made it a hit, particularly with Italian immigrants who appreciated the taste of home.

Heights & Co. owner Brian Doke has claimed the space for Dante’s River Oaks, which is described in press materials as a modern Italian restaurant inspired by its owner’s affection for Italian food and wine. The Houston hospitality veteran has worked in a number of roles, including overseeing Heights restaurant Savoir and its companion steakhouse Patton’s from their openings until departing late last year. The new restaurant is scheduled to open May 16 after some design changes to its interior.

“My hospitality career started in the River Oaks neighborhood many years ago at Tiny Boxwoods,” Doke said in a statement. “I am happy to return to the area showcasing the aspects of Italy that draw every visitor in: genuine hospitality, flavorful cuisine and delicious wine.”

To bring Dante’s to life, Doke has hired executive chef Ilias Gugole. The Italian native attended culinary school in Verona and has been working with Doke on recipes for the past few months, according to press materials.

Gugole’s menu will cover a range of dishes. Starters include meatballs, beef tartare, tuna tartare, and octopus with cherry tomatoes in a lemon dressing. Six pastas, including rigatoni cacio e pepe, bucatini amatriciana, and pappardelle bolognese, will join entrees such as duck breast with cherry wine sauce, ribeye, and a catch of the day.

Doke and beverage director Evin Haines will serve an Italian-oriented wine list alongside refreshing drinks such as the Aperol spritz. Classics like the margarita, paloma, and gin and tonic will get an Italian spin.

Just as Dante’s has a fresh start in the kitchen, the design will also be refreshed. While the open kitchen will remain, changes will include white paint on the walls, more greenery inside, and a redesigned patio.

“The combination of a charming and quaint interior coupled with an airy patio for dining al fresco makes for a wonderful dining experience,” Doke added. “I am so excited to launch this endeavor and really look forward to showcasing our Italian dishes.”

Photo by Bear Media Co.

Dante's River Oaks will open soon.