The seasoned hospitality innovators behind some of Houston’s most popular event spaces and celebrated catering – The Astorian, Le Tesserae, and Jackson & Company – announced they are adding a new member to their growing family: Aperitivo. A cocktail and dining terrace, Aperitivo is ready to draw the in-crowd to Houston’s most diverse neighborhood that is undergoing major revitalization.
Perched on the fifth floor of 2940 Riverby Road—part of the massive East River development by Houston real estate giant Midway—Aperitivo floats majestically over Houston’s exciting new commercial and residential nexus.
After a series of in-the-know pop-ups, the Italian-inspired aerie opens to the public in May. Once regular service begins, Aperitivo will be open Wednesday through Sunday with constantly changing activations and live entertainment. Weekend brunch and coffee will soon follow.
“We’re excited to be part of an evolving neighborhood that is reshaping Houston,” said Sebastien Laval, the group’s COO in a statement. “Aperitivo is sure to become a landmark as one of the most beautiful, breathtaking views of Houston.”
Imagined on a grand scale (the Venetian-style design features custom plaster walls, Murano glass lighting, verdigris ceiling tiles, and scads of marble), Aperitivo combines high energy, outsize charm, and la dolce vita style. The 1,500-square-foot space opens almost entirely to a majestic, 5,000-square-foot grand patio offering stunning vistas. Aperitivo functions as a separate venue within Le Tesserae, a 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor event space overlooking Buffalo Bayou and the downtown Houston skyline. When it’s not booked for weddings and other private events, Aperitivo will operate as a regular hotspot for high-end mixology and gourmet dining.
Its creators, Romain Kapadia and Joe Pachioli, owners of Houston’s most exclusive event venues, as well as a powerhouse team that includes the hospitality veterans who have created significant buzz with Michelin-starred and other local note-worthy restaurants and bars including Musaafer, BCN, and Le Colonial, have fashioned a high-octane cocktail of upscale socializing.
Aperitivo’s menu, created by Jackson & Company executive chef Adam Paul, leans seductively into indulgent Mediterranean flavors. Sharable small plates include house-cut truffle fries, lamb sliders with arugula and roasted tomato, foie gras-stuffed cannoli, Mediterranean dips, and Beef Wellington bites. In addition to cheese and charcuterie boards, Margherita Pizza, and several salad options, larger plates include pasta with vodka sauce, Salmon with roasted cauliflower, and Beef Filet with gorgonzola butter and potatoes Anna. The dessert menu from Jackson & Company Master Patissier Almendra Callirgos offers Affogato, seasonal Bread Pudding, Cafe au Lait Creme Brulee, Limoncello Tiramisu Tart, and a sampler of assorted bonbons including Dubai chocolate, truffles, macarons, cookies, and pate de fruit.
Aperitivo’s cocktail list is created by mixologists from the World’s 50 Best Bars. Specialty drinks include Sevilla Spritz (Tanqueray Sevilla Orange, Aperol, orange cordial, soda, and sparkling wine); Paloma e Melone (tequila, black pepper, watermelon, lime, and sparkling grapefruit soda); Gin Mare G&T (Mediterranean gin, celery bitters, olive brine, and tonic); Aperitivo Spritz(gin, elderflower liqueur, mint syrup, citrus, cucumber tonic, and sparkling wine); and Speziato (tequila, chile liqueur, citrus oleo, lime, spicy tincture, and Topo Chico). Choice wines by the glass and beer are also available.
Aperitivo is located at 2940 Riverby and will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm starting in May, except for days when it is closed for private events.
***Reservations are required, and the dress code is enforced.***
