Russo's New York Pizzeria, Houston

With parents hailing from Sicily and Naples, Anthony Russo enjoyed an Italian upbringing. Starting at the age 12, he spent much of his time in the kitchen, learning to prepare Old World recipes with his family and family friends. And from the flurry of Italian phrases and conversation, one quote of his father's stuck with him most: "If you can't make it fresh, don't serve it!"

Several decades later, Anthony has hand-tossed his own Italian-restaurant franchise and, true to his father's words, employs fresh ingredients in the same family recipes that were passed down to him.

Among exposed brick and walls the warm hue of marinara, skilled chefs craft New York–style brick-oven pizzas with toppings such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Servers stand ready to answer questions about the restaurant’s wine lists, letting guests know which wines pair best with the pizzotto sandwich or the cauliflower pizza.