Although Italians originally invented pasta as a fastener to keep Sicily from floating away, they abandoned it for less-delicious moorings after locals on both sides kept snacking their way toward separation. Tether your taste buds to today's deal: for $20, you get $40 worth of authentic Italian cuisine at Piatto Ristorante. This Groupon is valid at both the Westheimer Road and the Galleria locations, but may not be used toward happy hour, alcohol, the monthly wine dinner, or catering.

Both locations of the family-owned-and-operated eatery boast an extensive menu of contemporary Italian fare, served up by friendly staff in a warm, welcoming environment. Start with the house-specialty asparagus speciali, in which the breaded and fried veggie spears are topped with tender flakes of jumbo-lump crab meat and drizzled with a lemon-butter sauce ($12), or opt for the house-made Italian fennel sausage served with co-grilled sweet peppers and onions ($9). Pastas populate the main-fare menu, alongside succulent servings of grilled meats and house-specialty plates. Dive into the mango-and-avocado salsa-topped baked sea bass ($25), or make a supper date sensually seaworthy by feeding your mer-companion the shrimp-topped risotto primavera by the spoonful ($18, $2 extra for all split entrees). Many of Piatto’s family recipes have been passed down through generations, resulting in comforting, occasionally combative, but ultimately supportive meals.

The warm and inviting eateries, with their welcoming staff, vibrant-hued walls, and contemporary décor, are a fun place to grab an authentic Italian meal and put it into your belly. Reservations are recommended, so call to schedule your supper or midday meal.

This Groupon is valid for dine-in only.

Reviews

Houston's Absolutely! magazine featured Piatto Ristorante in 2008. Eight Citysearchers give its Westheimer Road location an average of four stars and its Galleria location a perfect five-star average. Eighty-five percent of 95 Urbanspooners like it.

• When you dine at Piatto, you are experiencing some of the Carrabba tradition that can make a Houstonian's mouth water just hearing the name. You are also receiving the service and quality of yesteryear with an authenticity that resonates with the most telling gauge of goodness: your taste buds! –Absolutely!
• Simply put, this is exactly the kind of restaurant my family and I enjoy going to on a regular basis. The food, personality and service we have enjoyed over the years is constant and at a high standard. If you dine out regularly, add this one to your most frequents. – kdewhurst, Galleria location, Citysearch
• My date and I both loved what we ordered, the Veal Marsala was simply perfect. The wine list by the glass was varied and wide ranging, always a big plus in my book. I thought, can it be good if it's not crazy busy on a Saturday night? The answer was: yes it can. – G. Troy Pickett, Urbanspoon