Welcome

Not every one can look at a weathered Hill Country barn and see an Italian Restaurant. But Giancarlo Cavatore did. In the summer of 1983, he spotted a century-old abandoned barn in Bastrop, Texas. He knew immediately that it suited his vision: to create a restaurant that would reflect the warm welcome of the old country. The barn was dismantled board-by-board, moved to Houston and reassembled as faithfully as possible to the original.

Later, a covered deck, waterfall and goldfish pond was added. A grand piano was brought in to complete the atmosphere. Next, Giancarlo began collecting memorabilia for interior  decoration. Today, that process has taken a life of its own. Items of interest that are "too appropriate, humorous or entertaining not to be on view" are constantly being added - by the owners, staff and even guests - to an eclectic display; antique Italian movie posters, vintage advertising, photos of family and celebrities alike....even unusual Texas tools and utensils.

The name Cavatore is more than 800 years old, and comes from a small medieval village in northern Italy. The Cavatore coat of arms hangs over the restaurant's entrance.