Ahh, those little gems where you least suspect them! Underground Hall at 1010 Prairie St. was one of the first of the Downtown food halls, and I ventured into it wondering how it was doing in the revival post-Covid. It was surprisingly busy on a weekday after what I hoped had been a strong lunch rush, and I decided to try a new place that replaced a former wine bar Richi and I enjoyed just under the stairs. FIgata Crafted Paninis is run by a creative young man from Mexico named Carlos, and it is obvious he takes great pride in his product. He should—this place serves what may be the best sandwich in Downtown. The menu contains charcuterie boards and salads (they look amazing based on pictures I’ve seen online) and 8 hand-crafted panini. The key word here is craft. I don’t know how, but I managed to delete a video I snuck of Carlos putting together my Arrabiata (No. 2 on the menu—the “house special”). It was like watching a nuclear scientist or surgeon at work—careful slices here, a couple of gentle squeezes there, tweezers carefully arranging this and that, delicate swabs of dressings, precision shredding of veggies… And what a sandwich!! First the bread—ciabatta made in-house and absolutely astounding, this bread has just the right give and take of texture and chew. On 2 toasted slices go a slightly tangy house dressing, house-cured porchetta, thin slices of jack pepper cheese, a critical drizzle of local honey, slices of avocado and cucumbers, just the right amount of jalapeños, super-fine shredded iceberg lettuce, and a homemade jalapeño mayo. Nothing on this sandwich overwhelms, and it all comes together like that symphony that almost brings you to tears (OK—at least it does for mad food freaks like me). Even the potato chips served with it taste fabulous. At $12 to $14, these sandwiches aren’t cheap, but when you taste the care that goes into making them, think you’ll agree they’re worth it. I can’t wait to come back and work my way through the rest of this menu.

I ate here while in town for a conference and had the divorare (#1) It was probably the best sandwich I’ve ever had, super delicious! I wish I lived closer so that I could eat here often, but if I’m ever in Houston again I will be sure to stop by. The service was also wonderful and the man I believe was the owner was very nice. Highly recommend this place.

I was looking for a place for lunch in Houston Downtown and found myself in the Underground Hall where, among other offerings, you can get an excellent made to order thick sandwich at "Figata", where you will be welcomed by Carlos and his team. GodFather is very tasty, crispy and with rich tasty topping and filling. I took a picture, as it tells more than a lot of words!

Got two different salads dishes here today. Both were really really tasty. I appreciate the host patience in helping me customize my salad order. Definitely would come again.

Food was out of this world!!! I loved the Figata’s salad and dressing. Staff was really kind and attentive, plus the place is really clean. My food was ready in less than 10 min 🤩 I’ll be back for sure!! 10/10

Pasta chicken alfredo is just out of this world. The best italian lunch in Houston. Staff were so nice 10 out of 10

I really enjoyed this place and their food. Great flavor and ingredients. It is located in a food market court with great music and atmosphere as well. We ordered the Regina and the Jersey Boy Sandwich and they were very very good! You can order the ciabatta or the focaccia and will both be good

If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. I didn’t think much of this place at first, it’s under the stairwell after all 😅. But wow was I wrong. I had the Godfather sandwich and the Gladiator pizza. Both were amazing. The chefs were actually in the process of marinating and stitching together the homemade porchetta for the next day. It marinates for 24 hours! I couldn’t believe the taste of everything. This is not your ordinary sandwich shop.