Review of Nino's Restaurant in Montrose, Houston

When you dine at Nino's, you are dining in one of the oldest and most respected Italian restaurants in Houston. Located in trendy Montrose, Houston, this restaurant attracts a local clientele as well as visitors.

A little background

Thirty years ago, Vincent and Mary Mandola started selling their Sicilian specialties out of tiny little café fashioned out of a 1930's grocery store west of downtown Houston. The food caught on, the little restaurant became hugely popular, and within a few years, they had to renovate the little grocery store to create a larger venue to accommodate their growing clientele. Soon enough, the Mandola family became a legacy in Houston.

The restaurant

The building, gardens and décor captures the essence of Italy. Outside there is a cleverly designed garden and courtyard to include cypresses, lavender, bougainvillea, and even some grapevines. When you enter the restaurant, you'll see colorful Italian pottery, enlarged family photos taken in Italy, hanging herb baskets, flowers, and images of Italy. Past the foyer, but before the dining room, there is an enormous rustic 18th century table featuring the most delectable antipasto setting, offering an array of marinated and baked vegetables, enormous country breads, and many beautiful bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The second floor houses two semi-private rooms available for parties and open dining. The outdoor courtyard is also available for private gatherings. Nino's most recent renovations include a cozy bar with a rustic wine cellar and a wood-burning pizza oven.

The Ambiance

This beautiful rustic villa transports you to Southern Italy. By all means, this is not a quiet place, as you hear Italian singing in the background, perhaps a cook speaking in Italian, or just other patrons enjoying themselves. This is definitely a family restaurant, although, their second floor can be quite secluded and romantic!

Welcome!

The moment you sit down, you are presented with a HUGE home-made bread basket, which includes warm focaccia bread, oven-dried tomato bread, black olive bread, garlic bread, buttered flat bread, and bread sticks - every morsel is to die for! You are also given a small bowl of dipping olive oil that's garnished with finely chopped garlic, olives, and onions. I could sit there all evening, happily dipping bread in this unbelievable concoction!

Menu Highlights

It's a good idea to come in with a hearty appetite because the portions are generous. This is a mid-price restaurant, ranging from $8.50 for an antipasti, to $14.00 for a pasta dish, and $19-$39 for the Piatti Forti (or main dishes).

These are some of Nino's popular dishes, which we have tried, tasted and raved about:

- - - Insalata Arucola ~ $7.95 ~ this is a favorite of mine.
In this arugula salad you will find Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, orange segments, roasted peppers, and orange vinaigrette.

- - - Scampi alla Griglia ~ $23.95 ~ When you prefer smaller portions, but it's not necessarily low-in calories!
The shrip used are very large and grilled to perfection. Sides served with the shrimp are lump crabmeat and herb butter, served with angel hair marinara and sautéed spinach.

- - - Pollo Arrosto ~ $ 18.95 (half-chicken) ~ A house specialty and a favorite when in the mood for chicken!
From their wood-fired Rotisserie, this is a spit-roasted lemon and garlic half-chicken. Served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and tomato au gratin.

- - - Veal Chop - I don't know where they get these chops from, but they're huge! ~ $38.95.

This is an enormous veal chop weighing in at ONE pound! Your thick and juicy chop is expertly grilled, and served with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms.

- - - Bistecca Pepe Nero~ my hubby's favorite. Stupendous! ~- $26.95

A NY strip steak crusted with cracked black pepper and then pan-seared with oven-roasted sweet onion, sun dried tomatoes, brandy, and port!

- - - Lobster Fra Diavolo ~ Market Price ~ Cooked in a perfect, very-spicy marinara sauce and served with linguine. Now, this is by far my most favorite dish.

Beverages

Domestic beers and Italian beers are available. Their wine list is extensive and features some of the best wines Italy offers (to fit every budget), ranging from $25 - $246 a bottle.

The Dessert Cart

It's unimaginable that anyone can eat dessert after such a huge meal, but somehow, even if you have to share, you must indulge in one of their magnificent home-made desserts!

The Service

One thing I've come to appreciate about Nino's is their willingness to listen and adjust a menu item to suit your taste-buds or dietary requirements. There have been times when I've had a yearning for a specific Italian dish that may not be on the menu, but if they have the ingredients, they'll make it for you.

I'll have to admit that the service is not always impeccable, especially when the restaurant is bursting at the seams. However, your order is taken quickly, and delivered to your table piping-hot, and the waiters move about the restaurant as fast as they can, without much fanfare. That's okay, the food is beautiful, and I could care less if the waiter never speaks to me other than about the food.

If you happen to be there early in the evening, or during a slow night, the staff is more amicable and chatty. You'll even see one of the managers go around and chit-chat with the patrons, and offer them a complimentary shot of espresso.

Summary

Imagine a tiny Italian village composed of several places to eat, surrounded by fountains and pretty little gardens. There are three family restaurants in this courtyard: Next to Nino's is Vincent's, famous for their pizzas, and relaxed atmosphere. Then, behind Nino's is Grappino di Nino, a Tuscan-style venue, used mostly private events.

While all of their venues are wonderful on their own right, I recommend Nino's for a wonderful family dinner or a special dinner with that special someone. In fact, Nino's has a special place in my heart (and stomach), as it was here that my husband and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day!

Although this is a family restaurant, for romantic dinners, request a table upstairs. For a large party, make advanced reservations. Finally, if you're with a large group, consider sharing main dishes, as they are huge!

Reservations are highly suggested.

~~~~~~

Nino's
2817 West Dallas (Montrose)
Houston, TX 77019
713-522-5120
Closed on Sundays