HO2007 - Ninos

Food inspired by all the marvelous culinary regions of Italy.

By George L. Rosenblatt
Photography by Jim Caldwell

A GuestLife Houston Great Restaurant

Seen Right: Owner Vincent Mandola and Chef Juan Barrios

Envision a tiny Italian village composed entirely of piazze a mangiare — places to eat. Now experience it. Houston has one with Nino's and Vincent's — two of the best Italian ristoranti anywhere.

Both are part of the Mandola family dineasty, and Nino's is the most venerable among arguably the aristocracy of Houston's Italian restaurants. Together they demonstrate that even a family business can grow robust and beautiful on Italian food in this deliciously magical little cluster.

Originally a refurbished storefront decades ago, Nino's sowed this centro della cucina italiana — hub of Italian cuisine — as the first of the two warmly contemporary, yet authentically Italian restaurants.

Nino's, Vincent's, and the more recent Grappino di Nino and banquet building, embrace a spacious outdoor piazza, like several contiguous patios with abundant tables, gently musical water fountains, and pure relaxation.

No hustle. No bustle. Just terrific food inspired by all the marvelous culinary regions of Italy, one of the greatest food heavens on Earth.

While both Nino's and Vincent's have different, separate menus, some of their most enticing specialties can be savored at both.

Crab claws spiced in lemon butter and garlic provide an antipasto for two. Lasagne della casa is a local legend. Large grilled shrimp with lump crabmeat bring their amici (friends), angel hair marinara, and sautéed spinach. A 16-ounce veal chop is marinated and grilled to perfection.

Can you really go wrong with anything at Nino's? Not a chance.

Buon appetito (hearty appetite)! At Nino's, you'll need it.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Aspargi
Aspargus lightly breaded, sauteed and topped with lump crabmeat and lemon butter

Crab Claws Lamonte
A House Specialty featuring crab claws in lemon butter, garlic and spices

Insalata Arucola
With gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, orange segments, roasted peppers, and orange vinagrette

Veal Vincent
Tender veal coated with Parmigiano, sauteed in olive oil, topped with artichoke hearts and lemon butter. Served with fettuccine alfredo

Scampi alla Griglia
Large grilled shrimp, lump crabmeat, and herb butter, served with angel hair marinara and sauteed spinach

Pollo Arrosto
From the Wood Fired Rotisserie, spit-roasted lemon and garlic half chicken. Served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach, and tomato au gratin

Veal Chop
Grilled marinated veal chop, thick and juicy, served with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, and sauteed mushrooms

Nino's Restaurant
Lunch and dinner Monday-Friday; dinner only Saturday; closed Sunday.
Private parties and special events accommodated.

2817 West Dallas Houston, Texas 77019
(713) 522-5120
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