Al Forno
Fornos of Italy

Fornos of Italy

10001 Westheimer Rd. #1202 Houston, TX 77042, United States

Pasta • Salad • Lunch • Italian


"Fornos is located on Westheimer but not directly as it's about 100 yards set back in a large shopping center. Once you get there parking is plentiful. The restaurant has covered outside seating along with indoor seating too. Inside there is a large dining room on the left and then a bar area with tables for dining and the two areas are separated by numerous wine racks. It's an unusual arrangement that I think looks awkward. By its appearance, Fornos seems to be a restaurant that specializes in wine and has a lot of it. My first visit was for lunch and I ordered pescatore dI mare for $20. First to arrive was a complimentary bread basket consisting of two large and warm rolls with butter. The entree arrived about 15 minutes later and had shrimp, calamari and clams with pasta all bathed in a marinara sauce. The plate had plenty of seafood in it and altogether was a filling meal. However I thought the marinara could have been better taste wise needing more robust flavor. Also my iced tea had a slight burnt aftertaste to it. The table service was good and I rated this meal as a 3. A couple of weeks later I returned for dinner and ordered a pizza. Their pizzas are 12 and thin crust New York style. I went with a custom design of beef, mushroom and onions. $12 for the pizza and $1.50 for each topping. This pizza was pretty good with plenty of toppings. Those toppings along with the cheese and red sauce were tasty and I rated this meal as a 4. I give an overall score of 4 rounding up for Yelp purposes."

Nonni's Italian Bistro

Nonni's Italian Bistro

831 Broadway St, 97138, Seaside, US, United States

Wine • Pasta • Cheese • Italian


"I was a bit surprised by the wait for a table, however, everyone leaving looked com-pletely happy and I heard a man raving about the tiramisu, which I love to death, so I kept waiting. One thing I wasn't crazy about was the fact that I watched people who came long after I did getting seated. That bugged me, but not enough to give up, so I came inside and was seated fairly quickly. Honestly feared I would be turned away, and I watched some seriously delicious-looking food being brought to guests, so I was all-in by this point-plus, it was after 7PM. Once I was seated, service was prompt and excellent. I really wanted an appetizer, but everything looked way too large for me and I didn't want to spoil my dinner. And oh, what a dinner! I received the loveliest plate of Chicken Piccata, which I make at home-normally I won't order food in restaurants I cook myself, however, I just wanted the taste of lemon and capers. They could write sonnets about the deliciousness of this dish. So exceeded any expectation I had of good food, my meal was beyond greatness! There was a medley of vegetables that was so artfully assembled, I almost hated to eat it-but after the first taste, resistance was futile! How many times in life does one go for the veggies first? Not very often, I assure you, but I could have eaten another two or three servings. The dish was served with a side of spaghetti Alfredo and the creamy richness just steamrolled over my palate, again, I make Alfredo from a recipe handed down from two Italian friends-mine doesn't come close! And I spring for the good cheese and best ingredients, which Alfredo sauce demands. I would have licked my plate clean had I not been in public. The delicious bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar was perfect for sopping up sauce, and I was well stuffed after getting through half my meal, so I ordered some to take home, as well as a tiramisu, which I had planned on saving. But the treat was calling to me from the mini-fridge, and I was completely hooked after two tastes-so much for waiting! Absolute perfection. This is a hit-it-out-of-the-ballpark experience for fans of real Italian food. Well done, Nonni's! I will certainly be back!"