Nino's and Vincent's

A GuestLife Houston Great Restaurant

By George L. Rosenblatt

Photography by Jim Caldwell

Envision a tiny Italian village composed entirely of piazza a mangiare — places to eat. Now experience it. Houston has two of the best Italian ristoranti anywhere: Nino’s and Vincent’s. Both are part of the Mandola family “dine-asty.”

Nino’s is arguably the most venerable among the aristocracy of Houston’s traditional Italian restaurants, whereas Vincent’s represents the benchmark of exciting, regional Italian cuisine. 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 two warmly contemporary yet authentically Italian restaurants. Nino’s, Vincent’s, and Grappino di Nino –– an Italian Grappa bar and banquet facility –– embrace a spacious outdoor piazza containing several contiguous patios, abundant tables, 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 Nino’s and Vincent’s have, separate menus, some of their most enticing specialties can be savored at both. Veal Vincent, for example, was an early Nino’s signature dish before Vincent’s opened. Coated with formaggio Parmigiano (imported Italian Parmesan cheese), it is sautéed in pure olive oil, topped with artichoke hearts, and polished with lemon butter. At Nino’s, crab claws spiced in that same delicious lemon butter and garlic provide a delightful antipasto for two, while the rotisserie chicken is a local legend.

Can you really go wrong with anything on Nino’s and Vincent’s menus? Not a chance. Buon appetito.

Lunch and dinner served Monday-Friday; dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sunday. Private parties and special events accommodated.

Menu Highlights

Aspargi
Aspargus lightly breaded, sautéed 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, walnuts, orange segments, roasted peppers, and orange vinaigrette

Veal Vincent
Tender veal coated with Parmigiano, sauteed in olive oil, topped with artichoke hearts and lemon butter and served with fettuccine Alfredo

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

Pollo Arrosto
From the wood-fired rotisserie, spit-roasted lemon and garlic half chicken, served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and tomato au gratin

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

Nino's Restaurant
2817 West Dallas St., Houston, Texas 77019
(713) 522-5120
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Vincent's Restaurant
2701 West Dallas St., Houston, Texas 77019
(713) 528-4313
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