Buon Appetito Restaurant   2231 W Holcombe Blvd Houston TX 77030 713.665.4601 You might also be interested in these:     Business Lunches    Italian Food Restaurants    ZIP 77030   Add Review       MY REVIEW: Very pleasent restaurant. However on the last visit we were not impressed with the service or food. Arrived Saturday night about 9:00. Had to ask for wine list and bread. Asked for bread several times. Ordered 1/2 carafe of house Pinot Grigio and it arrived room temperature. Informed the waiter who indicated, yes it's warm with shrug of his shoulders. Convinced him to put it in a wine bucket for a while. Three tiny slices of garlic bread arrived. Head waiter came to the table and said we needed to order because the owner wanted to close the kitchen. Questioned if we had arrived too late and were they not open until 11:00 on Saturday and he said the owner closes whenever he feels like it. Ordered snapper special with lump crab meat. The fish was poached, not broiled or grilled as indicated, with shredded fish in the sauce in place of the crab. Had to ask again for more bread. We asked the waiter about desserts and he said "if I were you I would not order any, the only thing left is rum cake". Still a place we like to visit, food not bad, but management needs to work on the presentation a lot. NAME: jlbs SUBMITTED: 7/20/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: July 19, 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I HAVE BEEN EATING LUNCH AT THIS RESTAURANT FOR 15 YEARS NOW..UP UNTIL I CHANGED JOBS AT LEAST 4 TIMES A WEEEK. THERE ARE NO WEAKNESS HERE. FAVORITES- CALAMARRI,ESCARGOT, SICILIAN SALAD, VEAL SORRENTINO, VEAL CHOP, REALLY ALL THE DISHES ARE FIRST RATE. AND AS MENTIONED NUMEROUS TIMES,TINO, THE STROLLING GUITARIST IS A REAL GEM. FINALLY, I AM VERY PROUD TO CALL THE OWNER ENZO FINAZZO MY FRIEND. NAME: PAUL BRAHIER SUBMITTED: 8/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 6-26-07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: As a road warrior, when I visit cities I search for those small personal places that set themselves apart from the chains. This is one and Houston has a gem. A romantic setting, hidden on a busy street. I found the restaurant easily from the previous review. Parking is limited but probably coomensurate with the number of tables. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. I had simple fare - spagettii, salad, bread and a house Merlot. It was delicious, ample and reassonably priced. All this and a wandering guitarist. I can't wait to go back. The only weak point - I won't be in Houston long enough to try everthing on the menu! NAME: moitie Belge SUBMITTED: 8/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I took my family to Buon Appetito after a day at the museum. We had a little difficulty finding the location, but was able to find it since it is located right next to a Mr. Car Wash. The hospitality was first rate, from the owner coming to visit with us, to the waiter and attention at the table, to Gustino Catu, the classical guitarist. We took the recommendations off the menu that were made below, including the stuffed mushrooms, Sicilian salad for two, and rum cake...all were excellent as indicated. My wife had the grilled lamb chops and they were some of the best we (because she shared it with me) had ever had. We will be back for more! NAME: Ty SUBMITTED: 5/30/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is one of my most favorate restaurants. The atmosphere is perfect. The salad and spaghetti, and bread is magnificent. I was disappointed that my waiter did not want to assist me better with a description of the food. I asked if what I was ordering had the white sause with vegetables and he abruptly agreed, yes, yes..Much to my surprise when the entree came it had red sause and I asked to order something else and he quickly reminded me that the entee had before me was the one I ordered. He was unwilling to exchange the entree for something else and did not remove it from the table. We paid and it was brown bagged. :( NAME: Toni SUBMITTED: 2/3/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: As others have said, the ambiance is wonderful, and the guitarist is excellent, ask him to play some Bach! Quaint little house, excellent service. Calamari w/ crab was a little rubbery, the lasgna so-so, I'll try the fish or chicken next time. My S.O. had the penne w/ spicy sausage and loved it. NAME: Lottalindy SUBMITTED: 2/27/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/24/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Atmosphere is rock solid. No two tables or rooms are the same. The traveling guitarist (mucho talented). My wife and I have tried all the chicken dishes and they are all so so good. My friends loved the food so much they picked up the check. We will have to get it next time!! They loved the Sicilian Salad...it is loaded with veggies. With thousands of Italian restaurants in Houston, this is in the top ten!! NAME: Big Kat SUBMITTED: 1/17/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: January 2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I really enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant as it emboddies the whole italian experience. The decor, staff, and specially the food were out of this world! I went there for the first time with my fiancee for a special night, and we know we plan to come here many more times in the future! The only weak point that I noticed was the semi-cramped seating. My italian-food loving peers were only about a foot away and could basically share a seat. However, I think it only added to the experience as we were able to make new friends... :-) See you there! NAME: Anna B. SUBMITTED: 1/8/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/05 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Very cozy and relaxing little restaurant. Doesn't look like much from the street but it was just the kind of place that we were looking for. The chicken and veal were both well prepared and the dessert and coffee were great. Very easy to find from the medical center. Somewhat confined space would make it difficult for families with small children. We will go back when we are in town. NAME: Visitor From KC SUBMITTED: 12/14/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/05 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: called at 630pm for 730pm reservations friday evening, they said ok, got there and was seated immediately nice large table since im a big person and on crutchs. food service were great owner checked in couple of times which i like, will go back many more times, NAME: careercoach SUBMITTED: 5/20/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: may20 2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: This is an exceptional restaurant and again, we had a perfect meal there. Everything from the attentive service to the charming decor and of course most of all, the very tasty food, made it an experience to remember. Our favorite dishes there: the mushroom appetizer, the stuffed squid, the pasta with the clam sauce, the fettucine with shrimp, any of the pastas with the fresh tomato sauces and any of the chicken dishes. Their desserts are very good as well. They serve their tiramisu in a sundae cup and it's very rich but worth every extra calorie. Actually come to think of it, there hasn't been any dish that we have not enjoyed here. I would definitely recommend this place. NAME: TheJones SUBMITTED: 3/26/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/24/04 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Good place. Went there with our toddler. Polite service and great food. Will go there again. NAME: Andrey SUBMITTED: 3/5/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Chose BAR to celebrate my 33rd birthday. It was a breath away from perfected bliss. Already have reservations for valentine's day...giddy-up! Entire table ordered 3 of 4 chicken dishes, all were winners. Stuffed mushrooms...simply irresistable. The waitstaff, pure professional. It is houston's cozy-little italian spot. From this day forth, this is my italian restaurant NAME: BigKat SUBMITTED: 2/7/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: February/2005 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Delicious food, friendly and personal service, quite atmosphere. Go now! NAME: p SUBMITTED: 9/24/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/2004 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: I found this looking for the phone number to make a reservation for tonight. Ditto the last comment about Tino The restaurant is great. I’ve been going there for almost 20 years. But Tino is unique. When friends visit from Mexico, I try to take them there. I think he knows every song ever written, plus who wrote it, and the ones from his homeland occasionally bring a story and then tears to his eyes. Make sure you have a special song picked out—he won’t stay at your table very long if you can’t share the music he loves. By the way, the stuffed calamari is (are) one of my favorites. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make my reservation. NAME: David Holland SUBMITTED: 1/24/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: Don't remember FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Very good Sicilian or southern Italian food. Prices are moderate, much lower than some other Italian restaurants which are not nearly as good. Excellent fish dishes and the Sicilian salad is delish. The best thing about this restauraunt is the entertainer. He is about 90 years old, plays a wonderfully quaint classical guitar. He is actually Mexican, but sings Italian songs. He will sing Spanish songs if you ask him. He is amazing to talk to. He is a real jewel, and makes this restaurant a very homey and comfortable family place. NAME: eric SUBMITTED: 6/29/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: June 2003 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Hadn't been there in a year or so but had a hankering for some great southern Italian/sicilian pasta and was sick of O**v* G*rd*n in the 'burbs. Had my dad from Youngstown OH (just moved here) from the Dr. inside the loop so dropped in for lunch. My parents and wife had just as orgasmic a dining experience as me. REAL Italian - not CHAIN Italian. Perfect, crunchy but not burnt garlic bread (contrary to below comment), complimentary salads because my parents were new guests, and an offer to my father of as many more delicious meatballs for his speghetti as he wanted. My Linguine Pescatore had every variety of seafood - including succulent salmon which I love and was quite unexpected - that you could find in the ocean. Almost as much pescatore as pasta! Great garlicy tomato sauce. My wife had some very tender chicken breast caccitorre and had raves. The owner, from Sicily, introduced himself to us after he got over ordering fresh ingredients from a procurer at the table next to us and spent a few minutes in the kitchen getting our meals going. Our very attentive and skilled waiter - a delightful 60ish gentleman from Matamoros who I mistook for a fellow Sicilian of the owner - was ready for a suggestion, refill, etc and came with a peppermill before I even asked. He saw my eyes fixed on a big decorative mill mounted on a display wall. The great lunch ended with a light and scrumptious Rum Cake that had a good "kick". Had enough from the huge portions to bring home another meal in doggie bags - almost P*pp*s' family portion sizes. NAME: Bamba SUBMITTED: 4/4/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: 4/03 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I have only had a chance to visit the restaurant once since I do not live in the area but it was a memorable experience. My mother and I enjoyed a fine Italian dinner in front of the fireplace. The thing I remember most is the service. It was excellent. She and often fondly joke about the hadsome waiters and their beautiful accents. Next timeI come to Houston, mom and I will eat there again. It is our " little place." NAME: alana SUBMITTED: 2/7/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: 1998 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Always had great seafood lunches & dinners. One our favorite places to go for a quiet meal with no waiting. Go about once a month. NAME: Bob SUBMITTED: 8/9/2002   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/2002 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I've always enjoyed the food here. The staff is attentive, friendly, helpful. I like to sit in the room with the big round table that the Bushes prefer as well. I've often dined with groups of 4 or more and we always have a good time. NAME: sallie SUBMITTED: 3/15/2002   LAST VISIT WAS:  FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: I have been eating here for years. The service is warm and friendly, the food is very good (get the escargot, it is the best I have had anywhere), and the cappucino is first rate. I took my parents here for their 50th wedding anniversary and they were totally enchanted. I have taken numerous friends here, and they all want to go back. Seafood dishes are wonderful, the fettucini alfredo will clog every artery, and the only semi-letdown is running out of sort of run-in-the-mill garlic bread. They had Tres Leches when I was there last, and it was the perfect ending to another wonderful meal. NAME: Gideon SUBMITTED: 10/5/2001   LAST VISIT WAS: May/2001 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY