Fornos of Italy Hours: See Profile   6439 W 43rd St @ 290 Houston TX 77092 713.688.8757 You might also be interested in these:     Italian Food Restaurants    Steaks    ZIP 77092 Profile Description: Serving Houstonians since 1990, athentic italian food... homemade pastas sauces and dressings. serving pastas, veal, steaks and seafood...we specialize in what you want...just ask us...no request is to much. will do wedding rehearsal dinners or large parties. great for office lunch business owner chef is cooking now at 6439 W. 43rd St. 713-688-8757 bring your wine $10.00 corking fee PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLE   Add Review PROFILE     MY REVIEW: This was my first visit to Forno's of Italy (on 43rd St.) in over a year. I live in Oak Forest just on the other side of 290 and wanted so badly for the food to be improved. Went with a friend and he ordered steak, I was hoping for a fresh fish special (knowing hesitantly that this is one of the few items they really do well on a consistent basis). No fish this time, ordered pasta. Friends ribeye was $26.99 and came with a side of garlic potatos. Meat/potatos - salad was extra for $3 and was underwhelming and should never make it out of the kitchen at any restaurant in my opinion. Houston prides itself on having a multitude of wonderful restaurants at affordable prices and once again - FORNOS FELL SHORT. Bottomline - food is nothing special, and at times is simply not good quality/taste and the price point is way off target. The direction that this place is headed seems questionable to me. Food alone $57 - could have went to any other well known and consistently raved Italian restaurant and had a much better time. NAME: Brzozowski's SUBMITTED: 7/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: July 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Ok, I am writing after only one visit; I had such anticipation from the reviews below. Esp the steak reviews; found the restaurant after searching on this site for "steak" restaurants. This place only had one steak to offer. Service was, as mentioned below, attentive - should be for a slow Wed night, though. Decor is slightly out-dated with the pseudo-Italian posters all around; kinda kitschy, but then the place feels more family-oriented. Bet it could get really loud with all the hard surfaces; no ceiling tiles or plush seating to absorb the noise. The atmosphere is more pizza than fancy dishes; so kids would enjoy this place. I was so hungry for a steak, but the only one on the menu is the 14-oz ribeye. Ordered it medium rare. I had to ask for the bread I had heard about. The spread that comes with it is VERY garlicky; actually no other taste but that. The wine list for by-the-glass is very limited. Be nice to have them have some of the others available by the glass. Dinner salad [costs extra] was no big deal; noticed they have no peppermill or offer of shredded cheese. Their house dressing was fairly vinegary. The steak I'd heard so much about: well, overall I was underwhelmed. The presentation was very nice - coming out on that sizzling platter. But the taste seemed all char and garlic. I was starving by then and so ate what I could. It is big and could be halved; split charges are $3. an order. The meat itself was good - gristly at the ends, which should have been trimmed better; but I just really was disappointed in the overall taste imparted by the flash grilling and the garlic - paste? marinade? - they put on it. I will go back here and try the Italian dishes that others have gone on about. I hope it just isnt the families of the owners raving up the place! NAME: deegeegirl SUBMITTED: 3/6/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/05/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Service was very attentive. There must have been no less than 6 different staff waiting on us.... Waiter, Bread Person, Water Person, Tea Person, Server, Salad Person and Owner. I couldn't get my water glass to below 1/2 full!! Great service, but not a nuisance. My wife and I had the Filet Steak with a Dinner Salad. The bread served was hot and fresh with a compliment of garlic butter. We went thru two loaves... very good. Next out was the House Salad. While the salad itself wasn't anything exotic, the House Dressing was quite good. We then got our steaks. We were told ahead of time to order medium well. The steaks came out on big smoking and sizzling platters. What you do is cut up the steak in slices and let it continue to simmer for about 5mins or so. The steaks were by far the best I have EVER tasted. The spices were a bit on the wild side and very tasty. The side of garlic mashed potatoes was creamy, fresh and delicious. This was all topped off with their famous Tres Leches. I can't really think of too many words to describe desert other than the entire serving was consumed in record time.... just superb!! We will be back really soon. Highly recommended. NAME: Ray and Becky SUBMITTED: 2/11/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/08 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Fornos of Italy is one of the best Italian restaurants in Houston. We had the pasta with shrimp gambieri with the tres leche desert and it was extremely good. The food is always hot and fresh, great service and an excellent wine list. We will be back very very soon. NAME: Jao SUBMITTED: 2/9/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I've been going to this place for years, and every time I go, I wonder to myself why don't I go more often? The food is fantastic. Yesterday, the waiter suggested the Almond Chicken, and what a great suggestion it was. I have never, ever had anything from here that disappointed. From their perfectly cooked steaks to their fantastic homemade sauces, everything delights. The service is very attentive and prompt (I've never waited more than a minute or two to have my drink refilled) and everyone is courtious and friendly. In fact, I only have one complaint. Between this visit, and my last visit a few months ago, they've changed their bread. They used to bring you these fantastic wedges of bread. Now, they bring these mini-loafs. While they're not bad, the crust of the bread gets a little too crunchy for my tastes. Bring back the old bread!!! Otherwise, a quiet jewel of a place nestled in a pretty odd strip center. NAME: Panther Modern SUBMITTED: 2/3/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/08 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I enjoy the food every time I go. I have not had anything that I didn't like. Armando knows good food. The filet is awesome. The tres leches is wonderful. This is a great place to eat with friends and family. I can't wait to go back!! NAME: Tooquiet SUBMITTED: 1/1/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: This restaurant has become a favorite for my entire family because it's conveniently located near the inner loop where most of us reside. Upon entering this eatery you are greeted warmly and feel as though you are dining with friends. The staff is prompt, professional and tend to your every need. The ambience is warm, inviting and you feel like a VIP as the (chef/owner) Mando makes his way around to each table ensuring that your visit is second to none. In addition, the food is phenomenal - the pasta, seafood and steaks taste great. The quality of the food and service rival, if not surpass, that of the so-called "fine dining" steak houses in the city and yet you only pay half the price. We look forward to enjoying a great meal with Mando and his staff because as Chef Ramsey from Hell's Kitchen would say, "They are spot on." NAME: Lou, Rosemary & Little Louis SUBMITTED: 12/31/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/28/2007 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: This has become our favorite Houston restaurant - and we have dined at quite a few over the years. When we enter the door and say we are hungry, Armando (owner/chef) replies, "welcome home." And the staff- Miguel, Vanessa, Sandra, and Sergio - make you feel just - at home. The service is attentive, friendly, and professional. The food is wonderful - I recommend the asparagus appetizer to all and none have been disappointed. If you don't see it on the menu - ask and enjoy the results. Order the Tres Leches for dessert, you'll find none better in town. NAME: Mary Lou & Brian SUBMITTED: 12/27/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/20/07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I enjoy eating at Fornos of Italy regularly. The menu is great with a variety of Italian dishes that task like home made. I especially like the lasagna, chicken jerusalem, and the sausage and peppers appetizer. However my favorite disk is the steak - both filet and ribeye. I think they are the best deal in prime steaks going. You get a salad, steak and potatoes for less than other places charge just for the steak. Fornos at 43rd and 290 is highly recommended lunch or dinner. NAME: Vincent Z. SUBMITTED: 12/15/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2007 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: I heard about Fornos on an Automotive Radio show and I immediately knew where it was and wondered why I hadn't been there. When I went, I found great service and Chef Armando's Lasagna is fantastic! 1I thought it couldn't get any better than this until I had one of their steaks. Ok, I know when I am beaten, so I'll never go to R*uth's Chris again. I'm not a seafood guy, but my wife loves their pasta and crab dishes. It's a great neighborhood place that gives you a feeling that you are welcome. Prices are more than reasonable. I highly recommend it. NAME: Mike Porter SUBMITTED: 11/13/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: What a pleasant surprise. We made last minute reservations for 14 that were graciously accepted. We were all seated together and made to feel right at home. The garlic bread (superb) was on the table in no time and our cold drinks quickly followed. The staff was very attentive, professional and friendly. The type of service that I am use to receiving in a much more expensive restaurant. We were even greeted by the owner and his wife and made to feel special. The food ??? For-get-a-bout-it! PERFECT. I had the Seafood Pasta that was LOADED with seafood. My wife had the Fillet Mignon ordered AND SERVED medium rare that she could cut with a fork (to die for). Everyone loved their food and the owner was gracios enough to create a GRANDE' Teramasu desert that we all shared (gratis!). What hospitality ! We will all return soon and HIGHLY recomend Fornos of Italy. NAME: Curtis F. SUBMITTED: 9/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: September/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: New to the neighborhood and hungry for supper, I googled spaghetti and my zip code and landed at Fornos of Italy (where the garlic bread tantilizes you from the parking lot) and was back at my computer to finish my shift within an hour filled with a delightful spaghetti dinner (which my sweetheart ate half of after giving me only a two bites of his lasagna). Wow! That lasagna! The chef/owner said it was a prize-winner; so I ask him for the recipe, but he only laughed at my naivete. My spaghetti was great--just what I wanted--and I think I have found my new Italian spot. The chef/owner was so kind as to welcome us further with a complementary dessert--his own recipe for tres leches cake (and I didn't ask for the recipe this time). The delicious food (from salad to dessert), the cozy atmosphere, the generous and charming chef/owner, and the general feeling of good will from everyone we encountered all combined to make Fornos a big fat hit with us. NAME: The Jameses SUBMITTED: 4/25/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/25/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I have heard about this place from my co-workers, all of them had nothing but good things to say. My wife and I like to try new places so we gave it a shot. Immediatley upon entering we were greeted like family by the owner. We were made to feel as if this was our home. Armando treated us as if we were his family. The attention by the waitstaff was right on cue, not overbearing yet we never had to wait or ask for anything. The food was outstanding ! I must say the appetizer of parmesan crusted asparagus was truly a taste sensation. The filet was the best I have had, so tender I could pull it apart with my fork and cooked to perfection. My wife's meal sent her over the edge as well, the shrimp gregorio was fabulous. And to top this off was the Tres Leches. OMG, I cannot adequately describe how wonderful this was. Overall the experience was one of the best we have had. I will not hesitate to recommend Fornos to my family and friends. And we will be returning soon. Thx Armando !! See ya soon NAME: Steve & Tammy SUBMITTED: 1/13/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 01/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Eating at Fornos has, without exception, been the best dining experience of my life. After our first visit the owners, Armando and Vickie, greeted us by name everytime we visited. Armando is also the chef and prepares the best Italian food I have ever eaten. He and Vickie always find time to stop by our table and check on us, or just visit for a minute. It's like eating with family. If you haven't tasted the Snapper Almondine, the Beef Filet, the Tres Leches, or the Carrot Cake you haven't had the best! Not only is the food excellent but the wait staff, especially Mike and Miguel, are the best. They always remember the things we like most and have it ready for us almost before we ask. You couldn't ask for a better dining experience! The reviews I read with complaints had to have been about another Fornos. NAME: John & Lenora Pohlman SUBMITTED: 12/22/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: December 2006 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Looking for good spagetti close to the office, read the reviews in B4-U-Eat so thought give it a try. Food as good as the reviews stated. Had the Pasta Pollo from lunch menu (which includes salad and garlic bread). Great food, plenty to eat, very reasonably priced. Waiter a little confused, but could have been new. I'll go back and take my co-workers. NAME: Looking for good pasta SUBMITTED: 8/16/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: August/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Absolutely the best overall eating experience in town. The place is spotless, the food is fantastic, the service is unreal. My favorites are the Pollo Picata , Dill Shrimp, and any of the Snapper dishes. The La Salle soup is incredible, it is a little spicy for some but we love it. Everything is made fresh homemade every day even the dressings. My favorite sweet is the Tres Leches. Don’t pass up this one. NAME: Brian & Julie SUBMITTED: 8/7/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/06 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Good food. Good prices. Good service. Nice ambiance. Clean. Just nice all around. I don't even enjoy Italian restaurats that much but I enjoyed this place and look forward to going back. I don't even like crab but their crab bisque is excellent. Pasta wtih chicken & butter sauce (can't remember right name) was good, too. My date enjoyed the food, too. I like to frequent my own neighborhood's restaurants and this one is the best in the area. R*ed Onion Seafood y Mas is probably second. Well, P*appadeux up 290 is really good, too, of course. NAME: matbuc16 SUBMITTED: 8/4/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/06 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: We had driven past this place a million times and always talked about stopping in. It was well worth it when we did! We had the seafood alfredo, and the spicy shrimp dish (which we can't remember the name of), but the food was great. The service was great too. We have no complaints and we will be back! NAME: the_foodies SUBMITTED: 7/22/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/06 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My wife and I were looking for a special place to celebate our wedding anniversary and some place new as well. I had been thinking about Fornos however, trying new places tends to scare me because today you can pay alot for a mediocre meal. So after reading the reviews on b4-u-eat.com we went to try it out. It is a clean effciently run operation. We were greeted promptly and our server was first class. The food is superb! Plenty of service in a casual unrushed atmosphere. We also noted that the menu truly had a variety of food that started out very reasonably priced and topped out well within today's market. Now my fears are gone and we do not need an special occasion to return. NAME: Barry & Pam Doyle SUBMITTED: 3/5/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/04/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: My Wife and I moved to Houston from the NY/NJ area. She is full Italian/ Sicilian and she comes from the very traditional Italian family. I myself have been to Italy/Sicily several several times and even lived in Sicily briefly. The food at Fornos was every bit as authentic as that which is served on the tables in NY or Italy. The Chef/Owner has a very hands on approach to his cuisine and his business. He came to our table about mid-meal and was very warm and inviting as to our experience and our enjoyment of our time there. The Calamari Fritti is served with a very well put together marinara sauce that had the traditional aromatics and just the right/subtle bite to it which is very rare to find anywhere west of the East Coast. My Wife immenseley enjoyed the shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta that was put together much like a robust symphony with flair, perfect harmony (the sauteed tomatos were delicious), and beautiful overtures. I myself enjoyed the Sardegna Calzone. The home made crust and very authentic blend of ricotta (not the insulting cottage cheese that some try to impose) and mozzarella with accompanying basil, romano sauce were inspiring. Everything was in perfect timing, and to top off an already spectacular meal, we ended our culinary travels with a homemade vanilla/chocolate creme torte that was both decadent and beautifully presented. Overall We have found ourselves a diamond in the rough that is worth more than I could ever pay in a mere check. 5 stars all of the way!!!! Bravo NAME: An Author SUBMITTED: 10/22/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: Oct 2005 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: Great food, great service. From the pizzas to the snapper to the calamari to the lasagna, Armando the chef, does it all well. Great sauces complement the dishes. The desserts, especially the Tres Leches, are wonderful - Yes, I know, Tres Leches at an Italian Restaurant? It is the best you've ever had. If you've never had it, try it, you will have a new favorite dessert! NAME: Gil SUBMITTED: 6/24/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/05 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Great place, food is always the very best and the staff are very polite and extremley helpful. Best restaurant we have found in a long time. Would definetly take friends and Business associates. The family already love the place. NAME: Louie SUBMITTED: 2/12/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 020805 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: This was our first visit to Fornos of Italy, and it was really a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious and there was so much of it, we couldn't finish it all. We enjoyed everything we tasted, which included the stuffed mushrooms, bisque, minestrone, salad & bread, crab cakes, linguine with red clam sauce, cappuccino and a fabulous 'tres leche' cake for dessert. The owners visited our table and offered great advice on menu selections. Everything they suggested proved to be scrumptious. We're looking forward to our next visit so that we can try out some of the other menu items, as well. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be back real soon! Oh...be sure to ask for Jason...he was a great server! NAME: Ron & Julie Sprauer SUBMITTED: 6/5/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/04/04 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Fantastic! Thirty-six (36) members of The Texas Ramblers (an official chapter of The Red Hat Society) rambled on over to Fornos on 43rd for lunch on V Day. We were all very pleased with the service, the food, and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Do you know how difficult it is to get 36 women to agree on anything? Well, we ALL agreed that this was a great place to go - and we shall return! Thanks to all you lovely people at Fornos! NAME: Ladygrande SUBMITTED: 2/16/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 02/14/04 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: i ve heard of fornos on 43rd. from a friend. the place is cozy and the staff is wonderful. the owner Armando and his wife were there and Armando was doing the cooking that night. it was the best italian food ive had in houston.. i had the chicken picata and my wife had the snapper special. Armando made his way to our table and visited with us ..that means alot when the owner shows he cares for for his customer ...we recomend it.!!!!!! NAME: the scarpino family SUBMITTED: 12/29/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: 12-23-03 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY