Fornos

A quiet little Italian place tucked in an off shopping center in Westheimer.
The food is delicious - one of my favorite places for pizza and Italian basics.
The service is friendly and attentive.
The vibe is a bit sleepy - I have a feeling this place caters to the lunch rush for all the surrounding businesses.
Dining in is quiet (which is our go to when we don't want to cook, but also don't want to hassle with a loud restaurant), but service is friendly and wine list is decent.
Definitely recommend the pizza! Their bread is also amazing.

Owner response

Reviews like this are tough to write.
There is so potential, but I’m doubtful things will change as the business has been open for many years.
I got a “set in our ways vibe”. This once bustling shopping center, has turned into a desolate area.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see tumbleweeds.
The entrance itself, is grand.
You walk up a few steps to see patio seating on either sides of the entry doors.They also have a ramp for handicap needs.
My first issue was the specials board placed outside.
Instead of reading specials, or welcoming you into the establishment, it’s simply states to not leave valuables in your car.
Not a warm and fuzzy feeling.
We went for an early dinner on this particular day, so it was not busy.
Only one other table of two were in the restaurant.
We were immediately greeted and seated by our waiter.
He was extremely friendly, attentive, and helped with suggestions from the menu.
He told us he had been there 29 years.
The space itself has so much potential.
There’s a beautiful mural of old world Italy on a large wall.
The lighting is low and intimate.
They have decorative wine cellars separating the bar area from the regular eating space.
Unfortunately, boxes stacked behind a high backed booth seating area on the opposite corner of the restaurant, took away from the beautiful mural.
It was definitely a storage area for wine boxes.
As we waited for our drink orders to arrive, I noticed the music did not fit the environment.
Britney Spears, Huey Lewis, Maroon 5, and other pop artists played overhead.
I would expect an Italian restaurant to have more themed music.
Sounds of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin would have been very welcomed.
We ordered the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer.
They were very good.
They were large and had a tasty cream sauce.
Four to a plate, which was perfect to split between the two of us.
While we talked and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, we looked over the menu and decided to ask our server for suggestions.
He was very helpful.
He suggested the Chicken Jerusalem for me since I was in the mood for a creamier sauce.
Turns out, there was both cream sauce and marinara sauce, so I got the best of both worlds.
The food itself was pretty good.
The garlic bread was the best.
For my aunt and I to dine that evening, the bill was $161 before tip.
This was three glasses of wine for each of us an appetizer, our meal, an order of garlic bread, and one tiramisu.
I felt the prices were a little high.
My aunt had a steak which was $35 by itself.
She did not feel it was that great, so at least my meal was better than hers.
Before leaving, I headed to the restroom to check out that space.
Ceiling tiles were removed and wires exposed, there was trash on the floor, the toilet was not solidly positioned to the floor, and the countertops were littered with debris and extra water. It’s such a shame to have great service and decent food, but have it ruined for things like music and atmosphere.
My hope is for someone to see this review and tweak a few things that would be beneficial for their business.
Unfortunately, unless I hear things have changed, I will not return.
we still tipped our waiter 20%.
Like I said, he was a good waiter.
Maybe the restaurant is just a little too complacent.

I recently dined at the authentic Italian restaurant, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish.
The ambiance transported me to Italy, with rustic decor, soft Italian music, and friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The menu offered a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, and I opted for the classic Margherita pizza.
The pizza was a masterpiece of simplicity, with a perfectly thin, crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and the creamiest mozzarella cheese.
Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I couldn't get enough. For dessert, I indulged in a creamy tiramisu that was a heavenly way to end the meal.
The coffee-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone were a match made in dessert heaven. The wine selection was impressive, featuring a variety of Italian wines that perfectly complemented the meal.
The attentive and knowledgeable sommelier guided me to the perfect pairing for my dish. The service was exceptional, with attentive waitstaff who were passionate about sharing the best of Italian cuisine.
The whole experience was a memorable journey through Italy's culinary delights, and I can't wait to return to this authentic Italian gem.

Owner response