Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill
(713) 223-0088
540 Texas Ave.
Houston,
TX
77002
29.7623
-95.3666
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
What People Are Saying About Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Situated in downtown's Bayou Place complex, this popular Italian restaurant often finds itself hosting an avalanche of diners frantic to eat well and move on to nearby venues. Still, this airy restaurant shines, showing off its upscale Mediterranean character and reliable menu. When weather permits, outdoor tables provide a great view of the Theatre District.
The Food
Pastas, in various cream and red sauces, lead the way. Penne loaded with homemade sausage is a bargain for big eaters. So is an admirable primavera salad that's best shared by two. A few fish dishes, such as smoked salmon or lump crabmeat appetizer, provide lighter alternatives.
User Reviews
mshpossum
February 02, 2009
This restaurant is highly overpriced and the food didn't even come close to being good. Got some sort of chicken with goat cheese. There was less than a one spoonful of cheese and the chicken breast was bland and tiny. I should have stayed home and made my own. I would NEVER return to this place nor would i recommend it. I really have half a notion to call the manager/owner and let them know that they basically stole $65 from me for a crummy cesar (lettuce was wilted), a bland, tiny portion of chicken ($26, yes for chicken breast) and two beers and a glass of wine. My wife and i split both the salad and entre. We were hungry 1 hour later. Carrabba's is not as expensive and 100 times better than this rip off, wannabe, waste of time restaurant. MINGALONE, I HOPE YOUR DOORS CLOSE SO NO ONE HAS TO EXPERIENCE WHAT I DID LAST WEEK!!!
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Goodfood15
January 20, 2009
Read review from waiter at this restaurant and had to respond. Claims you should come and visit durning a non peak time. We did. We were 1 or 5 or 6 tables in the whole restaurant. Calamari, rubbery and bland. Food came out and was cold and unimpressive. Do not waste your time or your money when there are significantly better restaurants a couple blocks away. The extra walk is more than worth it.
read full reviewRiccardoPalazzoGiorgio
December 27, 2008
In response to the waiters remarks, I too used to work for Mr. Mingalone, back when his restaurant was called Montesano on Beverly Hill. Since his relocation to the theatre disctict, I have tried the restaurant once. Unfortunately, we did not stay through the entire meal. The restaurant was not busy at all. We were seated and then forgotten. There was no water service, no bread service and no waiter. We waited for several minutes, then stood up and left the restaurant. No one approached us on the way out to ask what happened. Mr. Mingalone was at the bar chatting with some women. The whole episode confirmed to me that the name may have changed from one location to the next, but everything else remained the same. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
read full reviewThe Details on Mingalone Italian Bar & Grill
What to Drink:
Daily by-the-glass wine specials are inexpensive and intriguing.
Save Time:
Inform your waiter if you're tight on time for a theater curtain, and service can be fast-tracked.
