Romano Flying Pizza

10/05/07

Very close to New York.

by lynch34 at Citysearch

After reading the editorial reviews on this and one other city guide about how expat NYers like me would love this place, I finally got a chance to visit this past weekend. You can tell from looking at the display exactly what it's going to taste like.

It's not quite as good as a good NYC pizza; the sauce needs a little boost, maybe oregano, and the cheese or sauce is missing a little tang, or at least is only inconsistently achieving it. But the parts are all right there: the crust is excellent, perfectly thin and with the right snap; the sauce and cheese are the correct amount, and in proportion; and the taste and texture are accurately delicate. The sauce just needs a little boost.

But I'm nitpicking. It's easily one of the five best pizzas (#3 or #4) I've had since leaving New York for college, and I'd recommend it to anyone. If you're used to eating pizza from the giant chains or, in Houston, from a Star-type pizzeria, you might be turned off from the thinness or potential paucity of ingredients (I only had basic cheese), and that would be wrongheaded, because this is what pizza is supposed to taste like. Toppings and extra cheese are used to hide taste.

I've been back for slices twice since that first time last week.

• Pros: Pizza (Haven't had any of their other dishes)

10/05/07

Best NY style pizza in TX!

by jocelynsc at Citysearch

Being a native NYer living in TX, I thought I'd have to book a plane ticket every time I got a craving for good pizza. Luckily though, I found Romano's on West Gray. When you walk through the glass doors, you feel like you've been transplanted to NY. They have the Yankees playing on the TV and the NY accents being thrown at you when you order your food. My husband and I are so glad we found this place. The pizza and pasta dishes are delicious. My hubby and I are big fans of the Chicken Francese and Chicken Marsala.

07/24/07

haven't found a better chicken marsala!

by perkinme at Citysearch

THE BEST!!! I remember when Romano's first open, back when the Marshall's next door was a movie theater. I wasn't sure if the place would make it, but I am so glad they did! My family loves the place! We have been loyal customers for years. I wish they still did delivery. I have yet to find any Italian restaurant that can beat their Chicken Marsala. And their meat sauce is to die for! I can't tell you how much I love this place. You just can't top this place!!!!

• Pros: wonderfully simple italian food, great staff
• Cons: they don't deliver anymore :(

06/23/07

Best NY pizza outside out NY and Vinny and Franky are awsome

by wyldchyld1 at Citysearch

Real NY pizza in Texas...WOW!

I am yet another NY transplant and have been here about 28 years now. There are only two places to eat NY pizza, in NY and at Romano's! I have a neice living in Seacucus, NJ and she came to visit and said Romano's has better NY pizza than anywhere outside of Manhattan (where she lived most of her life). Vinny and Franky are the best...you walk in and almost feel like you're home. Everything I've tried on their menu is really good. And OMG, the sauce is fabulous, the crust is perfect. I went to their other location once and it didn't even come close to the one on Waugh...I can't figure that out but but it is not the same taste at all, to me. I highly recommend Romano's to anyone looking for good NY pizza. Suggestion.. go during off peak times because the joint is so popular it's hard to get a table during regular meal times. Thank you Vinny and Franky.

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• Pros: the next best thing to being in NY for pizza and casual itialian food
• Cons: really crowded at peak times, hard to get a table

06/08/07

Hands down the best Italian Food/Pizza in Houston.

by newyorker2007 at Citysearch

In response to the previous post, "the owners", I'm guessing you've never met "the owners". If you ever meet them you'll see, they'd never be caught dead writing reviews on a computer, just doesn't go hand in hand with their Italian bravado.

With that said, if you want really good, in my opinion the best pizza I've tried in all of the greater Houston area, head to Romano's. The crust is perfect, very crunchy and doesn't flop in the middle like most pizza out there and the sauce is what pizza sauce is supposed to taste like. I was born in NY, so I know what good pizza tastes like.

The entrees are also very authentic and tasty. I love the baked ziti, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo. Although i love my pasta, I've ventured out there and tried the veal scallopini and I must say I was impressed.

So all in all, for those who might be confused as to why there might be a few questionable reviews, check it out for yourself, and you'll see that like the other 99.99% of people who visit Romano's, you'll experience some of the best food Houston has to offer.

• Pros: Great Pizza and Delicious Pasta
• Cons: Gets very busy at times

05/07/07

Can you REALLY trust city search?

by absolutburton at Citysearch

I see that citysearch has 5 stars for so many restaurants...a lot that stink... the reason I'm saying this on here is because of the "authentic" NY taste. I'm a born and bred Manhattanite living in Houston. I don't think it's physically possible to match NY pizza. Although they do a good pizza here. Smaller than NY, a little thinner too. More expensive for other Italian staples. Salads are small for what you pay. I would still recommend it anyway.

04/07/07

Best NYC style pizza in H-town

by vilasity at Citysearch

As a native New Yorker, this place undoubtedly makes what I consider to be the best replica of the pizza I grew up on back at home. There are three notable attributes, in my eyes, that qualify this place as the best pizza in Houston (or rather the best NY style pizza): 1) Thin crust- the crust is very light, yet not overcooked, and the end crust is airy. 2) The appropriate ratio of cheese to pizza sauce. 3) U can fold it. I should note that I did not eat there, but instead opted for take-out. Service was prompt, as I expected. Go there. You will NOT be disappointed.

03/09/07

Poor Service

by bbaggins at Citysearch

My date ordered a salad and I ordered a slice of cheese pizza. My pizza didnt come out after 15 minutes to my table. I had to go ask where it was then they gave it to me. That defeats the whole purpose of a place where you take a number to your table to have them bring it out. The pizza was good when I finally got it. My date said the salad was not very good.

01/24/07

hands-down the best pizza in htown!!!...

by boodevil at Citysearch

...and honestly, ranks way up there on my list of favorites regardless of location. you won't necessarily get your choice of interesting/exotic pies, but they perfect the types and toppings offered. quite sadly, however, i often only get to order a single slice. the romano's baked ziti is the best i've ever had, and i find it too hard to pass up when there. along with the ziti, they offer many other classic italian dishes. the owners (who are always right behind the counter) are extremely personable, and the atmosphere is as close to 'new york' as one will ever find in houston as well.

01/18/07

Not quite NY, but as close as possible!

by gatecrewgirl at Citysearch

An Upstate New Yorker displaced in Texas, I have made it my mission to find the best pizza in town. While there are still some flaws to be worked out, such as the fact that they do not make a bunch of specialty slices, but rather just put the items you request on top of cheese and then reheat, this pizza is the closest to the real thing that I've found yet in Houston. Don't go expecting authentic pizza, but it is by far the most acceptable I've found so far. Crust is perfect - I can't believe how hard Texans find it to make the crust crispy yet soft and the right thickness. They don't use cheap crappy cheese, and the sauce is correct pizza sauce, not marinara. Could use a little more salt and oregano in the sauce, though. Overall score with 10 being Pavone's Pizza in Manlius, this place scores a 7.5. Good enough for this New Yorker and MILES above the NY Pizzerias and Gotham Pizzas in this neighborhood. Give it a try! You'll be pleasantly suprised.