Gino's Italian Restaurant - Round Rock

Gino's Italian Restaurant - Round Rock

Written by Jim Dawson Sunday, 07 May 2006

Authentic flavors and location reminiscient of Italy

During our recent trip to Italy, we often tried small out-of-the-way restaurants where only the locals eat. The most memorable meal was in Sienna, where patrons shared the six tables crammed in around the kitchen of the neighborhood restaurant.

Gino’s Italian Restaurant, although much larger but located in a little-known shopping center on S. Mays, reminds us of those Italian eateries.

Born in Gela, Sicily, Angelo (Gino) Minardi began baking bread as a child. In the mid-1950s, he moved to New York City where he met and married Angela, a daughter of Italian immigrants.

After establishing a bakery in New Jersey, Gino and Angela moved with their five children to Galveston and opened a bakery, which is still operated by Gino’s brother, Luciano.

Gino and Angela moved to the Austin area in the early 1990s to be closer to their children who had relocated to this area.

Gino’s Restaurant opened in 1993, first as a pizzeria, but now offers a full lunch and dinner menu featuring Gino’s family recipes.

Today, daughters Teresa and Gina are involved in the daily operations, but Gino still prepares the sauce each morning, ensuring that only the freshest quality ingredients are used.

On our recent visit, we loved the Bruschetta alla Gino, a traditional Italian offering of toasted homemade bread topped with garlic, tomato and melted cheese. ($ 5.99)

For the pasta lovers, the Spaghetti alla Gino is a huge plate of pasta overflowing with meatballs, mushrooms and Italian sausage covered with marinara sauce. ($11.59) A lighter pasta item rich with delicate flavor is the Linguini Giardino, pasta tossed in garlic and olive oil with mixed vegetables. ($11.59)

My favorite entree is the Chicken Marsala, ($12.99) also available with veal. ($14.99) Lightly-dusted cutlets are sauteed with mushrooms and onions in a full-bodied Marsala wine and served with a bowl of spaghetti with marinara sauce.

For those who enjoy a variety of tastes, Gino’s offers several combo plates, including one with Chicken Parmigiano, Lasagna and Manicotti. ($11.99)

Gino’s still knows how to make pizza. The hand-tossed, thin-crusted pizzas are an authentic reminder of Italy; however, you can also choose the thick crust.

Each pizza is individually prepared with a choice of ingredients and is available to share at the restaurant, but is also very popular for take out.

For dessert, traditional Italian choices include Cannoli ($3.50) and Tiramisu. ($4.25) We enjoyed the Amaretto Cheesecake, which was fresh and full of flavor. ($3.50)

 

Restaurant Expansion begins this week

• Taking over pet store which is relocating in same center
• Adding another dining room with same ambience as present area
• Kitchen doubles in size

Hours:

• Monday - Saturday
  • Lunch 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Dinner 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Closed Sunday
• catering also available

Gino's Italian Restaurant, 1701 South Mays, Round Rock, TX 78664

512- 218-9922 www.ginosroundrock.com