10/20/09

Great evening - food, drinks and service

by austin visitor

I found Fino online while searching for a restaurant to bring a group of our important clients to while in Austin for a conference; it was important that the quality of the food, beverages and service be 5 stars we were also looking for a relaxed ambience for the final evening of the event.

When I booked our reservation about a month out the vast majority of online reviews were very positive - a few days before hosting the dinner I went back online and was very surprised to see several very critical reviews. Rather than embarrass myself in front of my boss and our clients my first thought was to cancel the reservation - but I had no guarantee that the next restaurant would be any better; so I phoned Fino and spoke with the General Manager who assured me that there had been no major staff turnover and I could be confident in my choice.

The restaurant was perfect for our occasion – we were all arriving by taxi – by the time the 4th cab arrived and everyone had a drink the selection of tapas and small plates I ordered were on the table. Everyone could relax with a drink and a tasty nibble – every plate was a hit.

Our waiter was contentious but not the least bit intrusive – a true professional; dinner orders were taken and variations and recommendations made for the vegetarians and those with allergies in the group.

As it worked out, everyone had a different main course – the depth of menu selection offered something for every palate. Everything arrived hot, and well presented and timely.

Although we were all exhausted by the weeks activities the great food and service at Fino Restaurant made it easy for us to linger of coffee, dessert and after dinner drinks.

When it was time for the check the waiter offered to call for taxi’s knowing that is how we arrived – only needing to know how many we would like.

We left not only well fed but feeling well cared for as well. I recommend Fino Restaurant without hesitation and look forward to returning my next trip to Austin.

• Pros: Excellent for our group of 9
• Cons: not easy to find for out of town guests

09/04/09

Dining experience from Thurs, 9/3/09

by Aaron Flores

Dined at Fino for the first time. Not thrilled with my choice. Ordered the chicken entree, with garbanzo beans and spinach (very salty), did not have the wine choice I requested, alternate white wine was good. My dining companion ordered the Halibut, he was pleased with his selection. We noticed there was really no ambiance, or substance to this restaurant. Nothing really stood out about the restaurant, except it being a bit pricey. Dinner for 2 was around $80. Review: 1 star. I will not return or recommend.

• Pros: Lots of Parking and Seating
• Cons: Food not all that appetizing

07/25/09

I am NOT returning to Fino!

by foodpicky

Just to be concise, we went to Fino today, July 25, 2009. We were sitted in the bar, because apparently we did not make reservations for the main dininig area. The waiter was not particularly interested in us and rather indifferent to our presence in his restaurant?! The main thing is food of course, and it was merely not enough. Risotto as the only vegetarian choice was probably 1/4 of a cup, not more. There was also barely cooked zuccini/squash and something else in it which I could not recognize. Bread pudding was $9 for a tiny piece! The manager of both Fino and Asti came by, and I told him that the portions were to laugh about. He tried to expIain that usually people get full by ordering tapas.... HOw pretentious and how not European at all. BTW, if you visited Italy nowadays, the portions in their restaurants are now big, trying to satisfy us, Americans. The way to go and be happy. I left very angry and hungry. Would not recommend at all! The customer who weighs only 115 lbs, but still likes to eat and enjoys loads of best food!

• Pros: Quite expensive but rather miniscule portions