Collina's Italian Cafe

I recently visited Collinas after a movie on the recommendation of friends. I got there around 8 pm--it was crowded but we were seated quickly. The food came and it was quite good. About half way through the meal we heard some sort of disturbance by the register. I, along with most of the other patrons looked toward the kitchen and some woman, who I assume was the manager, was literally yelling at a group of employees. She was very unprofessional and creating quite a disturbance. After her ten minute b fit she walked to a table of which I now assume was her friends, sat down with a glass of wine, and began laughing and pointing to the kitchen. I was really disturbed by her behavior and can only hope that the owners of this place get rid of her before she scares off all of the customers---she certainly ran us off!

Pros: good pizza

Cons: unprofessional staff

I signed up for a CitySearch account to write this review. My wife and I ordered a pizza tonight. When we ordered it they said it would be 45 minutes, after an hour I called to check on the status and they acted irritated that I was bothering them. The lady on the phone said the driver had already left and should be there any minute. 30 minutes later the driver showed up a with a cold pizza. LAST time we order delivery from this restaurant!!

Cons: Customer service

So on a Friday night after catching a movie at the Edward's Cinema around the corner, a group of us gals were left with not too many choices for a bite to eat, and we ventured into Collina's on Richmond. It looks like the type of place you can relax and enjoy a casual meal. We walked in and were seated quickly, and there began the show! We got put at the table right in front of the kitchen (open kitchen) where you can see and hear everything that is taking place. We barely had a couple of minutes to look over the menu before being asked three times if we were ready to order. Since we were being rushed along, we threw in our orders. As we sat chatting and waiting for our order, we could overhear the chatter in the kitchen, hard to ignore as it was almost right in our face. We tried to tune out the constant belittling we heard from the "manager" to his staff. He was chewing them out, even the new guy that was on the job his first day, without a care as to anyone else being around. Beyond the fact that he was constantly jumping down their throats, he was doing it in a very rude and demeaning manner. The food came out without much delay, and we ate, still being forced to listen to the staff being treated like dirt. For the mere fact that the the manager (thin, middle aged caucasian gentleman constantly talking to himself and screaming at the staff), has no tact or decency in the way he handles himself, I would stay away from this place. Hopefully the owners of this little establishment don't condone this type of behavior. Spend your money elsewhere, someplace where people are treated with a little respect...and might I add, the food's not worth writing home about. We ordered a chicken pizza, the mushroom appetizer, and the chicken diablo.

Pros: it was open

Cons: service

I was eager to try Collina's veggie lasagna because the veggie lasagna I had tasted before at Prima Pasta was finger-licking good. Collina's veggie lasagna was not yumE. I think it is because of the veggies they used or perhaps the sauce in their lasagna. I took one or two bites of my veggie lasagna, and I didn't touch the rest of it. Perhaps Collina's can redeem themselves. Next time, I would like to try one of their pizzas. It seemed to be a popular choice. It is nice that Collina's is a BYOB place; I've gone their twice for informal wine tasting with friends.

Pros: BYOB

Cons: parking, lots of patrons, lack of waiting area,

I was very impressed with Collina's. Not only is it BYOB (love it) but they have some of the best pizza in the city. It was very busy when we arrived and waited 10 minutes to be seated, but it was well worth it.

Pros: Great Pizza and Great Prices. BYOB

Cons: Parking

We went yesterday and I was totally impressed by the pizza. We had the Margherita, and it was the best I've had in ages. Two Thumbs up! The side salads were also very good. If it wasn't homemade dressing, they fooled me. The rigatoni with meat sauce didn't get much attention, since both of us attacked the pizza, and didn't have much room left. The service was great, as was our server. Our only compliant, is that for such a family friendly place, we were surprised there was no changing station in the restroom we used. 7 months ago, I would have considered that a plus, but now that I'm a grandma my priorities have changed:-)

Pros: The pizza and BYOB policy

Cons: No changing table in the restroom we used.

We love Collina's. BYOB. Food is great. Service is great. We dine here all the time. We can't get enough!

This review is specific to their delivery service, which is abysmal. They have on multiple occasions taken over 90 minutes to deliver (after quoting 45 minutes). The last time (and the last time I will ever order from them) I finally gave up after 2 ? hours and three phone calls to them. They just never showed up! They need to get out of the delivery business; this is obviously not something that they are capable of doing well.

The pizza is great. This is a great place for a lazy Saturday lunch. I suggest the seafood pizza and the mona lisa. Be sure to bring your favorite bottle of wine. You won't be disappointed!!!

Pros: Small seating area, limited space

Cons: Small seating area, limited space

Whether it is your first date or your fiftieth, this place is the best place to go. You might have to wait, but you can bring your own wine and drink it while you wait. The pizza here is the best I have ever had- everything else looks good but I can't tear myself away from the pizza! The pomodoro basilica salad is the best thing I have ever had! The staff (the Randys) lend to the atmosphere- this is just a great place!

Pros: BYOB, pizza, atmosphere

Cons: none

This place is great! It is very small and has a family atmosphere. Yes, the tables are small, but it provides a more intimate environment. The pizza's are fantastic and the house dressing is to die for! It is also available for purchase if would like to bring some home. I go for lunch and dinner and alway have had a pleasant experience. Two thumbs up!

Pros: Great food, good prices

The Richmond location is our first choice for going out to dinner with a group of friends. Bring along bottles of wine, and try the margherita pizza! It gets really crowded, but enjoy your wine while you wait for a table, the pizza is well worth it!

Pros: BYOB, Margherita Pizza

Cons: Parking, Crowded, Noisy

Collina's really hit a home run with member of our dinner club! Eight Friends Out visited 2 nights in a row with two different age groups. We did 2 BYOB wine dinners, and Amy, our server, made it all a very smooth and easy event. The uncorking fee was cheap, and the food was delicious, starting with warm focaccia bread and salads. My favorite was the vegetable cannelloni, but everybody else liked the Chicken Marsala smothered in mushrooms. The Tiramasu for dessert looked incredible and got rave reviews, but I preferred the sweet and simple Butterscotch brownie. I will bring my other club Bayou City Outdoors here for sure!

Pros: Relaxed, Affordable, Great Italian!

Cons: Not really romantic, Towing worries

The Night time staff, 3 in particular The Randy's and Chris always make Collinas a fun, relaxing dining experience. They make you feel like family. The food is wonderful too.

Pros: Randy Hopkins, Randy Whatley

I recently ordered the margherita pizza and had them add shrimp. Wow! You just can't go wrong with any of their pizzas.

We just came from the collina's on richmond. We had never been there before. My wife got the chicken parm and I got the z special 12 inch pizza. We didn't know about the byob so we didn't take advantage of that. The chicken was just ok. The pizza was good, but I still prefer star or fuzzy's pizza (depending on which kind I am in the mood for) . It was a good value. If you like to drink wine at dinner, I think it is an excellent value. The atmosphere was ok...a little rustic and busy, but I like that. Actually, I think it would be a great place to take a date and a couple bottles of wine.

Pros: byob, cheap, decent cuisine

Cons: , loud

It's great pizza, with great service, a neighborhhod atmosphere and lots of fun for the whole family.

I've ordered their pizza to go about five times and it is the best. I won't recommend the other dishes though. I've ordered the lasagna and it was bland and not very good - same with some of the other pasta dishes I've ordered. I would consider eating at the restaurant but it always seems crowded and very loud.

Pros: good pizza, prompt take out time, cheap

Cons: loud, tables close together

We frequent Collinas. Love to bring our own wine. Its great for groups. We had our office Christmas party in the back room. The pizza is wonderful as are the raviolis. The alfredo suace needs some seasoning but the deserts are wonderful. Don't forget to write your name on the yellow tablet on the counter, sometimes they forget to tell you to.

Pros: Pizza, BYOB, informal

Cons: Crowded

I love the pizza and salad. I know they have other dishes, but I love these too much to try anything else. I almost always do "take-out," but I have dined there once or twice. When I have, it has been a nice experience despite the shopping strip location of the one I frequent (Richmond.) I love the music they play ("Aria") and there is at least one waiter who is cute as a bug.

The Richmond location is not far from River Oaks and is always packed with people who appear to know good Italian (not just the TX variety.) I believe this is the best pizza in Houston. Anybody who would prefer to order from Pizza Hut needs to have his taste examined!

Pros: excellent pizza, reasonable prices, friendly staff

Cons: park'g can be tricky

I am a regular at Collina's in the Heights, and I have enjoyed the great food and friendly service since my first visit. The atmosphere is more fun than the usual formal rountine that other look-a-like restuarants are known for. The unique waitstaff go out of their way for the large parties, and are very generous when correcting mistakes. The pizza beats out Star by a long-shot, and it is definitly worth the trip out to the Heights.

Pros: inexpensive, friendly staff, good food/atmosphere

I loved the Memorial location, close to Memorial City Mall. That one is my favorite location to have the italian style pizzas. My fav was the Mona Lisa, but the Margherita was good too!

Pros: good pizza, fresh ingredients, nice restaurants

Cons: crowded

By the time we were finally seated (had a large group) we got snide comments and dirty looks from our server. I realize that it was very busy, but is all that neccessary? I go out to have a good time, and that wasn't one of them.

On the other hand, our host was funny and a pleasure to talk to.

Pros: Good Pizza

Cons: Questionable service, No parking

We went to the location in the Heights and were quite pleasantly surprised. We were seated immediatley and had tremendous service the entire night. I ordered the angel hair with eggplant, capers and a red sauce. My fiance enjoyed a linguine dishe bursting with fresh tomatoes and herbs. We also enjoyed some good foccacia bread and a house salad all for $20, (its is BYOB). Our food was hearty yet not too heavy and they used mostly fresh ingredients. We will be back soon!

Pros: Value, Simplicity, Atmosphere

Cons: Limited Menu

When you walk in you are instantly greeted by the warmth of the ovens and of the informal staff. This place is busy for a reason. The pizzas are crispy and loaded with just enough to make each pizza delicious distinct in flavor. There are no soggy crusts and meat overloading here, a problem that seems to plague most Pizza outfits I have encountered in Houston. Perfect place to have a loud conversation with friends. Try the Calamari but BYOB!

Pros: Food, Staff, Consistent

Cons: Few tables

I so recommend this restaurant to any one looking for great Italian food! With so many different locations located around Houston- their is surrly one around your way! I used to work at Collina's- the Richmond location, and the newest location The Heights. The people are very friendly and their staff is well trained!!! No matter what your in the mood for- pizza, cheese filled ravioli (my personal faviorite), a salad, chicken- whatever... You've got to try it!

Pros: great food, great wait staff!!!, GrEaT FOOD!!!

Cons: can get crowded...

My husband and I have visited the Heights location several times as well as ordered for delivery. The 1st time we ordered pasta, it was cold nearly frozen, the wait staff was oblivious. Do not ever use the online ordering because they don't check it! I tried it because they can never find my complex which is less than a mile from the location and rather large. The staff was angry the first time I ordered and the pizza took 2hrs., I made them re-make it while I waited. I will order from Pizza Inn from now on and make my own italian dishes, and I am quite confident that mine are better

Pros: convenient

Cons: terrible service, parking, delivery

Dining at Collina's for the first time was quite a treat!! The Richmond location was packed to the rafters but we got a table pretty quickly. Big plus! The waiter came right over and efficiently got our drink orders. He guided us through the menu, and made some excellent suggestions!!!! The only thing I would do to improve the restaurant is some minor cosmetic repairs. We will be back. Kudos to the owners, and to the night staff.

Pros: inexpensive, great food, excellent service

Cons: a little loud, too many people

Just as the review says - Collinas is a cozy neighborhood spot! Collinas is not know for its spectacular italian food BUT for its wonderful pizza, BYOB policy, and its neighborhood feel! So, if you are looking for a nice night out to drink wine, eat pizza and relax while saving a few bucks, this is the place to come!

Pros: value, BYOB

Cons: parking

We ordered 2 large pizzas and they were soft and undercooked in the middle. The salad was very small and just thrown together. Asked for water 3 times. The restaurant was very noisey and they have to many tables stuffed into to small a space. Also, waiters talked too loud about their personnel life. Would NOT visit again.

Pros: Fast

Cons: Servers rude, Very crowded, Too Noisey

Have been here a number of times with friends. The ravioli with parma rosa sauce is great, as is the pizza margherita . . . nice crust, very cheesy and fresh basil for decent prices. I actually enjoy the BYOB status because I know I can get a great wine to enjoy and not have the price jacked up 2.5 times, and the staff will even keep your beer cold in the back and replenish upon need. Sometimes it is quite busy, but isn't that the mark of a successful place?

Fresh ingredients with awesome sauce. No other pizza comes close to Collinas'.

Been here many times (the one in the Village) and have rarely been disappointed. Sometimes quite a long wait for a table, but for my money, the best pizza in town (yes, it is better than Star). Added bonus: bring your own wine!

Pros: Inexpensive, BYO wine

Heights Location Again - My wife went in to pick up a To-Go order we placed over the phone and they didn't start cooking it until she got there . . . i.e. they forgot it. Then when the cashier was speaking to my wife, he kept mumbling. When she said she didn't understand him, the manager shouted at her to listen better!!

I have also experienced problems with ordering on-line as well as over the phone. Every time has been with the Heights location. I, nor anyone else I know, will ever return there again.