Gino’s may look unassuming tucked in the corner of a strip mall, but its well-lit interior holds some of the best Italian I’ve ever had. It opened Nov. 11, as the second restaurant of the Italian owner.

When I first arrived, it was a busy Friday evening, but I was still seated in around 15 minutes in the first of its three open rooms. It was a bit loud due to the amount of patrons.

Most items on the menu were between $12 and $21, but the classic dishes were cheaper, with my lasagna being $13.99. The service was fairly quick and friendly, and they did something I’ve never seen before; they gave me a carafe (small glass pitcher) full of the Sprite I’d ordered with my drink. When the lasagna came out, I was worried because it looked like the cheese was burnt and had too much tomato. Yet when I tasted it, it blew me away. The cream cheese was smooth, and the pasta soft enough to melt without chewing. The sausage in it was generously cut, and the tomato helped pull the dish together.

So pasta lovers beware; looks aren’t everything here. Everything in the restaurant was clean and neat, including the restrooms, making it all around one of the best family restaurants I’ve been to.  It’s a great pick for any Italian lover.

Gino’s 1525 Cypress Creek Rd. Cedar Park (512) 996-8990