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Amid the hustle and bustle of Bluebonnet Boulevard, Nino’s Italian Restaurant offers a quiet respite from the daily grind whether you’re having a stressful day at the office or an afternoon of carpool lines and errand-running to look forward to. The quaint dining room is filled with white linen-topped tables, and the sounds of Frank Sinatra classics filter in through the speakers. The lunch menu is limited in its offerings of soups, salads and pastas, but there’s sure to be a taste to satisfy even the pickiest diner. Choices range from traditional Italian specialties like lasagna and chicken marsala to lighter alternatives like the chicken primavera (left). A grilled chicken breast tops a healthy portion of linguine tossed in olive oil, garlic, lemon and a garden of fresh veggies including zucchini, squash, carrots, mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers and broccoli. Paired with a Caesar salad of crisp greens and a robust dressing, it’s the perfect midday Italian meal that won’t have you craving a nap.