With a 14-year foundation studying under Tuscan chefs—making fresh pasta every morning and working at several restaurants in Milan, Italy—Tony Elsherif moved to the U.S. in 1980 to start working in New York City. Before long, he said he was named the best pasta chef in Manhattan.
During his time in New York City, he continued to hone his skills and ultimately owned three restaurants—two in Queens and one in Manhattan. By 1991, Elsherif was ready for a new challenge and moved to Houston. Since then, he has owned several restaurants around the city: Bolliciniella, Via Torino and Tonino’s.
In December 2016, Elsherif opened Tutto Bene Italian Cuisine on Mason Road near Hwy. 290. The restaurant’s name translates to “everything is good” in Italian, and Elsherif said quality is his primary focus.
“We cook everything here fresh—whole fish, free- range chicken, natural veal—all made to order,” he said. “It might take a little more time, but you get the freshness and quality.”
Elsherif said he offers traditional Italian dishes as well as selections not found anywhere else in the area. The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, chicken, seafood, steaks and customizable pizzas baked in the authentic Italian pizza oven. The dessert menu features classics, such as bread pudding, chocolate mousse and tiramisu.
Additionally, the restaurant includes a fully stocked wine bar with mostly Italian and Californian selections ranging in price from $21-$325 per bottle.
Diners can enjoy wine by the glass during happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 2-7 p.m., and musicians perform live on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Elsherif said he likes having competition in the Cypress area. With 40 years of experience running his own authentic Italian restaurants, he said he knows what makes a business stand out among the rest.
“We serve fresh food at a reasonable price with good service,” he said. “I treat my customers like family.”
15103 Mason Road, Cypress
832-220-6754
www.tutto-beneitalian.com
Hours: Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Mondays
