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Bruno's Italian Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Bruno's Italian Cuisine
7.8
Casual downtown Italian with pizzas, pastas, and booths that fit strollers and high chairs. Ticket times are quick, and the menu leans toward shareable, family-friendly favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination pizza, Ravioli with marinara, Chicken parmesan
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Old-school menu that kids and grandparents agree on.
Who should go: Families wanting casual pizza-and-pasta
When to visit: 11:30–12:30 or 5:00–6:00
What to order: Combo pizza, ravioli marinara, chicken parm
Insider tip: Split a large salad and a pie to stretch value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and nearby cross streets is generally available; a small public lot sits behind the block, but it fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual attire—jeans, polos, and family dinner outfits fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; easy to hold a conversation at most booths.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pastas, salads, and pizzas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—can request dairy-free marinara and vegetable toppings.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available on request; kitchen notes potential cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, casual meetups than romantic first dates—bright lighting and family energy dominate the room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially before 6pm; reservations only help on Friday and Saturday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs and booster seats are available, servers are patient, and the kids’ pasta options arrive quickly.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for families wanting hearty, comforting Italian classics in a no-fuss setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or chef-driven plates—head to Posada Alta Cocina or Demitri’s Taverna instead.
Bruno's Italian Cuisine
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Long-running downtown Italian restaurant with a full pizza section and flexible seating for families. Hand-tossed pies range from Margherita to pesto-forward vegetarian options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Meat Special, Sicilian Special
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Full-service Italian with a dedicated pizza menu and downtown location.
Who should go: Families celebrating or dining downtown
When to visit: Early dinner before evening downtown events
What to order: Margherita; Meat Special; pesto-driven vegetarian pie
Insider tip: Request patio seating in mild weather for easier stroller space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along First Street and in nearby public lots, though spaces fill quickly during weekend events. Free public garage parking is two blocks away near the Bankhead Theater.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests wear jeans or business casual attire — comfortable but polished for downtown dining.
Noise level: Moderate — family-friendly buzz with lively conversation; quieter during early dinners before 6:30pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially on event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating available for business or family lunches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers are vegetarian-friendly, including the pesto and Margherita options.
Vegan options: Limited — salads and a few pasta dishes can be modified on request; no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pizza crusts and select pasta dishes are available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, low-pressure dinners than romantic fine dining — warm lighting and friendly staff keep it casual yet cozy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but reservations are recommended on weekends or before downtown performances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — ideal for families with kids of all ages. High chairs, flexible seating, and a kid-pleasing pizza menu make it easy for group dining.
Best For
Better for: Large family dinners or casual group meals downtown where everyone can find something familiar and satisfying.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, romantic evening or cutting-edge Italian — this is more classic comfort than culinary adventure.
Bruno's Italian Cuisine
8.0
Downtown standby with a broad Italian-American menu—from pizzas to pasta fresco and nightly chef specials. Big portions and straightforward flavors make it a crowd-pleaser before shows or strolls down First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fettuccine Alfredo, Sausage & Peppers Pizza, Eggplant Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A broad, reliable menu with portions built for sharing.
Who should go: Families and mixed-taste groups
When to visit: Fri/Sat after 8pm to avoid early rush
What to order: Fettuccine Alfredo; eggplant parm; sausage-pepper pizza
Insider tip: Use the rear entrance from the public lot for easy parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot directly behind the restaurant with rear-door access; limited street parking on First Street during dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and button-downs are common, but some guests dress up for weekend dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation-friendly during early dinner, louder after 7pm when the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer on event nights downtown.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several appetizers, pastas, and pizzas clearly marked vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify a few pasta dishes and salads; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request, prepared separately upon notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a relaxed, get-to-know-you dinner than a romantic fine-dining experience — cozy booths and wine service keep it comfortable and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, especially for smaller parties. Call ahead on Fridays or event nights to avoid a 30–45 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs available, simple pasta and pizza options for kids, and a casual dining room suited for families.
Best For
Better for: Large family dinners and straightforward Italian classics served hot and generous.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven cuisine or quiet fine dining — nearby Locanda Wine Bar is a better fit for that.
Bruno's Italian Cuisine
8.0
Old-school Italian comfort with a hearty, four-cheese meat lasagna topped with bolognese. Portions run large and the menu spans pizzas, pastas, and house classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bruno’s Homemade Meat Lasagna, Linguine with Clams, San Francisco Special (saffron cream)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Hearty, throwback meat lasagna with generous portions.
Who should go: Families and comfort-food seekers
When to visit: Early dinner before weekend crowds
What to order: Meat lasagna; garlic cheese bread; linguine with clams
Insider tip: Split a starter—the mains are sizable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street is free but fills up quickly during dinner hours; nearby public lots are available within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and polos are fine, but many guests dress up a bit for family gatherings or date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy at smaller tables, though it can get lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meatless pastas and pizzas, including eggplant parmigiana and four-cheese ravioli.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and basic pasta with marinara are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request, though kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for a cozy, low-pressure meal with warm service and familiar Italian comfort food rather than a fine-dining vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for lunch or early dinner; reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings when groups and families fill the dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—kids’ pasta portions, high chairs, and an easygoing atmosphere make it a strong pick for families with children under 12.
Best For
Better for: Generous, traditional Italian comfort food portions and a welcoming, old-school family feel.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian or a quieter fine-dining experience—head to Terra Mia or Locanda Wine Bar instead.
Bruno's Italian Cuisine
8.1
Downtown Italian restaurant with a full pizza section and classic combos like the Bruno’s Special. Friendly service and fair pricing make it a reliable downtown pick for families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bruno’s Special, Margherita, Meat Lovers
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic downtown Italian with generously topped pizzas.
Who should go: Families and group diners
When to visit: Early evenings before peak dinner rush
What to order: Bruno’s Special; Margherita; Meat Lovers
Insider tip: Request a half-and-half on larger pies—kitchen is accommodating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking along First Street and nearby lots, though it fills quickly after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and polos are common; no need to dress up unless for a celebration.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing during dinner but still easy for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes and Margherita or veggie pizzas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and customizable veggie pizza without cheese can be made on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and crust available on request, though cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a relaxed, casual date than a romantic fine-dining night—friendly service and warm lighting keep it comfortable without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are accepted. Arriving before 6pm or after 8pm usually avoids a wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and a kids’ menu with pizza and pasta portions make it ideal for families.
Best For
Better for: Group gatherings and classic-style pizzas at fair prices—more casual and accommodating than Range Life or Zephyr Grill.
Skip if: You’re after craft cocktails or fine dining ambiance; opt for Terra Mia instead for a date-night setting.