Phenomenal, in the old Italian neighborhood, chk it out, owner is str8 real deal italiano
(4)
Maggie C.
Simply put, Bruna's is the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the waitstaff is friendly.
(5)
Lynrae B.
Rude owner. Slower than slow service. Average food. Pricey for what you get. Location inconvenient. Don't do it!
(1)
Katie G.
Love this place. It is like eating in your Grandmother's House. The service is always great - very friendly waitstaff. The food is pretty classic Italian. I have always enjoyed their pastas and seafood. Excellent desserts as well. Worth the short drive to Pilsen for a more authentic "Little Italy" experience.
(4)
Colt E.
I didn't have the problems with service here that other reviewers have mentioned. The staff was not overly friendly, but were polite and helpful. The food was okay, but not special and a bit overpriced. It's nice to get some good traditional italian food in a relaxed setting though and this is the spot for that.
(3)
None of Y.
The food here is not worth the rudeness that you suffer. I've eaten here several times over the years and continue to overlook the terrible service and rude behavior which literally greets you at the door. I will no longer do so. There are gazillion Italian restaurants in Chicago, if you wanted to be treated with some dignity then Bruna's should not be the choice for you.
(1)
Rachel I.
I love this restaurant. I love Luigi's sauce... a creamy tomato sauce. I've never had a bad meal. The service is never rushed (if you're in a rush, don't go here) and I think the owner is delightful. I had brought family from Italy there (they wanted to see an Italian restaurant in the states) and they thought it to be very authentic. I'm a big fan of the mussels appetizer with the spicy marinara and I always try to save room for dessert. The desserts often look like someone's grandma made them and they are quite delicious too. They have a very cozy atmosphere and it is a lovely place for a date or dinner with family.
(5)
Martha Z.
I like the charm of Bruna's much better then Ignotz or Bacchanalia. I feel like I'm stepping into some old time movie set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. I have never seen this place completely packed and I think that also adds to the charm of it. The service is friendly, with a bit of the la dolce vita philosophy that you will find at every restaurant in Italy. I usually opt for pasta and seafood, and the ingredients always taste fresh, fresh fresh! They also feature a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts. Order a bottle of wine, a bowl of your favorite pasta and mangia!
(5)
Loreen B.
Sat at the bar and had a casual dinner. The service was good. It was an Italian Festival weekend and it just got too cold to stay outside an listen to the entertainment...Rick Saucedo. Really good pasta and nice wine.
(3)
Fredrick B.
A former client & boss, and long-time friend surprisingly appeared in town and wanted to get together. I thought I would surprise him and take him to dinner, with a surprise guest--his former AA and right hand--someplace I had not been to in over a decade, and where I knew he had never dined. Our experience at Bruna's was outstanding! This quaint Italian "Ristorante" is not in the modern version of Chicago's Little Italy; no it's in Old Sicily Chicago off 24th & Western. It was like being in the old country. A wide selection of wonderfully aged vino, varied but delicious anti paste, old school traditional Italian fair and food. The Antipasto Italiano for Two appetizer fed three with a generous portion of Bruschetta and Prosciutto left over. The melon was ripe and sweet--succulent. My chicken Vesuvio was as good as any I've enjoyed in Italy--even at the base of Mt. Vesuvio in the wineries of Vesuvius, Italy--really, that good! My colleague's Escargot looked so good I had to stop myself from asking to taste it. The food and ambience were wonderful--though no match for the magnificent company that night. Thank you for the fond experience, and it won't be a decade before I return!
(4)
Daisy L.
My husband and I had a delicious anniversary meal here the other night from start to finish (except the baked clams which were good but nothing too special). The appetizer of grilled asparagus with gorgonzola and tomato was outstanding and our shared entrees of veal scallopine and eggplant parmesan were top-notch. The pistachio gelato was a thing to behold. The pinot grigio was superb and we loved the dim, old-school Italian atmosphere and friendly waiters. However, when the inebriated young woman seated two tables away started projectile vomiting all over her date and her table, we were surprised that the waitstaff didn't move us from the main dining room to a table in the bar area before our entrees were served. We actually had to request a different table. No sooner were we seated in the bar area when the owner began arguing loudly with an angry patron DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OUR TABLE. It ended after a minute or two when the patron stormed out and the owner sat back down at his table full of friends. We were offered nothing for our troubles. No apology from the owner, not a free round of drinks, no offer of "dessert on the house". It's a shame because the food was fantastic. I think we'll try Ignotz next time. Food: 4.5 stars Customer Service: 1 star
(3)
C. V.
After my girlfriend highly recommended Bruna's to me a few years ago, it became my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city! The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, the food is excellent...out of all the times my "significant other" and I have been there, only once were we a little disappointed in our main courses but every restaurant will have their off night from time to time so we let it slide. We took a friend of ours here last summer - he's a chef - who visits NYC often to see family and always eats his way through his trips there and he even said Bruna's food is "right up there alongside the best Italian joints in NYC". Luciano, the owner, once you get to know him a little bit, is a very warm, amiable and funny person! He always has stories to share from his past and he seems to really care for his employees (which would explain why they have been there for so many years!). I love to eat in the bar area due to the beautiful barback they have and all the items on the walls depicting places in Italy - it has a lot more charisma than the rear dining room, though that has its own personality, too - kind of like someone's home that hasn't been updated in years - but here, not updating it works! The immediate neighborhood is so quaint and friendly - even in the wintertime though the warmer months are even moreso! I highly recommend eating here while attending the big Italian Festival which we accidentally discovered four or so years ago which takes place every Father's Day weekend - it's a lot of fun! But always, Bruna's is the high point when we attend the festival!
(5)
Jamie K.
I just had another outstanding meal here - one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm puzzled at the reviews here stating that the owner is rude. I've been coming to Bruna's for years and have never experienced or seen any rudeness from any of the staff. The wait staff are all efficient and polite. You'll never be rushed from the table. The food is delicous! I usually order either the whitefish or meat ravioli with sausage. Absolutely yummy! Parking is no problem - I've always found a close parking spot on the street. I highly recommend Bruna's for a nice dinner.
(5)
rhea w.
this place is like walking into the 1950's in an authentic, and non interesting way. its old, has outdated decor, and food that is priced about 5 dollars a plate more than its worth. the waitresses are good at their job, but have no personality. quite frankly, if my mother hadn't requested this place as her good byr dinner spot, i'd never have returned after the last time- that was the time with the pasta primavera with nearly no veggies. this time i hated the slow service, and sitting next to the bathroom despite the place being empty
(2)
Myles A.
As an Italian I feel comfortable saying that this reminds me of my mother's/grandmother's food.
(5)
Laura W.
Have been going there for years!!! Love the food, love the people and the atmosphere. Please try their chicken limone, chicken saltimboca and ofcourse their chicken bisubio. Yes, the owner can be an ass, he does have an attitude if you start being a little ass your self (have seen it). But aside from that, the service is great. I personally like Hermel the waiter who is such a friendly latino man that has worked at Brunas for years! My boyfriend and I go there for special occasions since it does have that romantic atmosphere. :) Good Luck
(5)
Ned S.
hell, the producers of TV's 'life on mars" would kill to film in these surroundings! run by native italian Luciano Silvestri and his wife, Burna's is fine old-time Italian...like boston's north end used to have. excellent traditional dishes with huge portions at great prices. do you really need more details? i think you already know them, but here goes: -kitschy linoleum floor throughout AND white table cloths -where the kitchen ends and the dining room begins is not clearly discernible ARE loaves and loaves of fresh bread sitting on that table nearby -friendly and solid service -fine wine cheap -an georgous seafood salad that would even amaze a Peruvian used to the best cerviche. there's even a cloth towel machine in the bathroom the likes of which I haven't seen in decades. 70's atmosphere or no...you just come and manga!
(4)
Jedd J.
Had a great experience at a fun little out-of-the-way place, yet not too far from downtown. Who knew the third oldest italian restaurant in Chicago was over there? I'll definitely be back!
(4)
scot o.
old school italian in chicagos s.w. italian village. you feel like you might witness a mob hit while you're dining. great food. reasonable prices. awesome front dining area by the bar. great back room. owners are usually there, and they are friendly and cool to talk to. valet parking. there are alot of good places in the neighborhood, but i think bruna's is the best. it's been there since the 30's, i think.
(5)
Mark S.
First- this neighborhood's loaded with old school Italian spots. If you've never been down here, you're missing out on the historic "heart of little Italy." It's completely marooned from what most think of as little Italy on Taylor street, like an island of Italian in the middle of a Mexican ocean. You can literally smell the garlic when you get close! Bruna's is my favorite down here. I like the old school decor, I like the scary guy sitting up front calling the shots, I like the food, waiters and they have really good house wine! Hard to go too far wrong picking one of these places down here as yours, this one's mine.
(4)
Bobby D.
Still a great place to eat when in the S.Oakley Little Italy section. Very old school Italian restaurant, With it's back partition as the dining facility. The breadsticks are great. The escarole soup is too. The pesto pasta dishes are great. The linguine with white clam sauce is great too. The Tiramisu is a great treat too. However, I wish that the propeitor wasn't as grumpy, THAT'S where it gets denied an extra star.
(4)
Pat S.
Really decent authentic Italian food. Service was a bit slow, but the food was good. I had sauteed shrimp over angel hair pasta and it was good. Not great, but good.
(3)
Dawn B.
I really wanted to like this place, but I have to say, the customer service is some of the worst in the city. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was at about quarter capacity so it's not like they were swamped. I can't comment on the food because the service was so bad we ended up leaving before we placed our order. To be polite I told the host we were leaving and why. He seemed upset, but never once apologized. He tried to talk us into staying but by that point I was so annoyed that I just knew it wasn't a good idea. Why would I drop $75 on a meal that I couldn't enjoy because the waitress had a total stick up her ass? That's insane. The breadsticks were good though and the wine list looked impressive.
(2)
John M.
A classic, vintage Italian ristorante where one may go to see or be seen, depending on his/her status within the community. The place seethes of mafioso-laden testosterone- Gold chains exposing impressive chest hair is not uncommon. The waiters are kind of lame, lacking personality. The back dining room is creepy, so try to get a table up front by the bar if you can. Once seated, go for the crostini appetizer (delicious), and share some daily specials because they will taste the freshest. I had a spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and it was yummy. I also enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs.
(3)
mel r.
This is the kind of old school place you want to love and support, but last week will be my first and last time. My boyfriend and I ordered relatively traditional dishes, and some of it, like the minestrone, was fine. My linguini was nothing to write home about, but edible, which was far better than the linguini with clams my bf ordered. The worst part: he suffered some violent food poisoning 7 hours after leaving there. Sometimes when a place is too quaint-- and doesn't turn over tables- you have to wonder how long those clams have been siting there.
(1)
Jolene H.
Make it 3.5. The only reason why we went to Bruna's was that it was the only place on that street opened for lunch on Saturday. Save for 2 lonely men drinking at the bar, me and my partner were the only ones in the restaurant. But we weren't dissappointed. We ordered the clams as a starter. He had prawns over capellini and I had the lagsana. Let me tell you, they were gone after 30 minutes. Wolfed down. I mean it wasn't orgasmic fantastic but they surpassed my expectations. Then came the tiramisu, which was light, and soaked in brandy. yum. I guess it helped being the only ones in the place. The cook only had us to worry about. We got great service, too. (better be!)The only thing I didn't like- its weak pino gricio, and oh, a very grumpy owner who didn't trust his staff- he kept asking- gruff voice here- "Have they paid, what did they pay with- cash? Where's the cash?" Picture middle-aged ex mafia type.
(3)
Karen L.
Classic, true Italian food. It is good food in an atmosphere that makes you think you are in Italy. It is not fancy, it is not trendy...it is just an old-school Italian place that serves good food. I tried the gnocchi with meat sauce and the eggplant parmesan. They were both excellent! (And I try those dishes almost everywhere!) It is in a neighborhood that I am not too familiar with (the heart of Chicago), but I would definitely go back because it just feels like you are in another city.
(4)
Jill H.
this awesome restaurant has been a favorite for years. it has actually been open since 1933, by Bruna herself!! though i dont make it over as often as i'd like, the waiters (who seem to have worked there forever!) always recognize me. i have a feeling i could come in after a 5 year absence and they still would remember me! great service all around. attentive and very welcoming. the food is classic and always tastes delicious and freshly prepared. the steamed mussels (i always order with a white wine garlic sauce- not on the menu) consistently are tied for #1 best mussels in chicago. the homemade minestrone soup is wonderful and warming. the tomato-based sauces always seem so vibrant and fresh, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. i always must splurge on the homemade tiramisu, too- yum! after a hundred times dining here, i once had a veal chop that was kind of dry and mediocre, but every other dish ive had here has been excellent. the wine list has some real gems, and there are some really great & reasonably priced italian reds that i believe are bottled especially for the restaurant. i just wish the wine glasses werent always so full of water spots! the front bar is super cool and old school, like something out of a mobster movie- so full of character! the ambiance in the main dining room in the back?........well, it does have a certain charm- charm from the late 1970's that is! think vinyl backed metal chairs from 20 years ago. but surprisingly enough, white tablecloths! with the smooth jazz radio station playing in the background. slightly bizarre, but distinctly lovable nonetheless. anyways, this is the type of place where a good vibe, great food & wine and enthralling conversation just seem to flow, and things like decor just dont matter. this longtime standby is a must try- i guarantee you wont be disappointed! 4 1/2 stars
(4)
Inoh C.
This little charming restaurant is very Italian and bursting with warmth and character. The food is a bit watery and ordinary and a tad pricey for the ambiance, but the experience is authentic.
(3)
Steve S.
A unique old school gem that rarely disappoints. (I've had a few sub-par meals on slow weeknights, but never Thursdays through Sundays). There are very, very few authentic, quirky little neighborhood corner joints like this left. The old linoleum-tile floor and orange (!) walls are always clean, and the tables are always covered in crisp white tablecloths. They make a very respectable Caesar salad, and the pastas are solid.
(5)
Shady A.
Average, ordered chicken Alfredo and it's slightly better than pizza hot Alfredo, too expensive compare to the quality. 2 chicken Alfredo one with chicken and one without for 40 dollars?
Alright let me set this shit straight here, I see some bad reviews on this place and most of those bad reviews are totally moronic and way off. Seriously don't even consider those bad reviews or this aweful 3 and 1/2 star average. I went here tonight and had the best, old school, AUTHENTIC Italian food I ever had. This place does it all old school and does not Americanize shit, and that makes some uneducated yelpers cry like babies saying this place sucks. I had the Escargot (snails) which was amazing! I had the Lasagne with tomato cream sauce on top per request and it was the best damn Lasagne I ever had! This place takes no shortcuts and is low key. The service is professional but not real cheery or bubbly which I think upsets some of you fluff balls out there. If you want REAL Italian food come to Bruna's in Pilsen and you will blown away as long as long as you focus on the food. And BTW this place is QUITE not noisy like someone else described about this place and gave a shitty review.
(5)
Deb C.
Luciano, the owner has run this restaurant for 35 years and it has been in business since 1933!! Absolutely the best Italian cuisine in the City of Chicago with the friendliest and most competent staff. Only the highest quality ingredients and the portions are huge. We found this Gem when we had a group of hungry people late one evening years ago & they stayed open for us. They know who we are when we come in & we can be a couple or a group of 20. When we Check-in here on Facebook we get lots of 'Likes' & 'I wish I was there' comments.
(5)
Betty C.
The food was solid there is no doubt to that. However for the price the ambiance is just too old and tired and you feel like it's 1952 in there. The chairs are like from a banquet hall. You walk through a weird service area between the bar and the dining room. There are no windows so you have no idea what time of day or season it is. My water glass was filthy and they quickly replaced it. The wine was almost warm and not a good serving temperature. Bruschetta was very tasty with crisp toast and well seasoned tomatoes. Burrata with kumato tomatoes was creamy and rich with a nice drizzle of balsamic. Prosciutto with figs was less interesting than it might have been if they had added a few springs of arugula and a squeeze of lemon. Calamari were very crisp and tender. Shrimp Fra Diavola was nice and spicy with 8 fairly large shrimp and perfectly cooked linguini. Scallops with fettucini were creamy and rich. Veal parmesan was also very tasty with tender veal, nicely breaded and fried with a nice topping of marinara and mozzarella. The owner Luciano offered us free after dinner drinks to thank us for coming in. Think they need a little remodel to brighten up the place.
(3)
Derek B.
I wish there was a spot to put zero stars. The food was ok but the owner was the most disrespectful person my wife and I have ever encountered, to the point where he gave us the finger. If this place ever wants to be more successful the owner needs to stay in the kitchen or in the office. He should not be allowed around costumers.
(1)
Patrick H.
My dad is the owner's dentist; we've been coming here frequently for years. Food has been consistently terrific, service is good, staff is friendly. The menu has plenty of options; good for larger groups. For the people complaining about the owner; I'm sorry he wasn't willing to put up with your BS. The american service industry has bred a certain type of person with a massive sense of entitlement. Guess what: you aren't special.
(5)
Dennis J.
Great old school Italian food! Have enjoyed a couple meals here, but we do prefer Ignotz for the better value and more menu options. Can't really go wrong with either one!
(4)
Not J B.
If my Grandma opened a restaurant based on having dinner at her house it would most likely be Bruna's. A wonderful interior reminiscent of a by-gone era. I was constantly asked if I was enjoying myself and my water was always refilled whether it was necessary or not. The food was OK. It wasn't the best Italian I've ever had and I could nitpick it but there was a sense it had come from an old family recipe and was made in someone's small kitchen which means it has heart so I was alright with it until the bill came and I realized how much Grandma thinks she has the right to charge.
(3)
Jim S.
The atmosphere and menu at Bruna's are both excellent. I've been dining at Bruna's for over 30 years and have never experienced a bad meal. In particular we love the mussels marinara, and most of their many other pasta dishes (except for the carbonara sauce which I won't order anywhere; it's a heart-attack on a plate). The mussels marinara are the best I've had outside of Brussels, they're that good. Salads are fresh, specials vary, and they give you good value for the money. This is not a "see and be seen" place. It's solid Italian cooking in a slice of what used to be the Toscani Little Italy. As for the review below, from a teacher alleging harassment by the owner while dining, that is so very strange! Neither the owner nor the wait-staff has ever asked us our occupations, let alone say anything remotely negative towards us or anyone else while we are there. Over many visits across the years I've felt like extended family when visiting Bruna's. I can't believe anyone would be mistreated while dining there. The review saying otherwise is an outlier.
(5)
Mary K.
Owner of this establishment was RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL. Our party (which included girls and younger women) spent over to $2000 (paid in cash) and were told to leave several times despite the restaurant being empty and it was 10:30 (closes at 11). We were celebrating Easter and taking a family picture (we have a very diverse family) and the manger dimmed the lights and insisted that we leave and used profanity when we tried to reason with him. Told to leave without any warning. We were having a great night until the manager refused to even speak to us and explain what the problem was. Waiters were great! We will never return because of the unprofessional owner though. Sad that a grown man can't be mature and speak to the woman that paid the large bill in cash.
(1)
Susan S.
This was my first visit to Bruna's and I was so impressed. We started at the bar where we were greated by the owner. After having a round of drinks, we headed back to the dining room for dinner. The room was charming - you could tell that the restaurant has been around for many years and family owned. The service was impeccible, our waiter explained the specials, and recommended a nice bottle of wine in our price range. We started with the escargot, salad and bread. All were fantastic. (my family ate the salad & escargot, I'm a "bread" girl) Our entres were veal parm, chicken parm, pasta with marinara and sundried ravioli. We had cappuccino & espresso for dessert. The food was served in a timely manner. Each course was separate and they gave us plenty of time to visit and enjoy the dining experience. The next time I'm in Chicago, I'm definately going back. It's a nice change from eating downtown.
(5)
Frank T.
Great food and average prices. The decor and atmosphere inside is great. I ordered the Chicken Marsala and it was awesome. I just had one complaint on that, it was half of a small sized potatoes that came with the dish. But I would still order it again because the Marsala sauce was great. A friend of mine had a sandwich and that too was great. Nice place to take your girl for a date. The mood and setting is nice.
(4)
Alicia S.
Ate here while I was on a business trip in Chicago. Not worth the drive out of the city and left me wishing I would have went to somewhere much better in downtown. It's cute and the people are friendly but the food was not very good.
(2)
Kris G.
This is my favorite Italian place in the city. My mother grew up coming here with her father and I've been here multiple times with sisters, cousins, parents, and grandparents. The same family has owned and run this restaurant for years and we've gotten to know them and become friends. They're great people and make fantastic food. I love the atmosphere here, it feels like an interesting mix of restaurants in Italy I've been to (darker with one large room that everyone eats in) and quintessential Chicago restaurants (also darker, with an old-timey bar and regulars who like to hang around). There aren't a lot of bells and whistles at this place, but it does pay attention to service and put you in a nostalgic table-cloth-restaurant setting. The food here is just as good as any Italian food you'll find at some of the higher end restaurants like Spiaggia and Piccolo Sogno with less of the snobbery. The type of Italian food here is definitely more of the family style that you would find in kitchens in the north (not a big representation of Southern Italian cuisine here). There's not a lot of particularly special ingredients, but they're all fresh and so tasty. One thing that I feel this restaurant does particularly well is the sausage and peppers. It is SUCH a simple dish and surprisingly underrepresented in Italian restaurants (maybe because it feels too much like something you could make at home?). It is SO good, SO nostalgic, and something I think everyone should try to get a good feel for what it's like to eat at an Italian table. I've tried a lot of other things here, too, and the pastas definitely shine as well. You can't go wrong. The service is friendly (well, the family is friendly, they will cook and serve the food and drinks to you). And everything here feels wrapped in tradition. Bruna's isn't the most conventional choice for a place to get Italian food in Chicago (being located in Pilsen, most people think "Latin American food!") but I'd bring everyone I know here if I could.
(5)
Patrick D.
I had the great pleasure to go to Bruna's on Saturday evening and to bring my sister and my Mom. What a fabulous meal in a lovely environment. White tablecloth service in a very comfortable environment. The Chicken Cacciatore was one of the best meals I have had in my entire life. Amazingly good!
(5)
Julio G.
This a great place to have dinner. The specials are fantastic. I really enjoy the pork chop dinner and the different pasta dishes. Their arugula salad is good. The wine selection is wide with lots of different Italian wines. The atmosphere can be what you want it to be. I recommend this place for a date night, friends getting together or family night.
(5)
Dave K.
Very relaxing environment and superb entrees. You will not leave here on an empty stomach, trust me.
(5)
Michael B.
Bruna's is classic old school Italian done as close authentic as I have found anywhere in Chicago. The limited menu does not cut corners with ingredients, cooking preparation or cook times. It's done the way old school Italian has been done for generations and is supposed to be done. You can taste the slow cooking with each bite. The roast chicken special was juicy, tasty and succulent, stracciatella, perfect stuffed shells and eggplant, as if grandma was in the back room, (maybe she was). The dining room was dark with antiquated Italian looking stuff on the walls, bordering on cornball but the food made sure the experience was not tainted by it. Given its corner location, a little natural light wouldn't hurt.
(3)
K P.
We love visiting Heart of Chicago and Bruna's! The atmosphere, service and the menu are out of this world! The old school decor, quirky waitstaff (in a good, just got in from Italy way) reasonable prices and food make it worth the trip from the South burbs.
(4)
North S.
We have been coming here for almost 30 years. We've never had a bad meal, bad customer service or a bad experience, just sayin'. In regards to the party on the 5th, based on the immaturity of their post, (how many times do you have to tell us you dropped $2200, who cares?) I think they protest a bit too much...We're only getting half of the story here. I, for one, would like to hear the owner's side of it. He can't smear your reputation on a website as you are trying to do to him...You don't like Bruna's then don't go back, get a life, and move on...don't try to smear the guy incessantly on Yelp and Facebook--and don't have several people from the same party post multiple reviews. I'll let you in on a little secret--it makes you look like bullies, not the owner...I'm glad you won't be back, just based on your comments in the reviews, I can only imagine how rude you can potentially be to other patrons as well...BTW, we aren't related to the owner, don't do business with him, don't even know his name. I'm not saying that there has never been a bad experience there either. It's bound to happen anywhere, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I will give the owner the benefit of the doubt on this one, based on the tone of your comments, which lends to your lack of credibility. I mean, you're even attacking the other reviewer who also took up for the owner. Yep, really mature. Anyway, please stay away. It sounds like you wouldn't be welcomed back anyway. Oh, well, that's a shame...
(5)
Alex J.
For 27 years we have gone to Bruna's. Just the two of us, family gatherings, various special events. In 27 years it has been our number one restaurant to dine at. It is always consistently awesome. Service is impeccable. Truly first class staff. The owner and his wife and daughter are wonderful people. At least one of them is always in the house. The decor is old school charming. It's neat to think if the walls could talk in Bruna's as one of the oldest dining establishments in Chicago what you would be able to here. The lasagna is a staple for our family it won't disappoint. Prosciutto and figs or melon app is awesome. Veal saltimboca is amazing. I have never had a bad meal here I give Bruna's ten stars
(5)
Taylor A.
I have eaten here several times and it is always delicious and high quality food. There eggplant parmesan is THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!! It is always the exact same, with the right amount of cheese and sauce, very high quality and reasonably priced. I also ALWAYS get the cannoli! It is fresh and the shell is never soggy. The ends are topped with pistachios, which make it even more delicious. I recently tried the New England clam chowder which was surprisingly light, it had wonderful flavor but wasn't cream laden like some chowder's can be. I've also tried the gnocchi, which was okay but not one of my favorite items, as well as the Luciano's Fusilli, which I found to be a bit bland. The atmosphere is somewhat worn out looking but it has a comforting feel and very nice service. The same people are almost always waiting tables and the owner is sometimes present. Of all of the italian restaurants on this street (I've tried almost all 5), this one is my favorite and where I would recommend going!
(5)
Billy D.
I have been eating here for decades and the food is incredible!!! I said incredible!!! Over the years I have taken business associates and out of town guest. The atmosphere is very casual, so they are unimpressed when they walk in. After dinner they can't rave enough about the quality. Recommend sausage and peppers, calamari and, prosciutto and melon to start. The main dishes are whatever you are in the mood for. It's all good!!
(5)
Stohn C.
First impression, I thought it was just a bar. Walk in, oh, it's a restaurant. The clientèle was perfect. Nobody immature. Server was prompt and professional. Food was good. We only got basic entrees and I wasn't really in critic mode. I just had a hankering for spaghetti. And I got my fix. Nice place to go if you actually enjoy and would like to converse with your date.
(5)
John B.
Went with friends Saturday night. Food was ok at best. Service very slow but atmosphere was cool. The owner is a huge asshole. None of us will ever return. This place sucks the big one
(1)
Bob D.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have very mixed feelings about this strip of mediocrity on Oakley. My girl and I are doing a bit of research and were ordered to eat as much as possible in Little Italy or whatever they call this area with 6 Italian restaurants, and no parking. Please don't be envious, really. Our first restaurant was so miserable I refuse to review it, it just wouldn't be fair. Tonight at Bruna's we brought the children and told my boy he could tell the waiter it was his B-day and get a dessert. I saw a duck with papperdelle on the specials board, that surprised me. Most everything in this strip is red sauce kind of stuff, dated and not even close to authentic Italian, maybe authentic American Italian, but I am not really a big fan. I ordered the papperdelle, my daughter the clams in white sauce, my boy got spaghetti with EVOO, my girl got chicken vesuvio. We also shared a calamari. The calamari was a bit haphazard looking, average at best. Served with a few lemon wedges and some cocktail sauce. Yes, cocktail sauce. -1 star. I asked the waiter, "how is the duck?" he murmured unenthusiastically, "it has egg noodles fresh made with duck sauce from tomatoes sauce." Please, sell me the dish. That's what I was thinking. What I said was, "Is the sauce bolognese or more ragu style?" Hoping to give him an inkling to my comprehension of Italian cuisine, I directed this question curiously. Without even looking at me he answered "yes." I ordered it anyway, it was very good, surprisingly good. If I dare say so myself, just like I make. This was a huge moment for me because no one makes pasta the way I like any where near the South side. My son enjoyed his giant bowl of pasta e olio. My daughter was not blown away with her clams, I traded her, as I am known to do when one of my family does not care for their food. She was quite happy with the swap. The clams were fine, maybe a bit briny for her taste and all the pastas at the table were a perfect al dente. The chicken vesuvio was average, not bad. If you had never had the dish before you may even say great. The issues I had was the service was robotic, we called the busman "stone face", he made no expressions whatsoever. It was as if he "no a speak a da englaise". He did, because he brought us our leftovers, which we believed to have been tossed. I asked if they could do anything for my sons B-day, I wasn't looking for a freebee, (although that would have been nice), but I was looking for maybe a recommendation, or sure we can stick a candle in a tiramisu. Our waiter answered, "No" He then opened the menu for me, and showed me the dessert section and walked away. Right on cue as if the cameras were on, the lights went out and the staff of three began singing happy fucking birthday to some old gumbah in the corner. My boy looked at me and said, "I thought they don't have birthday party stuff here?" He took it better than I did. This move turned into a less than ten percent gratuity. A rare act of vengeance on my part. The other major issue was the bill, somehow this peasant inspired food with average service in a room that has a slight smell of mold or mildew came to $105.40!!!!!!!!!! WTF. I inspected the bill and found my 6 YO sons pasta and oil cost $14. The calamari was $12, my two Becks were $11 Holy shit. Normally I wil split my meal with my son, but being his birthday and the fact they charge a $5 extra plate fee. The previous night we had to battle to get some things removed off our bill, and honestly I had no more fight left in me. While I started eating I wondered, why with such a skillful dish is there no one in this restaurant eating? Well, if a family has to drop $14 for their kid to have a little plate of noodles they will not make it a habit of coming. Also, if you are paying over a hondo for your meal and the staff leaves piles of plates on your table, you are going to rethink your next visit. Good pasta, but not worth the aggravation.
(2)
Linda M.
I was highly disappointed with this restaurant. i live near-by and have been wanting to check out this area since it is a cute & quaint hidden area near the Little Village/Pilsen neighborhoods. My fiance made a reservation for us a few weeks ago for dinner on a saturday night for our anniversary. We were seated fairly quickly and the server came out to take drink orders but took quite a while to actually take our orders. Once we finally placed orders I chose the scallops and they were so rubbery and chewy I did not enjoy the meal at all. When the server finally came around to see how things were I told him the meal was unsatisfactory and he could obviously see the uneaten dish. He said he would speak to the kitchen and we continued to order dessert anyway. The cappuccinos were good and had a nice design. Once we received our bill it was the full bill with no discount. In my experience I think it would have been a nice gesture to at least offer the dessert as complimentary or coffee but it was the full bill for a terrible dish that was left uneaten. I would not recomment this restaurant and I have definitely had a lot better elsewhere.
(2)
Rachel H.
Three little Pilsenites and two former ones who ran away to Michigan (damn them!) decided on Bruna's for a little pre-marathon carb session last night. Apparently everyone else in the world decided to do the same, because Bruna's was all booked up, and me without a reservation. Please, don't tell Emily Post, she'll have my legs broke. We were greeted by the owner Luciano, and he fit us in with no problem. Even on an unusually busy night, the service was good, friendly, and I love the charm of a place where the regulars feel at home. It makes me jealous of them. More reason to come in on a regular basis? Obviously. The pretzel breadsticks in the bread basket are delicious and addictive. I had a few... ok five... and then started in on the bread. There are plenty of specials on the menu, though I went with a staple of their menu, the porcini ravioli which was flavorful and rich, and went well with the extra heapings of parmigiana I threw on there. What's my weakness? Cheese! A glass of wine to wash it down? Yes, please! A bite of my roomie's Bruna's rigatoni was also satisfying and another friend's special, the seafood stew smelled great and was packed with all the creatures of the sea. More than one of us joined the clean plate club, and I will be back to renew my membership.
(4)
carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here. While attending the Italian Fest here last night my Brother-in-law came down from Palatine to meet us. He brought his pretty little 9 year old daughter. Who by the way has a love for STEAK. She calls herself a Carnivour. You would not believe it by looking at her but she can really down a Steak. So to satisfy her craving we went to Bruna's. Seems like this is your older style Italian Restaurants from the 50's , with the Bar area in front with a few tables, and the dinning area in the back. The woman who greeted us at the door was very helpful when I asked her if my niece could get a good steak here. Now the old man who sat us was a little different. He was OK but he seemed a little Grouchy that night as we tried talking to him. After my brother-in- law seen the price of the Steak at $35 he tried talking his daughter in to eating something else. But I was glad to split the Steak with her, since there was plenty more food outside at the Fest. The Steak was O K but I expected a little better for the price. They did split the plate for my niece and I which was nice. My Ribollita Soup was excellent. I tasted the Linguine in white clam sauce which I thought was very good. I finished my wife's Lasangia which was a little Greasy and too Rich for me. All in all my pretty little niece had her Steak and she was happy as we enjoyed the rest of the festival.
(3)
Kendrah R.
The bread sticks were fantastic and then it stopped there. Salad - meh? Pasta sauce had no flavor. Not worth the $60 we paid for a salad, two pastas, and one glass of cheap wine. The service was not great. Forgot to bring the glass of wine and when we asked for it a second time the waiter has an "if you insist" attitude. There were only two parties eating in the restaurant. Not like it was slammed. When I want good Italian food, I'll go to Sabatino's, Bocca, or Rosal's.
(2)
Marla S.
I don't understand how Bruna's got so many good reviews. We had a horrible experience. Our first waiter was hard to understand and not very helpful. He couldn't look me in the eye (always a bad sign). Our meals were mediocre at best and pricey for what we got. My chicken cacciatore was over cooked. Our second waiter was clearing the table and practically threw our plates around spilling some contents on my friends lap. This was done out of anger but I don't know why. Stay away!
(1)
D.R. A.
I love this place! I have being coming here off and on since 1980. Luciano, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the food is extraordinary. I've tried the other places on the block, and although they were OK, they could not compare with Bruna's. Bravo Bruna's!
(5)
Scott H.
A: Bruna's Q: Most likely place to meet Tony Soprano south of Taylor Street I love the vibe of this place. Frankly, the food could be pretty awful and I'd still have a soft spot for this old-school Italian spot. The front bar is wonderful with the host greeting you immediately and offering chianti suggestions. The dining room is dimly lit and familial with tables packed pretty close (but not uncomfortably close) together. Pastas are always excellent, salad very good and coffee and tiramisu outstanding. I always leave as fat and happy as I had hoped.
(4)
Kay J.
Bruna's has the best food in the neighborhood. The warm bread is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. A large glass of decent Chianti was only $7 and my fettuccine Alfredo was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered spaghetti with garlic and a side of marinara sauce - looked delish! The salad was excellent - spring greens with a light house Italian dressing. We skipped dessert - too full! but will try to save room for next time. This is my first choice in this neighborhood.
(4)
Borf B.
After the way my friends and I were treated by the owner, I will not go to Bruna's ever again. I stopped in with some friends and we sat at the bar, one friend stood next to my bar stool. The bartender charged us 23$ for two limoncellos and a diet coke. Then he told us we should pay cash so that we wouldn't have to pay tax. What the...? As my friend was waiting for her change, the owner came up and barked, "Either sit down or get out."
(1)
Jodi M.
What a great little treasure in Pilsen!! If you are looking for home cooked, fresh ingredients this is the spot!! Close to the United Center if you had tickets to an event I would definitely plan dinner at Bruna's first!! The owner and his wife are entertaining and accomodating all in one. Little secret....if you go in for lunch..you might just get an Italian lesson! Check it out! They have been in business for years..and the quality of food and the service are definitely why!! Daily specials are always delicious and their wine list is quite impressive!
(5)
Eric B.
This is one of my favorite old school Italian joints in Chicago. The decor certainly is not much to speak of, but the food is simply delicious and the service is excellent. Have a cocktail at the shotgun bar and then head back to the bare bones dining room for dinner. Bruna's serves old school red sauce Italian fare. It can be hard to decide what to get, because I have a soft spot for meat tortellini in meat sauce, but I also have a soft spot for veal, and both options here are superb. But, this is America, so when confronted with a choice, simply say, YES. On my most recent visit I ordered the veal saltimbocca with a side of meat tortellini. Both were excellent and what I could not finish tasted great the next day(s). Another great option is the grilled calamari - it is perfectly grilled, soft like butter, not chewy, with a nice spicy flavor to it. The prosciutto and melon is another excellent appetizer. The wine list is quite affordable, and almost entirely Italian. For those not familiar with the styles of Italian wine, each selection has a description, which is always helpful. The server was VERY enthusiastic when I informed him of my preference (and really, why shouldn't he be?) but I'm sure he says that to all his tables. Desserts are good, as are cocktails. Definitely worth the trip from anywhere in the city, Bruna's is an excellent option for unfussy Italian fare for yourself or your out of town visitors looking for an authentic Chicago experience. .
(4)
Not J B.
If my Grandma opened a restaurant based on having dinner at her house it would most likely be Bruna's. A wonderful interior reminiscent of a by-gone era. I was constantly asked if I was enjoying myself and my water was always refilled whether it was necessary or not. The food was OK. It wasn't the best Italian I've ever had and I could nitpick it but there was a sense it had come from an old family recipe and was made in someone's small kitchen which means it has heart so I was alright with it until the bill came and I realized how much Grandma thinks she has the right to charge.
(3)
Marla S.
I don't understand how Bruna's got so many good reviews. We had a horrible experience. Our first waiter was hard to understand and not very helpful. He couldn't look me in the eye (always a bad sign). Our meals were mediocre at best and pricey for what we got. My chicken cacciatore was over cooked. Our second waiter was clearing the table and practically threw our plates around spilling some contents on my friends lap. This was done out of anger but I don't know why. Stay away!
(1)
D.R. A.
I love this place! I have being coming here off and on since 1980. Luciano, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the food is extraordinary. I've tried the other places on the block, and although they were OK, they could not compare with Bruna's. Bravo Bruna's!
(5)
Scott H.
A: Bruna's Q: Most likely place to meet Tony Soprano south of Taylor Street I love the vibe of this place. Frankly, the food could be pretty awful and I'd still have a soft spot for this old-school Italian spot. The front bar is wonderful with the host greeting you immediately and offering chianti suggestions. The dining room is dimly lit and familial with tables packed pretty close (but not uncomfortably close) together. Pastas are always excellent, salad very good and coffee and tiramisu outstanding. I always leave as fat and happy as I had hoped.
(4)
Kay J.
Bruna's has the best food in the neighborhood. The warm bread is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. A large glass of decent Chianti was only $7 and my fettuccine Alfredo was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered spaghetti with garlic and a side of marinara sauce - looked delish! The salad was excellent - spring greens with a light house Italian dressing. We skipped dessert - too full! but will try to save room for next time. This is my first choice in this neighborhood.
(4)
Borf B.
After the way my friends and I were treated by the owner, I will not go to Bruna's ever again. I stopped in with some friends and we sat at the bar, one friend stood next to my bar stool. The bartender charged us 23$ for two limoncellos and a diet coke. Then he told us we should pay cash so that we wouldn't have to pay tax. What the...? As my friend was waiting for her change, the owner came up and barked, "Either sit down or get out."
(1)
Deb C.
Luciano, the owner has run this restaurant for 35 years and it has been in business since 1933!! Absolutely the best Italian cuisine in the City of Chicago with the friendliest and most competent staff. Only the highest quality ingredients and the portions are huge. We found this Gem when we had a group of hungry people late one evening years ago & they stayed open for us. They know who we are when we come in & we can be a couple or a group of 20. When we Check-in here on Facebook we get lots of 'Likes' & 'I wish I was there' comments.
(5)
Betty C.
The food was solid there is no doubt to that. However for the price the ambiance is just too old and tired and you feel like it's 1952 in there. The chairs are like from a banquet hall. You walk through a weird service area between the bar and the dining room. There are no windows so you have no idea what time of day or season it is. My water glass was filthy and they quickly replaced it. The wine was almost warm and not a good serving temperature. Bruschetta was very tasty with crisp toast and well seasoned tomatoes. Burrata with kumato tomatoes was creamy and rich with a nice drizzle of balsamic. Prosciutto with figs was less interesting than it might have been if they had added a few springs of arugula and a squeeze of lemon. Calamari were very crisp and tender. Shrimp Fra Diavola was nice and spicy with 8 fairly large shrimp and perfectly cooked linguini. Scallops with fettucini were creamy and rich. Veal parmesan was also very tasty with tender veal, nicely breaded and fried with a nice topping of marinara and mozzarella. The owner Luciano offered us free after dinner drinks to thank us for coming in. Think they need a little remodel to brighten up the place.
(3)
Derek B.
I wish there was a spot to put zero stars. The food was ok but the owner was the most disrespectful person my wife and I have ever encountered, to the point where he gave us the finger. If this place ever wants to be more successful the owner needs to stay in the kitchen or in the office. He should not be allowed around costumers.
(1)
Inoh C.
This little charming restaurant is very Italian and bursting with warmth and character. The food is a bit watery and ordinary and a tad pricey for the ambiance, but the experience is authentic.
(3)
Steve S.
A unique old school gem that rarely disappoints. (I've had a few sub-par meals on slow weeknights, but never Thursdays through Sundays). There are very, very few authentic, quirky little neighborhood corner joints like this left. The old linoleum-tile floor and orange (!) walls are always clean, and the tables are always covered in crisp white tablecloths. They make a very respectable Caesar salad, and the pastas are solid.
(5)
Shady A.
Average, ordered chicken Alfredo and it's slightly better than pizza hot Alfredo, too expensive compare to the quality. 2 chicken Alfredo one with chicken and one without for 40 dollars?
(2)
Eric B.
This is one of my favorite old school Italian joints in Chicago. The decor certainly is not much to speak of, but the food is simply delicious and the service is excellent. Have a cocktail at the shotgun bar and then head back to the bare bones dining room for dinner. Bruna's serves old school red sauce Italian fare. It can be hard to decide what to get, because I have a soft spot for meat tortellini in meat sauce, but I also have a soft spot for veal, and both options here are superb. But, this is America, so when confronted with a choice, simply say, YES. On my most recent visit I ordered the veal saltimbocca with a side of meat tortellini. Both were excellent and what I could not finish tasted great the next day(s). Another great option is the grilled calamari - it is perfectly grilled, soft like butter, not chewy, with a nice spicy flavor to it. The prosciutto and melon is another excellent appetizer. The wine list is quite affordable, and almost entirely Italian. For those not familiar with the styles of Italian wine, each selection has a description, which is always helpful. The server was VERY enthusiastic when I informed him of my preference (and really, why shouldn't he be?) but I'm sure he says that to all his tables. Desserts are good, as are cocktails. Definitely worth the trip from anywhere in the city, Bruna's is an excellent option for unfussy Italian fare for yourself or your out of town visitors looking for an authentic Chicago experience. .
(4)
Dennis J.
Great old school Italian food! Have enjoyed a couple meals here, but we do prefer Ignotz for the better value and more menu options. Can't really go wrong with either one!
(4)
Rachel H.
Three little Pilsenites and two former ones who ran away to Michigan (damn them!) decided on Bruna's for a little pre-marathon carb session last night. Apparently everyone else in the world decided to do the same, because Bruna's was all booked up, and me without a reservation. Please, don't tell Emily Post, she'll have my legs broke. We were greeted by the owner Luciano, and he fit us in with no problem. Even on an unusually busy night, the service was good, friendly, and I love the charm of a place where the regulars feel at home. It makes me jealous of them. More reason to come in on a regular basis? Obviously. The pretzel breadsticks in the bread basket are delicious and addictive. I had a few... ok five... and then started in on the bread. There are plenty of specials on the menu, though I went with a staple of their menu, the porcini ravioli which was flavorful and rich, and went well with the extra heapings of parmigiana I threw on there. What's my weakness? Cheese! A glass of wine to wash it down? Yes, please! A bite of my roomie's Bruna's rigatoni was also satisfying and another friend's special, the seafood stew smelled great and was packed with all the creatures of the sea. More than one of us joined the clean plate club, and I will be back to renew my membership.
Alright let me set this shit straight here, I see some bad reviews on this place and most of those bad reviews are totally moronic and way off. Seriously don't even consider those bad reviews or this aweful 3 and 1/2 star average. I went here tonight and had the best, old school, AUTHENTIC Italian food I ever had. This place does it all old school and does not Americanize shit, and that makes some uneducated yelpers cry like babies saying this place sucks. I had the Escargot (snails) which was amazing! I had the Lasagne with tomato cream sauce on top per request and it was the best damn Lasagne I ever had! This place takes no shortcuts and is low key. The service is professional but not real cheery or bubbly which I think upsets some of you fluff balls out there. If you want REAL Italian food come to Bruna's in Pilsen and you will blown away as long as long as you focus on the food. And BTW this place is QUITE not noisy like someone else described about this place and gave a shitty review.
(5)
Patrick H.
My dad is the owner's dentist; we've been coming here frequently for years. Food has been consistently terrific, service is good, staff is friendly. The menu has plenty of options; good for larger groups. For the people complaining about the owner; I'm sorry he wasn't willing to put up with your BS. The american service industry has bred a certain type of person with a massive sense of entitlement. Guess what: you aren't special.
(5)
Jim S.
The atmosphere and menu at Bruna's are both excellent. I've been dining at Bruna's for over 30 years and have never experienced a bad meal. In particular we love the mussels marinara, and most of their many other pasta dishes (except for the carbonara sauce which I won't order anywhere; it's a heart-attack on a plate). The mussels marinara are the best I've had outside of Brussels, they're that good. Salads are fresh, specials vary, and they give you good value for the money. This is not a "see and be seen" place. It's solid Italian cooking in a slice of what used to be the Toscani Little Italy. As for the review below, from a teacher alleging harassment by the owner while dining, that is so very strange! Neither the owner nor the wait-staff has ever asked us our occupations, let alone say anything remotely negative towards us or anyone else while we are there. Over many visits across the years I've felt like extended family when visiting Bruna's. I can't believe anyone would be mistreated while dining there. The review saying otherwise is an outlier.
(5)
Mary K.
Owner of this establishment was RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL. Our party (which included girls and younger women) spent over to $2000 (paid in cash) and were told to leave several times despite the restaurant being empty and it was 10:30 (closes at 11). We were celebrating Easter and taking a family picture (we have a very diverse family) and the manger dimmed the lights and insisted that we leave and used profanity when we tried to reason with him. Told to leave without any warning. We were having a great night until the manager refused to even speak to us and explain what the problem was. Waiters were great! We will never return because of the unprofessional owner though. Sad that a grown man can't be mature and speak to the woman that paid the large bill in cash.
(1)
Susan S.
This was my first visit to Bruna's and I was so impressed. We started at the bar where we were greated by the owner. After having a round of drinks, we headed back to the dining room for dinner. The room was charming - you could tell that the restaurant has been around for many years and family owned. The service was impeccible, our waiter explained the specials, and recommended a nice bottle of wine in our price range. We started with the escargot, salad and bread. All were fantastic. (my family ate the salad & escargot, I'm a "bread" girl) Our entres were veal parm, chicken parm, pasta with marinara and sundried ravioli. We had cappuccino & espresso for dessert. The food was served in a timely manner. Each course was separate and they gave us plenty of time to visit and enjoy the dining experience. The next time I'm in Chicago, I'm definately going back. It's a nice change from eating downtown.
(5)
Frank T.
Great food and average prices. The decor and atmosphere inside is great. I ordered the Chicken Marsala and it was awesome. I just had one complaint on that, it was half of a small sized potatoes that came with the dish. But I would still order it again because the Marsala sauce was great. A friend of mine had a sandwich and that too was great. Nice place to take your girl for a date. The mood and setting is nice.
(4)
Alicia S.
Ate here while I was on a business trip in Chicago. Not worth the drive out of the city and left me wishing I would have went to somewhere much better in downtown. It's cute and the people are friendly but the food was not very good.
(2)
Kris G.
This is my favorite Italian place in the city. My mother grew up coming here with her father and I've been here multiple times with sisters, cousins, parents, and grandparents. The same family has owned and run this restaurant for years and we've gotten to know them and become friends. They're great people and make fantastic food. I love the atmosphere here, it feels like an interesting mix of restaurants in Italy I've been to (darker with one large room that everyone eats in) and quintessential Chicago restaurants (also darker, with an old-timey bar and regulars who like to hang around). There aren't a lot of bells and whistles at this place, but it does pay attention to service and put you in a nostalgic table-cloth-restaurant setting. The food here is just as good as any Italian food you'll find at some of the higher end restaurants like Spiaggia and Piccolo Sogno with less of the snobbery. The type of Italian food here is definitely more of the family style that you would find in kitchens in the north (not a big representation of Southern Italian cuisine here). There's not a lot of particularly special ingredients, but they're all fresh and so tasty. One thing that I feel this restaurant does particularly well is the sausage and peppers. It is SUCH a simple dish and surprisingly underrepresented in Italian restaurants (maybe because it feels too much like something you could make at home?). It is SO good, SO nostalgic, and something I think everyone should try to get a good feel for what it's like to eat at an Italian table. I've tried a lot of other things here, too, and the pastas definitely shine as well. You can't go wrong. The service is friendly (well, the family is friendly, they will cook and serve the food and drinks to you). And everything here feels wrapped in tradition. Bruna's isn't the most conventional choice for a place to get Italian food in Chicago (being located in Pilsen, most people think "Latin American food!") but I'd bring everyone I know here if I could.
(5)
Patrick D.
I had the great pleasure to go to Bruna's on Saturday evening and to bring my sister and my Mom. What a fabulous meal in a lovely environment. White tablecloth service in a very comfortable environment. The Chicken Cacciatore was one of the best meals I have had in my entire life. Amazingly good!
(5)
Julio G.
This a great place to have dinner. The specials are fantastic. I really enjoy the pork chop dinner and the different pasta dishes. Their arugula salad is good. The wine selection is wide with lots of different Italian wines. The atmosphere can be what you want it to be. I recommend this place for a date night, friends getting together or family night.
(5)
Dave K.
Very relaxing environment and superb entrees. You will not leave here on an empty stomach, trust me.
(5)
Michael B.
Bruna's is classic old school Italian done as close authentic as I have found anywhere in Chicago. The limited menu does not cut corners with ingredients, cooking preparation or cook times. It's done the way old school Italian has been done for generations and is supposed to be done. You can taste the slow cooking with each bite. The roast chicken special was juicy, tasty and succulent, stracciatella, perfect stuffed shells and eggplant, as if grandma was in the back room, (maybe she was). The dining room was dark with antiquated Italian looking stuff on the walls, bordering on cornball but the food made sure the experience was not tainted by it. Given its corner location, a little natural light wouldn't hurt.
(3)
K P.
We love visiting Heart of Chicago and Bruna's! The atmosphere, service and the menu are out of this world! The old school decor, quirky waitstaff (in a good, just got in from Italy way) reasonable prices and food make it worth the trip from the South burbs.
(4)
North S.
We have been coming here for almost 30 years. We've never had a bad meal, bad customer service or a bad experience, just sayin'. In regards to the party on the 5th, based on the immaturity of their post, (how many times do you have to tell us you dropped $2200, who cares?) I think they protest a bit too much...We're only getting half of the story here. I, for one, would like to hear the owner's side of it. He can't smear your reputation on a website as you are trying to do to him...You don't like Bruna's then don't go back, get a life, and move on...don't try to smear the guy incessantly on Yelp and Facebook--and don't have several people from the same party post multiple reviews. I'll let you in on a little secret--it makes you look like bullies, not the owner...I'm glad you won't be back, just based on your comments in the reviews, I can only imagine how rude you can potentially be to other patrons as well...BTW, we aren't related to the owner, don't do business with him, don't even know his name. I'm not saying that there has never been a bad experience there either. It's bound to happen anywhere, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I will give the owner the benefit of the doubt on this one, based on the tone of your comments, which lends to your lack of credibility. I mean, you're even attacking the other reviewer who also took up for the owner. Yep, really mature. Anyway, please stay away. It sounds like you wouldn't be welcomed back anyway. Oh, well, that's a shame...
(5)
Alex J.
For 27 years we have gone to Bruna's. Just the two of us, family gatherings, various special events. In 27 years it has been our number one restaurant to dine at. It is always consistently awesome. Service is impeccable. Truly first class staff. The owner and his wife and daughter are wonderful people. At least one of them is always in the house. The decor is old school charming. It's neat to think if the walls could talk in Bruna's as one of the oldest dining establishments in Chicago what you would be able to here. The lasagna is a staple for our family it won't disappoint. Prosciutto and figs or melon app is awesome. Veal saltimboca is amazing. I have never had a bad meal here I give Bruna's ten stars
(5)
Taylor A.
I have eaten here several times and it is always delicious and high quality food. There eggplant parmesan is THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!! It is always the exact same, with the right amount of cheese and sauce, very high quality and reasonably priced. I also ALWAYS get the cannoli! It is fresh and the shell is never soggy. The ends are topped with pistachios, which make it even more delicious. I recently tried the New England clam chowder which was surprisingly light, it had wonderful flavor but wasn't cream laden like some chowder's can be. I've also tried the gnocchi, which was okay but not one of my favorite items, as well as the Luciano's Fusilli, which I found to be a bit bland. The atmosphere is somewhat worn out looking but it has a comforting feel and very nice service. The same people are almost always waiting tables and the owner is sometimes present. Of all of the italian restaurants on this street (I've tried almost all 5), this one is my favorite and where I would recommend going!
(5)
Billy D.
I have been eating here for decades and the food is incredible!!! I said incredible!!! Over the years I have taken business associates and out of town guest. The atmosphere is very casual, so they are unimpressed when they walk in. After dinner they can't rave enough about the quality. Recommend sausage and peppers, calamari and, prosciutto and melon to start. The main dishes are whatever you are in the mood for. It's all good!!
(5)
Stohn C.
First impression, I thought it was just a bar. Walk in, oh, it's a restaurant. The clientèle was perfect. Nobody immature. Server was prompt and professional. Food was good. We only got basic entrees and I wasn't really in critic mode. I just had a hankering for spaghetti. And I got my fix. Nice place to go if you actually enjoy and would like to converse with your date.
(5)
John B.
Went with friends Saturday night. Food was ok at best. Service very slow but atmosphere was cool. The owner is a huge asshole. None of us will ever return. This place sucks the big one
(1)
Bob D.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have very mixed feelings about this strip of mediocrity on Oakley. My girl and I are doing a bit of research and were ordered to eat as much as possible in Little Italy or whatever they call this area with 6 Italian restaurants, and no parking. Please don't be envious, really. Our first restaurant was so miserable I refuse to review it, it just wouldn't be fair. Tonight at Bruna's we brought the children and told my boy he could tell the waiter it was his B-day and get a dessert. I saw a duck with papperdelle on the specials board, that surprised me. Most everything in this strip is red sauce kind of stuff, dated and not even close to authentic Italian, maybe authentic American Italian, but I am not really a big fan. I ordered the papperdelle, my daughter the clams in white sauce, my boy got spaghetti with EVOO, my girl got chicken vesuvio. We also shared a calamari. The calamari was a bit haphazard looking, average at best. Served with a few lemon wedges and some cocktail sauce. Yes, cocktail sauce. -1 star. I asked the waiter, "how is the duck?" he murmured unenthusiastically, "it has egg noodles fresh made with duck sauce from tomatoes sauce." Please, sell me the dish. That's what I was thinking. What I said was, "Is the sauce bolognese or more ragu style?" Hoping to give him an inkling to my comprehension of Italian cuisine, I directed this question curiously. Without even looking at me he answered "yes." I ordered it anyway, it was very good, surprisingly good. If I dare say so myself, just like I make. This was a huge moment for me because no one makes pasta the way I like any where near the South side. My son enjoyed his giant bowl of pasta e olio. My daughter was not blown away with her clams, I traded her, as I am known to do when one of my family does not care for their food. She was quite happy with the swap. The clams were fine, maybe a bit briny for her taste and all the pastas at the table were a perfect al dente. The chicken vesuvio was average, not bad. If you had never had the dish before you may even say great. The issues I had was the service was robotic, we called the busman "stone face", he made no expressions whatsoever. It was as if he "no a speak a da englaise". He did, because he brought us our leftovers, which we believed to have been tossed. I asked if they could do anything for my sons B-day, I wasn't looking for a freebee, (although that would have been nice), but I was looking for maybe a recommendation, or sure we can stick a candle in a tiramisu. Our waiter answered, "No" He then opened the menu for me, and showed me the dessert section and walked away. Right on cue as if the cameras were on, the lights went out and the staff of three began singing happy fucking birthday to some old gumbah in the corner. My boy looked at me and said, "I thought they don't have birthday party stuff here?" He took it better than I did. This move turned into a less than ten percent gratuity. A rare act of vengeance on my part. The other major issue was the bill, somehow this peasant inspired food with average service in a room that has a slight smell of mold or mildew came to $105.40!!!!!!!!!! WTF. I inspected the bill and found my 6 YO sons pasta and oil cost $14. The calamari was $12, my two Becks were $11 Holy shit. Normally I wil split my meal with my son, but being his birthday and the fact they charge a $5 extra plate fee. The previous night we had to battle to get some things removed off our bill, and honestly I had no more fight left in me. While I started eating I wondered, why with such a skillful dish is there no one in this restaurant eating? Well, if a family has to drop $14 for their kid to have a little plate of noodles they will not make it a habit of coming. Also, if you are paying over a hondo for your meal and the staff leaves piles of plates on your table, you are going to rethink your next visit. Good pasta, but not worth the aggravation.
(2)
Linda M.
I was highly disappointed with this restaurant. i live near-by and have been wanting to check out this area since it is a cute & quaint hidden area near the Little Village/Pilsen neighborhoods. My fiance made a reservation for us a few weeks ago for dinner on a saturday night for our anniversary. We were seated fairly quickly and the server came out to take drink orders but took quite a while to actually take our orders. Once we finally placed orders I chose the scallops and they were so rubbery and chewy I did not enjoy the meal at all. When the server finally came around to see how things were I told him the meal was unsatisfactory and he could obviously see the uneaten dish. He said he would speak to the kitchen and we continued to order dessert anyway. The cappuccinos were good and had a nice design. Once we received our bill it was the full bill with no discount. In my experience I think it would have been a nice gesture to at least offer the dessert as complimentary or coffee but it was the full bill for a terrible dish that was left uneaten. I would not recomment this restaurant and I have definitely had a lot better elsewhere.
(2)
carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here. While attending the Italian Fest here last night my Brother-in-law came down from Palatine to meet us. He brought his pretty little 9 year old daughter. Who by the way has a love for STEAK. She calls herself a Carnivour. You would not believe it by looking at her but she can really down a Steak. So to satisfy her craving we went to Bruna's. Seems like this is your older style Italian Restaurants from the 50's , with the Bar area in front with a few tables, and the dinning area in the back. The woman who greeted us at the door was very helpful when I asked her if my niece could get a good steak here. Now the old man who sat us was a little different. He was OK but he seemed a little Grouchy that night as we tried talking to him. After my brother-in- law seen the price of the Steak at $35 he tried talking his daughter in to eating something else. But I was glad to split the Steak with her, since there was plenty more food outside at the Fest. The Steak was O K but I expected a little better for the price. They did split the plate for my niece and I which was nice. My Ribollita Soup was excellent. I tasted the Linguine in white clam sauce which I thought was very good. I finished my wife's Lasangia which was a little Greasy and too Rich for me. All in all my pretty little niece had her Steak and she was happy as we enjoyed the rest of the festival.
(3)
Kendrah R.
The bread sticks were fantastic and then it stopped there. Salad - meh? Pasta sauce had no flavor. Not worth the $60 we paid for a salad, two pastas, and one glass of cheap wine. The service was not great. Forgot to bring the glass of wine and when we asked for it a second time the waiter has an "if you insist" attitude. There were only two parties eating in the restaurant. Not like it was slammed. When I want good Italian food, I'll go to Sabatino's, Bocca, or Rosal's.
(2)
Jodi M.
What a great little treasure in Pilsen!! If you are looking for home cooked, fresh ingredients this is the spot!! Close to the United Center if you had tickets to an event I would definitely plan dinner at Bruna's first!! The owner and his wife are entertaining and accomodating all in one. Little secret....if you go in for lunch..you might just get an Italian lesson! Check it out! They have been in business for years..and the quality of food and the service are definitely why!! Daily specials are always delicious and their wine list is quite impressive!
(5)
Adam K.
Phenomenal, in the old Italian neighborhood, chk it out, owner is str8 real deal italiano
(4)
Maggie C.
Simply put, Bruna's is the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the waitstaff is friendly.
(5)
Lynrae B.
Rude owner. Slower than slow service. Average food. Pricey for what you get. Location inconvenient. Don't do it!
(1)
Katie G.
Love this place. It is like eating in your Grandmother's House. The service is always great - very friendly waitstaff. The food is pretty classic Italian. I have always enjoyed their pastas and seafood. Excellent desserts as well. Worth the short drive to Pilsen for a more authentic "Little Italy" experience.
(4)
Fredrick B.
A former client & boss, and long-time friend surprisingly appeared in town and wanted to get together. I thought I would surprise him and take him to dinner, with a surprise guest--his former AA and right hand--someplace I had not been to in over a decade, and where I knew he had never dined. Our experience at Bruna's was outstanding! This quaint Italian "Ristorante" is not in the modern version of Chicago's Little Italy; no it's in Old Sicily Chicago off 24th & Western. It was like being in the old country. A wide selection of wonderfully aged vino, varied but delicious anti paste, old school traditional Italian fair and food. The Antipasto Italiano for Two appetizer fed three with a generous portion of Bruschetta and Prosciutto left over. The melon was ripe and sweet--succulent. My chicken Vesuvio was as good as any I've enjoyed in Italy--even at the base of Mt. Vesuvio in the wineries of Vesuvius, Italy--really, that good! My colleague's Escargot looked so good I had to stop myself from asking to taste it. The food and ambience were wonderful--though no match for the magnificent company that night. Thank you for the fond experience, and it won't be a decade before I return!
(4)
Daisy L.
My husband and I had a delicious anniversary meal here the other night from start to finish (except the baked clams which were good but nothing too special). The appetizer of grilled asparagus with gorgonzola and tomato was outstanding and our shared entrees of veal scallopine and eggplant parmesan were top-notch. The pistachio gelato was a thing to behold. The pinot grigio was superb and we loved the dim, old-school Italian atmosphere and friendly waiters. However, when the inebriated young woman seated two tables away started projectile vomiting all over her date and her table, we were surprised that the waitstaff didn't move us from the main dining room to a table in the bar area before our entrees were served. We actually had to request a different table. No sooner were we seated in the bar area when the owner began arguing loudly with an angry patron DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OUR TABLE. It ended after a minute or two when the patron stormed out and the owner sat back down at his table full of friends. We were offered nothing for our troubles. No apology from the owner, not a free round of drinks, no offer of "dessert on the house". It's a shame because the food was fantastic. I think we'll try Ignotz next time. Food: 4.5 stars Customer Service: 1 star
(3)
Colt E.
I didn't have the problems with service here that other reviewers have mentioned. The staff was not overly friendly, but were polite and helpful. The food was okay, but not special and a bit overpriced. It's nice to get some good traditional italian food in a relaxed setting though and this is the spot for that.
(3)
None of Y.
The food here is not worth the rudeness that you suffer. I've eaten here several times over the years and continue to overlook the terrible service and rude behavior which literally greets you at the door. I will no longer do so. There are gazillion Italian restaurants in Chicago, if you wanted to be treated with some dignity then Bruna's should not be the choice for you.
(1)
C. V.
After my girlfriend highly recommended Bruna's to me a few years ago, it became my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city! The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, the food is excellent...out of all the times my "significant other" and I have been there, only once were we a little disappointed in our main courses but every restaurant will have their off night from time to time so we let it slide. We took a friend of ours here last summer - he's a chef - who visits NYC often to see family and always eats his way through his trips there and he even said Bruna's food is "right up there alongside the best Italian joints in NYC". Luciano, the owner, once you get to know him a little bit, is a very warm, amiable and funny person! He always has stories to share from his past and he seems to really care for his employees (which would explain why they have been there for so many years!). I love to eat in the bar area due to the beautiful barback they have and all the items on the walls depicting places in Italy - it has a lot more charisma than the rear dining room, though that has its own personality, too - kind of like someone's home that hasn't been updated in years - but here, not updating it works! The immediate neighborhood is so quaint and friendly - even in the wintertime though the warmer months are even moreso! I highly recommend eating here while attending the big Italian Festival which we accidentally discovered four or so years ago which takes place every Father's Day weekend - it's a lot of fun! But always, Bruna's is the high point when we attend the festival!
(5)
Jamie K.
I just had another outstanding meal here - one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm puzzled at the reviews here stating that the owner is rude. I've been coming to Bruna's for years and have never experienced or seen any rudeness from any of the staff. The wait staff are all efficient and polite. You'll never be rushed from the table. The food is delicous! I usually order either the whitefish or meat ravioli with sausage. Absolutely yummy! Parking is no problem - I've always found a close parking spot on the street. I highly recommend Bruna's for a nice dinner.
(5)
rhea w.
this place is like walking into the 1950's in an authentic, and non interesting way. its old, has outdated decor, and food that is priced about 5 dollars a plate more than its worth. the waitresses are good at their job, but have no personality. quite frankly, if my mother hadn't requested this place as her good byr dinner spot, i'd never have returned after the last time- that was the time with the pasta primavera with nearly no veggies. this time i hated the slow service, and sitting next to the bathroom despite the place being empty
(2)
Myles A.
As an Italian I feel comfortable saying that this reminds me of my mother's/grandmother's food.
(5)
Laura W.
Have been going there for years!!! Love the food, love the people and the atmosphere. Please try their chicken limone, chicken saltimboca and ofcourse their chicken bisubio. Yes, the owner can be an ass, he does have an attitude if you start being a little ass your self (have seen it). But aside from that, the service is great. I personally like Hermel the waiter who is such a friendly latino man that has worked at Brunas for years! My boyfriend and I go there for special occasions since it does have that romantic atmosphere. :) Good Luck
(5)
Rachel I.
I love this restaurant. I love Luigi's sauce... a creamy tomato sauce. I've never had a bad meal. The service is never rushed (if you're in a rush, don't go here) and I think the owner is delightful. I had brought family from Italy there (they wanted to see an Italian restaurant in the states) and they thought it to be very authentic. I'm a big fan of the mussels appetizer with the spicy marinara and I always try to save room for dessert. The desserts often look like someone's grandma made them and they are quite delicious too. They have a very cozy atmosphere and it is a lovely place for a date or dinner with family.
(5)
Martha Z.
I like the charm of Bruna's much better then Ignotz or Bacchanalia. I feel like I'm stepping into some old time movie set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. I have never seen this place completely packed and I think that also adds to the charm of it. The service is friendly, with a bit of the la dolce vita philosophy that you will find at every restaurant in Italy. I usually opt for pasta and seafood, and the ingredients always taste fresh, fresh fresh! They also feature a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts. Order a bottle of wine, a bowl of your favorite pasta and mangia!
(5)
Loreen B.
Sat at the bar and had a casual dinner. The service was good. It was an Italian Festival weekend and it just got too cold to stay outside an listen to the entertainment...Rick Saucedo. Really good pasta and nice wine.
(3)
Ned S.
hell, the producers of TV's 'life on mars" would kill to film in these surroundings! run by native italian Luciano Silvestri and his wife, Burna's is fine old-time Italian...like boston's north end used to have. excellent traditional dishes with huge portions at great prices. do you really need more details? i think you already know them, but here goes: -kitschy linoleum floor throughout AND white table cloths -where the kitchen ends and the dining room begins is not clearly discernible ARE loaves and loaves of fresh bread sitting on that table nearby -friendly and solid service -fine wine cheap -an georgous seafood salad that would even amaze a Peruvian used to the best cerviche. there's even a cloth towel machine in the bathroom the likes of which I haven't seen in decades. 70's atmosphere or no...you just come and manga!
(4)
Jedd J.
Had a great experience at a fun little out-of-the-way place, yet not too far from downtown. Who knew the third oldest italian restaurant in Chicago was over there? I'll definitely be back!
(4)
scot o.
old school italian in chicagos s.w. italian village. you feel like you might witness a mob hit while you're dining. great food. reasonable prices. awesome front dining area by the bar. great back room. owners are usually there, and they are friendly and cool to talk to. valet parking. there are alot of good places in the neighborhood, but i think bruna's is the best. it's been there since the 30's, i think.
(5)
Mark S.
First- this neighborhood's loaded with old school Italian spots. If you've never been down here, you're missing out on the historic "heart of little Italy." It's completely marooned from what most think of as little Italy on Taylor street, like an island of Italian in the middle of a Mexican ocean. You can literally smell the garlic when you get close! Bruna's is my favorite down here. I like the old school decor, I like the scary guy sitting up front calling the shots, I like the food, waiters and they have really good house wine! Hard to go too far wrong picking one of these places down here as yours, this one's mine.
(4)
Bobby D.
Still a great place to eat when in the S.Oakley Little Italy section. Very old school Italian restaurant, With it's back partition as the dining facility. The breadsticks are great. The escarole soup is too. The pesto pasta dishes are great. The linguine with white clam sauce is great too. The Tiramisu is a great treat too. However, I wish that the propeitor wasn't as grumpy, THAT'S where it gets denied an extra star.
(4)
Pat S.
Really decent authentic Italian food. Service was a bit slow, but the food was good. I had sauteed shrimp over angel hair pasta and it was good. Not great, but good.
(3)
Dawn B.
I really wanted to like this place, but I have to say, the customer service is some of the worst in the city. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was at about quarter capacity so it's not like they were swamped. I can't comment on the food because the service was so bad we ended up leaving before we placed our order. To be polite I told the host we were leaving and why. He seemed upset, but never once apologized. He tried to talk us into staying but by that point I was so annoyed that I just knew it wasn't a good idea. Why would I drop $75 on a meal that I couldn't enjoy because the waitress had a total stick up her ass? That's insane. The breadsticks were good though and the wine list looked impressive.
(2)
John M.
A classic, vintage Italian ristorante where one may go to see or be seen, depending on his/her status within the community. The place seethes of mafioso-laden testosterone- Gold chains exposing impressive chest hair is not uncommon. The waiters are kind of lame, lacking personality. The back dining room is creepy, so try to get a table up front by the bar if you can. Once seated, go for the crostini appetizer (delicious), and share some daily specials because they will taste the freshest. I had a spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and it was yummy. I also enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs.
(3)
mel r.
This is the kind of old school place you want to love and support, but last week will be my first and last time. My boyfriend and I ordered relatively traditional dishes, and some of it, like the minestrone, was fine. My linguini was nothing to write home about, but edible, which was far better than the linguini with clams my bf ordered. The worst part: he suffered some violent food poisoning 7 hours after leaving there. Sometimes when a place is too quaint-- and doesn't turn over tables- you have to wonder how long those clams have been siting there.
(1)
Jolene H.
Make it 3.5. The only reason why we went to Bruna's was that it was the only place on that street opened for lunch on Saturday. Save for 2 lonely men drinking at the bar, me and my partner were the only ones in the restaurant. But we weren't dissappointed. We ordered the clams as a starter. He had prawns over capellini and I had the lagsana. Let me tell you, they were gone after 30 minutes. Wolfed down. I mean it wasn't orgasmic fantastic but they surpassed my expectations. Then came the tiramisu, which was light, and soaked in brandy. yum. I guess it helped being the only ones in the place. The cook only had us to worry about. We got great service, too. (better be!)The only thing I didn't like- its weak pino gricio, and oh, a very grumpy owner who didn't trust his staff- he kept asking- gruff voice here- "Have they paid, what did they pay with- cash? Where's the cash?" Picture middle-aged ex mafia type.
(3)
Karen L.
Classic, true Italian food. It is good food in an atmosphere that makes you think you are in Italy. It is not fancy, it is not trendy...it is just an old-school Italian place that serves good food. I tried the gnocchi with meat sauce and the eggplant parmesan. They were both excellent! (And I try those dishes almost everywhere!) It is in a neighborhood that I am not too familiar with (the heart of Chicago), but I would definitely go back because it just feels like you are in another city.
(4)
Jill H.
this awesome restaurant has been a favorite for years. it has actually been open since 1933, by Bruna herself!! though i dont make it over as often as i'd like, the waiters (who seem to have worked there forever!) always recognize me. i have a feeling i could come in after a 5 year absence and they still would remember me! great service all around. attentive and very welcoming. the food is classic and always tastes delicious and freshly prepared. the steamed mussels (i always order with a white wine garlic sauce- not on the menu) consistently are tied for #1 best mussels in chicago. the homemade minestrone soup is wonderful and warming. the tomato-based sauces always seem so vibrant and fresh, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. i always must splurge on the homemade tiramisu, too- yum! after a hundred times dining here, i once had a veal chop that was kind of dry and mediocre, but every other dish ive had here has been excellent. the wine list has some real gems, and there are some really great & reasonably priced italian reds that i believe are bottled especially for the restaurant. i just wish the wine glasses werent always so full of water spots! the front bar is super cool and old school, like something out of a mobster movie- so full of character! the ambiance in the main dining room in the back?........well, it does have a certain charm- charm from the late 1970's that is! think vinyl backed metal chairs from 20 years ago. but surprisingly enough, white tablecloths! with the smooth jazz radio station playing in the background. slightly bizarre, but distinctly lovable nonetheless. anyways, this is the type of place where a good vibe, great food & wine and enthralling conversation just seem to flow, and things like decor just dont matter. this longtime standby is a must try- i guarantee you wont be disappointed! 4 1/2 stars
(4)
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Address :2424 S Oakley Ave,1st Fl
Chicago, IL, 60608
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Adam K.
Phenomenal, in the old Italian neighborhood, chk it out, owner is str8 real deal italiano
(4)Maggie C.
Simply put, Bruna's is the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the waitstaff is friendly.
(5)Lynrae B.
Rude owner. Slower than slow service. Average food. Pricey for what you get. Location inconvenient. Don't do it!
(1)Katie G.
Love this place. It is like eating in your Grandmother's House. The service is always great - very friendly waitstaff. The food is pretty classic Italian. I have always enjoyed their pastas and seafood. Excellent desserts as well. Worth the short drive to Pilsen for a more authentic "Little Italy" experience.
(4)Colt E.
I didn't have the problems with service here that other reviewers have mentioned. The staff was not overly friendly, but were polite and helpful. The food was okay, but not special and a bit overpriced. It's nice to get some good traditional italian food in a relaxed setting though and this is the spot for that.
(3)None of Y.
The food here is not worth the rudeness that you suffer. I've eaten here several times over the years and continue to overlook the terrible service and rude behavior which literally greets you at the door. I will no longer do so. There are gazillion Italian restaurants in Chicago, if you wanted to be treated with some dignity then Bruna's should not be the choice for you.
(1)Rachel I.
I love this restaurant. I love Luigi's sauce... a creamy tomato sauce. I've never had a bad meal. The service is never rushed (if you're in a rush, don't go here) and I think the owner is delightful. I had brought family from Italy there (they wanted to see an Italian restaurant in the states) and they thought it to be very authentic. I'm a big fan of the mussels appetizer with the spicy marinara and I always try to save room for dessert. The desserts often look like someone's grandma made them and they are quite delicious too. They have a very cozy atmosphere and it is a lovely place for a date or dinner with family.
(5)Martha Z.
I like the charm of Bruna's much better then Ignotz or Bacchanalia. I feel like I'm stepping into some old time movie set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. I have never seen this place completely packed and I think that also adds to the charm of it. The service is friendly, with a bit of the la dolce vita philosophy that you will find at every restaurant in Italy. I usually opt for pasta and seafood, and the ingredients always taste fresh, fresh fresh! They also feature a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts. Order a bottle of wine, a bowl of your favorite pasta and mangia!
(5)Loreen B.
Sat at the bar and had a casual dinner. The service was good. It was an Italian Festival weekend and it just got too cold to stay outside an listen to the entertainment...Rick Saucedo. Really good pasta and nice wine.
(3)Fredrick B.
A former client & boss, and long-time friend surprisingly appeared in town and wanted to get together. I thought I would surprise him and take him to dinner, with a surprise guest--his former AA and right hand--someplace I had not been to in over a decade, and where I knew he had never dined. Our experience at Bruna's was outstanding! This quaint Italian "Ristorante" is not in the modern version of Chicago's Little Italy; no it's in Old Sicily Chicago off 24th & Western. It was like being in the old country. A wide selection of wonderfully aged vino, varied but delicious anti paste, old school traditional Italian fair and food. The Antipasto Italiano for Two appetizer fed three with a generous portion of Bruschetta and Prosciutto left over. The melon was ripe and sweet--succulent. My chicken Vesuvio was as good as any I've enjoyed in Italy--even at the base of Mt. Vesuvio in the wineries of Vesuvius, Italy--really, that good! My colleague's Escargot looked so good I had to stop myself from asking to taste it. The food and ambience were wonderful--though no match for the magnificent company that night. Thank you for the fond experience, and it won't be a decade before I return!
(4)Daisy L.
My husband and I had a delicious anniversary meal here the other night from start to finish (except the baked clams which were good but nothing too special). The appetizer of grilled asparagus with gorgonzola and tomato was outstanding and our shared entrees of veal scallopine and eggplant parmesan were top-notch. The pistachio gelato was a thing to behold. The pinot grigio was superb and we loved the dim, old-school Italian atmosphere and friendly waiters. However, when the inebriated young woman seated two tables away started projectile vomiting all over her date and her table, we were surprised that the waitstaff didn't move us from the main dining room to a table in the bar area before our entrees were served. We actually had to request a different table. No sooner were we seated in the bar area when the owner began arguing loudly with an angry patron DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OUR TABLE. It ended after a minute or two when the patron stormed out and the owner sat back down at his table full of friends. We were offered nothing for our troubles. No apology from the owner, not a free round of drinks, no offer of "dessert on the house". It's a shame because the food was fantastic. I think we'll try Ignotz next time. Food: 4.5 stars Customer Service: 1 star
(3)C. V.
After my girlfriend highly recommended Bruna's to me a few years ago, it became my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city! The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, the food is excellent...out of all the times my "significant other" and I have been there, only once were we a little disappointed in our main courses but every restaurant will have their off night from time to time so we let it slide. We took a friend of ours here last summer - he's a chef - who visits NYC often to see family and always eats his way through his trips there and he even said Bruna's food is "right up there alongside the best Italian joints in NYC". Luciano, the owner, once you get to know him a little bit, is a very warm, amiable and funny person! He always has stories to share from his past and he seems to really care for his employees (which would explain why they have been there for so many years!). I love to eat in the bar area due to the beautiful barback they have and all the items on the walls depicting places in Italy - it has a lot more charisma than the rear dining room, though that has its own personality, too - kind of like someone's home that hasn't been updated in years - but here, not updating it works! The immediate neighborhood is so quaint and friendly - even in the wintertime though the warmer months are even moreso! I highly recommend eating here while attending the big Italian Festival which we accidentally discovered four or so years ago which takes place every Father's Day weekend - it's a lot of fun! But always, Bruna's is the high point when we attend the festival!
(5)Jamie K.
I just had another outstanding meal here - one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm puzzled at the reviews here stating that the owner is rude. I've been coming to Bruna's for years and have never experienced or seen any rudeness from any of the staff. The wait staff are all efficient and polite. You'll never be rushed from the table. The food is delicous! I usually order either the whitefish or meat ravioli with sausage. Absolutely yummy! Parking is no problem - I've always found a close parking spot on the street. I highly recommend Bruna's for a nice dinner.
(5)rhea w.
this place is like walking into the 1950's in an authentic, and non interesting way. its old, has outdated decor, and food that is priced about 5 dollars a plate more than its worth. the waitresses are good at their job, but have no personality. quite frankly, if my mother hadn't requested this place as her good byr dinner spot, i'd never have returned after the last time- that was the time with the pasta primavera with nearly no veggies. this time i hated the slow service, and sitting next to the bathroom despite the place being empty
(2)Myles A.
As an Italian I feel comfortable saying that this reminds me of my mother's/grandmother's food.
(5)Laura W.
Have been going there for years!!! Love the food, love the people and the atmosphere. Please try their chicken limone, chicken saltimboca and ofcourse their chicken bisubio. Yes, the owner can be an ass, he does have an attitude if you start being a little ass your self (have seen it). But aside from that, the service is great. I personally like Hermel the waiter who is such a friendly latino man that has worked at Brunas for years! My boyfriend and I go there for special occasions since it does have that romantic atmosphere. :) Good Luck
(5)Ned S.
hell, the producers of TV's 'life on mars" would kill to film in these surroundings! run by native italian Luciano Silvestri and his wife, Burna's is fine old-time Italian...like boston's north end used to have. excellent traditional dishes with huge portions at great prices. do you really need more details? i think you already know them, but here goes: -kitschy linoleum floor throughout AND white table cloths -where the kitchen ends and the dining room begins is not clearly discernible ARE loaves and loaves of fresh bread sitting on that table nearby -friendly and solid service -fine wine cheap -an georgous seafood salad that would even amaze a Peruvian used to the best cerviche. there's even a cloth towel machine in the bathroom the likes of which I haven't seen in decades. 70's atmosphere or no...you just come and manga!
(4)Jedd J.
Had a great experience at a fun little out-of-the-way place, yet not too far from downtown. Who knew the third oldest italian restaurant in Chicago was over there? I'll definitely be back!
(4)scot o.
old school italian in chicagos s.w. italian village. you feel like you might witness a mob hit while you're dining. great food. reasonable prices. awesome front dining area by the bar. great back room. owners are usually there, and they are friendly and cool to talk to. valet parking. there are alot of good places in the neighborhood, but i think bruna's is the best. it's been there since the 30's, i think.
(5)Mark S.
First- this neighborhood's loaded with old school Italian spots. If you've never been down here, you're missing out on the historic "heart of little Italy." It's completely marooned from what most think of as little Italy on Taylor street, like an island of Italian in the middle of a Mexican ocean. You can literally smell the garlic when you get close! Bruna's is my favorite down here. I like the old school decor, I like the scary guy sitting up front calling the shots, I like the food, waiters and they have really good house wine! Hard to go too far wrong picking one of these places down here as yours, this one's mine.
(4)Bobby D.
Still a great place to eat when in the S.Oakley Little Italy section. Very old school Italian restaurant, With it's back partition as the dining facility. The breadsticks are great. The escarole soup is too. The pesto pasta dishes are great. The linguine with white clam sauce is great too. The Tiramisu is a great treat too. However, I wish that the propeitor wasn't as grumpy, THAT'S where it gets denied an extra star.
(4)Pat S.
Really decent authentic Italian food. Service was a bit slow, but the food was good. I had sauteed shrimp over angel hair pasta and it was good. Not great, but good.
(3)Dawn B.
I really wanted to like this place, but I have to say, the customer service is some of the worst in the city. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was at about quarter capacity so it's not like they were swamped. I can't comment on the food because the service was so bad we ended up leaving before we placed our order. To be polite I told the host we were leaving and why. He seemed upset, but never once apologized. He tried to talk us into staying but by that point I was so annoyed that I just knew it wasn't a good idea. Why would I drop $75 on a meal that I couldn't enjoy because the waitress had a total stick up her ass? That's insane. The breadsticks were good though and the wine list looked impressive.
(2)John M.
A classic, vintage Italian ristorante where one may go to see or be seen, depending on his/her status within the community. The place seethes of mafioso-laden testosterone- Gold chains exposing impressive chest hair is not uncommon. The waiters are kind of lame, lacking personality. The back dining room is creepy, so try to get a table up front by the bar if you can. Once seated, go for the crostini appetizer (delicious), and share some daily specials because they will taste the freshest. I had a spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and it was yummy. I also enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs.
(3)mel r.
This is the kind of old school place you want to love and support, but last week will be my first and last time. My boyfriend and I ordered relatively traditional dishes, and some of it, like the minestrone, was fine. My linguini was nothing to write home about, but edible, which was far better than the linguini with clams my bf ordered. The worst part: he suffered some violent food poisoning 7 hours after leaving there. Sometimes when a place is too quaint-- and doesn't turn over tables- you have to wonder how long those clams have been siting there.
(1)Jolene H.
Make it 3.5. The only reason why we went to Bruna's was that it was the only place on that street opened for lunch on Saturday. Save for 2 lonely men drinking at the bar, me and my partner were the only ones in the restaurant. But we weren't dissappointed. We ordered the clams as a starter. He had prawns over capellini and I had the lagsana. Let me tell you, they were gone after 30 minutes. Wolfed down. I mean it wasn't orgasmic fantastic but they surpassed my expectations. Then came the tiramisu, which was light, and soaked in brandy. yum. I guess it helped being the only ones in the place. The cook only had us to worry about. We got great service, too. (better be!)The only thing I didn't like- its weak pino gricio, and oh, a very grumpy owner who didn't trust his staff- he kept asking- gruff voice here- "Have they paid, what did they pay with- cash? Where's the cash?" Picture middle-aged ex mafia type.
(3)Karen L.
Classic, true Italian food. It is good food in an atmosphere that makes you think you are in Italy. It is not fancy, it is not trendy...it is just an old-school Italian place that serves good food. I tried the gnocchi with meat sauce and the eggplant parmesan. They were both excellent! (And I try those dishes almost everywhere!) It is in a neighborhood that I am not too familiar with (the heart of Chicago), but I would definitely go back because it just feels like you are in another city.
(4)Jill H.
this awesome restaurant has been a favorite for years. it has actually been open since 1933, by Bruna herself!! though i dont make it over as often as i'd like, the waiters (who seem to have worked there forever!) always recognize me. i have a feeling i could come in after a 5 year absence and they still would remember me! great service all around. attentive and very welcoming. the food is classic and always tastes delicious and freshly prepared. the steamed mussels (i always order with a white wine garlic sauce- not on the menu) consistently are tied for #1 best mussels in chicago. the homemade minestrone soup is wonderful and warming. the tomato-based sauces always seem so vibrant and fresh, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. i always must splurge on the homemade tiramisu, too- yum! after a hundred times dining here, i once had a veal chop that was kind of dry and mediocre, but every other dish ive had here has been excellent. the wine list has some real gems, and there are some really great & reasonably priced italian reds that i believe are bottled especially for the restaurant. i just wish the wine glasses werent always so full of water spots! the front bar is super cool and old school, like something out of a mobster movie- so full of character! the ambiance in the main dining room in the back?........well, it does have a certain charm- charm from the late 1970's that is! think vinyl backed metal chairs from 20 years ago. but surprisingly enough, white tablecloths! with the smooth jazz radio station playing in the background. slightly bizarre, but distinctly lovable nonetheless. anyways, this is the type of place where a good vibe, great food & wine and enthralling conversation just seem to flow, and things like decor just dont matter. this longtime standby is a must try- i guarantee you wont be disappointed! 4 1/2 stars
(4)Inoh C.
This little charming restaurant is very Italian and bursting with warmth and character. The food is a bit watery and ordinary and a tad pricey for the ambiance, but the experience is authentic.
(3)Steve S.
A unique old school gem that rarely disappoints. (I've had a few sub-par meals on slow weeknights, but never Thursdays through Sundays). There are very, very few authentic, quirky little neighborhood corner joints like this left. The old linoleum-tile floor and orange (!) walls are always clean, and the tables are always covered in crisp white tablecloths. They make a very respectable Caesar salad, and the pastas are solid.
(5)Shady A.
Average, ordered chicken Alfredo and it's slightly better than pizza hot Alfredo, too expensive compare to the quality. 2 chicken Alfredo one with chicken and one without for 40 dollars?
(2)Alex C.
Let me start by saying Bruna's Ristorante and my family have a small history. My grandfather used to come here regularly, since his family lived in the area, which at the time was predominantly Italian. Before we went out, Papa briefed us on all the memories of the neighborhood, as well as some history about the place. Everything from having to hide behind tables as a gunfight erupted outside, to old Bella Bruna dancing on top of the bar, and disciplining edgy bar-goers. Yes, this was ages ago, but to return to this restaurant decades later with a couple generations of family was a great experience we all thoroughly enjoyed. Now, on to our actual dining experience. I must say that this place is really old school, authentic Italian cuisine. This is not Volare or RPM on Michigan Ave, this is Bruna's on 24th & Oakley. Don't expect to walk into a flashy, spacious place with modern décor. And for that matter, be waited on by overly jubilant young people. The service was appropriate for the place, our server was knowledgeable and polite. My grandfather ordered his favorite meal, Veal Saltimbocca and a side dish of simple pasta & red sauce. Other plates on the table were Chicken Parmesan, Veal Limone and Gnocchi Pesto. The meats were all cooked perfectly and seasoned great. Pasta was textbook al-dente, and sauces were flavorful. As we were finishing up, the owner came over and talked to us. He and my grandfather reminisced about the old days, and he generously bought our entire table drinks. I highly recommend Bruna's to anyone looking for a traditional Italian meal in an even more traditional setting. Even though the old neighborhood has changed a lot, Bruna's really hasn't, and in my (and my grandfather's) opinion, that's what made our experience great.
(5)Zach J.
Alright let me set this shit straight here, I see some bad reviews on this place and most of those bad reviews are totally moronic and way off. Seriously don't even consider those bad reviews or this aweful 3 and 1/2 star average. I went here tonight and had the best, old school, AUTHENTIC Italian food I ever had. This place does it all old school and does not Americanize shit, and that makes some uneducated yelpers cry like babies saying this place sucks. I had the Escargot (snails) which was amazing! I had the Lasagne with tomato cream sauce on top per request and it was the best damn Lasagne I ever had! This place takes no shortcuts and is low key. The service is professional but not real cheery or bubbly which I think upsets some of you fluff balls out there. If you want REAL Italian food come to Bruna's in Pilsen and you will blown away as long as long as you focus on the food. And BTW this place is QUITE not noisy like someone else described about this place and gave a shitty review.
(5)Deb C.
Luciano, the owner has run this restaurant for 35 years and it has been in business since 1933!! Absolutely the best Italian cuisine in the City of Chicago with the friendliest and most competent staff. Only the highest quality ingredients and the portions are huge. We found this Gem when we had a group of hungry people late one evening years ago & they stayed open for us. They know who we are when we come in & we can be a couple or a group of 20. When we Check-in here on Facebook we get lots of 'Likes' & 'I wish I was there' comments.
(5)Betty C.
The food was solid there is no doubt to that. However for the price the ambiance is just too old and tired and you feel like it's 1952 in there. The chairs are like from a banquet hall. You walk through a weird service area between the bar and the dining room. There are no windows so you have no idea what time of day or season it is. My water glass was filthy and they quickly replaced it. The wine was almost warm and not a good serving temperature. Bruschetta was very tasty with crisp toast and well seasoned tomatoes. Burrata with kumato tomatoes was creamy and rich with a nice drizzle of balsamic. Prosciutto with figs was less interesting than it might have been if they had added a few springs of arugula and a squeeze of lemon. Calamari were very crisp and tender. Shrimp Fra Diavola was nice and spicy with 8 fairly large shrimp and perfectly cooked linguini. Scallops with fettucini were creamy and rich. Veal parmesan was also very tasty with tender veal, nicely breaded and fried with a nice topping of marinara and mozzarella. The owner Luciano offered us free after dinner drinks to thank us for coming in. Think they need a little remodel to brighten up the place.
(3)Derek B.
I wish there was a spot to put zero stars. The food was ok but the owner was the most disrespectful person my wife and I have ever encountered, to the point where he gave us the finger. If this place ever wants to be more successful the owner needs to stay in the kitchen or in the office. He should not be allowed around costumers.
(1)Patrick H.
My dad is the owner's dentist; we've been coming here frequently for years. Food has been consistently terrific, service is good, staff is friendly. The menu has plenty of options; good for larger groups. For the people complaining about the owner; I'm sorry he wasn't willing to put up with your BS. The american service industry has bred a certain type of person with a massive sense of entitlement. Guess what: you aren't special.
(5)Dennis J.
Great old school Italian food! Have enjoyed a couple meals here, but we do prefer Ignotz for the better value and more menu options. Can't really go wrong with either one!
(4)Not J B.
If my Grandma opened a restaurant based on having dinner at her house it would most likely be Bruna's. A wonderful interior reminiscent of a by-gone era. I was constantly asked if I was enjoying myself and my water was always refilled whether it was necessary or not. The food was OK. It wasn't the best Italian I've ever had and I could nitpick it but there was a sense it had come from an old family recipe and was made in someone's small kitchen which means it has heart so I was alright with it until the bill came and I realized how much Grandma thinks she has the right to charge.
(3)Jim S.
The atmosphere and menu at Bruna's are both excellent. I've been dining at Bruna's for over 30 years and have never experienced a bad meal. In particular we love the mussels marinara, and most of their many other pasta dishes (except for the carbonara sauce which I won't order anywhere; it's a heart-attack on a plate). The mussels marinara are the best I've had outside of Brussels, they're that good. Salads are fresh, specials vary, and they give you good value for the money. This is not a "see and be seen" place. It's solid Italian cooking in a slice of what used to be the Toscani Little Italy. As for the review below, from a teacher alleging harassment by the owner while dining, that is so very strange! Neither the owner nor the wait-staff has ever asked us our occupations, let alone say anything remotely negative towards us or anyone else while we are there. Over many visits across the years I've felt like extended family when visiting Bruna's. I can't believe anyone would be mistreated while dining there. The review saying otherwise is an outlier.
(5)Mary K.
Owner of this establishment was RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL. Our party (which included girls and younger women) spent over to $2000 (paid in cash) and were told to leave several times despite the restaurant being empty and it was 10:30 (closes at 11). We were celebrating Easter and taking a family picture (we have a very diverse family) and the manger dimmed the lights and insisted that we leave and used profanity when we tried to reason with him. Told to leave without any warning. We were having a great night until the manager refused to even speak to us and explain what the problem was. Waiters were great! We will never return because of the unprofessional owner though. Sad that a grown man can't be mature and speak to the woman that paid the large bill in cash.
(1)Susan S.
This was my first visit to Bruna's and I was so impressed. We started at the bar where we were greated by the owner. After having a round of drinks, we headed back to the dining room for dinner. The room was charming - you could tell that the restaurant has been around for many years and family owned. The service was impeccible, our waiter explained the specials, and recommended a nice bottle of wine in our price range. We started with the escargot, salad and bread. All were fantastic. (my family ate the salad & escargot, I'm a "bread" girl) Our entres were veal parm, chicken parm, pasta with marinara and sundried ravioli. We had cappuccino & espresso for dessert. The food was served in a timely manner. Each course was separate and they gave us plenty of time to visit and enjoy the dining experience. The next time I'm in Chicago, I'm definately going back. It's a nice change from eating downtown.
(5)Frank T.
Great food and average prices. The decor and atmosphere inside is great. I ordered the Chicken Marsala and it was awesome. I just had one complaint on that, it was half of a small sized potatoes that came with the dish. But I would still order it again because the Marsala sauce was great. A friend of mine had a sandwich and that too was great. Nice place to take your girl for a date. The mood and setting is nice.
(4)Alicia S.
Ate here while I was on a business trip in Chicago. Not worth the drive out of the city and left me wishing I would have went to somewhere much better in downtown. It's cute and the people are friendly but the food was not very good.
(2)Kris G.
This is my favorite Italian place in the city. My mother grew up coming here with her father and I've been here multiple times with sisters, cousins, parents, and grandparents. The same family has owned and run this restaurant for years and we've gotten to know them and become friends. They're great people and make fantastic food. I love the atmosphere here, it feels like an interesting mix of restaurants in Italy I've been to (darker with one large room that everyone eats in) and quintessential Chicago restaurants (also darker, with an old-timey bar and regulars who like to hang around). There aren't a lot of bells and whistles at this place, but it does pay attention to service and put you in a nostalgic table-cloth-restaurant setting. The food here is just as good as any Italian food you'll find at some of the higher end restaurants like Spiaggia and Piccolo Sogno with less of the snobbery. The type of Italian food here is definitely more of the family style that you would find in kitchens in the north (not a big representation of Southern Italian cuisine here). There's not a lot of particularly special ingredients, but they're all fresh and so tasty. One thing that I feel this restaurant does particularly well is the sausage and peppers. It is SUCH a simple dish and surprisingly underrepresented in Italian restaurants (maybe because it feels too much like something you could make at home?). It is SO good, SO nostalgic, and something I think everyone should try to get a good feel for what it's like to eat at an Italian table. I've tried a lot of other things here, too, and the pastas definitely shine as well. You can't go wrong. The service is friendly (well, the family is friendly, they will cook and serve the food and drinks to you). And everything here feels wrapped in tradition. Bruna's isn't the most conventional choice for a place to get Italian food in Chicago (being located in Pilsen, most people think "Latin American food!") but I'd bring everyone I know here if I could.
(5)Patrick D.
I had the great pleasure to go to Bruna's on Saturday evening and to bring my sister and my Mom. What a fabulous meal in a lovely environment. White tablecloth service in a very comfortable environment. The Chicken Cacciatore was one of the best meals I have had in my entire life. Amazingly good!
(5)Julio G.
This a great place to have dinner. The specials are fantastic. I really enjoy the pork chop dinner and the different pasta dishes. Their arugula salad is good. The wine selection is wide with lots of different Italian wines. The atmosphere can be what you want it to be. I recommend this place for a date night, friends getting together or family night.
(5)Dave K.
Very relaxing environment and superb entrees. You will not leave here on an empty stomach, trust me.
(5)Michael B.
Bruna's is classic old school Italian done as close authentic as I have found anywhere in Chicago. The limited menu does not cut corners with ingredients, cooking preparation or cook times. It's done the way old school Italian has been done for generations and is supposed to be done. You can taste the slow cooking with each bite. The roast chicken special was juicy, tasty and succulent, stracciatella, perfect stuffed shells and eggplant, as if grandma was in the back room, (maybe she was). The dining room was dark with antiquated Italian looking stuff on the walls, bordering on cornball but the food made sure the experience was not tainted by it. Given its corner location, a little natural light wouldn't hurt.
(3)K P.
We love visiting Heart of Chicago and Bruna's! The atmosphere, service and the menu are out of this world! The old school decor, quirky waitstaff (in a good, just got in from Italy way) reasonable prices and food make it worth the trip from the South burbs.
(4)North S.
We have been coming here for almost 30 years. We've never had a bad meal, bad customer service or a bad experience, just sayin'. In regards to the party on the 5th, based on the immaturity of their post, (how many times do you have to tell us you dropped $2200, who cares?) I think they protest a bit too much...We're only getting half of the story here. I, for one, would like to hear the owner's side of it. He can't smear your reputation on a website as you are trying to do to him...You don't like Bruna's then don't go back, get a life, and move on...don't try to smear the guy incessantly on Yelp and Facebook--and don't have several people from the same party post multiple reviews. I'll let you in on a little secret--it makes you look like bullies, not the owner...I'm glad you won't be back, just based on your comments in the reviews, I can only imagine how rude you can potentially be to other patrons as well...BTW, we aren't related to the owner, don't do business with him, don't even know his name. I'm not saying that there has never been a bad experience there either. It's bound to happen anywhere, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I will give the owner the benefit of the doubt on this one, based on the tone of your comments, which lends to your lack of credibility. I mean, you're even attacking the other reviewer who also took up for the owner. Yep, really mature. Anyway, please stay away. It sounds like you wouldn't be welcomed back anyway. Oh, well, that's a shame...
(5)Alex J.
For 27 years we have gone to Bruna's. Just the two of us, family gatherings, various special events. In 27 years it has been our number one restaurant to dine at. It is always consistently awesome. Service is impeccable. Truly first class staff. The owner and his wife and daughter are wonderful people. At least one of them is always in the house. The decor is old school charming. It's neat to think if the walls could talk in Bruna's as one of the oldest dining establishments in Chicago what you would be able to here. The lasagna is a staple for our family it won't disappoint. Prosciutto and figs or melon app is awesome. Veal saltimboca is amazing. I have never had a bad meal here I give Bruna's ten stars
(5)Taylor A.
I have eaten here several times and it is always delicious and high quality food. There eggplant parmesan is THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!! It is always the exact same, with the right amount of cheese and sauce, very high quality and reasonably priced. I also ALWAYS get the cannoli! It is fresh and the shell is never soggy. The ends are topped with pistachios, which make it even more delicious. I recently tried the New England clam chowder which was surprisingly light, it had wonderful flavor but wasn't cream laden like some chowder's can be. I've also tried the gnocchi, which was okay but not one of my favorite items, as well as the Luciano's Fusilli, which I found to be a bit bland. The atmosphere is somewhat worn out looking but it has a comforting feel and very nice service. The same people are almost always waiting tables and the owner is sometimes present. Of all of the italian restaurants on this street (I've tried almost all 5), this one is my favorite and where I would recommend going!
(5)Billy D.
I have been eating here for decades and the food is incredible!!! I said incredible!!! Over the years I have taken business associates and out of town guest. The atmosphere is very casual, so they are unimpressed when they walk in. After dinner they can't rave enough about the quality. Recommend sausage and peppers, calamari and, prosciutto and melon to start. The main dishes are whatever you are in the mood for. It's all good!!
(5)Stohn C.
First impression, I thought it was just a bar. Walk in, oh, it's a restaurant. The clientèle was perfect. Nobody immature. Server was prompt and professional. Food was good. We only got basic entrees and I wasn't really in critic mode. I just had a hankering for spaghetti. And I got my fix. Nice place to go if you actually enjoy and would like to converse with your date.
(5)John B.
Went with friends Saturday night. Food was ok at best. Service very slow but atmosphere was cool. The owner is a huge asshole. None of us will ever return. This place sucks the big one
(1)Bob D.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have very mixed feelings about this strip of mediocrity on Oakley. My girl and I are doing a bit of research and were ordered to eat as much as possible in Little Italy or whatever they call this area with 6 Italian restaurants, and no parking. Please don't be envious, really. Our first restaurant was so miserable I refuse to review it, it just wouldn't be fair. Tonight at Bruna's we brought the children and told my boy he could tell the waiter it was his B-day and get a dessert. I saw a duck with papperdelle on the specials board, that surprised me. Most everything in this strip is red sauce kind of stuff, dated and not even close to authentic Italian, maybe authentic American Italian, but I am not really a big fan. I ordered the papperdelle, my daughter the clams in white sauce, my boy got spaghetti with EVOO, my girl got chicken vesuvio. We also shared a calamari. The calamari was a bit haphazard looking, average at best. Served with a few lemon wedges and some cocktail sauce. Yes, cocktail sauce. -1 star. I asked the waiter, "how is the duck?" he murmured unenthusiastically, "it has egg noodles fresh made with duck sauce from tomatoes sauce." Please, sell me the dish. That's what I was thinking. What I said was, "Is the sauce bolognese or more ragu style?" Hoping to give him an inkling to my comprehension of Italian cuisine, I directed this question curiously. Without even looking at me he answered "yes." I ordered it anyway, it was very good, surprisingly good. If I dare say so myself, just like I make. This was a huge moment for me because no one makes pasta the way I like any where near the South side. My son enjoyed his giant bowl of pasta e olio. My daughter was not blown away with her clams, I traded her, as I am known to do when one of my family does not care for their food. She was quite happy with the swap. The clams were fine, maybe a bit briny for her taste and all the pastas at the table were a perfect al dente. The chicken vesuvio was average, not bad. If you had never had the dish before you may even say great. The issues I had was the service was robotic, we called the busman "stone face", he made no expressions whatsoever. It was as if he "no a speak a da englaise". He did, because he brought us our leftovers, which we believed to have been tossed. I asked if they could do anything for my sons B-day, I wasn't looking for a freebee, (although that would have been nice), but I was looking for maybe a recommendation, or sure we can stick a candle in a tiramisu. Our waiter answered, "No" He then opened the menu for me, and showed me the dessert section and walked away. Right on cue as if the cameras were on, the lights went out and the staff of three began singing happy fucking birthday to some old gumbah in the corner. My boy looked at me and said, "I thought they don't have birthday party stuff here?" He took it better than I did. This move turned into a less than ten percent gratuity. A rare act of vengeance on my part. The other major issue was the bill, somehow this peasant inspired food with average service in a room that has a slight smell of mold or mildew came to $105.40!!!!!!!!!! WTF. I inspected the bill and found my 6 YO sons pasta and oil cost $14. The calamari was $12, my two Becks were $11 Holy shit. Normally I wil split my meal with my son, but being his birthday and the fact they charge a $5 extra plate fee. The previous night we had to battle to get some things removed off our bill, and honestly I had no more fight left in me. While I started eating I wondered, why with such a skillful dish is there no one in this restaurant eating? Well, if a family has to drop $14 for their kid to have a little plate of noodles they will not make it a habit of coming. Also, if you are paying over a hondo for your meal and the staff leaves piles of plates on your table, you are going to rethink your next visit. Good pasta, but not worth the aggravation.
(2)Linda M.
I was highly disappointed with this restaurant. i live near-by and have been wanting to check out this area since it is a cute & quaint hidden area near the Little Village/Pilsen neighborhoods. My fiance made a reservation for us a few weeks ago for dinner on a saturday night for our anniversary. We were seated fairly quickly and the server came out to take drink orders but took quite a while to actually take our orders. Once we finally placed orders I chose the scallops and they were so rubbery and chewy I did not enjoy the meal at all. When the server finally came around to see how things were I told him the meal was unsatisfactory and he could obviously see the uneaten dish. He said he would speak to the kitchen and we continued to order dessert anyway. The cappuccinos were good and had a nice design. Once we received our bill it was the full bill with no discount. In my experience I think it would have been a nice gesture to at least offer the dessert as complimentary or coffee but it was the full bill for a terrible dish that was left uneaten. I would not recomment this restaurant and I have definitely had a lot better elsewhere.
(2)Rachel H.
Three little Pilsenites and two former ones who ran away to Michigan (damn them!) decided on Bruna's for a little pre-marathon carb session last night. Apparently everyone else in the world decided to do the same, because Bruna's was all booked up, and me without a reservation. Please, don't tell Emily Post, she'll have my legs broke. We were greeted by the owner Luciano, and he fit us in with no problem. Even on an unusually busy night, the service was good, friendly, and I love the charm of a place where the regulars feel at home. It makes me jealous of them. More reason to come in on a regular basis? Obviously. The pretzel breadsticks in the bread basket are delicious and addictive. I had a few... ok five... and then started in on the bread. There are plenty of specials on the menu, though I went with a staple of their menu, the porcini ravioli which was flavorful and rich, and went well with the extra heapings of parmigiana I threw on there. What's my weakness? Cheese! A glass of wine to wash it down? Yes, please! A bite of my roomie's Bruna's rigatoni was also satisfying and another friend's special, the seafood stew smelled great and was packed with all the creatures of the sea. More than one of us joined the clean plate club, and I will be back to renew my membership.
(4)carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here. While attending the Italian Fest here last night my Brother-in-law came down from Palatine to meet us. He brought his pretty little 9 year old daughter. Who by the way has a love for STEAK. She calls herself a Carnivour. You would not believe it by looking at her but she can really down a Steak. So to satisfy her craving we went to Bruna's. Seems like this is your older style Italian Restaurants from the 50's , with the Bar area in front with a few tables, and the dinning area in the back. The woman who greeted us at the door was very helpful when I asked her if my niece could get a good steak here. Now the old man who sat us was a little different. He was OK but he seemed a little Grouchy that night as we tried talking to him. After my brother-in- law seen the price of the Steak at $35 he tried talking his daughter in to eating something else. But I was glad to split the Steak with her, since there was plenty more food outside at the Fest. The Steak was O K but I expected a little better for the price. They did split the plate for my niece and I which was nice. My Ribollita Soup was excellent. I tasted the Linguine in white clam sauce which I thought was very good. I finished my wife's Lasangia which was a little Greasy and too Rich for me. All in all my pretty little niece had her Steak and she was happy as we enjoyed the rest of the festival.
(3)Kendrah R.
The bread sticks were fantastic and then it stopped there. Salad - meh? Pasta sauce had no flavor. Not worth the $60 we paid for a salad, two pastas, and one glass of cheap wine. The service was not great. Forgot to bring the glass of wine and when we asked for it a second time the waiter has an "if you insist" attitude. There were only two parties eating in the restaurant. Not like it was slammed. When I want good Italian food, I'll go to Sabatino's, Bocca, or Rosal's.
(2)Marla S.
I don't understand how Bruna's got so many good reviews. We had a horrible experience. Our first waiter was hard to understand and not very helpful. He couldn't look me in the eye (always a bad sign). Our meals were mediocre at best and pricey for what we got. My chicken cacciatore was over cooked. Our second waiter was clearing the table and practically threw our plates around spilling some contents on my friends lap. This was done out of anger but I don't know why. Stay away!
(1)D.R. A.
I love this place! I have being coming here off and on since 1980. Luciano, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the food is extraordinary. I've tried the other places on the block, and although they were OK, they could not compare with Bruna's. Bravo Bruna's!
(5)Scott H.
A: Bruna's Q: Most likely place to meet Tony Soprano south of Taylor Street I love the vibe of this place. Frankly, the food could be pretty awful and I'd still have a soft spot for this old-school Italian spot. The front bar is wonderful with the host greeting you immediately and offering chianti suggestions. The dining room is dimly lit and familial with tables packed pretty close (but not uncomfortably close) together. Pastas are always excellent, salad very good and coffee and tiramisu outstanding. I always leave as fat and happy as I had hoped.
(4)Kay J.
Bruna's has the best food in the neighborhood. The warm bread is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. A large glass of decent Chianti was only $7 and my fettuccine Alfredo was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered spaghetti with garlic and a side of marinara sauce - looked delish! The salad was excellent - spring greens with a light house Italian dressing. We skipped dessert - too full! but will try to save room for next time. This is my first choice in this neighborhood.
(4)Borf B.
After the way my friends and I were treated by the owner, I will not go to Bruna's ever again. I stopped in with some friends and we sat at the bar, one friend stood next to my bar stool. The bartender charged us 23$ for two limoncellos and a diet coke. Then he told us we should pay cash so that we wouldn't have to pay tax. What the...? As my friend was waiting for her change, the owner came up and barked, "Either sit down or get out."
(1)Jodi M.
What a great little treasure in Pilsen!! If you are looking for home cooked, fresh ingredients this is the spot!! Close to the United Center if you had tickets to an event I would definitely plan dinner at Bruna's first!! The owner and his wife are entertaining and accomodating all in one. Little secret....if you go in for lunch..you might just get an Italian lesson! Check it out! They have been in business for years..and the quality of food and the service are definitely why!! Daily specials are always delicious and their wine list is quite impressive!
(5)Eric B.
This is one of my favorite old school Italian joints in Chicago. The decor certainly is not much to speak of, but the food is simply delicious and the service is excellent. Have a cocktail at the shotgun bar and then head back to the bare bones dining room for dinner. Bruna's serves old school red sauce Italian fare. It can be hard to decide what to get, because I have a soft spot for meat tortellini in meat sauce, but I also have a soft spot for veal, and both options here are superb. But, this is America, so when confronted with a choice, simply say, YES. On my most recent visit I ordered the veal saltimbocca with a side of meat tortellini. Both were excellent and what I could not finish tasted great the next day(s). Another great option is the grilled calamari - it is perfectly grilled, soft like butter, not chewy, with a nice spicy flavor to it. The prosciutto and melon is another excellent appetizer. The wine list is quite affordable, and almost entirely Italian. For those not familiar with the styles of Italian wine, each selection has a description, which is always helpful. The server was VERY enthusiastic when I informed him of my preference (and really, why shouldn't he be?) but I'm sure he says that to all his tables. Desserts are good, as are cocktails. Definitely worth the trip from anywhere in the city, Bruna's is an excellent option for unfussy Italian fare for yourself or your out of town visitors looking for an authentic Chicago experience. .
(4)Not J B.
If my Grandma opened a restaurant based on having dinner at her house it would most likely be Bruna's. A wonderful interior reminiscent of a by-gone era. I was constantly asked if I was enjoying myself and my water was always refilled whether it was necessary or not. The food was OK. It wasn't the best Italian I've ever had and I could nitpick it but there was a sense it had come from an old family recipe and was made in someone's small kitchen which means it has heart so I was alright with it until the bill came and I realized how much Grandma thinks she has the right to charge.
(3)Marla S.
I don't understand how Bruna's got so many good reviews. We had a horrible experience. Our first waiter was hard to understand and not very helpful. He couldn't look me in the eye (always a bad sign). Our meals were mediocre at best and pricey for what we got. My chicken cacciatore was over cooked. Our second waiter was clearing the table and practically threw our plates around spilling some contents on my friends lap. This was done out of anger but I don't know why. Stay away!
(1)D.R. A.
I love this place! I have being coming here off and on since 1980. Luciano, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the food is extraordinary. I've tried the other places on the block, and although they were OK, they could not compare with Bruna's. Bravo Bruna's!
(5)Scott H.
A: Bruna's Q: Most likely place to meet Tony Soprano south of Taylor Street I love the vibe of this place. Frankly, the food could be pretty awful and I'd still have a soft spot for this old-school Italian spot. The front bar is wonderful with the host greeting you immediately and offering chianti suggestions. The dining room is dimly lit and familial with tables packed pretty close (but not uncomfortably close) together. Pastas are always excellent, salad very good and coffee and tiramisu outstanding. I always leave as fat and happy as I had hoped.
(4)Kay J.
Bruna's has the best food in the neighborhood. The warm bread is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. A large glass of decent Chianti was only $7 and my fettuccine Alfredo was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered spaghetti with garlic and a side of marinara sauce - looked delish! The salad was excellent - spring greens with a light house Italian dressing. We skipped dessert - too full! but will try to save room for next time. This is my first choice in this neighborhood.
(4)Borf B.
After the way my friends and I were treated by the owner, I will not go to Bruna's ever again. I stopped in with some friends and we sat at the bar, one friend stood next to my bar stool. The bartender charged us 23$ for two limoncellos and a diet coke. Then he told us we should pay cash so that we wouldn't have to pay tax. What the...? As my friend was waiting for her change, the owner came up and barked, "Either sit down or get out."
(1)Deb C.
Luciano, the owner has run this restaurant for 35 years and it has been in business since 1933!! Absolutely the best Italian cuisine in the City of Chicago with the friendliest and most competent staff. Only the highest quality ingredients and the portions are huge. We found this Gem when we had a group of hungry people late one evening years ago & they stayed open for us. They know who we are when we come in & we can be a couple or a group of 20. When we Check-in here on Facebook we get lots of 'Likes' & 'I wish I was there' comments.
(5)Betty C.
The food was solid there is no doubt to that. However for the price the ambiance is just too old and tired and you feel like it's 1952 in there. The chairs are like from a banquet hall. You walk through a weird service area between the bar and the dining room. There are no windows so you have no idea what time of day or season it is. My water glass was filthy and they quickly replaced it. The wine was almost warm and not a good serving temperature. Bruschetta was very tasty with crisp toast and well seasoned tomatoes. Burrata with kumato tomatoes was creamy and rich with a nice drizzle of balsamic. Prosciutto with figs was less interesting than it might have been if they had added a few springs of arugula and a squeeze of lemon. Calamari were very crisp and tender. Shrimp Fra Diavola was nice and spicy with 8 fairly large shrimp and perfectly cooked linguini. Scallops with fettucini were creamy and rich. Veal parmesan was also very tasty with tender veal, nicely breaded and fried with a nice topping of marinara and mozzarella. The owner Luciano offered us free after dinner drinks to thank us for coming in. Think they need a little remodel to brighten up the place.
(3)Derek B.
I wish there was a spot to put zero stars. The food was ok but the owner was the most disrespectful person my wife and I have ever encountered, to the point where he gave us the finger. If this place ever wants to be more successful the owner needs to stay in the kitchen or in the office. He should not be allowed around costumers.
(1)Inoh C.
This little charming restaurant is very Italian and bursting with warmth and character. The food is a bit watery and ordinary and a tad pricey for the ambiance, but the experience is authentic.
(3)Steve S.
A unique old school gem that rarely disappoints. (I've had a few sub-par meals on slow weeknights, but never Thursdays through Sundays). There are very, very few authentic, quirky little neighborhood corner joints like this left. The old linoleum-tile floor and orange (!) walls are always clean, and the tables are always covered in crisp white tablecloths. They make a very respectable Caesar salad, and the pastas are solid.
(5)Shady A.
Average, ordered chicken Alfredo and it's slightly better than pizza hot Alfredo, too expensive compare to the quality. 2 chicken Alfredo one with chicken and one without for 40 dollars?
(2)Eric B.
This is one of my favorite old school Italian joints in Chicago. The decor certainly is not much to speak of, but the food is simply delicious and the service is excellent. Have a cocktail at the shotgun bar and then head back to the bare bones dining room for dinner. Bruna's serves old school red sauce Italian fare. It can be hard to decide what to get, because I have a soft spot for meat tortellini in meat sauce, but I also have a soft spot for veal, and both options here are superb. But, this is America, so when confronted with a choice, simply say, YES. On my most recent visit I ordered the veal saltimbocca with a side of meat tortellini. Both were excellent and what I could not finish tasted great the next day(s). Another great option is the grilled calamari - it is perfectly grilled, soft like butter, not chewy, with a nice spicy flavor to it. The prosciutto and melon is another excellent appetizer. The wine list is quite affordable, and almost entirely Italian. For those not familiar with the styles of Italian wine, each selection has a description, which is always helpful. The server was VERY enthusiastic when I informed him of my preference (and really, why shouldn't he be?) but I'm sure he says that to all his tables. Desserts are good, as are cocktails. Definitely worth the trip from anywhere in the city, Bruna's is an excellent option for unfussy Italian fare for yourself or your out of town visitors looking for an authentic Chicago experience. .
(4)Dennis J.
Great old school Italian food! Have enjoyed a couple meals here, but we do prefer Ignotz for the better value and more menu options. Can't really go wrong with either one!
(4)Rachel H.
Three little Pilsenites and two former ones who ran away to Michigan (damn them!) decided on Bruna's for a little pre-marathon carb session last night. Apparently everyone else in the world decided to do the same, because Bruna's was all booked up, and me without a reservation. Please, don't tell Emily Post, she'll have my legs broke. We were greeted by the owner Luciano, and he fit us in with no problem. Even on an unusually busy night, the service was good, friendly, and I love the charm of a place where the regulars feel at home. It makes me jealous of them. More reason to come in on a regular basis? Obviously. The pretzel breadsticks in the bread basket are delicious and addictive. I had a few... ok five... and then started in on the bread. There are plenty of specials on the menu, though I went with a staple of their menu, the porcini ravioli which was flavorful and rich, and went well with the extra heapings of parmigiana I threw on there. What's my weakness? Cheese! A glass of wine to wash it down? Yes, please! A bite of my roomie's Bruna's rigatoni was also satisfying and another friend's special, the seafood stew smelled great and was packed with all the creatures of the sea. More than one of us joined the clean plate club, and I will be back to renew my membership.
(4)Alex C.
Let me start by saying Bruna's Ristorante and my family have a small history. My grandfather used to come here regularly, since his family lived in the area, which at the time was predominantly Italian. Before we went out, Papa briefed us on all the memories of the neighborhood, as well as some history about the place. Everything from having to hide behind tables as a gunfight erupted outside, to old Bella Bruna dancing on top of the bar, and disciplining edgy bar-goers. Yes, this was ages ago, but to return to this restaurant decades later with a couple generations of family was a great experience we all thoroughly enjoyed. Now, on to our actual dining experience. I must say that this place is really old school, authentic Italian cuisine. This is not Volare or RPM on Michigan Ave, this is Bruna's on 24th & Oakley. Don't expect to walk into a flashy, spacious place with modern décor. And for that matter, be waited on by overly jubilant young people. The service was appropriate for the place, our server was knowledgeable and polite. My grandfather ordered his favorite meal, Veal Saltimbocca and a side dish of simple pasta & red sauce. Other plates on the table were Chicken Parmesan, Veal Limone and Gnocchi Pesto. The meats were all cooked perfectly and seasoned great. Pasta was textbook al-dente, and sauces were flavorful. As we were finishing up, the owner came over and talked to us. He and my grandfather reminisced about the old days, and he generously bought our entire table drinks. I highly recommend Bruna's to anyone looking for a traditional Italian meal in an even more traditional setting. Even though the old neighborhood has changed a lot, Bruna's really hasn't, and in my (and my grandfather's) opinion, that's what made our experience great.
(5)Zach J.
Alright let me set this shit straight here, I see some bad reviews on this place and most of those bad reviews are totally moronic and way off. Seriously don't even consider those bad reviews or this aweful 3 and 1/2 star average. I went here tonight and had the best, old school, AUTHENTIC Italian food I ever had. This place does it all old school and does not Americanize shit, and that makes some uneducated yelpers cry like babies saying this place sucks. I had the Escargot (snails) which was amazing! I had the Lasagne with tomato cream sauce on top per request and it was the best damn Lasagne I ever had! This place takes no shortcuts and is low key. The service is professional but not real cheery or bubbly which I think upsets some of you fluff balls out there. If you want REAL Italian food come to Bruna's in Pilsen and you will blown away as long as long as you focus on the food. And BTW this place is QUITE not noisy like someone else described about this place and gave a shitty review.
(5)Patrick H.
My dad is the owner's dentist; we've been coming here frequently for years. Food has been consistently terrific, service is good, staff is friendly. The menu has plenty of options; good for larger groups. For the people complaining about the owner; I'm sorry he wasn't willing to put up with your BS. The american service industry has bred a certain type of person with a massive sense of entitlement. Guess what: you aren't special.
(5)Jim S.
The atmosphere and menu at Bruna's are both excellent. I've been dining at Bruna's for over 30 years and have never experienced a bad meal. In particular we love the mussels marinara, and most of their many other pasta dishes (except for the carbonara sauce which I won't order anywhere; it's a heart-attack on a plate). The mussels marinara are the best I've had outside of Brussels, they're that good. Salads are fresh, specials vary, and they give you good value for the money. This is not a "see and be seen" place. It's solid Italian cooking in a slice of what used to be the Toscani Little Italy. As for the review below, from a teacher alleging harassment by the owner while dining, that is so very strange! Neither the owner nor the wait-staff has ever asked us our occupations, let alone say anything remotely negative towards us or anyone else while we are there. Over many visits across the years I've felt like extended family when visiting Bruna's. I can't believe anyone would be mistreated while dining there. The review saying otherwise is an outlier.
(5)Mary K.
Owner of this establishment was RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL. Our party (which included girls and younger women) spent over to $2000 (paid in cash) and were told to leave several times despite the restaurant being empty and it was 10:30 (closes at 11). We were celebrating Easter and taking a family picture (we have a very diverse family) and the manger dimmed the lights and insisted that we leave and used profanity when we tried to reason with him. Told to leave without any warning. We were having a great night until the manager refused to even speak to us and explain what the problem was. Waiters were great! We will never return because of the unprofessional owner though. Sad that a grown man can't be mature and speak to the woman that paid the large bill in cash.
(1)Susan S.
This was my first visit to Bruna's and I was so impressed. We started at the bar where we were greated by the owner. After having a round of drinks, we headed back to the dining room for dinner. The room was charming - you could tell that the restaurant has been around for many years and family owned. The service was impeccible, our waiter explained the specials, and recommended a nice bottle of wine in our price range. We started with the escargot, salad and bread. All were fantastic. (my family ate the salad & escargot, I'm a "bread" girl) Our entres were veal parm, chicken parm, pasta with marinara and sundried ravioli. We had cappuccino & espresso for dessert. The food was served in a timely manner. Each course was separate and they gave us plenty of time to visit and enjoy the dining experience. The next time I'm in Chicago, I'm definately going back. It's a nice change from eating downtown.
(5)Frank T.
Great food and average prices. The decor and atmosphere inside is great. I ordered the Chicken Marsala and it was awesome. I just had one complaint on that, it was half of a small sized potatoes that came with the dish. But I would still order it again because the Marsala sauce was great. A friend of mine had a sandwich and that too was great. Nice place to take your girl for a date. The mood and setting is nice.
(4)Alicia S.
Ate here while I was on a business trip in Chicago. Not worth the drive out of the city and left me wishing I would have went to somewhere much better in downtown. It's cute and the people are friendly but the food was not very good.
(2)Kris G.
This is my favorite Italian place in the city. My mother grew up coming here with her father and I've been here multiple times with sisters, cousins, parents, and grandparents. The same family has owned and run this restaurant for years and we've gotten to know them and become friends. They're great people and make fantastic food. I love the atmosphere here, it feels like an interesting mix of restaurants in Italy I've been to (darker with one large room that everyone eats in) and quintessential Chicago restaurants (also darker, with an old-timey bar and regulars who like to hang around). There aren't a lot of bells and whistles at this place, but it does pay attention to service and put you in a nostalgic table-cloth-restaurant setting. The food here is just as good as any Italian food you'll find at some of the higher end restaurants like Spiaggia and Piccolo Sogno with less of the snobbery. The type of Italian food here is definitely more of the family style that you would find in kitchens in the north (not a big representation of Southern Italian cuisine here). There's not a lot of particularly special ingredients, but they're all fresh and so tasty. One thing that I feel this restaurant does particularly well is the sausage and peppers. It is SUCH a simple dish and surprisingly underrepresented in Italian restaurants (maybe because it feels too much like something you could make at home?). It is SO good, SO nostalgic, and something I think everyone should try to get a good feel for what it's like to eat at an Italian table. I've tried a lot of other things here, too, and the pastas definitely shine as well. You can't go wrong. The service is friendly (well, the family is friendly, they will cook and serve the food and drinks to you). And everything here feels wrapped in tradition. Bruna's isn't the most conventional choice for a place to get Italian food in Chicago (being located in Pilsen, most people think "Latin American food!") but I'd bring everyone I know here if I could.
(5)Patrick D.
I had the great pleasure to go to Bruna's on Saturday evening and to bring my sister and my Mom. What a fabulous meal in a lovely environment. White tablecloth service in a very comfortable environment. The Chicken Cacciatore was one of the best meals I have had in my entire life. Amazingly good!
(5)Julio G.
This a great place to have dinner. The specials are fantastic. I really enjoy the pork chop dinner and the different pasta dishes. Their arugula salad is good. The wine selection is wide with lots of different Italian wines. The atmosphere can be what you want it to be. I recommend this place for a date night, friends getting together or family night.
(5)Dave K.
Very relaxing environment and superb entrees. You will not leave here on an empty stomach, trust me.
(5)Michael B.
Bruna's is classic old school Italian done as close authentic as I have found anywhere in Chicago. The limited menu does not cut corners with ingredients, cooking preparation or cook times. It's done the way old school Italian has been done for generations and is supposed to be done. You can taste the slow cooking with each bite. The roast chicken special was juicy, tasty and succulent, stracciatella, perfect stuffed shells and eggplant, as if grandma was in the back room, (maybe she was). The dining room was dark with antiquated Italian looking stuff on the walls, bordering on cornball but the food made sure the experience was not tainted by it. Given its corner location, a little natural light wouldn't hurt.
(3)K P.
We love visiting Heart of Chicago and Bruna's! The atmosphere, service and the menu are out of this world! The old school decor, quirky waitstaff (in a good, just got in from Italy way) reasonable prices and food make it worth the trip from the South burbs.
(4)North S.
We have been coming here for almost 30 years. We've never had a bad meal, bad customer service or a bad experience, just sayin'. In regards to the party on the 5th, based on the immaturity of their post, (how many times do you have to tell us you dropped $2200, who cares?) I think they protest a bit too much...We're only getting half of the story here. I, for one, would like to hear the owner's side of it. He can't smear your reputation on a website as you are trying to do to him...You don't like Bruna's then don't go back, get a life, and move on...don't try to smear the guy incessantly on Yelp and Facebook--and don't have several people from the same party post multiple reviews. I'll let you in on a little secret--it makes you look like bullies, not the owner...I'm glad you won't be back, just based on your comments in the reviews, I can only imagine how rude you can potentially be to other patrons as well...BTW, we aren't related to the owner, don't do business with him, don't even know his name. I'm not saying that there has never been a bad experience there either. It's bound to happen anywhere, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I will give the owner the benefit of the doubt on this one, based on the tone of your comments, which lends to your lack of credibility. I mean, you're even attacking the other reviewer who also took up for the owner. Yep, really mature. Anyway, please stay away. It sounds like you wouldn't be welcomed back anyway. Oh, well, that's a shame...
(5)Alex J.
For 27 years we have gone to Bruna's. Just the two of us, family gatherings, various special events. In 27 years it has been our number one restaurant to dine at. It is always consistently awesome. Service is impeccable. Truly first class staff. The owner and his wife and daughter are wonderful people. At least one of them is always in the house. The decor is old school charming. It's neat to think if the walls could talk in Bruna's as one of the oldest dining establishments in Chicago what you would be able to here. The lasagna is a staple for our family it won't disappoint. Prosciutto and figs or melon app is awesome. Veal saltimboca is amazing. I have never had a bad meal here I give Bruna's ten stars
(5)Taylor A.
I have eaten here several times and it is always delicious and high quality food. There eggplant parmesan is THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!! It is always the exact same, with the right amount of cheese and sauce, very high quality and reasonably priced. I also ALWAYS get the cannoli! It is fresh and the shell is never soggy. The ends are topped with pistachios, which make it even more delicious. I recently tried the New England clam chowder which was surprisingly light, it had wonderful flavor but wasn't cream laden like some chowder's can be. I've also tried the gnocchi, which was okay but not one of my favorite items, as well as the Luciano's Fusilli, which I found to be a bit bland. The atmosphere is somewhat worn out looking but it has a comforting feel and very nice service. The same people are almost always waiting tables and the owner is sometimes present. Of all of the italian restaurants on this street (I've tried almost all 5), this one is my favorite and where I would recommend going!
(5)Billy D.
I have been eating here for decades and the food is incredible!!! I said incredible!!! Over the years I have taken business associates and out of town guest. The atmosphere is very casual, so they are unimpressed when they walk in. After dinner they can't rave enough about the quality. Recommend sausage and peppers, calamari and, prosciutto and melon to start. The main dishes are whatever you are in the mood for. It's all good!!
(5)Stohn C.
First impression, I thought it was just a bar. Walk in, oh, it's a restaurant. The clientèle was perfect. Nobody immature. Server was prompt and professional. Food was good. We only got basic entrees and I wasn't really in critic mode. I just had a hankering for spaghetti. And I got my fix. Nice place to go if you actually enjoy and would like to converse with your date.
(5)John B.
Went with friends Saturday night. Food was ok at best. Service very slow but atmosphere was cool. The owner is a huge asshole. None of us will ever return. This place sucks the big one
(1)Bob D.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have very mixed feelings about this strip of mediocrity on Oakley. My girl and I are doing a bit of research and were ordered to eat as much as possible in Little Italy or whatever they call this area with 6 Italian restaurants, and no parking. Please don't be envious, really. Our first restaurant was so miserable I refuse to review it, it just wouldn't be fair. Tonight at Bruna's we brought the children and told my boy he could tell the waiter it was his B-day and get a dessert. I saw a duck with papperdelle on the specials board, that surprised me. Most everything in this strip is red sauce kind of stuff, dated and not even close to authentic Italian, maybe authentic American Italian, but I am not really a big fan. I ordered the papperdelle, my daughter the clams in white sauce, my boy got spaghetti with EVOO, my girl got chicken vesuvio. We also shared a calamari. The calamari was a bit haphazard looking, average at best. Served with a few lemon wedges and some cocktail sauce. Yes, cocktail sauce. -1 star. I asked the waiter, "how is the duck?" he murmured unenthusiastically, "it has egg noodles fresh made with duck sauce from tomatoes sauce." Please, sell me the dish. That's what I was thinking. What I said was, "Is the sauce bolognese or more ragu style?" Hoping to give him an inkling to my comprehension of Italian cuisine, I directed this question curiously. Without even looking at me he answered "yes." I ordered it anyway, it was very good, surprisingly good. If I dare say so myself, just like I make. This was a huge moment for me because no one makes pasta the way I like any where near the South side. My son enjoyed his giant bowl of pasta e olio. My daughter was not blown away with her clams, I traded her, as I am known to do when one of my family does not care for their food. She was quite happy with the swap. The clams were fine, maybe a bit briny for her taste and all the pastas at the table were a perfect al dente. The chicken vesuvio was average, not bad. If you had never had the dish before you may even say great. The issues I had was the service was robotic, we called the busman "stone face", he made no expressions whatsoever. It was as if he "no a speak a da englaise". He did, because he brought us our leftovers, which we believed to have been tossed. I asked if they could do anything for my sons B-day, I wasn't looking for a freebee, (although that would have been nice), but I was looking for maybe a recommendation, or sure we can stick a candle in a tiramisu. Our waiter answered, "No" He then opened the menu for me, and showed me the dessert section and walked away. Right on cue as if the cameras were on, the lights went out and the staff of three began singing happy fucking birthday to some old gumbah in the corner. My boy looked at me and said, "I thought they don't have birthday party stuff here?" He took it better than I did. This move turned into a less than ten percent gratuity. A rare act of vengeance on my part. The other major issue was the bill, somehow this peasant inspired food with average service in a room that has a slight smell of mold or mildew came to $105.40!!!!!!!!!! WTF. I inspected the bill and found my 6 YO sons pasta and oil cost $14. The calamari was $12, my two Becks were $11 Holy shit. Normally I wil split my meal with my son, but being his birthday and the fact they charge a $5 extra plate fee. The previous night we had to battle to get some things removed off our bill, and honestly I had no more fight left in me. While I started eating I wondered, why with such a skillful dish is there no one in this restaurant eating? Well, if a family has to drop $14 for their kid to have a little plate of noodles they will not make it a habit of coming. Also, if you are paying over a hondo for your meal and the staff leaves piles of plates on your table, you are going to rethink your next visit. Good pasta, but not worth the aggravation.
(2)Linda M.
I was highly disappointed with this restaurant. i live near-by and have been wanting to check out this area since it is a cute & quaint hidden area near the Little Village/Pilsen neighborhoods. My fiance made a reservation for us a few weeks ago for dinner on a saturday night for our anniversary. We were seated fairly quickly and the server came out to take drink orders but took quite a while to actually take our orders. Once we finally placed orders I chose the scallops and they were so rubbery and chewy I did not enjoy the meal at all. When the server finally came around to see how things were I told him the meal was unsatisfactory and he could obviously see the uneaten dish. He said he would speak to the kitchen and we continued to order dessert anyway. The cappuccinos were good and had a nice design. Once we received our bill it was the full bill with no discount. In my experience I think it would have been a nice gesture to at least offer the dessert as complimentary or coffee but it was the full bill for a terrible dish that was left uneaten. I would not recomment this restaurant and I have definitely had a lot better elsewhere.
(2)carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here. While attending the Italian Fest here last night my Brother-in-law came down from Palatine to meet us. He brought his pretty little 9 year old daughter. Who by the way has a love for STEAK. She calls herself a Carnivour. You would not believe it by looking at her but she can really down a Steak. So to satisfy her craving we went to Bruna's. Seems like this is your older style Italian Restaurants from the 50's , with the Bar area in front with a few tables, and the dinning area in the back. The woman who greeted us at the door was very helpful when I asked her if my niece could get a good steak here. Now the old man who sat us was a little different. He was OK but he seemed a little Grouchy that night as we tried talking to him. After my brother-in- law seen the price of the Steak at $35 he tried talking his daughter in to eating something else. But I was glad to split the Steak with her, since there was plenty more food outside at the Fest. The Steak was O K but I expected a little better for the price. They did split the plate for my niece and I which was nice. My Ribollita Soup was excellent. I tasted the Linguine in white clam sauce which I thought was very good. I finished my wife's Lasangia which was a little Greasy and too Rich for me. All in all my pretty little niece had her Steak and she was happy as we enjoyed the rest of the festival.
(3)Kendrah R.
The bread sticks were fantastic and then it stopped there. Salad - meh? Pasta sauce had no flavor. Not worth the $60 we paid for a salad, two pastas, and one glass of cheap wine. The service was not great. Forgot to bring the glass of wine and when we asked for it a second time the waiter has an "if you insist" attitude. There were only two parties eating in the restaurant. Not like it was slammed. When I want good Italian food, I'll go to Sabatino's, Bocca, or Rosal's.
(2)Jodi M.
What a great little treasure in Pilsen!! If you are looking for home cooked, fresh ingredients this is the spot!! Close to the United Center if you had tickets to an event I would definitely plan dinner at Bruna's first!! The owner and his wife are entertaining and accomodating all in one. Little secret....if you go in for lunch..you might just get an Italian lesson! Check it out! They have been in business for years..and the quality of food and the service are definitely why!! Daily specials are always delicious and their wine list is quite impressive!
(5)Adam K.
Phenomenal, in the old Italian neighborhood, chk it out, owner is str8 real deal italiano
(4)Maggie C.
Simply put, Bruna's is the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the waitstaff is friendly.
(5)Lynrae B.
Rude owner. Slower than slow service. Average food. Pricey for what you get. Location inconvenient. Don't do it!
(1)Katie G.
Love this place. It is like eating in your Grandmother's House. The service is always great - very friendly waitstaff. The food is pretty classic Italian. I have always enjoyed their pastas and seafood. Excellent desserts as well. Worth the short drive to Pilsen for a more authentic "Little Italy" experience.
(4)Fredrick B.
A former client & boss, and long-time friend surprisingly appeared in town and wanted to get together. I thought I would surprise him and take him to dinner, with a surprise guest--his former AA and right hand--someplace I had not been to in over a decade, and where I knew he had never dined. Our experience at Bruna's was outstanding! This quaint Italian "Ristorante" is not in the modern version of Chicago's Little Italy; no it's in Old Sicily Chicago off 24th & Western. It was like being in the old country. A wide selection of wonderfully aged vino, varied but delicious anti paste, old school traditional Italian fair and food. The Antipasto Italiano for Two appetizer fed three with a generous portion of Bruschetta and Prosciutto left over. The melon was ripe and sweet--succulent. My chicken Vesuvio was as good as any I've enjoyed in Italy--even at the base of Mt. Vesuvio in the wineries of Vesuvius, Italy--really, that good! My colleague's Escargot looked so good I had to stop myself from asking to taste it. The food and ambience were wonderful--though no match for the magnificent company that night. Thank you for the fond experience, and it won't be a decade before I return!
(4)Daisy L.
My husband and I had a delicious anniversary meal here the other night from start to finish (except the baked clams which were good but nothing too special). The appetizer of grilled asparagus with gorgonzola and tomato was outstanding and our shared entrees of veal scallopine and eggplant parmesan were top-notch. The pistachio gelato was a thing to behold. The pinot grigio was superb and we loved the dim, old-school Italian atmosphere and friendly waiters. However, when the inebriated young woman seated two tables away started projectile vomiting all over her date and her table, we were surprised that the waitstaff didn't move us from the main dining room to a table in the bar area before our entrees were served. We actually had to request a different table. No sooner were we seated in the bar area when the owner began arguing loudly with an angry patron DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF OUR TABLE. It ended after a minute or two when the patron stormed out and the owner sat back down at his table full of friends. We were offered nothing for our troubles. No apology from the owner, not a free round of drinks, no offer of "dessert on the house". It's a shame because the food was fantastic. I think we'll try Ignotz next time. Food: 4.5 stars Customer Service: 1 star
(3)Colt E.
I didn't have the problems with service here that other reviewers have mentioned. The staff was not overly friendly, but were polite and helpful. The food was okay, but not special and a bit overpriced. It's nice to get some good traditional italian food in a relaxed setting though and this is the spot for that.
(3)None of Y.
The food here is not worth the rudeness that you suffer. I've eaten here several times over the years and continue to overlook the terrible service and rude behavior which literally greets you at the door. I will no longer do so. There are gazillion Italian restaurants in Chicago, if you wanted to be treated with some dignity then Bruna's should not be the choice for you.
(1)C. V.
After my girlfriend highly recommended Bruna's to me a few years ago, it became my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city! The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, the food is excellent...out of all the times my "significant other" and I have been there, only once were we a little disappointed in our main courses but every restaurant will have their off night from time to time so we let it slide. We took a friend of ours here last summer - he's a chef - who visits NYC often to see family and always eats his way through his trips there and he even said Bruna's food is "right up there alongside the best Italian joints in NYC". Luciano, the owner, once you get to know him a little bit, is a very warm, amiable and funny person! He always has stories to share from his past and he seems to really care for his employees (which would explain why they have been there for so many years!). I love to eat in the bar area due to the beautiful barback they have and all the items on the walls depicting places in Italy - it has a lot more charisma than the rear dining room, though that has its own personality, too - kind of like someone's home that hasn't been updated in years - but here, not updating it works! The immediate neighborhood is so quaint and friendly - even in the wintertime though the warmer months are even moreso! I highly recommend eating here while attending the big Italian Festival which we accidentally discovered four or so years ago which takes place every Father's Day weekend - it's a lot of fun! But always, Bruna's is the high point when we attend the festival!
(5)Jamie K.
I just had another outstanding meal here - one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm puzzled at the reviews here stating that the owner is rude. I've been coming to Bruna's for years and have never experienced or seen any rudeness from any of the staff. The wait staff are all efficient and polite. You'll never be rushed from the table. The food is delicous! I usually order either the whitefish or meat ravioli with sausage. Absolutely yummy! Parking is no problem - I've always found a close parking spot on the street. I highly recommend Bruna's for a nice dinner.
(5)rhea w.
this place is like walking into the 1950's in an authentic, and non interesting way. its old, has outdated decor, and food that is priced about 5 dollars a plate more than its worth. the waitresses are good at their job, but have no personality. quite frankly, if my mother hadn't requested this place as her good byr dinner spot, i'd never have returned after the last time- that was the time with the pasta primavera with nearly no veggies. this time i hated the slow service, and sitting next to the bathroom despite the place being empty
(2)Myles A.
As an Italian I feel comfortable saying that this reminds me of my mother's/grandmother's food.
(5)Laura W.
Have been going there for years!!! Love the food, love the people and the atmosphere. Please try their chicken limone, chicken saltimboca and ofcourse their chicken bisubio. Yes, the owner can be an ass, he does have an attitude if you start being a little ass your self (have seen it). But aside from that, the service is great. I personally like Hermel the waiter who is such a friendly latino man that has worked at Brunas for years! My boyfriend and I go there for special occasions since it does have that romantic atmosphere. :) Good Luck
(5)Rachel I.
I love this restaurant. I love Luigi's sauce... a creamy tomato sauce. I've never had a bad meal. The service is never rushed (if you're in a rush, don't go here) and I think the owner is delightful. I had brought family from Italy there (they wanted to see an Italian restaurant in the states) and they thought it to be very authentic. I'm a big fan of the mussels appetizer with the spicy marinara and I always try to save room for dessert. The desserts often look like someone's grandma made them and they are quite delicious too. They have a very cozy atmosphere and it is a lovely place for a date or dinner with family.
(5)Martha Z.
I like the charm of Bruna's much better then Ignotz or Bacchanalia. I feel like I'm stepping into some old time movie set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. I have never seen this place completely packed and I think that also adds to the charm of it. The service is friendly, with a bit of the la dolce vita philosophy that you will find at every restaurant in Italy. I usually opt for pasta and seafood, and the ingredients always taste fresh, fresh fresh! They also feature a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts. Order a bottle of wine, a bowl of your favorite pasta and mangia!
(5)Loreen B.
Sat at the bar and had a casual dinner. The service was good. It was an Italian Festival weekend and it just got too cold to stay outside an listen to the entertainment...Rick Saucedo. Really good pasta and nice wine.
(3)Ned S.
hell, the producers of TV's 'life on mars" would kill to film in these surroundings! run by native italian Luciano Silvestri and his wife, Burna's is fine old-time Italian...like boston's north end used to have. excellent traditional dishes with huge portions at great prices. do you really need more details? i think you already know them, but here goes: -kitschy linoleum floor throughout AND white table cloths -where the kitchen ends and the dining room begins is not clearly discernible ARE loaves and loaves of fresh bread sitting on that table nearby -friendly and solid service -fine wine cheap -an georgous seafood salad that would even amaze a Peruvian used to the best cerviche. there's even a cloth towel machine in the bathroom the likes of which I haven't seen in decades. 70's atmosphere or no...you just come and manga!
(4)Jedd J.
Had a great experience at a fun little out-of-the-way place, yet not too far from downtown. Who knew the third oldest italian restaurant in Chicago was over there? I'll definitely be back!
(4)scot o.
old school italian in chicagos s.w. italian village. you feel like you might witness a mob hit while you're dining. great food. reasonable prices. awesome front dining area by the bar. great back room. owners are usually there, and they are friendly and cool to talk to. valet parking. there are alot of good places in the neighborhood, but i think bruna's is the best. it's been there since the 30's, i think.
(5)Mark S.
First- this neighborhood's loaded with old school Italian spots. If you've never been down here, you're missing out on the historic "heart of little Italy." It's completely marooned from what most think of as little Italy on Taylor street, like an island of Italian in the middle of a Mexican ocean. You can literally smell the garlic when you get close! Bruna's is my favorite down here. I like the old school decor, I like the scary guy sitting up front calling the shots, I like the food, waiters and they have really good house wine! Hard to go too far wrong picking one of these places down here as yours, this one's mine.
(4)Bobby D.
Still a great place to eat when in the S.Oakley Little Italy section. Very old school Italian restaurant, With it's back partition as the dining facility. The breadsticks are great. The escarole soup is too. The pesto pasta dishes are great. The linguine with white clam sauce is great too. The Tiramisu is a great treat too. However, I wish that the propeitor wasn't as grumpy, THAT'S where it gets denied an extra star.
(4)Pat S.
Really decent authentic Italian food. Service was a bit slow, but the food was good. I had sauteed shrimp over angel hair pasta and it was good. Not great, but good.
(3)Dawn B.
I really wanted to like this place, but I have to say, the customer service is some of the worst in the city. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was at about quarter capacity so it's not like they were swamped. I can't comment on the food because the service was so bad we ended up leaving before we placed our order. To be polite I told the host we were leaving and why. He seemed upset, but never once apologized. He tried to talk us into staying but by that point I was so annoyed that I just knew it wasn't a good idea. Why would I drop $75 on a meal that I couldn't enjoy because the waitress had a total stick up her ass? That's insane. The breadsticks were good though and the wine list looked impressive.
(2)John M.
A classic, vintage Italian ristorante where one may go to see or be seen, depending on his/her status within the community. The place seethes of mafioso-laden testosterone- Gold chains exposing impressive chest hair is not uncommon. The waiters are kind of lame, lacking personality. The back dining room is creepy, so try to get a table up front by the bar if you can. Once seated, go for the crostini appetizer (delicious), and share some daily specials because they will taste the freshest. I had a spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and it was yummy. I also enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs.
(3)mel r.
This is the kind of old school place you want to love and support, but last week will be my first and last time. My boyfriend and I ordered relatively traditional dishes, and some of it, like the minestrone, was fine. My linguini was nothing to write home about, but edible, which was far better than the linguini with clams my bf ordered. The worst part: he suffered some violent food poisoning 7 hours after leaving there. Sometimes when a place is too quaint-- and doesn't turn over tables- you have to wonder how long those clams have been siting there.
(1)Jolene H.
Make it 3.5. The only reason why we went to Bruna's was that it was the only place on that street opened for lunch on Saturday. Save for 2 lonely men drinking at the bar, me and my partner were the only ones in the restaurant. But we weren't dissappointed. We ordered the clams as a starter. He had prawns over capellini and I had the lagsana. Let me tell you, they were gone after 30 minutes. Wolfed down. I mean it wasn't orgasmic fantastic but they surpassed my expectations. Then came the tiramisu, which was light, and soaked in brandy. yum. I guess it helped being the only ones in the place. The cook only had us to worry about. We got great service, too. (better be!)The only thing I didn't like- its weak pino gricio, and oh, a very grumpy owner who didn't trust his staff- he kept asking- gruff voice here- "Have they paid, what did they pay with- cash? Where's the cash?" Picture middle-aged ex mafia type.
(3)Karen L.
Classic, true Italian food. It is good food in an atmosphere that makes you think you are in Italy. It is not fancy, it is not trendy...it is just an old-school Italian place that serves good food. I tried the gnocchi with meat sauce and the eggplant parmesan. They were both excellent! (And I try those dishes almost everywhere!) It is in a neighborhood that I am not too familiar with (the heart of Chicago), but I would definitely go back because it just feels like you are in another city.
(4)Jill H.
this awesome restaurant has been a favorite for years. it has actually been open since 1933, by Bruna herself!! though i dont make it over as often as i'd like, the waiters (who seem to have worked there forever!) always recognize me. i have a feeling i could come in after a 5 year absence and they still would remember me! great service all around. attentive and very welcoming. the food is classic and always tastes delicious and freshly prepared. the steamed mussels (i always order with a white wine garlic sauce- not on the menu) consistently are tied for #1 best mussels in chicago. the homemade minestrone soup is wonderful and warming. the tomato-based sauces always seem so vibrant and fresh, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. i always must splurge on the homemade tiramisu, too- yum! after a hundred times dining here, i once had a veal chop that was kind of dry and mediocre, but every other dish ive had here has been excellent. the wine list has some real gems, and there are some really great & reasonably priced italian reds that i believe are bottled especially for the restaurant. i just wish the wine glasses werent always so full of water spots! the front bar is super cool and old school, like something out of a mobster movie- so full of character! the ambiance in the main dining room in the back?........well, it does have a certain charm- charm from the late 1970's that is! think vinyl backed metal chairs from 20 years ago. but surprisingly enough, white tablecloths! with the smooth jazz radio station playing in the background. slightly bizarre, but distinctly lovable nonetheless. anyways, this is the type of place where a good vibe, great food & wine and enthralling conversation just seem to flow, and things like decor just dont matter. this longtime standby is a must try- i guarantee you wont be disappointed! 4 1/2 stars
(4)