Brio Italian Grille in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Brio Italian Grille (formerly Brio Tuscan Grille) in Pembroke Pines offers an upscale yet casual dining experience inspired by the pleasures of a Tuscan country villa. The name “Brio” itself means “lively or joyful” in Italian.
What Makes it Unique (Atmosphere and Concept):
- Tuscan-Inspired Setting: The restaurant is designed to transport guests to Tuscany with its villa-like interior, featuring arched collanades, Venetian plaster walls, soaring ceilings, fine marble countertops, and hand-crafted Italian mosaics.
- “Polished Casual” Dining: It aims to provide an affordable, yet elevated, dining experience focused on Northern Italian cuisine.
- Wood-Burning Oven: A key feature is the authentic Italian wood-burning oven, used for preparing crispy flatbreads and other menu items.
History (Corporate):
- The Brio concept, along with its sister brand Bravo! Cucina Italiana, was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992 by Rick and Chris Doody.
- The parent company, initially Bravo Development, Inc., later became Bravo Brio Restaurant Group (BBRG) when it went public in 2010.
- The company was acquired and renamed FoodFirst Global Restaurants in 2018.
- In April 2020, FoodFirst Global Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- In June 2020, Earl Enterprises acquired both the Brio and Bravo chains. The chains now operate as Brio Italian Grille and Bravo! Italian Kitchen.
Highlight Menu Items (General Menu):
The menu emphasizes prime steaks and chops, homemade pasta specialties, fresh seafood, and flatbreads. Popular and featured items include:
- Flatbreads: Margherita Flatbread, Pollo Al Forno Flatbread.
- Appetizers: Lobster Bisque, Bruschetta Sampler, Calamari, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Gorgonzola Lamb Chops.
- Pasta: Pasta Brio (rigatoni, grilled chicken, mushrooms, spinach, red peppers, and roasted red pepper cream sauce), Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, and Lobster & Shrimp Fettuccine.
- Entrées: Gorgonzola Crusted Beef Medallions, Grilled Chicken Marsala, Center-Cut Filet Mignon, Grilled Salmon Fresca, and Lamb Chops.
- Desserts: Tiramisu, Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake, Warm Chocolate Cake.
Customer Feedback:
Based on general reviews, the restaurant is praised for its high-quality food, which is prepared using fresh ingredients with an emphasis on generous portions served on large oval, hand-painted Italian plates. However, one review noted that the place felt “gross and dated” and the food was “not fresh,” though the server was described as nice. Another review highlights the center-cut filet mignon with Parmesan crust, cooked to perfection, as excellent for a family gathering.
Significant Events:
While specific major public events for the Pembroke Pines location are not detailed, the restaurant is a venue for numerous group and private events.
- Private/Group Events: It offers various private and semi-private event spaces for gatherings like birthday parties, corporate events, bridal showers, and baby showers. Spaces include the Chianati (max 24 guests), Proseco (max 20 guests), 70’s Room (max 40 guests in the Main Dining Room), and outdoor patios like the Main Patio (max 100 people) and East Patio (max 54 people). They offer catering and banquet menus for these events.
- Seasonal/Holiday Events: The company promotes special menus and dining for holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day (Amore Menu for Two), New Year’s Eve, Mother’s Day, Easter, and Thanksgiving. They also regularly hold a Weekend Brunch and a weekday Happy Hour. Promotions like “The Art of Grilling” have also been hosted in South Florida locations.
Contact Information
