Brio Italian Grille is a casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-American cuisine. The chain, which is owned by Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, currently has locations in over 30 states across the United States, one of which is in our very own Irvine Spectrum! So, if you’re spending a day in Irvine Spectrum and are in the mood for some traditional Italian cuisine, then head on over to the Brio Italian Grille and they can take care of you.
1. Bruschetta Sampler
What’s better than a platter of bruschetta? Why, a platter of three different kinds of bruschetta, of course! In Brio Italian Grille’s Bruschetta Sampler, you can get a taste of Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta (made with fresh mozzarella, basil, parmesan cheese, and balsamic dressing), Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta (made with fresh basil and balsamic dressing), and Sliced Steak Bruschetta (made with gorgonzola, arugula, charred tomato, parmesan cheese, and balsamic dressing).
This platter is perfect for sharing or hoarding all for yourself!
2. Calamari
We can’t go to a traditional Italian restaurant and forget about the calamari. This traditional Italian appetizer is the perfect way to start your meal at the Brio Italian Grille!
And my, oh my, does the restaurant do their calamari beautifully! Here, you don’t just get a freshly-fried batch of perfectly crisp squid. You also get a generous helping of spicy arrabbiata sauce on one side and tangy lemon aioli on the other! Indeed, it’s the best of both worlds under the sea.
3. Margherita Flatbread
There are three kinds of flatbreads in Brio Italian Grille, but as lots of people say, “Simplicity is the key.” That’s why we always reach for the Margherita Flatbread when we’re there!
Did you know that Margherita was named after Margherita of Savoy, the former Queen consort of Italy? It was said she was so obsessed with Margherita pizza that it ended up being named after her. And the ingredients represent the flag of the country she once ruled over too—fresh basil for the green, tomatoes for the red, and mozzarella for the white.
4. Pasta alla Vodka
Undoubtedly the most popular option at Brio Italian Grille, their version of Pasta alla Vodka puts Gigi Hadid’s version to shame. Their pasta is filled to the brim with creamy ricotta and drenched with spicy tomato cream. Then, it’s topped with crispy pancetta that adds a nice crunch and contrast to an incredibly rich dish.
5. Ravioli di Bello
This is for all the vegetarians out there in Irvine Spectrum! If you’re a huge fan of mushrooms, then Ravioli di Bello is the dish for you. This is ravioli stuffed generously with Portobello mushrooms and topped with crimini mushrooms, whole roasted grape tomatoes, and thyme. Then, it’s coated with a luxurious brown butter sauce and Grana Padano Zanetti that really combines everything!
It might look a little small on the plate when you first look at it but believe us when we say this. You’re going to feel just as stuffed as those ravioli are when you’re done eating it!
6. Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is a traditional Italian dish made by breading and pan-frying a pounded chicken breast. In Brio Italian Grille’s version, they serve two of them on a bed of simple herb pasta and top it with their house-made marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella.
If you have children, especially children that are picky eaters, then this is the dish to order. This dish is addictive for people of all ages or for people who aren’t that big a fan of Italian food!
7. Shrimp & Scallop Risotto
Rice is a beloved staple in all four corners of the world, and Italy is no exception. Risotto is commonplace in many Italian restaurants including Brio Italian Grille!
In their popular Shrimp & Scallop Risotto, rice is cooked with roasted mushrooms, black pepper cream sauce, and freshly grated Reggiano cheese. Then, the whole thing is mixed with a couple of shrimp and scallops to infuse the taste of the sea with the richness of the risotto. Finally, if that wasn’t sophisticated enough, you get a drizzle of truffle oil as one last hurrah!
8. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert consisting of ladyfingers dipped in espresso, layered with a whipped mixture of crème anglaise, and mascarpone cheese, and flavored with cocoa. At the Brio Italian Grille, their version is extremely creamy without being too sweet—it’s the perfect way to end the meal and leave you thinking of when your next trip to the restaurant would be. What a sweet yet sneaky way to get you to come back for more!
9. Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake
And speaking of tiramisu, this last entry is just like tiramisu but in cheesecake form. Made with the same mascarpone cream, crème anglaise, and topped with a thick, caramel drizzle, the Caramel Mascarpone Cheesecake is every sweet tooth’s dream and nightmare all in one! You’ll be dancing with happiness with every bite of this decadent dessert.
