Are you looking or wanting authentic Italian? Then you're going to want this amazing restaurant. We were in the neighborhood, and I remembered Bruna's. Parking is a bit hard to find, so you may have to walk a bit. But the food will make it worth it. We stopped in for lunch. We were sitten down immediately. The waiter presented us with with some excellent olive oil, fresh warm bread and I'm very sure fresh parmesan cheese. I ordered the Cream of Spinach soup for starters. It is the best Cream of Spinach I've ever had. And I'm an old guy.i had the Meatball sandwich, it was a lunch visit fyi. My wife had Ricocitta Raviolis. The grave was supreme on both dishes. The bread on my sandwich was crusty on the outside and super soft and tasty on the inside. My salad included with the sandwich had a house dressing. Also very good. I would say you're gonna love this place. read more

This place is garbage don't wast your money , the food was cooked weeks prior. We ordered lasagne. Was disgustingly bad. Valet parking wasn't there , server she was horrible , her name Sarah , read more

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While we were seated and greeted quickly, it took quite a while for our order to be taken and for the food to arrive. The restaurant didn't look very busy, so the long wait was a bit confusing. The space itself is small, cozy, and chill -- a nice place to have a date. That said, the dishes were delicious! We had the seafood linguine and the lobster ravioli with brown butter. The ravioli was absolutely to die for, and the wine pairings were excellent. We'd definitely consider coming back -- hopefully the wait times improve, because the food is truly worth it. read more

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Ordered the pappardelle and the texture of the pasta was absolutely perfect, clearly homemade, and perfectly cooked al dente. The sauce was rich and very flavorful. However, the portion seemed a bit small for such a premium price. Great flavor, but you may leave a little hungry. read more

I took my girlfriend out to eat at Bruna's we were immediately welcomed by staff. The restaurant felt very comfortable and warm they had music playing that wasn't your stereotypical "italian" music. We had the complimentary bread with olive oil and parmesan, tortellini alla bolognese and spaghetti alla carbonara and let me tell you the flavor in everything was spectacular it felt like a mom was cooking for us. The staff went the extra mile to sing happy birthday for my girlfriend and gave us a slice of berry cheesecake. THEY WERE AMAZING GIVE THEM A TRY!!! read more

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Al fresco dining on Oakly avenue in the heart of Chicago. Quiet area and authentic Northern Italian food. We had mussels in marinara as an appetizer, gnocchi w/meat sauce. I had rissoto with spring veg. A bit al dente but flavors spot on. Long waits but that's tradtional between courses. High price but good quality. Don't forget to get the cannolis. read more

Good food. Low key local restaurant that has historical flavor. Good "hole in wall" Italian restaurant. That's a compliment

Classic Chicago, Italian vibes, with delicious wholesome food made from the heart. Wonderful service, and a really good family family environment. Also makes one hell of a martini. read more

Post-review So I'm back! I pray someone reads this review from the restaurant and contacts me. Let's figure this all out! Because in all fairness our food was delicious. It was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, perfectly perfect. We ended up leaving early after it appeared the bread guy was just not interested in us being there. We recently moved close and we want to dine here again, but $125 with tip is too much to leave feeling unseen. I'm not removing the first view because despite how the food tasted, our being comfortable in our neighborhood means everything. Pre-Review Review Title: Unwelcomed and Invisible -- We Won't Return Let me preface this review by saying our food had not yet arrived at the time of writing -- and were it not for my husband, I would have walked out before placing an order. We were the first guests seated in the dining room for the evening -- a Black couple, greeted with indifference. A white couple was seated shortly after us. The first staff member emerged and walked right past our table, greeting and serving the other couple first, despite us clearly being seated beforehand. I spoke up to point this out, hoping it would redirect the energy. Instead, it got worse. The man distributing bread passed us three separate times, delivering warm bread and checking in repeatedly with the table next to us -- without so much as a glance or word in our direction. No bread, no acknowledgment, no welcome. Just silence. I've rarely felt this uncomfortable in a restaurant. It's hard to sit and pretend this isn't happening. I hate that I ordered. I'd rather pay for the untouched food and leave than sit through a meal feeling invisible and disrespected. No matter how the food tastes -- this experience has left a bad taste I can't swallow. We did not feel welcome, and we will not return. And no, there won't be a second review or a food photo -- not because the food wasn't good, but because the service made us feel like we didn't belong. read more

Visited this place on a recommendation of a local who has been visiting this place for years and glad we had a chance to eat here. This is an authentic place with old school charm and for sure the ambiance is very old school Italian. The service was great and the server was on it the whole night with water and wine . He never missed a beat. As for the food it was delicious and one of the best Italian meals I have had. The Veal parmigiana was delish, was well cooked and the spaghetti that accompanied it was good. Overall it's a place I would visit again. Is it the best I have had. No, and feel I have eaten at better Italian places. However it was solid food and a great option if you are looking for something authentic with a good old school charm. Are my food so fast didn't have a chance to take pictures. read more

I have always loved this place since I was kid. It's always been family friendly. Food has and is still good. I always love to start with the calamari , following with a Linguine Primavera and ending with an apple pie,ice cream dessert. Any time I am in the neighborhood I go and eat at Brunas. read more

Bruna's Ristorante - Linguine Primavera, Fried Calamari - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It was once a good place, but the food has not been good ever since the chef left. Also, The owner has propblems dealing with people. He is too old and tired. The prices are way too high for a resturant on the south side and not a very good neighborhood. read more

Came late on a Sunday night for dinner on their patio. Service was okay but everything took quite a while to come out. The pasta was good, bread was fresh, but the baked clams were just okay. Lots of other good options in the neighborhood. read more

I had a lovely dinner here this summer. The dining room was so warm and inviting - I felt like I was at my nonna's house again. I recommend the bruschetta and the lasagna for sure! read more

I love the cozy atmosphere of this cafe. It's the perfect spot to read a book and enjoy a delicious pastry. I could spend all day here

Authentic Italian restaurant with delicious food! Family owned with the nicest cute little old Italian man. Complimentary warm, freshly baked bread with olive oil. You can ask for balsamic vinegar as well and they'll bring out the good Italian one! All the pasta dishes were great and made fresh. I especially loved Luciano 's Fusilli. The escargot appetizer had great flavors and soaking it up with the bread was so good, too. Someone was celebrating a birthday and they dimmed all the lights and we all sang happy birthday! read more

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Have been many times. Great food (best eggplant Parmesan in town). Wonderful service.

Lovely family owned Italian restaurant. The food is excellent, and the service is great.

This used to be a great joint, however times have changed. My wife ordered spaghetti and meatballs in red sauce.. served in meat sauce, the meatballs were drier than Death Valley. Pasta consistency was hard straw to limp. I ordered one of the local favorites, scallops, broccoli, pasta in a cream sauce. The scallops were the size of quarters, not any sear, broccoli still crunchy, pasta the same way. The sauce was thin as water, flavorless. read more

First time at Bruna's and was not impressed compared to the other restaurants in Heart of Italy. The bread was very good and the tiramisu was wonderful, but the rest of the meal fell flat. The burrata appetizer was served with an out of season sad tomato and nothing else. My chicken limone was not pounded or breaded evenly and barely came with any sauce. There were also lemon seeds all across the plate, and since it is dim it's hard to see them to move them to the side. Also disappointed as it was served with a side of mixed vegetables (carrot/potato) rather than a pasta or any olives/capers/greens. Would not order again. The ambiance was also odd. You enter through the bar and walk through a coat room/staging/kitchen entry area to the back dining room. They really pack in the tables and it was loud and crowded. There was not enough room for people to maneuver and several time waitstaff bumped into our table. You have to pass down water cups for refills etc. Just not what you want for a nice meal out at a fairly expensive (entrees $30+) restaurant. read more

i first crossed the threshold to Bruna's in 1987. It's familiar, inviting, and a comforting environment for a good meal. Luciano Silvestre, current owner, greets and accommodates diners who enjoy authenticity. read more

The food was delicious as was the service and ambience in little Italy. Highly recommend it.

Loved it, got a last minute reservation on a Saturday for 2 at 5pm. Intimate and old school vibe that is second Italian family to own it. Even the olive oil tasted better than most. We were the almost the only ones there. Service was excellent along with our with meal. Already want to come back. read more

We are here Sat night before the opera and the food was spectacular! We had the baked clams tricolor salad carbonara truffle ravioli special risotto and spaghetti w sausage. EVERYTHING was fantastic, flavorful,hot and we can't enough. This is an old school restaurant that knows what it is doing! read more

" Best Italian restaurant in USA". Says the group from Overland Park, Kansas. The sausage & peppers were fantastic. Entrees: Giant tender Pork-chop, Lasagna, Penne puttanesca, Risotto with zucchini,Veal chop cooked to perfection. Follow by Tiramisu that deserves a Blue ribbon. The service in an old Italy setting was the best. Do not miss, on the wall in the barroom is a famous photo titled "Good Fellows" shot in the bar area with a live wolf and professional actors. read more

Bruna's Ristorante - Roasted Chicken "Luciano" - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was looking forward to trying some excellent, authentic Italian food while in Chicago. I grew up with an Italian nana and have fond memories of her fresh pasta. I came here with a group that called ahead to reserve a large table the night before the Chicago Marathon. With large groups, I expect service to be a bit slow and light, which is what we received. However, I waited over an hour for my plate of pasta, which seemed a bit excessive. They brought all of our food out a couple plates at a time in seemingly complete random orders over the course of 30-45 minutes. My dinner party mates were done with their plates by the team I received mine. My pasta, when it eventually arrived, lacked depth and flavor. It was a meh for me. The sauce to pasta ratio...let's say this was pretty much soup. I asked to purchase more noodles to finish the sauce with because I was still hungry after eating through my bowl....but they never came. When I was ready to go, I asked for my check. After 20 minutes, I had to start looking around for someone to help because no one ever came back to the table with checks. I'd pass on this place the next time I'm in town. read more

We love Brunas. The old restaurant look, feel, scent of a past with plenty of smoking. It's totally charming. Had dinner there a few days ago. The Eyetalian standards are all there and executed just like grandma did 'em. Maybe a little shocked at the downtown drink prices for well cocktails and pretty average wine. 2 people, one cocktail and one red wine each, salad, two pasta dishes. Noting fancy, $160. You decide. read more

I've been here many years ago a few times (15+) for work lunches. Had no idea that this was the original Italian Village...it's the real deal. Bruna's has been around since 1933. That's an impressive amount of history. We came for a late lunch for Father's Day and it was pretty slow, this place gets very busy in the evenings. There was a street festival going on in the area so it was busy outside with people milling around. But I digress- We ordered a bottle of Chianti to start- my parents enjoy the wine, I'm just along for the ride. This wine was really delicious. I won't claim to know WTF I'm talking about so if you like red wine or Chianti I suggest trying Monsanto Chianti Reserva 2015. After hitting the wine the bread basket looked like the smart way to go since we didn't order any apps. They had breadsticks, focaccia, wheat and Italian slices- all fresh and super delicious with the olive oil, black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Hard not to destroy that while waiting for your food! Sunday's the specials include roast chicken. Half of a chicken with roasted vegetables, cooked well with herbs and was still juicy which was impressive given how large this portion was. My father ordered Linguini de Mare, comes with clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp. White sauce and not red- so if you like "gravy" ask for something else or see if they will accommodate you. We asked for some spice to it and they did that no questions asked- even though it was a white sauce it worked well with the pasta. I ordered the Shrimp Vesuvio. Comes with 6 shrimp, roasted potatoes and vegetables. For the price, the portion isn't huge but it's not something you want leftovers of. Well prepared! We didn't get any desserts as we wanted to go outside and walk around. Still a good meal, it's not easy to park around here during festivals but we got lucky 3 blocks away. If you want nouveau Italian, with modern decor etc this isn't the place for you. It's a good old school place and they execute the food really well. So historical and we are glad we chose to do this today. read more

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Amazing, authentic italian restaurant that my family keeps coming back to The pastas are to die for and don't forget the tiramisu

Really bad service. Took 15 min to get a menu. Waiter didn't really speak English. Ordered a salad . Never got it. Ordered shrimp w angel hair. No taste except the shrimp had a slight ammonia taste. Couldn't finish it. My friend had the lasagna and liked it. But don't waste your time. Used to be a classic old school place for decent Italian. Not anymore. read more

I'm eating in display for so many years food is great. I recommend all the people in the area.

Excellent meal, interesting menu and friendly service. Nice old-neighborhood feel (because it is the real thing!)

Service , food, ambiance and local neighborhood atmosphere daily special + wine selection

Old school. Authentic. Friendly. Neighborhood character. Wonderful! I've been coming to Oakley (and Western) Avenues forever. Love this place. read more

I ordered the lasagna was charged 25.00 and 15.00 for the salad. Their menu price on Yelp is 17.00 for lasagna and 10.00 for the salad. Last visit. read more

One of the best old school Italian restaurants in the city. Great specials and amazing wine to go along the filling pasta. Bruna's also has a great outdoor space, especially when the street is closed off on the weekends in the summer. read more

Best Italian in the Midwest . Great wine list and wonder menu in an old Chicago atmosphere!

Service. Bruna's Ristorante was probably the longest wait I've ever experienced for dinner. They may be short-staffed, but it took at least 15 minutes waiting to order as the waiter wasn't very cognizant of our presence. Subsequently, waiting for our two entrees to be served took another 1.5 hours. Generally, I'm very understanding of the circumstances, but we arrived at 8:40pm after the height of dinner and still took that long? I do have sympathy for the two overworked waiters on the dinner floor as they were exhausted tabling 7-8 customers but it was hard to get meet eye contact for water or the bill! Being placed at the corner of a dim room didn't help the situation either. Food. Linguine Fuitti di Mare ($26) was dry, flavorless and the clams were the smallest size. :/ An $8 markup from the rest of the pasta entrees for a couple small clams and scallop? I can easily find a tastier alternative for less than the price of this pasta. Not worth it. Shrimp Vesuvio ($24) was probably the most delicious of the three choices we had this evening. The shrimps were brought to crisp with a cooking wine, garlic and butter. Spumone ($8) is your multicolored and flavored children's ice cream. The ice cream tastes more on the icy crystals than a smooth Italian gelato. Honestly, I was hugely disappointed as the tasted no different than cheap soft served or grocery store grade. Conclusion. Overall, this dining was overpriced for below par and disappointing experience. I will not be coming back. read more

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Very traditional and classic Italian restaurant. I enjoyed several dishes including pasta carbonara, chicken parm, steak and steak. Service was excellent but not overbearing. read more

The food was delicious. Atmosphere in main dining room is small, but charming. Parking is a little challenging but valet is available.