Brio Italian Grille

Overall a good lunch experience, nothing special about the food or service. I would recommend for Italian food in the Irvine Spectrum and a professional talk with a coworker or friends. The calamari was my favorite and the service was decent.

We had reservations for 9:30 on Saturday night. They advertise their hours open till 11 pm. The hostess was determined to sit us on top of somebody else or literally in the busiest section next to the kitchen. Don't ask me why since it makes no sense to have a nice open restaurant and to stick everybody on top of each other. When we asked for another table, she did the same thing just in another part of the restaurant so we gave up. We had a delicious shrimp and eggplant appetizer that was flawless, and the calamari was very good as well as well as the sauce that came with it . Unfortunately, the pastas were mediocre at best. The sausage rigatoni in garlic sauce tasted like paste and had zero spice we returned it. The Sicilian shrimp pasta was also bland. I'm not sure why they're saying these things are spicy when we couldn't find one bite of spice. The part that is the most irritating and should be deserving of one star is that I asked the waiter about the specials. He said everything was on the menu. I told him I thought I saw something online or posters when I walked in about a three course meal and he said I would have to look it up on my phone. When I got home, I saw that not only was my meal part of the special but that I was supposed to get the salad and the wine as well as a dessert for $25. The waiter charged me $6.99 for the side salad, a higher price for the entrée and did not offer me the dessert. My glass of wine should have been $10 instead of $18. Considering there was only three items on the three-piece price fixed he should've known them and when we ordered them, he should've made us aware of what was included. I feel that I was ripped off by our waiter. I would definitely come back, but I would sit at the bar which has a much better ambience than the dining seating area of the restaurant and I would get the delicious shrimp and eggplant appetizer for only eight dollars at their happy hour along with a $8 martini!!! Update, I did report this the next day to the management and as of yet they did not offer to correct the overcharge on the things that I ordered, or didn't receive like the free dessert.

props to Darryl who ran the whole front of the restaurant by himself & took great care of myself & my daughter having a MommyDaughterDate!not only did he seat us & get my drink right away (creamy espresso martini - delish!) he served us & got our order in quickly & made sure we had everything we needed.all this while taking care of all the other tables i could see in the dining room (3-4) & got us a bag & made sure my daughter had all the crayon colors so we could do some art together.he recommended the pasta vodka & it was good but i'm a sucker for the campanelle in gorgonzola sauce, guess i'm a stinky cheese girl at heart haha. still good but i know what i'm getting next time ;)thank u Darryle & Brio for another tasty experience!

I'm a fan of Brio Italian Grille! I've dined here a few times and left filled and happy each time. Parking is easy with the parking structure. From the structure, it's a quick walk (5 min max) to the restaurant. Our servers have always been consistent and quick. I appreciate that they have high chairs, plastic cups, and plastic utensils. My favorite items are:I have yet to enjoy their happy hour, which occurs on weekdays 3pm-6pm at their bar and outdoor patio. Truffle Garlic Toast with Ricotta (a favorite with my toddler)Calamari (a favorite with my toddler)Shrimp and eggplant appetizerGorgonzola Cream CampanelleGnocchi Cacio e PepeMy only reason for the 4-stars is that you need to check their utensils and plates to make sure they're completely clean. We've asked our server to replace a few items and he apologized. It can also get packed on the weekends with large parties celebrating birthdays. Once you get what you need, the food is great. The restaurant itself is spacious with plenty of tables.

According to their website, "Brio Italian Kitchen is upscale affordable dining at its best with great tasting Italian food and an inviting atmosphere under a fun, family-friendly Roman ruin decor." Located on the outskirts of Irvine Spectrum, the restaurant occupies a large space with indoor seating, a bar and an outdoor patio. I can vouch for their weekday Happy Hours and Sunday Brunch, but apparently they also promote Martini Wednesdays and Wine Thursdays. On a recent visit for Sunday Brunch, I thought it was interesting that we were asked if we had a reservation even though the restaurant was not busy. After being seated and placing our order, we were served sourdough with butter which was a great starter for the meal. Next up was the Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs appetizer which I followed with the Chicken Milanese entree. Both items were hearty and enjoyable, but I can't say either was the best I've ever had. Still, Brio is a good option if you're hungry for Italian cuisine. I'd recommend checking out their Happy Hour and/or Sunday Brunch!

To conclude an eventful year at work, for our company party we decided to dine at a nice Italian restaurant and went with Brio Italian Grille. Because it was a special event, they staff went out out to present a welcoming experience and custom menu for a party of 26. Not knowing what to get from the short short menu (winky face) I opted for the meatless ravioli and... OH MY GOD... I feel like people be holding these gem of a places for themselves and not be sharing. Every bite of my meal was heavenly and I should of order a second plate, but didn't want my co-workers looking at me crazy. No worries, me and the misses were looking for a new Italian spot to dine at and we have found it here. It's a little bit out of the way from where we live but I can certainly say it's well worth the drive. See you soon Brio.

Went with a group of colleagues for happy hour and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor patio. Due to the wind today, I'm guessing not a lot of people wanted to sit outside, but it worked out perfectly. I ordered the calamari, which was alright. Not a whole lot, and the pieces were small, but for $8 I wasn't expecting too much. The burger looked pretty good, as well as the flat breads. I would give happy hour another shot.

I am writing to express my satisfaction and admiration regarding the food and service in the Brio Italian Grille, lrvine Spectrum Centre. Apart from the good quality of food, the service and ambiance were pleasant as well. I highly recommended this restaurant to my friends.I am also writing to thank the waitress, Emma, who was friendly, cordial, and efficient in serving us when we required.This restaurant is very impressed.

Walking in I felt welcomed and as well with the service! it was great, just like the food!! It was my first time here and really enjoyed my experience, would come again

Stopped by for my first time for some Italian food and loved it so much! Jillian was incredible and such a good help. Loved the service and ambiance overall. Definitely recommend:)