Located at The Tucson Mall, Brio is a new restaurant with a romantic and classy ambiance to match its amazing cuisine. I have been lucky enough to visit for both lunch and dinner and I have left each time with a pasta and wine induced coma of bliss.
Upon walking up to Brio it is hard to believe that this restaurant is located next to a mall. Italian music playing softly as billowing white curtains adorn the patio, misters offering relief from the Tucson heat. The bar is accessible from both the outside patio, or inside the restaurant. The decor, beautiful without being stuffy. Large ceilings and gorgeous lighting invite guests to make themselves at home.
Something about being transported out of the desert for a moment makes this girl want to be romantic, sit back and sip Sauvignon Blanc while pretending to be completely mysterious to every passer by. That is until, the rest of my party arrived.
With the wine came the bread. A crusty loaf of bread along with small crackers with flax seeds. We ate and enjoyed good wine and conversation. The children had fun coloring on the white paper that covered the tablecloth.
My favorite lunch dish at Brio is the Ravioli de Bello. Aka, mushroom ravioli. The type of dish where you eat slowly because you do not want it to be over too fast. I ate every bite. I was satisfied without being sickly full. The portions are just right.
For dinner, my favorite is clear. Lobster and Shrimp Fettuccine. Repeat...LOBSTER AND SHRIMP FETTUCCINE. That also spells heaven if you did not notice.
My photo does not give this dish the justice it deserves, as the evening went on the ambiance became softly lit and romantic, thus my camera phone became useless, but I had to capture this dish even if it was a dark photo.
Again, I ate every single bite. No doggy bag please. Perhaps more bread to sop up every last drop of the lobster butter sauce. The fettuccine was delicate, the shrimp plump and juicy and the lobster chunks were larger than I expected for paying $20.45. A friend felt as though there was not enough sea food in the dish, but I was pleased. Other favorites among our party were The Lobster and Shrimp Ravioli with Crab Insalata and The Pasta Fra Diavolo. Our server was very honest with his favorites and suggestions, and clearly knew what he was talking about. He was also very patient with our large party including four children.
Speaking of the children, let us not forget the experience of the little ones. During my lunch date with a friend and her two daughters, a server brought each girl a piece of dough to make their own baby pizzas. Once ready we all went to the counter to watch the pizza cook fire it in the brick oven. The girls loved it! I am not sure why this was not offered during our large group dinner, but as I said before, the kids were so happy to be "drawing on the table!"that they would not have noticed. The children's portions at Brio are, well, HUGE! And this is by no means a complaint. The kids loved their grown up options of Pizza, Grilled Salmon or Pasta, and there was enough left over to share with the table and even to take home to dad for dinner!
As stated before, Brio is an escape from the desert, and certainly the mall. A place to enjoy beautiful wine, delicious food and great company. Prefect for a date, business lunch, or dinner and drinks with the girls. Happy (Italian) Eating!
Average Price: $$
Vegetarian Options: Yes
Gluten Free Options: Yes
The previous are all my opinions ONLY. I am not paid for any articles. All opinions and photos belong to me, Kat.
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