"For a holiday lunch, a colleague and I chose Brio Tuscan Grill at the Waterside Shops in Naples. We arrived around noon and found parking to be quite difficult. Thankfully, they offer complimentary valet service, which we gladly took advantage of. The weather was lovely, and the restaurant was bustling both inside and out. Since there was a 45-minute wait, we made a reservation for 1 PM and spent some time exploring the shops, which feature an impressive selection, including Williams Sonoma, Tiffany’s, Saks, and various local galleries.
When we returned, we were quickly seated in a comfortable booth and greeted by our waitress. I must say, the service was top-notch, deserving of a 30% tip—even coming from a Scotsman! We decided to try the Naples Brio based on my friend's enthusiastic recommendation of the seed-and-herb crusted flatbread he enjoyed at the Dallas location (yes, it’s a chain). He was absolutely right! The warm, house-made Tuscan bread was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. After we mentioned our desire to try the flatbread, our server generously doubled our order of the triangular, herb-seasoned delights. The only enhancement I would suggest is to serve the butter in a dish at room temperature instead of the cold, large pat on the plate.
The Caesar salad, made fresh to order, was excellent—just the right amount of dressing, with only greens making for a crisp and not overly soggy dish. However, the extra dressing went unused. Anchovies were included but not indicated, so if you’re not a fan, be sure to ask for them to be left out.
For my soup, I chose the Zuppa Del Giorno, a cream of mushroom that was rich and flavorful—heavy on cream, mushrooms, and taste. The bowl, though not large, was well-constructed to keep the soup warm and came topped with a pleasant drizzle of mild truffle oil and chopped mushroom bits.
For my main course, I had the Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno, which was deeply satisfying and more than enough for two people. As a foodie and somewhat of a chef myself, I appreciated the combination of beef, pork, and veal used to create a rich flavor and texture in the dish. I detected both dried and fresh tomatoes, with a hint of basil adding to the depth of taste.
If you choose to dine outdoors—which looked quite enjoyable—I'd recommend sitting further from the edges or being mindful of umbrella placements, as some tables do get a bit of sun.
Overall, Brio offers a wonderful ambiance, friendly neighborhood vibe, and superb service without being overly expensive. Our leisurely lunch, including a well-deserved tip, totaled about $35. The food was fantastic, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was delightful. I can’t wait to return, and I hope to review dinner at Brio in the future."
