Bravissimo Italian Cafe

09/07/2007 Posted by izzys_dad

As perfect as one could hope for in a dining experience. At no point did we feel rushed from the ordering to the after dinner drinks. This is quite a contrast from the rushed, quick table turnover style of almost any modern restaurant. The mood is relaxed, but the food is taken seriously. Wine selections were recommended and matched well with the entrees and desert, but they were not pretentious or stuffy. This is quite simply the best dining value that we know of. Prices are incredibly reasonable with quality entrees for around the same price as a cheap steak elsewhere. These menu prices would easily be close to $30 if this restaurant were on Park Avenue or the Village in Winter Park. I expect that the prices will have to go up soon due to the increased food costs we have seen. Hopefully when they adjust, they maintain the value that makes this place such a treat. Parking can be tricky at times due to it's residential surroundings, but that's about the only gripe we could think of. Fun dining, great food and drinks, served by people who are proud of what they serve and enjoy what they do is what we have experienced on every visit, consistently, over the last couple years. We love this place and hope it doesn't change at all.

Pros: high quality food, fun atmosphere, enthusiastic service, exceptional value

Cons: parking

03/01/2007 Posted by emb2519

I am a first time Citysearch reviewer, but after my experience last night at Bravissimo, I felt compelled. What a great location! I absolutely loved the fact that it is nesteled into a quaint historic neighborhood, a street filled with character-this is the perfect location for a gem of a restaurant. The restaurant is nicely decorated with a traditional italian feel. As we arrived we were promptly seated by the hostess. The menu was dirty and falling apart, the cheap linen napkin was flopped on the table, over a side plate and silverware that reminded me of a banquet setting in a cheap hotel. After several minutes of looking around wondering when we might be greeted by a server, a lady popped to our table and without saying hello immediately asked us if we were ready to order. Sort of shocked, i began to inquire about items on the menu. She answered my questions and then told us she would give us a few more minutes. I grabbed her before she walked away and requested an appetizer, without an opportunity to order a beverage she left the table and didn't come back. Finally the hostess stopped by and wondered if we had even been helped yet. I let him know that we would like to order some wine. Several minutes later our Caprese Salad came out (before we even got our wine). The presentation was poor. The tomatoes looked like they came from my mothers garden, there was a pile of iceburg lettuce in the center of the plate as garnish? The bread was nothing special, actually it was awful and served with butter packets. When I requested a bottle of balsamic vinegar there was a residue stuck in the top that dripped out like slime. I was told they clean the bottles once a week? Food was average, the sauce was bland. I was looking forward to finding my new favorite neighborhood restaurant, instead I'm spending my work day writing a horrible review. The lot of for sale, someone should buy it and force these owners out. The location and building has SO MUCH POTENTIAL!!

Pros: Ambience, Location

Cons: poor value - less than average food with high prices

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/27/2007 Posted by yellowfin

Everything is excellent here. This is the CUTEST most romantic restaurant in Orlando. The food is awesome. My husband loves the Penne Della Casa, I love the Farfalle. But I have tasted everything and all is awesome. Sitting outside is pleasant and it is also less than one mile to Lake Eola and Orange Ave. Prices are great and portions are good size.

Pros: Ambience, FOOD

08/27/2006 Posted by stellarchef1

Tried to enjoy this quaint restaurant ;but the food was cold and tasted horrible.The server supposedly the owner, was totally inept and arrogant!

Pros: Great location

Cons: food and servce

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/13/2006 Posted by loueloui

This restaurant has been fined repeatedly by the Florida DBPR for unsanitary conditions. You might want to eat elsewhere.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/12/2006 Posted by rwy1

I was very disappointed because I had heard good things and was looking forward to the meal. My Caesar salad was tasteless. My wifes chicken (in the Chicken Caprese) looked and tasted like it was cooked in a microwave. And our dessert (chocolate & peanut butter cheesecake) had the taste of freezer burn. On the positive side. The prices, wine, service, and Gnocchi were all excellent. I will try this restaurnant again to see if I just caught them on a bad night.

Pros: Prices, Service, Wine List

Cons: Food Quality

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/13/2006 Posted by baudav

The best authentic Italian food in Orlando. The gnocchi is a must. Absolutely the best gnocchi I've ever had in a restaurant. One of those rare restaurants that the wine list is twice the size of the menu. In the middle of a neighborhood (Thorton Park) in what used to be an old grocery store (back in the twenties-thirties). Most of the parking is on the street.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/28/2005 Posted by jasminefl

I HAVE BEEN EATING AT BRAVISSIMOS FOR YEARS! THE ATMOSPHERE, FRIENDLY SERVICE AND THE FOOD ARE ALWAYS EXCELLENT! I ALWAYS BRING OUT OF TOWNER'S, AND THEY AGREE. MOST PEOPLE DESCRIBE IT AS SOMETHING YOU WOULD SEE IN NYC NOT ORLANDO! BUT IT IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN..... I EAT THERE ALL THE TIME SO I USUALLY GO FOR SPECIALS, LIKE GROUPER IN A CREAMY DILL SAUCE, OR A FILET TOPPED WITH A PORTABELLO MUSHROOM DEMI-GLAZE, BUT FOR NEW COMERS I ALWAYS SUGGEST THE POLLO ROLLATINI, AN AWESOME STUFFED CHICKEN DISH I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE..... DOES GET CROWDED ON THE WEEKENDS SO MAKE RESERVATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/12/2002 Posted by Tver95

Bravissimo is one of my favorite places to eat in Orlando. Not only is the food delicious, but it is a great value and wonderful atmosphere. It is one of the best "mom and pop shops" in town!

Pros: inexpensive, atmosphere, great Italian food

Cons: parking, limited seating

08/04/2002 Posted by elabranche

A great restaurant in a unique location! Equals a great experience. Every dish is EXCELLENT! Everybody always loves the lobster ravioli and the Penne de la Casa.