Bruno's of Brooklyn, Italian Eatery
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Bruno's of Brooklyn, Italian Eatery

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A family-operated eatery serving authentic Sicilian-inspired Italian dishes with NYC flair. Known for homemade pasta, hearty portions, and warm hospit...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Bruno's of Brooklyn, Italian Eatery

Bruno's of Brooklyn, Italian Eatery

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-operated eatery serving authentic Sicilian-inspired Italian dishes with NYC flair. Known for homemade pasta, hearty portions, and warm hospitality.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is the place you go when you want Italian food that tastes like someone’s nonna is in the kitchen."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating, to secure your desired time.

Outdoor Seating Option

Consider dining outside for a potentially quieter experience, especially on pleasant evenings.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 11AM

Cuisine

Italian (Sicilian-inspired)

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(239) 278-0211

Address

2149 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Sicilian-Inspired Cuisine

Authentic Sicilian-Inspired Cuisine

Experience Italian comfort food with a unique Sicilian twist, using decades-old family recipes.

The 21 Best Fort Myers RestaurantsThe Best Restaurants in Fort Myers Right Now
Hearty Homemade Pasta

Hearty Homemade Pasta

Indulge in freshly made pasta dishes that are consistently praised for their quality and flavor.

Top 7 Restaurants in Fort MyersGoogle Review
Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere

Warm & Welcoming Atmosphere

Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly dining experience with attentive service, perfect for any occasion.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating, to secure your desired time.

Outdoor Seating Option

Consider dining outside for a potentially quieter experience, especially on pleasant evenings.

Fresh Pasta is Key

Upgrade to homemade pasta for an elevated and truly authentic taste of Italy.

Chef's Recommendations

Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations; they know the menu best!

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor seating, to secure your desired time.

Outdoor Seating Option

Consider dining outside for a potentially quieter experience, especially on pleasant evenings.

Fresh Pasta is Key

Upgrade to homemade pasta for an elevated and truly authentic taste of Italy.

Chef's Recommendations

Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations; they know the menu best!

Be Prepared for Bustle

The interior can be lively. If sensitive to noise, opt for outdoor seating or off-peak hours.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about the authentic Sicilian-inspired Italian cuisine, with particular praise for the homemade pasta and generous portion sizes. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service, especially from staff like Alex and Alyssa, create a memorable dining experience. While most reviews are glowing, some note that not all menu items are seed-oil free.

"Traveling from Buffalo and tried it on a whim. We had the best dinner!! Everything is authentic and fresh. Homemade pasta, dishes made to order. Billie was our server - she was so sweet and really spent time talking through the menu and explaining the overall concept of the restaurant. She really helped make our experience over the top. The desserts are out of this world. Best restaurant experience we have had in a long time. Can’t wait to come back!"

Megan Morreale Dickerson

"I had the pleasure of dining at this beautiful restaurant on July 1st, 2025, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! The atmosphere was inviting and very home feeling, making it a perfect spot for a lovely meal. Now, onto the food! The tiramisu and flan were absolutely awesome—rich, decadent, and the perfect way to end the meal. The Caprese salad was incredibly fresh, bursting with flavor, and the Alfredo pasta was deliciously creamy and satisfying. One downside was that not everything on the menu is seed oil-free, which was a bit of a letdown for those of us trying to avoid it. However, the overall quality of the food was fantastic, and I felt it was worth the slightly higher price.
The service was top-notch, thanks to Ashley and the other waitresses, who were attentive and friendly throughout our visit. Their warm hospitality truly enhanced the experience. Will be coming back in the near time future!"

Nathan Galynsky

"We visited this restaurant for the first time and were completely blown away! The shrimp, fig, and spinach dish was hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever had—absolutely unforgettable. We finished with the limoncello cake, which was light, refreshing, and the perfect ending to a summer evening.

Even though we didn’t have a reservation and were told there’d be an hour wait for indoor seating (on a Wednesday night, no less!), we were able to be seated immediately outside. The outdoor patio turned out to be perfect—not too hot, with a nice breeze and fans that kept it comfortable.

The service was fantastic from start to finish. Our server, Alex, was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. Drinks, bread, appetizers, entrees, and dessert all came out in a timely manner, and everything was delicious. The addition of a card brought to the table to celebrate our Anniversary was very thoughtful as well.

Portion sizes were generous, prices were fair, and overall it felt like a great value compared to other spots in the downtown area. We’ll definitely be back—and next time, we’ll make a reservation. Highly recommend!"

Michelle Stiger

What People Like

Authentic Sicilian-inspired Italian dishes
Homemade pasta and generous portions
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Not all menu items are seed-oil free

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are highly recommended, as indoor seating can fill up quickly, even on weeknights.

Google Review

Yes, outdoor seating is available and can be a great option for a more relaxed dining experience.

Google Review

Popular dishes include homemade pasta like Pappardelle, classic Lasagna with meatballs, and veal dishes.

The 21 Best Fort Myers Restaurants

The restaurant emphasizes fresh, homemade pasta. Upgrading to homemade pasta is highly recommended for an authentic taste.

Google Review

While the overall food quality is excellent, not all menu items are guaranteed to be seed-oil free.

Google Review

The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, cozy, and romantic, with friendly and attentive service.

20 Best Restaurants to Eat in Fort Myers, FloridaGoogle Review

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Outdoor Dining in Fort Myers, FL, Isn't a Meal — It's an Experience

Bruno’s of Brooklyn draws its culinary inspiration from Sicilian comfort food and its energy from NYC’s historically Italian neighborhoods. Dinner at a sidewalk table on the red-brick streets of downtown Fort Myers will transport you to both places, all while upping your appreciation for Southwest Florida’s dining scene. As a kid, owner Calcedonio “Cal” Bruno spent his summers in Sicily, where most of the day was dedicated to planning and preparing meals.

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A family-operated restaurant, Bruno’s of Brooklyn is not only inspired by NYC but also takes Sicilian recipes and places their own unique spin on them to make delicious food. The upscale restaurant is the perfect place for families and couples with its minimalistic decor and romantic atmosphere. Have the best of both worlds at Bruno’s of Brooklyn with Rigatoni Bolognese and Cheese New York Ravioli.

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Downtown Fort Myers best restaurants: JLB picks 7 favorites

At Bruno's, it's all about the slow-simmered sauces, and the hearty pasta dishes, and the arancini with the crackly-crisp crusts that give way to lush risotto. It's all about Chef Cal Bruno who's always pouring his heart out in the kitchen, and his wife, Genevieve, who's always doing the same in the dining room. At Bruno's, it's really all about the love.

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The 21 Best Fort Myers Restaurants

Bruno’s of Brooklyn brings a New York City vibe to Fort Myers. It’s an Italian restaurant that focuses on the cuisine of Sicily, and the menu ranges from vodka penne to eggplant parmesan. The meatball lasagna comes from a 70-year-old family recipe, and the dish has a hearty serving of mozzarella.

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The 20 Best Things To Do In Fort Myers, Florida

If seafood isn’t quite your jam, or you’re just looking for something different, family-owned Bruno’s of Brooklyn always delivers. Decades-old recipes for authentic Italian cuisine like lasagna with meatballs, veal piccata, and eggplant parmigiano make this a neighborhood favorite.

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The homemade pastas and classic Italian dishes will have you coming back for more!. There is great attention to detail in all the dishes and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. This is a perfect spot for a delicious meal and glass of wine after a day of adventures.

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This is the place you go when you want Italian food that tastes like someone’s nonna is in the kitchen. Bruno’s is unapologetically old-school, from the decor to the enormous portions. The meatballs alone are worth the visit.

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