Brio Tuscan Grille, located in the Arboretum, is an Italian eatery that serves Tuscan-inspired food, modern desserts, and various drinks. Because the restaurant usually has a substantial number of diners, making reservations ahead of time is definitely necessary, especially during fall and winter evenings.

The general architecture of Brio Tuscan Grille is elegant and spacious. Starting with the exterior of the building, diners have the option, if waiting for family or friends, to take a seat on the fancy couches in the front area, with a decorative white curtain hanging from the roof. Upon entering the restaurant, diners are warmly welcomed and quickly led to their tables or counter seats, depending on where they want to sit. There is an ornate chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling and several curtains adorning the numerous windows. In addition to the elaborate design and relaxing atmosphere, the service is impressive as well. Need a refill? The waiters and waitresses will know before you do. Not enjoying your meal? They’ll take it back, free of charge, and cook your order the way you want it to be cooked.

Transitioning to the food itself, my one piece of advice for first-time diners is to leave room for dessert! The portions of the meals are quite large, but you can ask for smaller portions. I recently ate there with my family and ordered their Tuscan grilled lamb chops dish, which was the best restaurant meal I’ve had in a long time. The mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables on the side completes the dish, and the flavors work nicely together. Complimentary bread and bread sticks with butter are also presented at the beginning along with the menus, but don’t eat everything, because then you won’t be able to enjoy their delicious cakes and ice cream. Your waiter or waitress will bring a plate of the desserts to your table and explain each sweet in detail individually. I would recommend the chocolate lava cake, topped with the perfect-sized scoop of tasty vanilla ice cream drizzled with warm chocolate and topped with raspberries.

The restaurant also offers deals during their happy hours, which happen during Sunday to Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Late night happy hour times are from 9 p.m. to their closing time, which is usually at 11 p.m. The menus for each of those days are different. On Friday, for example, $4 plates are offered, which includes beef carpaccio, tomato margarita flat bread, or $5 plates, such as the fresh vegetable & hummus dish. $6 plates are also an option, including black pepper shrimp or crispy cheese ravioli. The drinks are also at discounted prices. If you want to eat at Brio but don’t want to spend a large amount of money, happy hours are a great option! I’ve never been during happy hours, but I assure you that even though the meals are significantly cheaper, the effort and taste is equivalent to their usual dishes.

Regardless of whether you’re celebrating a close family member or friend’s birthday or grabbing lunch with your friends, Brio Tuscan Grille is the perfect place to enjoy a savory meal.