Review: Brunello (Italian Restaurant — Sun City Summerlin)
Brunello is new. They opened about a month ago. We made a maiden visit to the nouveau-classic Italian eatery earlier this afternoon. Based on the high quality of food, reasonable pricing, and exquisite service, it will likely be the first of many more visits to come. Brunello was an absolute gem.
Located in the upscale golf community of Sun City Summerlin, Brunello is everything you’d expect from a classic old-world, New York-style Italian restaurant — and then some. Standard Sinatra and Bennett songs serenaded the dining room. Sophia Loren encouraged us with every bite (okay, not really her — the walls are tastefully decorated with photos of the film legend). However, both the inner and outer decor and menus — including hearty lunch specials, an extended happy hour, enticing dinner fare, and special wine events — also include a number of pleasant surprises and modern twists.
The home page on Brunello’s website entices their guests as follows:
“Drawing inspiration from the timeless grace of Sophia Loren and the vibrant spirit of coastal Italy, Brunello brings you the best of both worlds—rich Italian and European flavors served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
Forgive my cynicism here, but so many restaurants like this are way overpriced and ultimately disappointing. That’s why our visit was such a refreshing discovery. Las Vegas is overflowing with too-often indistinguishable copycat Italian restaurants, including lots of ridiculously overrated joints on The Strip. Please, I beg of you– skip the casino spots where the first question you get asked is “still or sparkling” and instead drive a few extra miles and support a real small-business owner who has invested heavily in making sure the customer is satisfied. There’s care in every bite.
Our lunch began with freshly-baked bread and a delicious tomato-olive oil dipping sauce infused with lots of unique spices and flavors (complimentary). We wanted something simple for lunch, and both ordered lasagne. We also shared a Caesar salad.
Everything we tried was outstanding. The lasagne was prepared with a bechamel cheese sauce, which was smooth as velvet. Many lasagnas, even those that are pretty good contain an acidic burning aftertaste as tomatoes sometimes overwhelm every other ingredient in the dish. This was a perfect blend of flavors, texture, and temperature. Everything is prepared al dente. No microwave ovens. Everything baked in house.
I must also share a revealing story, which tells me everything I need to know about Brunello and its staff and their attention to every detail. There was one very minor glitch during our visit, which I won’t elaborate on here — just a simple mistake and misunderstanding (it could have been our fault when we ordered). The waitress was overly apologetic about the mishap, which wasn’t really necessary. Later, she delivered a complimentary dessert, which was totally unnecessary. As we finished, I conveyed my opinion to the waitress that the sign of an outstanding restaurant and experience isn’t a void of mistakes. All businesses (and people) make mistakes. It’s in how a mishap is handled that matters. The care, the concern, and the “apology” dessert was too nice a gesture. Oh, and it also gives me a chance to recommend the house tiramisu, which was outstanding! (look at this tiramisu–I dare you.)
Lunch specials have limited hours, but we were surprised that the “happy hour” basically lasts all day (from 11 am until dinnertime). I’m not sure if they have a full bar with liquor, but beer and wine are available. Next week, Brunello is hosting its first wine dinner, which is a four-course meal, with wine pairings, for $75 per person. Marieta and I were so impressed today, we signed up on the spot (I’ll write about that next time).
Outdoor seating was available, which was wonderfully pleasant. I’m not sure how Brunello will deal with the heat of the blazing Las Vegas summers, but this November afternoon lunch was ideal.
Total cost of food and tip was just under $40, which is a steal for the quality of food, ambiance, and overall experience.
Brunello becomes a terrific new discovery and even though Las Vegas already has plenty of excellent options for Italian fare, this may be one of the best when we combine everything that makes a restaurant visit special. I’m looking forward to becoming a Brunello’s regular.
VISIT BRUNELLO’S WEBSITE — CLICK HERE
