Inside: Brio Tuscan Grille

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Sitting at two major Columbus hotspots (Polaris and Easton), Brio Tuscan Grille serves up a cul-de-sac of flavors and atmosphere against the backdrop of Tuscany.

The restaurant is a part of Bravo! Development Inc. -- the group of Italian dining connoisseurs also behind Bravo! Italian and Bon Vie. So you can be pretty sure they know how to do Tuscan right. And that much is true, with Brio specializing in offering an upscale menu for laid-back crowd.

Food: Perusing the menu might be slightly difficult for anyone without a passing knowledge of Italian; however, each dish is accompanied by a full-fledged description. An attached menu of the daily specials in each dining category also helps streamline the process.

But while you’re figuring it all out, don’t forget to take a few bites of the delicious complimentary French bread. The prices nestled amongst those descriptions may burn a small hole in your pockets, with a dinner for two running around $60.

The bruschetta and flatbreads are great choices for an appetizer. The grilled chicken flatbread (10.95) is especially good. It includes a delicious concoction of fresh steamed tomatoes and a tangy balsamic drizzle. Or you could go classier with the Brio crab cake ($10.95) or lobster bisque ($5.95).

For your entrée, there are plenty of choices. The chicken Milanese pomodoro ($16.95) is a dolled-up version of the chicken parmesan, the presentation of which is simply mouthwatering. Atop a bright red saucy base sits a circle of non-sauced pasta noodles, topped off with a perfectly seasoned chicken breast and a thick layer of simmering, fresh mozzarella. Basil and parmesan cheese sprinkled throughout complete the small piece of heaven.

Or you could go upscale with the wood-grilled salmon steak ($19.95), a thick piece of the fish adorned with Romano crusted tomatoes, citrus pesto, asparagus and crispy shoestring potatoes.

Libations: Figuring out what to drink at Brio can be just as difficult as figuring out what to order. The wine and cocktail menu takes up more word space than the food.

The signature drink, highlighted prominently on the drink menu, is the Brio Bellini ($6.30) -- a fresh fruit, peach nectar and Prosecco mix inspired by the legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice. 

Décor: The bright yellow and white building opens into a gorgeous dining hall, looking a bit like a classy ballroom. Very spacious, the building includes a few smaller dining rooms, making for a more intimate experience, and there also are indoor and outdoor patios. A small bar area with attached stools and a few televisions keeps Buckeye fans occupied.

Service: Whizzing about like busy bees, the Brio staff are some of the most efficient and accommodating I’ve ever seen, each wearing pressed white shirts and ties. The food also arrived rather quickly, I was barely finishing my last piece of flatbread before already facing a large entrée, which is just the way I like it.

Crowd: Though catering to a mostly upscale business crowd during the day, Brio takes on a more eclectic crowd at night, probably due to the five-star experience for three-star prices.

Brio is a must for anyone looking to impress on a first date. The prices might be slightly out of range for the struggling college student, but it could be the perfect place for any young professional looking to get a free pass out of the doghouse.

Bottom Line: Brio takes the cake when it comes to providing great food and great service in a comfortable atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a private romantic eatery, a swanky space to watch the latest football game or a family night with Mom and Dad, Brio is sure to satisfy.

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