02/16/09

Good Pre-Theatre Fare

by PittsburghFoodie

It's not really my kind of atmosphere but the food is delicious and consistent and the staff works very hard to accomodate the pre-theatre crowd. They've squeezed us in last minute, put a rush on our order, and got us out in time for the curtain. Reservations are definitely recommended...although we got lucky without one.

08/08/08

Stay Away and Tell Others...I sure will

by NOTMOM

Fruit Flies, uninformed staff, owners who are not involed (Mark's at the bar but won't address unsatisfied customers?) Why would a restaurant ever charge $1.75 for three tablespoons of marinara sause for a $10.95, 15 piece calamari appetizer? Are scallops with butter and bread crumbs really worth $8 a scallop?

Finally, get rid of the flies. It's just embarrassing. Especially when you charge what you do and your staff is not accommadating.

I am not making this stuff up. By the way, it was a Friday night.

• Pros: walking distance from hotel
• Cons: food/value/fruit flies/bad staff/very over priced

06/04/08

Stellar Food, Rude Service

by PittBass08

I've only eaten here once as a direct result of my experience with their staff. The Hostess, upon reviewing our reservation, had the nerve to tell our party, "I'll take your coats. You tip me and I will retrieve them for you at the end of your meal." Last I checked, a patron is obligated to tip in instances of exemplary service... not merely because he or she is TOLD to by the tipee. On the other hand, the food was stellar--just not worth the hassel of rude service.

10/29/06

Great Steak

by larslove

The filet with Blue Cheese was wonderful. Well prepared food...great service...easy to get to. A great experience

07/31/06

Location is its strength

by falala148

The food is inconsistent as is the service. I've had really good food and I've had mediocre food but if you're looking for something convenient to the theater district, this is it. If you're dining before the show, allow yourself 2 hours.

• Pros: close to the theater district
• Cons: Inconsistant quality

08/29/05

Outstanding option for pre-performance restaurant enjoyment.

by Contributor

The Scene
The room is subdued, with a good-sized bar, and large, connected dining areas. Large, comfortable chairs surround tables spaced so that normal conversation is possible without raising one's voice. You need not yell for a waitperson, either, as service is attentive.

The Food
For starters, try the portabella mushroom stuffed with spinach, as well as a garlicky rendition of greens and beans. The chicken pastina soup is light and flavorful, while the minestrone is hearty and rich. The menu is classic Italian, with a couple of pleasant surprises. The osso bucco is very popular; a large lamb shank with meat that is tender, but not overcooked so that it is falling off the bone. There are numerous pasta dishes, plus an exceptional pappardelle bosciola with wild mushrooms and a sherry cream sauce. Pappardelle is pasta of a thickness of paper, so the noodles are broad and thin.

• Pros: large bar

03/13/05

Awful service

by emceeice

Awful service - barely saw the waiter. Made jokes with us upon giving us the final check.... too little too late. I do not recommend sitting at the bar area if you are looking for good service.

06/29/04

Great Spot before the Show

by chscable

I've been going to Bravo's for years now as a prelude to attending events in the Cultural District. You can't beat the proximity to the shows. Service is quite good, wine list is creative, and the menu is very good if perhaps a little pedestrian.

• Pros: Location, Location, Location

06/10/04

Disappointed

by jenji

My husband and I were highly disappointed with our meal at Bravo Franco. From appetizer to dessert, the food was bland and unimpressive. The side dishes were standardized for all entrees and did not complement the entree's individual flavor. The chocolate mousse was particularly poor. One positive to the dinner was the wine. We had the MacMurry Pinot Noir. It was excellent! I would recommend Bravo as a nice place for an after-show drink.

• Pros: Good Service, Excellent Wine, Prompt Seating
• Cons: , Boring Side Dishes, Poor Desserts

10/12/02

Bravo!

by roseanna_runsa

Bravo Franco is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. The service is always great, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the food is absolutely terrific! If you can save room for dessert the lemon silk and key lime pies are worth every calorie. Many thanks to the chef and staff for keeping the customers happy!