- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bruno's on Fourth
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
1226 4th StSanta Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 569-8222
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
Sun 9 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
85 reviews for Bruno's on Fourth
Review Highlights
-
"...crush is the skirt steak with blue cheese butter and fries." In 2 reviews -
"I had the flat iron steak and fries." In 5 reviews -
"Authentic comfort food Santa Rosa CAli-Italy style." In 6 reviews
Loading...
85 reviews in English
-
Review from Iana I.
4/14/2012
If I could have brunch here every day without having to fly four hours each way, I would.
Everyone I went with liked their food but for some reason only I fell in love with the place. I got the smoked salmon scrambled eggs with some sautéed spinach and pepper jack cheese. It was probably one of the best breakfasts I've had at a restaurant ever.
The service was exceptional too. We had to be at an airport a couple of hours later and told them that and the waitress had no issue hurrying our food out and getting us our bills out as soon as she could. In fact, we were in such a rush when we walked out one of us forgot our umbrellas and she ran down the street after us to give it back. If that's not quality customer care, I don't know what is. -
Review from Brad L.
Sacramento, CA
3/5/2012
I have never had a bad experience at Bruno's. I have been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Personally, I do not understand the hysteria that surrounds brunch but the brunch menu at Bruno's is very good. I have been here often with a person in a wheelchair. The staff is always very accommodating, which means even more given the size of the place. The service is always friendly and efficient. They get their job done but do not hover too much and become annoying.
The food is always consistently good. It is true that it is not the most inspired menu but it is very consistent and delicious traditional american fare. They also have a pretty good wine selection. The size of the restaurant can make it difficult to get in without reservations. I generally have a policy of not waiting for a table so we just have to remember to make a reservation. Perfect location for a intimate dinner but also inappropriate for groups. -
Review from Heather W.
Windsor, CA
1/29/2012
The family and I went there this morning and met our two friends. I'm less than impressed with our brunch. The service is what was awful. It took 25 minutes for a Mimosa, Bloody Mary, tea and a glass of orange juice. And, we has to remind the server to bring it to us. We were there for 1 1/2 hours!
The food was so,so. The server didn't know the menu and had to ask the kitchen what was in a few of the items.
All in all, it was an expensive breakfast , $80 for the 4 of us,for a ho hum experience. The upside, I got to visit with my friends and not cook.
I won't be going back or making any recommendations to friends to go there. -
Review from Ginny P.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/17/2012
My family enjoyed the most delicious Mother's Day brunch at this wonderful little restaurant! There were 7 of us, and every one of our menu selections was delicious. I had the cleverly named "Caramel Miranda," fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with succulent fresh fruit and a homemade caramel sauce that everyone passing their spoons (as they heard my oohs and aahhhs) for a taste agreed was "to die for." The crab benedict was cooked perfectly, the reduction sauce on the bleu cheese-topped flank steak exceptional, and the cheeseburger too big for my hulk of a son to finish. To top it off, the coffee was great, and the wait staff friendly and accomodating. We will definitely return, and feel that the food was exceptional, the prices reasonable considering the quality of the food and services rendered. What a superb little find!!!
-
Review from Stephanie C.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/30/2012
Been wanting to check this place out for awhile. Finally got in for brunch. It's set up in an adorable cottage with a front room dining room, 5 seat bar and kitchen and service station in the back. I had the biscuits in gravy which came with the most delicious breakfast potatoes, bacon and two eggs any style. Dinner menu looks dee-lish as well.
-
Review from Monty H.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/19/2012
table was sticky and felt dirty. We should have asked for another table. The food and service was good.
-
Review from Angie W.
12/5/2011
We made a trek up here a couple years ago and loved this place!!
The food was fabulous, the ambiance was great, the service was wonderful! We had such a great time. Everyone was raving about the food.
A true find!!Listed in: Stars & Stripes, Travels | Sonoma, CA
-
Review from Noreen P.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/12/2011
First off, let me say that I really hate giving not-so-great reviews. It's not something I do often. I much prefer to focus on the positives. Sometimes, however, constructive criticism can be important and helpful. I'm hoping this is one of those times.
This isn't about the food. The food is good. A little over-priced and the menu doesn't particularly excite me, but the food is good. I'm glad so many people here seem to enjoy it. That's great.
No, the issue I have with Bruno's is the generally unfriendly attitude I've received from the owners. The waitstaff, in general, all seem to be very nice, polite, helpful people. The owners, however, could afford to be more cheerful. Anytime I've tried to smile at or greet them, they've made grumpy faces or flat out ignored me and turned away. The first time I shrugged it off and figured that they just didn't hear me or something, but it's happened at least three more times since, and apparently they've done the same thing to my mother and to one of my friends. Sheesh!
So my suggestion is: Bruno's owners, please be a little more friendly and receptive. Respond to "hellos" and waves. Smile more, maybe? Something. It'll only make for better impressions and will definitely help your business, I promise.
Also, your generator on your food truck is reeeeally loud. I know those things are expensive, but you should definitely consider getting a better one, if you can afford to..
..Again, I'm sorry if my words come off negatively (I hope not!). Please know that my intentions are nothing but positive.. Thanks for hearing me out. =] -
Review from Latte Queen W.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2012
I LOVE THIS PLACE. Cozy and elegant ambiance all at once. We stopped here one evening on our way to Mendocino and it was the perfect dinner spot. I was happy they were able to fit us in short notice - we even got a romantic corner table.
One of the best things about this place is that they start you off with WARM bread. So many restaurants place tough tasteless bread in front of you when you sit down - but the bread we started with at Bruno's was right-out-of-the-oven warm and paired with delicious butter.
For entree, ordered the shauntee chicken cutlet - out of this world tasty. Pan fried chicken with lemon butter and capers.
Boyfriend had the meatloaf. Also pretty good.
We had a glass of their house red wine which was pretty good.
Excellent, friendly service. I really can't wait to go back!! -
Review from rachele m.
Rohnert Park, CA
6/12/2011
Okay, so here's the thing:
I've been really disappointed with the service I have gotten at several high end restaurants in Santa Rosa lately, but Brunos on Fourth, might have saved me.
Amazing food. Classic American comfort food that is ....well the adjective escapes me.
Today's "bruschetta of the day" was salmon with cream cheese. Not complicated, but so many layered flavors I could have ordered 6 servings and been happy as a clam.
The wait staff was attentive an informative. I made sure to tell them and over tip to drive home the fact that right now, in Santa Rosa CA , they offer the best wait service. Period.
Husband ordered the Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. . . .until I can make my meatloaf taste like that, I'm not serving it to my family.
I ordered the pork loin in a apple ginger reduction with the most perfect carrots and asparagus: able to cut with my fork , but a nice crunch when bitten into.
Overall, fantastic; Generous pour of wine, good food, amazing service..go now!!! -
Review from Jessica H.
Sebastopol, CA
4/7/2012
Very pleasant little surprise, in a seemingly strange location! My husband and I have been in only a few times, for lunch, but marvel at the excellent service, great food, nice decor, atmosphere, and have left feeling happy and fulfilled. The prices are decent; we just really like this place. If you're out n about downtown Santa Rosa and want a great lunch, would absolutely recommend this place. Try the bacon wrapped meatloaf!
-
Review from John M.
Santa Rosa, CA
7/24/2011
My lovely bride and I have been going to Bruno's for "dinner out" for some time. We loved Rubix, the buildings previous incarnation, so it took awhile for us to try Bruno's. When we did, we made it a regular stop on our food outings.
The atmosphere is family and friends - friendly. It gets a little loud on occasion, but that's a good indication that people are enjoying themselves here.
The wait staff are courteous and attentive. The owners are frequently there and will stop to chat when not too busy, and are themselves gracious hosts.
The food here is delicious! To use someone elses phrase, the meals fit perfectly in the Cal-Italia comfort food "style". Without being too foodie, the plain fact is that the food at Bruno's is just damned good eating. Without the damned pricey tab.
My personal (perpetual) favorite is the meatloaf. We have tried, but as yet can't reproduce it at home. My wife has enjoyed almost every pasta dish that she has tried. What? An occasional miss?!
The wine list is very respectable, we have borrowed a few names, as well as brought our own. Where can you beat a $10 corking fee?!
Well, if the food we have enjoyed here was any less delicious, and the times anything less than fine, I would subtract a star. But the staff here, hosts, chefs and wait staff, all do what they do very well... ahh, you get the picture.
Go to Bruno's and eat some great food, drink some wine and get a little silly. You deserve it. -
Review from Craig S.
Santa Rosa, CA
11/22/2011
Consistently Great food, great environment We've always have had an excellent meal - we've been there over half a dozen times in the last few years for either dinner or brunch. Sunday brunch is such a great treat! I highly recommend Bruno's.
-
Review from B B.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/7/2011
Wife and I ate at Bruno's for the first time as part of a special Sonoma County restaurant week, where eateries offer a special prix fixe menu. For Bruno's this was $29 for a three course meal. We got to choose each course from a list of three items. I went with crab cake, crab fettuccine, and since they didn't have a crab desert I went with the brownie/ice cream thing. Crab cake was great...nice crispy crust. Crab pasta was just so-so. Nice chunks of crab in it, but it was too lemony (sour) and sort of one dimensional. Desert was good.
Bruno's is pretty small, and fills up fast so make a reservation. We sat, as the waitress put it, "in the worst seat in the house", right next to the walkway from the kitchen. But it really wasn't so bad. All of the help was very nice and attentive. They have a very inviting menu, and we watched a lot of really good looking food going by that I wish we'd ordered, like meat loaf and potatoes or a half pound hamburger, or a ribeye. I'll definitely go back to try brunch and a few other things on the menu. -
Review from Melissa W.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/10/2012
One of our favorites. Great food, theres lots of thought put into it. Awesome atmosphere. Great service. Can't say a bad thing about it.
-
Review from Brian C.
Santa Rosa, CA
1/5/2011
Heard good things, finally got around to stopping in. Had our 1 year old, and approached apprehensively (mostly because of the close contact with other customers). We were warmly welcomed by the staff as well as our fellow diners.
Food was fun, interesting, and tasty. Try the skirt steak with blue cheese. Big menu, and we really enjoyed what they'd done with the small space. I felt as though I'd had an experience, not just a meal.
My only wish...I can live without a full bar, but give me some local beers on draft! Russian River, Lagunitas, Bear Republic..,
This corner of the planet ain't only good for wine! I'm looking forward to trying the next thing on the menu, but if only it could be accompanied by Pliny the Elder or Racer 5!
Either way, cheers, see you there. -
Review from Ella S.
Guerneville, CA
1/12/2012
Bruno's is my absolute favorite restaurant in Santa Rosa. My husband and I go there every chance we get. Some particularly worthy dishes: the pork tenderloin, the meatloaf entree, the meatloaf lunch sandwich is so great, the shauntee chicken cutlet, and the flatiron steak. The slider appetizer is a steal at $4 for what you get. The only thing I have closest to a complaint is that the butternut squash ravioli - though very delicious - seems very small for what you're paying ($16). My entree was only 5 large raviolis - definitely not filling enough. Otherwise, everything is perfect, and the service is warm and inviting! :)
-
Review from Lindy B.
Santa Rosa, CA
Updated - 8/28/2010 ROTD 1/6/2011
Still. I'm still a fan.
I like to go back to my favorite places and try something new and report back if my experience is still the same. I would have to say it is, mostly the same, anyway. On this day, it was a Friday, and not all that busy, I found the service to be a little slow, our waitress seemed a little flustered. Maybe she was just having an off day, maybe she had just finished with a big rush, I don't know.
This visit I had the Genuine Rueben Sandwich ($11.95). It was genuine. With 1000 Island Dressing and tender corned beef. It was a little light, for my taste, on the sauerkraut, but that's the German in me. The bread was crisp and tasty. The fries, as always, were done well. My dining partner had the Caesar's Salad, it was nicely dressed, crisp and fresh.
LindySez: All in all, another fine meal at Bruno's on Fourth.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/10/2009
LindySez...this place rocks! The food is consistently excellent, the staff friendly but not… Read more »
-
-
Review from Beth S.
Santa Rosa, CA
7/23/2011
Had a bday party out back last year ( 20+ guests) and a retirement party inside (10 guests) last nights. The service is the best. They were accommodating to all out requests (we brought flowers, candles and dessert to both events) and made us feel at home. Love the intimate feel of the place. The food is american comfort and no one was disappointed with their dish at either event. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. I recommend this place for any special event or just a great place to go when you are craving a meat and potatoes meal. Special thanks to Tanya and Jenny! All this place needs is a full bar or at least some Lagunitas on tap and it would perfect.
-
Review from Amber C.
Cotati, CA
9/13/2010
My fiancé and I came here on a whim on a Friday night because we had an hour to kill in Santa Rosa and we're so happy we did! I'd recommend getting reservations as the place was packed, but they were able to accommodate us at the bar which was no problem for us.
Decor: Low-lit, close set tables... very romantic for two. There were a couple larger tables for parties of 4 or 5, but it's a really small place.
Service: Our waitress was amazing. She was swamped and since we were sitting at the bar I was afraid we were going to get ignored but we were well taken care of. She was very friendly and knowledgeable about the different menu items.
Food: My fiancé had been here for lunch a couple times and mentioned how delicious the crab cakes are. They're not on the dinner menu but I asked the waitress about them and she gave me a huge smile saying they were her favorite and she'd ask the cook if he could make them. Unfortunately they were out of fresh crab and she wouldn't let me order them unless I was getting the good stuff, haha. Definitely going back for these during the lunch hours!
So for my meal, I had no idea what to pick but our waitress gave us some recommendations and described the seafood special in such a mouth-watering way I couldn't turn it down. We each had a glass of wine, appetizers, a mid-price range meal, and dessert. Everything was excellent.
After 2 hours, we ended up spending about $100 after tip and it was well worth it. I had an amazing time and can't wait to go back. -
Review from Jenee F.
Santa Rosa, CA
3/17/2011
Best Sunday Brunch in town!
I love the french toast and chicken friend steak the best, depends on my mood which I choose. Tawnya is an excellent waitress and the owner Rick is a great chef! This place has flavor people, and I don't just mean the food. Patronize this fine establishment, I command you! -
Review from teri r.
Santa Rosa, CA
1/12/2011
The ambiance is very quant and cozy.
The bread is nice and warm.
I've been here twice and I've tried the fish and chips-standard fish and chips but the fries were really good.
The penne with chicken sausage-nothing great, a little bland.
Butternut squash ravioli-did not like at all. The cream sauce was a little strange.
Would try this place for brunch sometime if I have the chance but I don't think I will be back for dinner. -
Review from Evan E.
Santa Rosa, CA
2/18/2011
I really liked this place. Mellow and relaxed it had all the best parts of a classic bistro but also all the nice small town familiarly that I want out of every restaurant in Sonoma County.
A menu consisting of straight forward food that delivers all it promises (no really mind blowing offerings but plenty of good food done well). I think that diners should find time to go and sit at the bar or grab a nice two-top and relax, look around, and see a nice melding of what Sonoma County does best. -
Review from Nick W.
Santa Rosa, CA
7/22/2011
Had another fantastic experience here last night! The food is outstanding and the people and service are even better. My favorite thing about Bruno's however is the Sunday brunch, by far the best in SoCo. I will continue to keep coming back!
-
Review from Lisa F.
Glen Ellen, CA
6/14/2011
I have dined at Bruno's since their start. I have always loved the food and have hired them for a couple of catering events. With an upcoming wedding, I had many caterers to choose from. My HTB said I should call Rick too. I did, not knowing the vast amount of actual catering experience he had (which is indeed vast!).
We went with Bruno's. The staff, the food - all of it flawless & seamless. I can't recommend them enough. I wrote them a long letter, but this paragraph sums it up.
"The food was wonderful and perfect, but it is your work ethic and passion for your craft that sets you apart. We can't say enough about this. We never felt like we were just another event for you. You are professional, courteous and truly fun to work with. You have our permission to share this letter and we will happily provide you with an outstanding recommendation."
Thank you to Rick, Linn & the entire team at Bruno's! -
Review from kainoa r.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/14/2009 ROTD 10/3/2010
I should tell you now that I have only had dinner at Bruno's once, and to be completely honest, I don't remember it. I know I had steak and that it was good, but that's it. Good steak.
I head over to Bruno's for brunch about once a month. On Sunday. The only day they serve morning food. I normally go alone, and I always sit at the little bar. I don't bring a paper, and I don't talk to strangers. I watch the kitchen at work, and I drink my coffee.
For breakfast/brunch this place is top-notch. The servers remember how I like my coffee, and my water is never empty. The food is upscale diner and beyond. The sausage gravy that comes with the biscuits is just about the best I have ever had. Killer hollandaise, quality bacon that's not too crispy, perfectly poached eggs, and healthy portions of everything.
The servers are super-friendly but they aren't intrusive, and Chef Bruno is always around helping serve, cooking, expediting, or just making sure everyone is happy.
Bruno's is comfortable and the food kills it. Classics done with style but not over the top, quality ingredients, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Now, Bruno's isn't cheap. As a breakfast place, I'd put it in the expensive category. Obviously, I think it's worth it as I keep going back, but I must say that when I get my check and am doing the math of what I ordered and what it cost and what I owe... I twitch. Sometimes I feel like my total is fair and that I got what I am about to pay for. Other times, I get my check and have that moment when I say (sometimes aloud) "Really?"
I then quickly remind myself how much ass the servers and chef kick, how the food is fresh, clean, and delicious, and how I can walk from my house.
Bruno's is a winner, and I'm going to keep going back. -
Review from Katie W.
2/28/2009 2 photos
Bruno's is good.
Bruno's is great.
At Bruno's you will leave NO food on your plate.
Mmm. Bruno. You know what you're doing. Cute, quaint, lovely neighborhood eatery with cozy atmosphere, warming you as you enter the small dining room with bar and views of the passers by.
Staff is busy and at times slightly neglectful, but helpful and happy in their delivery.
Food.
Let me tell you, this is a discovery that is a much needed addition to Santa Rosa. A dire need for somewhere to sit, enjoy and have truly great food at a good price in the North Bay, and specifically here, has been filled.
Fries are crispy with bits of garlic and herbs, fish dressed in light, airy beer batter is a delight, crumb-crusted baked salmon is wickedly crispy and texture to rave over. On top of rustic mashed potatoes with sauteed zucchini and onions, you would think this was enough. Then they go and make a moat of lemony caper butter sauce and you just KNOW there ain't nothing finer than what you're eating at that moment.
Thoughtful wine list with all you crave, tantalizing desserts and a bar that you can sidle right up to and eat at - yeah, you've come to the right place. -
Review from Kevin D.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2009
It may not leap out at you as you drive down the street, but Bruno's on Fourth provides a stunning experience in an area not filled with opportunities for fine dining. Seating 38, this small, elegant space sports a handful of generously-wide two-seat tables that can form seating for any group up to eight without crowding. As a rustic counterpoint to the rest of the modern appointments in this warm red, black and tan space, the tables themselves provide interest thanks to being made from the tops of high-end wooden wine boxes stained and smoothly urethaned for a clear surface.
From all appearances, it's not just a few items that contribute to the positive impression of the menu and the glow you'll get after dining here, but focusing on only the Eggs Benedict and an Herbed Chicken Panzanella, I hope to relate the experience I and my companion had on a recent Sunday.
Two staffmembers work the small front of the house and as soon as they took care of the group of eight in the center, they seated us while making sure the generous two-top was spotless. I should point out right away that if Tanya were any more friendly or bubbly she'd have to be bottled so you can always keep some around. A few minutes after we got menus I was impressed by the selection but still firmly sold on the Eggs Benedict plate I saw served to someone when I came in the door. It looked and tasted amazing and proved to be the best I've ever had in a lifetime of ordering this dish.
Normally I might inhale it, but from the first bite I knew this was something extraordinary and worth savoring. First, the sauce. It was the most delicately balanced hollandaise I've ever experienced. The flavor of each subtle ingredient was distinctly present if a tiny bit light on the lemon, but blended beautifully into the uncooked yolk of the perfectly poached eggs that straddled each English muffin. If there is any fault with this dish it's that the commercial English muffins can't keep up with the chef-prepared sauce and eggs, but that didn't get in the way. The Canadian bacon was both the perfect size for the muffins and just grilled enough so it could be cut cleanly and give a little stability to the fragile egg.
Accompanying the Eggs Benedict was a thankfully-small portion of home-fried potatoes whose mild seasoning didn't overwhelm the yolk/hollandaise combination I dredged them through. They were a pleasant afterthought of appreciation to a main dish that was simply stunning.
Nearly equal in flavor and presentation was the generous, interesting and unusually-complemented Herb Chicken Panzanella. Oddly, the bread crouton that gives this kind of salad its name is not the star in this case because the addition of tomato, bacon, potato, blue cheese or avocado made each bite a different sensation, depending on where the fork was pointed. Two distinct combinations formed a memorable experience centered around a base of the lemon zest vinaigrette. When a drizzle clung to the crumbled blue cheese each flavor both stood out and complimented each other for something interesting, approachable and new. When the chicken breast's herbs and juices mixed with the vinaigrette, it brought out the chicken's spices while undertoning the lemon and helping to make an already moist-through chicken breast seem luxurious.
We had dessert since the rest of the meal was so good, but rather than taunt the reader with the delicious apple-tarty goodness I'll just encourage you to save room for something you'll love. I can only wax poetic for so long before even I get bored with being overwhelmed. ;-)
If brunch was this good, dinner ought to be equally stunning. If I do brunch again, I can't wait to see how *they* do the biscuits and gravy their menu listed. I believe Bruno's on Fourth to be an awesome best-kept secret but have already shared the experience with enough people to say that if I ever have extra time while across the Golden Gate Bridge, I will think seriously about how I can carve out the extra time needed to continue to Santa Rosa just to eat here. -
Review from Serena M.
South San Francisco, CA
7/14/2010
I came here for brunch on a Sunday and left with satisfied tummy. This place is small, cozy and inviting with service that is filled with lots of cheer.
I ordered the italian sausage, mushroom and brie omelette with home fries and ciabatta bread. The eggs were light and fluffy with just the right amount of moisture and the italian sausage was very flavorful. Just to note, the brie is melted on top and is not included inside the omelette itself. Sometimes when there's mushrooms in omelette it creates a lot of water but this was not the case. It was nice having ciabatta as a toast option which is a little different from the norm. When the menu read 'home fries' I was expecting potatoes with bell peppers and onions but it was more like diced seasoned potatoes which are so much better than the bell pepper/onion ones I was expecting.
A great place to have brunch if your in the area. -
Review from Julie S.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been wanting to try this place for supper, but we at least made it here for brunch for the first time the other day. The place is tiny and there was a huge party who was there, so service was a tad delayed in the ordering and food receiving processes. The staff was friendly and the prices were fair. They also have a mobile stand at Spring Lake on Tues. evenings so you may picnic. We both had a benedict variation: I had the special, prosciutto benedict, and my other half had the classic. The hollandaise was yummy and caloric and the potatoes they came with were great. I'm sure I'll be back for supper.
-
Review from Keith D.
Santa Rosa, CA
12/21/2010
Great intimate setting.
The meatloaf was amazing.
A Santa Rosa secret. -
Review from Tom S.
Kenwood, CA
3/20/2010
Authentic comfort food Santa Rosa CAli-Italy style. Feature NorCal wines by the glass. You will be served promptly by sincere and well behaved waiters.
Food portions are generous. Prices are reasonable.
The close knit dining room is crowded and noisy in a family way. You feel a friendly vibe. Decor is basic, not fancy. (This building is a former H Salt Fish & chips fast food den - and the present owners did not spend a fortune to redecorate).
I had tender and flavorful beef short ribs. Melt in your mouth texture. Bambie had halibut. Here's the accolade. The dishes tasted so completely different that you would not believe that they came from the same kitchen! My beef was dark, rich, saucy & smoky. The halibut was bright, spicy, tangy. So Bravo to Bruno! He can dish 'em out & they remain distinctive.
Gets my local yokel recommendation. -
Review from Shad A.
Canyon Country, CA
12/15/2010
Food was delicious! Try the short beef ribs... They just fall off the bone! The side potato it comes with was killer :)
We had the nicest waitress, but my only compliant is they only had 1 merlot choice and they were sold out... A little strange for being in wine country.
Also make sure you have a reservation. It's small and they're pretty anal about it. We HAD a reservation, someone sat us, then someone else thought we didn't... Long story, but just make sure you call ahead.
Apple pastry with ice cream was good too.. -
Review from Anne B.
Santa Rosa, CA
11/16/2007
Bruno's is always an enjoyable experience. Staff is very friendly and attentive. The only drawback is that it gets pretty loud during the peak hours. I am not an old geezer, but sometimes acoustics can spoil a good dinner.
The food is delicious but very rich. The one meal that I had here that I would not recommend is the Mac and Cheese. It was more of a cheese soup with noodles floating in it. But really that is the worst thing I can say about Bruno's.
I hope it stays around for a while. I know the spot has had trouble keeping business there. Here's to many years of delicious Bruno's food. -
Review from Seth F.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2009 2 photos
This was a wonderful weekend find. Looking online I managed to find a location further down Fourth bit hadto wait 30 minutes. No thank you. I drove back because I had noticed Brunos and stopped. Welcomed as soon as the door openned and they were more than urgent about seating immediately. Benedict was awesome and the waffles with strawberries killed. The coffee was strong with a good aroma and I enjoyed every sip. Brunch at Brunos was perfect.
Seating limited to 38 inside and about three tables outside for another 6-8 people. I will go back often. -
Review from Igor S.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/30/2011
I enjoyed the dinner with my friends, have an almond crusted salmon and calamari for appetizer, large plates, a lot of food and food is very nice. My salmon was little overcooked, but will go again.
-
Review from Parker J.
San Rafael, CA
1/26/2010
Went for a friend's birthday and had an evening full of highlights;
Steak and blue cheese was a surprising great combo
Chicken and polenta was wonderful but the chicken portion was almost too large...not really a problem.
Our waiter seemed new and didn't have all the answers...but to his credit he never BSed us with false info. He politely checked with the kitchen and his notes to satisfy our curiosity.
Definitely a new go-to place for our date night. -
Review from Liz G.
Rohnert Park, CA
9/27/2011
Every time my mom comes to visit me at college we try out a new restaurant in the area and Bruno's on Fourth has been one of our favorites!
We made reservations an hour ahead to assure we'd get a seat and were glad that we did considering the small size of the dining area...all the more charm, I say :).
Our waitress was kind and courteous and answered our questions about the menu. My mom had the pork tenderloin and I had the lemon caper chicken. Both were flavorful and fresh with good portion sizes! We will definitely have to break our tradition and come back here again. -
Review from Chris b.
Petaluma, CA
6/27/2011
Had a fantastic dinner with my best friend last week at Bruno's. I can't wait to go back to try other dishes on the menu. We both had the Chicken Parm on a bed of mashed potatoes. Never had that before, and it was my favorite of all time. Balenced yet assertive Flavors and Great Service.
-
Review from Lee S.
Sonoma County, CA
1/25/2010
Consistent neighborhood roadhouse. Solid breakfasts -- but only on Sundays.
Otherwise, the dinners (not fancy) feature a broad selection of entrees and some really good wines by the glass.
My current crush is the skirt steak with blue cheese butter and fries. It's got a million calories for sure, but damn it's a good one.
