I called to ask whether a salad could be made without the dressing and salt mixed in, to accommodate a health situation I’m currently navigating. I even pointed out that I understand it might be a weird request, as a way of acknowledging my situation without having to go into detail about it with a stranger. The woman I spoke to responded by saying “yeah that is weird.” Given I wasn’t asking for her opinion on my current dietary restrictions, I then re-asked her whether or not my request was possible. She explained that they can’t do that because as soon as the lentils are done, they add a vinaigrette to them. Totally fair. I asked what ingredients are in the vinaigrette and she responded “this is too complicated” in a frustrated tone then hung up on me.I’m not sure how asking simple questions is too complicated, but I am sure I would not give my business to a place that treats customers like this. That was unnecessarily unkind.Update: The phone call lasted 54 seconds. I also didn’t realize that the restaurant was not open, and don’t understand why the owner picked up my call if they didn’t have the bandwidth to talk. That sounds like a poor decision on their end; not something to take out on a customer. Had I known that context I would have happily and easily called back later.Finally, I had no expectations at all — these are my dietary issues and I’m fully aware I’m the one responsible for dealing with them — I only had two simple questions and they were met with unnecessary rudeness. Similar to the owner’s response here.You don’t have to accommodate anyone you don’t want to, but you can easily find ways to do so without being mean. I left this review so people with dietary restrictions can understand that this is not the spot for them, and avoid being made to feel like something’s is wrong with them for asking questions that pertain to their health. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.On that note, I’m going to choose to be kind and wish you a good day with easier customers ;)Dietary restrictions: It seems to me they don’t care to accommodate dietary restrictions (which is fair / their prerogative as business owners), or treat them like they’re valid. The latter of which is frustrating.
Alana Coghlan
This is a true gem! I have never had a better caprese sandwich in my life. They make their own fresh mozzarella and the bread was fantastic. Truly gourmet food at bargain prices.
Ayn Devera
Pick anything on the menu and you will be satisfied. Lovely cafe for our Midtown ♡
Stephen Mendel
The best sandwiches! Homemade bread and desserts! Tiny place with few tables but well worth the trip.
Mike E.
The best foods around! Sandwiches, salads, pasta, all made with fresh ingredients with great flavors. I look forward to trying the pizza. Oh yeah, the desserts are great too. Cozy restaurant with plenty of ambiance. Stop by for some great comfort food.
Kia M.
GNOCCHI is do DIE for, seriously eat it guys. A coworker ordered from here and got me something and it was great, I'll have to order here very often. The Turkey and Brie sandwich is delicious and always a consistent choice. The owner is super nice and great at her job.
Sal E.
I had high hopes for this cafe as it is near my place of work. We ordered two dishes; the chicken havarti sandwich & the pasta bolognese. The sandwich was dry, the chicken was so hard & bland I could barely chew it. Service was not friendly & when my friend requested parmesan cheese for her bland pasta the employee shouted, "No!" The ambiance is casual, seemed clean but no music or interesting theme. There are far better places to eat with better service & delicious food that is more affordable.
ACHS ANONYMOUS
best lasagna I think I've ever had. the spinach lasagna is a healthy and yummy food choice for lunch or dinner, I highly recommend
Javier L.
Brio has one of the best meat ricotta lasagna I have eaten not too rich or not too heavy. It's fresh and light but still satisfying to my palette. Lasagna is freshly made, ricotta is made in house along with all sauces and breads love this place
Wendy S.
Good authentic meatball sub. Really moist. I just wish the meatball was seared a bit for texture.
Best Italian in Ventura by far. They added pizza and it’s the best in the city far and away.Very authentic and fresh
Colin A.
I've tried many different sandwiches, pizzas, gnocchi dishes here and they were all terrific. If you have time for something other than fast food, I would recommend Brio Cafe if you want to enjoy yourself. You can always order ahead anyways.
Mike B.
What a great little cafe. My wife and I stopped in for a meal. Its a tiny little storefront cafe on Main St. with a few tables and chairs inside. Very clean and bright. There was 1 table for 2 outside on the walkway. We were warmly greeted. We ordered a large salad and the meat ricotta lasagna. The food was scrumptious! Fresh salad with tasty dressing. Hot lasagna with a terrific meaty sauce. If your looking for a big fancy pricey restaurant with ambiance this is not the place for you. If you want great reasonably priced Italian cuisine in a clean and cute little storefront restaurant than this is the ticket!
Caven R.
Really great, authentic Italian food. Great service and so friendly. Can order by phone for pick up.
Jonathan Y.
This hole in the wall spot is one of the best local Italian spots you will encounter. Dina makes each of her dishes with care and it shows. Try anything on her menu and you will see what I am talking about!
I called to ask whether a salad could be made without the dressing and salt mixed in, to accommodate a health situation I’m currently navigating. I even pointed out that I understand it might be a weird request, as a way of acknowledging my situation without having to go into detail about it with a stranger. The woman I spoke to responded by saying “yeah that is weird.” Given I wasn’t asking for her opinion on my current dietary restrictions, I then re-asked her whether or not my request was possible. She explained that they can’t do that because as soon as the lentils are done, they add a vinaigrette to them. Totally fair. I asked what ingredients are in the vinaigrette and she responded “this is too complicated” in a frustrated tone then hung up on me.I’m not sure how asking simple questions is too complicated, but I am sure I would not give my business to a place that treats customers like this. That was unnecessarily unkind.Update: The phone call lasted 54 seconds. I also didn’t realize that the restaurant was not open, and don’t understand why the owner picked up my call if they didn’t have the bandwidth to talk. That sounds like a poor decision on their end; not something to take out on a customer. Had I known that context I would have happily and easily called back later.Finally, I had no expectations at all — these are my dietary issues and I’m fully aware I’m the one responsible for dealing with them — I only had two simple questions and they were met with unnecessary rudeness. Similar to the owner’s response here.You don’t have to accommodate anyone you don’t want to, but you can easily find ways to do so without being mean. I left this review so people with dietary restrictions can understand that this is not the spot for them, and avoid being made to feel like something’s is wrong with them for asking questions that pertain to their health. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.On that note, I’m going to choose to be kind and wish you a good day with easier customers ;)Dietary restrictions: It seems to me they don’t care to accommodate dietary restrictions (which is fair / their prerogative as business owners), or treat them like they’re valid. The latter of which is frustrating.
This is a true gem! I have never had a better caprese sandwich in my life. They make their own fresh mozzarella and the bread was fantastic. Truly gourmet food at bargain prices.
Pick anything on the menu and you will be satisfied. Lovely cafe for our Midtown ♡
The best sandwiches! Homemade bread and desserts! Tiny place with few tables but well worth the trip.
The best foods around! Sandwiches, salads, pasta, all made with fresh ingredients with great flavors. I look forward to trying the pizza. Oh yeah, the desserts are great too. Cozy restaurant with plenty of ambiance. Stop by for some great comfort food.
GNOCCHI is do DIE for, seriously eat it guys. A coworker ordered from here and got me something and it was great, I'll have to order here very often. The Turkey and Brie sandwich is delicious and always a consistent choice. The owner is super nice and great at her job.
I had high hopes for this cafe as it is near my place of work. We ordered two dishes; the chicken havarti sandwich & the pasta bolognese. The sandwich was dry, the chicken was so hard & bland I could barely chew it. Service was not friendly & when my friend requested parmesan cheese for her bland pasta the employee shouted, "No!" The ambiance is casual, seemed clean but no music or interesting theme. There are far better places to eat with better service & delicious food that is more affordable.
best lasagna I think I've ever had. the spinach lasagna is a healthy and yummy food choice for lunch or dinner, I highly recommend
Brio has one of the best meat ricotta lasagna I have eaten not too rich or not too heavy. It's fresh and light but still satisfying to my palette. Lasagna is freshly made, ricotta is made in house along with all sauces and breads love this place
Good authentic meatball sub. Really moist. I just wish the meatball was seared a bit for texture.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best Italian in Ventura by far. They added pizza and it’s the best in the city far and away.Very authentic and fresh
I've tried many different sandwiches, pizzas, gnocchi dishes here and they were all terrific. If you have time for something other than fast food, I would recommend Brio Cafe if you want to enjoy yourself. You can always order ahead anyways.
What a great little cafe. My wife and I stopped in for a meal. Its a tiny little storefront cafe on Main St. with a few tables and chairs inside. Very clean and bright. There was 1 table for 2 outside on the walkway. We were warmly greeted. We ordered a large salad and the meat ricotta lasagna. The food was scrumptious! Fresh salad with tasty dressing. Hot lasagna with a terrific meaty sauce. If your looking for a big fancy pricey restaurant with ambiance this is not the place for you. If you want great reasonably priced Italian cuisine in a clean and cute little storefront restaurant than this is the ticket!
Really great, authentic Italian food. Great service and so friendly. Can order by phone for pick up.
This hole in the wall spot is one of the best local Italian spots you will encounter. Dina makes each of her dishes with care and it shows. Try anything on her menu and you will see what I am talking about!