Brio Tuscan Grille

Loved the atmosphere! The flatbreads, bread basket, desserts and kids salmon was great!

Excellent experience with unbelievable service! Took advantage of a nice Sunday morning brunch on the balcony, first time taking my kids and it was memorable experience for them as well. Food was extremely delicious, my youngest daughter loves their French Toast! Kenneth was our server, again excellent experience!

My co worker suggested it! So I went there on date with my boyfriend! And we loved it! The service was great! And the food was so delicious!

We wanted to try a new restaurant while we were in Kansas City and one of my co-​workers suggested Brio. It also happened to be right across from our hotel so it ended up being our choice.
We went in on Saturday night around 730. Unfortunately, all the tables had been reserved until 930 and they wouldn’t even start with the walk-​in wait until then. We were able to get two stools at the bar though so that allowed us to skip the wait. I believe the bartender that took care of us was Stephen. He was friendly and allowed us plenty of time to look over the menu and make our selections (I was indecisive).
We ended up ordering Spinach Artichoke Dip for an appetizer, we split the Lobster Shrimp Alfredo entrée, and also shared a mini-​Crème Brulee for dessert. I also had a cocktail. Everything was excellent. The Spinach Dip was some of the best I have had, the Alfredo had a good portion of Lobster and Shrimp, and the Crème Brulee was fantastic. Our meal totaled $ 60.
The restaurant is nicely decorated and surrounded by stuff to do in The Plaza. We will be back the next time we visit Kansas City!

Valentine and I were blessed with a kid sitter for dinner on the big Vee-​Day, freeing us up for a rare celebratory meal. Café Trio was first choice, but they were only offering a rigid prix-​fixe menu for dinner that cost an arm, with a side of leg. No thanks.
So, in light of that, we narrowed our sights on Brio, who had their full menu open and ready for business.
We made a reservation, checked in about 15 minutes before time, and were shown to a table about 20 minutes after our reservation time. Not too great on a normal day, but this wasn’t a normal day. No gripe here.
The place was a zoo (a controlled zoo, mind you) — loud and extremely crowded — and the wait staff was working its tail off. Our particular waiter was attentive, and quick to let us know that the kitchen was working hard, but that food was taking a bit of time to make it out after ordering. He was right: the wait was long, but less dramatic with him having set the proper expectation with us up front. Well done on him.
We have been on a total lobster bisque kick, and have tried it just about everywhere it’s been on offer in the past 3 years. Brio’s is creamy, thick and smooth, with a good amount of lobster in it. The healthy portion was easily enough to satisfactorily split for an appetizer.
My bride ordered the steak medallions with vegetables, which we agreed was one of the best three steaks we’ve ever eaten. Ever. Anywhere. It was incredible.
I ordered the shrimp and lobster pasta in butter sauce. The noodles were perfectly cooked, there were lots of shrimp and lobster. The sauce was nice — not too thick or rich, but just enough so.
We shared a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse layers and chocolate icing for dessert (after much deliberation, a little to our waiter’s visible chagrin), and it was sinful. Rich, smooth, chocolatey heaven. I highly recommend it!
Food = ⁵⁄₅
Facility = ⁴⁄₅
Service = ⁴⁄₅
Ambiance = ¹⁄₅
Value = ⁴⁄₅

It’s very difficult to decide between 4 & 5 stars. We had great food and service, but there were a couple pieces that showed room for improvement.
It was a cold evening. We decided to go to Brio before a movie next door. When we asked about low seating (vs bar stools), the hostess suggested we try out the couches upstairs. I was expecting something more like booth seating, but instead it was these huge worn out couches. You might as well sit on the floor. No extra pillows to prop you up, you just kind of lay there trying to not liok ridiculous.
Anyway, we orderedvthe tots and burger from the happy hour menu. We’d mentioned we were going to the movie so the waiter was fast to take note so we wouldn’t be late.
The food came out reasonably fast. The burger was a little rare on the edges, but still within my comfort range. The chips that came with it were great. The tots were fluffy and very good. They were nothing like I expected, but still a pleasant surprise. I’m not a fan of sriracha, but loved the sriracha aioli, even with the chips.
We were fans of the bread (maybe a beer bread?) but enjoyed the crispy flat breads.
The server checked on us just the right number of times. When we paid we had a gift card that covered the majority of the tab, then gave him cash to cover the remainder.
We rushed off to the movies only to realize we’d been shorted on our change by the amount of the gift card.
So, we sat through the movie worrying about it, then went back expecting issues. The manager came out and it took awhile to convince him. Turns out he swiped the gift card, but didn’t complete the transaction. It took quite a long time if standing at the front door while the manager got our refund. I think that could have been handled better. It was obvious ny the receipts that we were telling the truth, but he «punished us» by making us stand there for a really long time as he got the money back for us with really very little apology.
The food was great and we’ll crave it, but I’m not sure I’ll be back. The stars are definitely for the food and not the experience.

I love the smell of Italian that hits me as soon as I walk in the door. However, I go straight past the bar, up the steps and try to grab one of the many sofa/​chair seating areas. The fireplace is awesome but it’s a popular spot! Waiters/​waitress are always very attentive and friendly. Somehow this is always where we end up when on the Plaza. The flatbreads are really good. I am a huge fan of the spicy shrimp and eggplant appetizer — both definitely can be shared between 4 people easily.

We had dinner here last night and had a great experience. This is our first time in KC and we really enjoyed the area the restaurant is in. The holiday lights and shops made a perfect backdrop for a pleasant stroll before dinner. You can take lighted carriage rides too.
The restaurant has a beautifully romantic atmosphere with low lighting, elegant decorations, and comfortable seating in a large open dining room with a view of the glassed in kitchen.
We got reservations online and only waited about 10 minutes upon arriving even though it was New Years Day and pretty busy. Our server greeted us promptly and was very nice and friendly.
They have a small gluten free menu but it does include gf pasta which is always a treat. I had the Caesar salad, the carbonara pasta, and the crème brûlée. My guy had the Chicken Milanese. The Caesar dressing was incredibly delicious, one of the best I’ve had. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh. Both of our entrees had excellent flavor, were perfectly prepared, and large portions. The crème brûlée was great in flavor but not properly caramelized, but amazing regardless.
Our server was especially attentive to any of our needs and even brought me an extra glass of Cabernet the bar had accidentally poured. Price was reasonable for the area, food quality and quantity made it worth it. Definitely recommend giving this place a try.

My family and I hit up Brio on Saturday night for dinner following my cousin’s small wedding ceremony. We were a large party of about 15 and the restaurant was packed with the usual weekend evening crowd, so that’s something to keep in mind.
The pasta was a solid step above Olive Garden and, heads up vegetarians, they can make any of the pasta dishes without meat. They should mention that on the menu.
The big disappointment and the reason why I knocked off a star was the fact that my cousin’s stepdaughter was brought the wrong kid’s meal. I very clearly heard her say that she wanted two chicken nugget plates and her little girl was brought to tears (you know how four-​year-​olds are.) when she received a plate of what looked like Mac and Cheese.
On top of that, it took them 10 minutes plus to bring her out the right dish. This didn’t ruin our night or anything and she quickly forgot about it once the nuggets arrived, but it was a bit disappointing.
Also, it was pretty loud in there and difficult to have a conversation with anyone who wasn’t next to you. Again, probably par for the course with a nice restaurant in a hip part of town, but again, a little disappointing in the moment.

Busy Friday Night!
After almost two years since my last visit to the place! I regret visiting one a busy night!
Although, we had a reservation, we waited for +20 minutes, been called to our table, to be seated in the back of their busy dining room. That would not be a problem, if one of our party was not on a wheelchair! Which they watched for +20 minutes waiting!!! We had to bug and interrupt people’s meal to get to our table! What a quietly organizing skill of the TWO hosts! Our waiter was kind of cold and unwelcoming! I mean it suppose to be a classy restaurant! Then got our orders which were tasty, yet cold!
As I recall the place was great and decent, but it seems like they CANNOT handle busy times. Thus, avoid those times, you might enjoy the place.
P. S. The Shrimp and Eggplant appetizer worth every calorie, enjoy it!

Atmosphere is nice, presentation and flavor… good.
Willing to accommodate for gluten but not a lot of options. Online menu is not the same as when you get here.
Seafood entrée plates are small… More like a couple bites. Slightly disappointed for price. (Scallops were on point)
Steak, pork chop, and Mac and cheese are great portions and very very good.

I’m not sure why I had waited so long to return to Brio for happy hour, they always do a great job. I went with a friend prior to an engagement at Unity Temple. Although we were on a schedule, we didn’t think we needed to rush. Unfortunately we did not have great service; we chose to sit on the second floor patio and all of the tables were having the same experience. Luckily the bar and kitchen were holding up their end of the deal; great food and drinks! We shared the Eggplant and shrimp in Pepper cream sauce and the Margarita flatbread — both were amazing! I will definitely be back for the atmosphere, the food/​drink specials and hopefully better service.

Wow, Cassandra our waitress is fantastic and very accommodating. She was so attentive especially concerning our million requests for the grandchildren that we brought with.
The calamari was good but could have used a touch of sea salt but other than that it was super. The capr salad was fantastic not to mention the Makers Mark Manhattans.

Happy Hour Review: Outstanding. One of the best in KC for the quality of food, drinks, prices, and hours. The lounge upstairs is hip and there’s a ton of seating, indoors and on the balcony outside.
Best dishes: All of them are delicious, but I like the Beef Carpaccio salad, the black pepper shrimp, and the flatbreads. All dishes are under $ 6 and the portions are large enough for two people to split. I believe the drinks are all under $ 6, too.
Brio is always my first choice when looking for a good happy hour. The late night happy hour is always a great time. Highly recommended.

I really love Brio. I’ve been here dozens of times and the only reason I’m not going 5 stars is that it’s overpriced– a recent dinner for 4 with 4 entrees, one appetizer, 2 cocktails and one dessert was $ 150.00. Even at lunch, 2 entrees and 2 drinks came to about $ 40.00. The food is really delicious, but still… They do have a rewards card, though, and after I’d racked up points (don’t know how the system works, but everything is stored on your card) I got $ 15 off my bill. Plus you get a reward for your birthday month.
One time we ordered takeout and the Chicken Parm was undercooked and disgusting, but every time we’ve dined in we’ve had great food– my daughter is obsessed with their lobster bisque, my mom always orders the ‘chicken under a brick’ dish and raves about it. They serve a complimentary bread basket that is dynamite– warm, soft sourdough with real butter on the side, and seeded, herb crackers. Major yum! I love that their salads are served very cold on a cold plate. Try the chopped salad– really different and special. The bruschetta is consistently good, and the caprese salad is one of my faves in the city (it’s a life goal of mine to try everyone’s caprese salad) although on my most recent visit it was a bit too salty and swimming in too much balsamic.
The wine & cocktail list is on the medium to large side. They’re also one of the only places in KC that I know of that serves bottled Benedetto bottled iced peach tea. (Parisi Café at Union Station also has it.) It’s the most delicious tea, my goodness!!!
The décor is lovely, sumptuous, warm, relaxing, and comfortable. Brio has a really nice, non-​chain restaurant feel to it. The staff is consistently good– very kind, attentive people.

I came here on a Saturday for lunch, but I could see how this place would be better as a dinner option.
It was a hot day and we chose to sit outside, so refreshing drinks were a must. We tried a peach bellini and a rose sangria. Very sweet! The bellini was frozen like a daiquiri, and I hadn’t seen that before.
I had the Shrimp Mediterranean, which is described as «spicy grilled jumbo shrimp, orzo, farro, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, Feta, pesto vinaigrette.» If you like Italian vinagrette from the bottle, you will like this dish. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. The shrimp were very nice, however.
My mother (who has actually had cooking lessons in Tuscany) very much enjoyed her risotto and caesar salad, so I’m adding a star for that. I think I just was unlucky with my dish selection!

Went here at an odd time; Sunday afternoon around 3.
The place was pretty empty. We walked in and were greeted by some of the hostesses. We then were walked back to our table. The hostess proceeded to dart of to the table. My family is a little slow, due to the fact we were with my 80 year old grandmother. She almost made it to the table before noticing we were still at the front. She then came back and proceeded to walk just as fast. Where I work, this is a big no no. We take our guests speed into consideration and walk at a pace that fits their speed.
Our server was cute and nice, but kind of quiet and hard to understand. He lacked knowledge in some areas, but had a bunch in others. I always ask the server their opinion on a couple dishes I’m thinking about ordering. He gave me his opinions, which I found helpful.
The food was very good. It was warm, but not super hot. I think salmon should be server hot, not warm. It was all very good though. Our server then presented the desserts and was very patient. He explained them all very well, it was just very hard to hear him.
**two things that were kind of annoying:
–We had to ask for bread and oil. Maybe the restaurant doesn’t do this like it use to? But when we asked for it, it was like they never do that. In the past, the bread has always just been brought out, without even asking.
–We had to ask for grated Parmesan for the pastas. I kind of feel like this should just be expected after the food arrives.
Overall, it was an ok experience. We will of course be back, since we enjoy the location and food.

I enjoyed my grilled salmon salad. The grilled salmon, grilled asparagus, tomatoes, feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, etc. worked well together, and there was plenty of salmon. The service from Christopher was friendly, attentive, and excellent overall. The restaurant interior was classy, and nicely done, but the open layout can lead to increased noise levels. I have never had anything less than a very good experience here.

*This is a review of their lounge and happy hour.
Brio’s happy hour is simply awesome! They have great lounge areas with sofas and big chairs. The drinks are reasonably priced and apps are priced well below what they should be.
Their flatbreads and other appetizers rarely cost more than $ 5. And they taste incredible.
We love the atmosphere of the restaurant during reverse happy hour. There is nothing like looking out over the balcony at the Plaza while you eat good food.
Highly recommend checking out their happy hour menu!

I ventured in for Happy Hour on a Monday and it was fine. I should mention that it was a holiday, so it could account for my upcoming complaints, but the food and drink were good, as was the service, so I will go back for another try.
There were A LOT of children in the upstairs bar area… i know, you are going to say that yes, if you are drinking at 3:30 on a weekday there could be a few kiddos hanging about, but I mean that almost every table and sofa had kids on or around it. The bar tender, when asked, did not indicate that this was out of the norm. This is the reason that I only gave it 3 stars.
Food, drinks, and service were at least a 4. The drinks ranged from $ 4 – 6 and ranged from the Italian lemonade (surprisingly refreshing and not as sweet as you would guess) to the martini and Manhattan, with several mojitos and other frilly concoctions thrown in for good measure. The menu also looked good – many choices, including a $ 5 hamburger and some delicious-​sounding shrimp. Our group sampled the spinach and artichoke dip – a very large portion for a happy hour price.
The atmosphere, less the kids, was nice with conversation areas and a fireplace. The balcony seating is also nice, since they have wrapped it for cold weather (the sun without the frigid temps). Our bartender was very nice – letting us sample to ensure the drinks would not be too sweet– and ensuring that we always had refills.