By Clare Wallace
Walking into Brio on a sunny Tuesday lunchtime, with a friend – light filling this large Italian restaurant, we were greeted warmly by the vivacious and, of course Italian, Walter, front of house.
We were seated at a comfortable table by the window and promptly given marinated olives and bread sticks as an appetiser. We nibbled on them while perusing the extensive menus which head chef Eduardo prepares, and you can see him working his magic in the open-plan kitchen, the first in Shoreham.
This restaurant and pizzeria is definitely run the Italian way – passionate and comfortable, and with flair. The open-planned interior is modern and tasteful in its décor with wood floor, cream leather high-backed chairs and simple floral arrangements with stylish paintings.
also plenty of parking and a taxi rank is right next door if you were planning a celebration.
There are fresh, daily seafood specials and all the fish is caught locally off Shoreham. There’s plenty of meat dishes as well as a wide range of vegetarian options, and pastas galore with interesting sauces you can choose to go with penne, spaghetti and tagliatelle, such as smoked salmon, cream, paprika and vodka or baby clams, mussels, garlic, chilli and tomato.
A selection of stone-baked pizzas and risottos are offered, not forgetting the house specialities, soups and salads, so there really is something for everyone.
something for everyone. It took quite a while to decide from the all the tempting dishes but I plumped for the Parmagiana di Melanzane – that’s layers of aubergine, mozzarella and parmesan cheese to you and me – which melt in the mouth. Delicious. All the starters are reasonably priced at around £5.95, while pasta and pizza dishes are priced at around £6.50, excluding seafood.
beautifully presented with perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables and potatoes and the whole meal was divine. The glass of house wine I had to accompany it was excellent. Other mains on offer were escalope of veal in a cream, artichoke and brandy sauce (£12.50), and fillet of beef in a balsamic vinegar, cherry tomato and rocket sauce (£14.95).
For dessert I had a superb limoncello ice-cream, which was not too sweet and not too tart, and the outside had a slight fizz – just right! All of the desserts sounded scrumptious.
Brio brings the pleasures of La Dolce Vita – the good life – to Shoreham, where you can mingle with family and friends. There is the option of a table for one to parties of up to 75 people – ideal for the Christmas office bash. And there is live jazz music every other Monday evening. The food is high quality but good value, the service friendly and the atmosphere relaxed. Bravo Brio!
Brio, 46 Brunswick Road, Shoreham by Sea 01273 446445; special offers Monday-Friday 12 noon-6pm, and a specialist catering service is also available. Open 7 days a week 12 noon till late.