The good news first, when I walked in this time, that awful sewage smell from my last visit was…read moregone. Huge improvement there. I was honestly hoping management might have addressed my previous review since we've been longtime regulars, but I never heard a word. I do think it matters when management acknowledges loyal customers, but maybe that's just me. This visit was definitely better. We had a much better waiter, service felt smoother, and my dinner was actually delicious. It reminded me of all the reasons we used to come here once or twice a week. That said, something still feels like it's missing. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's just not quite the same as it used to be. This used to be our go-to spot without question, and now it's become more of an every-few-months kind of place. They're close. Very close. I keep hoping they'll recapture the magic they once had, because I really do miss it. I'm rooting for them, but they're not quite there yet.

This to me was a 3.5-4 star place. It was clean, and busy. The pastas were very good, although the…read morechicken in the chicken parm was overcooked. Needed a knife to cut. The pizza was light and crispy, no complaints. We also ordered the calamari and an entree Caesar salad. The calamari was cooked good but the marinara was very watery. The salad was fine, but I'm my opinion small and plain for an entree size, and the croutons were not crispy. It gave the vibes of a place that wanted to be old school Italian, but quick service like a chain restaurant. Overall a good experience, and would go back, but my expectations are more realistic for next time. We did have 2 sodas and a pitcher of beer too. Good for a quick date night but not a huge value for a family dinner IMO.

For authentic Italian cuisine in Brentwood, this continues to be one of our absolute favorite go-to…read moredestinations. From the moment you arrive, the inviting ambiance, warm hospitality, and attention to detail create a good atmosphere for an exceptional dining experience. The service is consistently polished, welcoming, and attentive without ever feeling rushed, the type of place that immediately makes you feel comfortable and excited for the meal ahead. We started the evening with the Caesar Salad, prepared with crisp romaine, freshly shaved Parmesan Reggiano, and homemade croutons that delivered the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The dressing had just the right amount of acidity and richness, creating a fresh and classic start to the evening. For the entrée, I enjoyed Mamma Carmela's Lasagna, and it absolutely delivered. The combination of seasoned beef and veal layered between perfectly cooked pasta, rich traditional sauce, and melted cheese created the kind of comforting Italian dish that brings you back to Italy with each and every bite. Rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced, this is true classic Italian comfort food done right. Alongside dinner, I tried their famous Nutella-rimmed Espresso Martini. The presentation was fantastic and definitely added a fun touch to the evening. While the drink was smooth and indulgent, it leaned a bit thicker and sweeter than my personal preference, as I tend to enjoy a more traditional espresso martini with a stronger espresso-forward balance. Still, those who enjoy a richer, dessert-style cocktail will likely appreciate the creative twist and bold flavor profile. What truly stands out about this restaurant is the consistency. Whether you are stopping in for a casual dinner, date night, or gathering with friends and family, they continue to deliver quality food, excellent service, and an atmosphere that keeps you coming back. Good Italian food is about more than just a meal, it is about the experience, the conversation, the wine/drinks, and the feeling of slowing down to truly enjoy the moment. This place captures that beautifully. If you have not yet experienced this Brentwood gem, you are absolutely missing out on one of the area's good authentic Italian dining experiences. We are already looking forward to the next visit, as summer is here!

WHY WE WENT HERE: - belated Mother's Day brunch…read more THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Oak St and 1st St - some generously shaded outdoor seating in the front; semi-enclosed outdoor seating in the rear THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - bar and Mediterranean nautical decor throughout - single person restrooms available THE MENU: - insalate - antipasti - primi - secondi - kid's menu - dessert WHAT WE ORDERED: - caesar salad - bruschetta locanda - brussel sprouts - eggplant parmigiana - lasagna - spaghetti - steak and eggs - mimosas THE TASTE: - the antipasti was good; refreshing and filling - entrees were fine; spaghetti seemed plain; steak and eggs wasn't filling for my husband - we didn't like that the mimosas were premixed CUSTOMER SERVICE: - had a reservation, seated promptly, service was slow for the mimosa refills though

I met up with my cousins for lunch and what treat. It…read morestarted with 2 kinds of fresh hot bread served with a marinara sauce. I couldn't figure which bread I liked best both were great. Two of us had the seabass which came with steamed vegetables and pasta. I'm a fisherman so eat fresh fish often so rarely order at restaurants but was told by the server it was great so gave it a try. To say it was great is an understatement. It was incredible. The bass was a very large portion served over a tomato, basil, olive oil and capers baked in a parchment paper tent. The fish was super flaky and moist. Pasta and vegies cooked perfectly and of course fresh Parmesan Cheese over the top. The other's had the steak sandwich and Italian sausage sandwiches with french fries. Both loved their food. If you haven't been to this place you should give it a try. I will be back! Jim W.

They have a nice atmosphere and the best chicken piccata I've had since moving to Iowa three years…read moreago.

As someone who grew up Sicilian with my Nanu (grandfather) cooking traditional meals, I can…read morehonestly say Caffe Paradiso captured that same authenticity. The flavors were identical to what I grew up with--simple, rich, and full of love. I finally had the honor of trying it for the first time this past May on my birthday, and it instantly felt like home. Walking past recently and seeing the restaurant completely cleaned out was heartbreaking. I truly hope the owners are doing well, because what they created was something special. If they ever decide to reopen--especially in downtown Brentwood--they would absolutely thrive. People that come to downtown Brentwood appreciate authentic, high-quality food, and at the value Caffe Paradiso offered, they would have completely crushed it. Thank you, Caffe Paradiso, for giving me one unforgettable meal that brought me right back to my roots. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that this isn't the end, but just a pause before an incredible comeback.

Tucked away in the heart of Brentwood, Caffe Paradiso is a small spot that delivers a big bite of…read moreflavor. Whether you're out shopping or catching a movie next door, this charming café is a must-visit. The indoor seating is cozy, but their outdoor patio is perfect for larger groups and makes for a great hangout spot. What truly elevates the experience is the warm, attentive service from the owners -- you can tell they care about every guest who walks through their door. We tried their Spaghetti with Meatballs and Pasta Bolognese, and honestly, both were incredible. Their house-made sauce is rich, savory, and absolutely to die for -- it tasted like a meal straight from an Italian grandmother's kitchen. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brought everything together beautifully. The meatballs? Tender, flavorful, and easily some of the best we've had. It was so good my daughter almost ordered another plate just to take home -- and honestly, I don't blame her. The Bolognese was perfectly balanced, with every bite delivering layers of flavor. With a solid menu and rotating specials, Caffe Paradiso is the kind of place you'll find yourself craving. Brentwood is lucky to have it. Highly recommend -- come hungry.

Neighborhood Gem! I always select this cozy place when friends come in to town…read more Great attentive service - nice wine selection. Always start with Olive Pesto Dip, and Beet salad. My main meal is a toss up between Beef Tangine or Lamb-shank.

Went here for dinner on Valentine's Day and was a bit disappointed. The staff were friendly and…read moreseated us quickly which was great and they were attentive. The food however was overcooked, bland and basic. I'm not sure since it was a prix fixe menu if they cooked everything in advanced and reheated the food (which it seemed like they did). Our starter should have been a red flag with the soggy bread and mush smoked salmon. The chicken with Marsala sauce was ultra dry and so overcooked that the knife was having difficulty cutting it. The short rib was lukewarm and the sauce had no flavor. The veggies on both entrees were so salty that they were not edible. The only part of the dinner that was enjoyable to eat was the dessert and the lobster bisque soup. For a $200 dinner we were underwhelmed and a bit annoyed but didn't complain (maybe I should have though). This was our first time here so a little bummed this spot didn't live up to the reviews but maybe you'll have better luck. Not worth $200 in my opinion.

First time here... Positive:…read more1. Nice ambiance, quite cozy 2. Server was very nice. He kept checking on us if we needed anything. 3. Food in general was good. A little on the salty side but tolerable For improvement: 1. The food (main dishes) took a little longer to serve. Luckily we were busy chitchatting and we had our starters served quicker to tie us up while waiting for our main orders. Our food came good so perhaps you can't rush quality anyway. 2. It looks like it's on the pricey side but if the food is good, it should justify that

The waiter gave as a check for an amount of Less than $50 (1 glass of Prosecco, 1 salad and 1…read morecalamari). I paid with $100 bill and the guy (with glasses) did not even ask if I needed some change. I approached the door and I was expecting him to say something but conveniently did not and did not turn his head towards us. Myself and my friend said bye (expecting an answer) but he pretended not to hear us. He probably was thinking of being entitled to an over $50 tip on a check for less than $50. I was disgusted by that way of behaving that if I was going to say something I was going to be very upset and decided of avoid a big discussion. Well no problem....keep the over 100% tip but you are not going to see us ever again. (First and last time). An other thing that bothered me right away was the "fake ass kissing greeting way" the male waiter in question approached me when I got inside the restaurant. I do not know if the male waiter over 50 with glasses is also the manager or business owner but I am totally convinced he is in the wrong business for his way of dealing with people.

FIRST time ever coming to an Olive Garden and I had my thoughts and was pleasantly surprised. Staff…read morewas extremely friendly and we were seated right away. We shared a salad and I had the pasta with endless soup options. The flavors were decent and the prices were affordable. Staff kept checking in on us and refilling anything. Overall I can see why people come here. If you want good prices for ok italian food this is the place.

El día de ayer estuvimos en Olive Garden y fue nuestra primera vez en esta locación…read more De primera instancia nos recibió un joven asignándonos una mesa para ser atendidos por Cheyenne. Disfrutamos mi suegra, mi esposo y yo. En un principio fue complicado pedir nuestras bebidas porque mi suegra quería limonada de fresa pero nos dijeron que solo había limonada regular y de raspberry; posterior viendo el menú nos percatamos que tenían limonada con agua mineral de fresa y ahí la pedimos (sería importante reforzar todo lo que se ofrece dentro del restaurante), sea con alcohol o sin alcohol. Nuestra comida estuvo exquisita. Demasiado delicioso!! El ambiente muy familiar. Baños muy limpios y cuentan con estacionamiento. Obviamente regresaría! Me gustó el lugar, tenían buen ambiente y buen servicio.

This place is amazing and never disappoints. Have been going here for over a decade and the food…read morecontinues to be outstanding. Nick the owner is wonderful too.

My mother and I went there for Mother's Day. As expected, there was a buffet in action. The…read morefast-talking "waiter" quickly offered mimosas, and some sort of omelet or eggs Benedict that was included in the buffet. We declined all three. The buffet was decently stocked, but my mom was a bit bummed there were no waffles or pancakes. She asked and we were told only the buffet was being offered. So, fine. The food was about as good as buffets get (so so). We asked twice for water and it never arrived. We had to ask 3 times for the bill. What made matters worse was once the bill did arrive. When I opened the bill holder, it had an old-style receipt with simply "150" written down. With (what I assume) was and additional $13 for tax, I was looking at $163 for two for a buffet brunch. There was no indication of prices for the buffet anywhere. I half thought the waiter gave us the bill for the foursome next to us. While I was expecting maybe $45-$50 a person because restaurants like to wring us on these sort of holidays, I am completely flummoxed with how on this green Earth they seriously feel they could charge $75 per person. Highway robbery.