Bruno’s is the kind of Italian familiar to those who grew up on the East Coast of the United States as I did. Pizzas are lovingly cooked to order and waited for. And forget "trendy" combinations; this is old-fashioned, southern Italian pizza (which means the kind of pizza immigrants favored for decades after they settled New York and environs). A visit to Bruno’s is just a bit nostalgic for me as the food reminds me of the kind I would enjoy after I had inveigled an invitation to have dinner (we called it supper) at an "Italian" girlfriend’s house. Exotic to me and far different from the Irish-American cookery I learned to disdain.This restaurant serves large portions at economy prices and consistently draws a steady clientele. Servers are usually students of both genders who attend the local junior college or university. They are speedy with your drinks and friendly as they really appreciate tips. The "Come Back to Sorrento" atmosphere with marble counters, comfy booths, and murals all around, encourages one to relax and appreciate the more leisurely pace here. Their olive oil pizza is unique in that it has no cheese, just garlic, jalapenos, Italian parsley, tomato, and scallions-a vegetarian’s vote! For me, the Jumbo Shrimp Alfredo tempts, as well as their Chicken Marsala.
Their salads are rather standard garden variety, so I usually opt for soup-their minestrone is very good with lots of vegetables. Often, just the entrée suffices, though their dessert tray can make you decide you still have room to eat one. However, a warning is in order; their lasagne is so filling that you will not be able to have a dessert. This Italian favorite is open daily from 11 to 10. A Bruno’s II is located at 2216 South Camino Real, Oceanside, Suite 123. I hear their Sunday Champagne Brunch (from 10-3) is very good, and that they have a great view of the adjoining golf course around sunset time.