Bruno’s Forno, Best Italian Lunch

I am a little mad about only now finding out about Bruno’s Forno on Maunakea Street because I didn’t realize what I was missing: homemade lasagna noddles and fresh baked breads! Yeah, so who’s been holding out on me?!

Bruno’s has been around for a couple years serving authentic Italian food for lunch 7 days a week from 9 am to 3 pm and dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm.  Located in the heart of Chinatown near all the Asian hustle and bustle, I guess I overlooked this cute, clean Italian spot.  

Homemade, homemade, and homemade is what sold me at Bruno’s with their high quality cheeses, fresh ingredients, and warm and friendly service.  For my first visit to Bruno’s Megan and I shared the Lasgna Funghi and their Italian Panini. 

The lasagna funghi ($8.50) was absolutely delicious! It was not your typical lasagna with multiple layers, but two layers of homemade noodles.  The sauce was a unique mix of a white sauce, red sauce, and what seemed like a pesto sauce with portobello mushrooms and fresh mozzarella cheese.  I was thoroughly impressed with this dish and my only complaint was that I didn’t have more to eat. 

The Italian panini ($8.00) was made with salami, fresh mozzarella cheese, all on fresh baked homemade wheat bread.  There was a taste of sauce in the sandwich that I think was a spread of pesto and olive oil.  This sandwich was toasted, so served warm, and every bite was really enjoyable.  Both lunch entrees came with  a fresh mixed organic green salad and the lasagna dish also came with fresh baked ciabatta bread.   

If those two dishes didn’t sell me on this place, Megan decided to spurge (on the calories) and ordered a slice of their lemon cheesecake ($3.50).  The cheesecake was creamy and homemade tasting with just the right amount of zesty lemon flavor, and just the thing to roll me out of there with a huge smile on my face. 

Only after my first visit, I am completely sold on this place and can’t wait to go back again.  Great Italian food is hard to come by in Hawaii, and I am very appreciative of a good Italian meal!