Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Go-To Italian Restaurant in Portland, ME
Founded in 1981 by Bob Napolitano, Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company began as a modest bar in Portland's Little Italy neighborhood. Over four decades, we evolved from serving simple hot dogs and beer to becoming a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine in Maine. Our menu features time-honored favorites like calzones, fresh seafood, and handcrafted pasta dishes, all rooted in family recipes. In 1999, we relocated to Allen Avenue, expanding our kitchen, seating, and staff to accommodate growing demand. The 2010 addition of a banquet room solidified our role as a gathering place for celebrations, while the 2018 launch of Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company Pasta Company extended our legacy to retail and wholesale markets.Today, led by Bob and his son Danny, we remain committed to quality ingredients, warm hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Our multi-generational approach ensures every dish reflects decades of culinary expertise and a deep connection to Portland's community.
Services
Italian-American cuisine
Calzones
Pasta dishes
Catering services
Banquet rentals
Retail pasta sales
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We've served Portland since 1981 with authentic Italian-American recipes
- Multi-generational family ownership ensures culinary expertise and consistency
- Our banquet room accommodates celebrations of all sizes
- Pasta made fresh daily using traditional methods
- Wholesale and retail pasta products available statewide
Services
Italian-American cuisine
Our menu features classic Italian-American dishes made from scratch using time-tested recipes. From handcrafted pasta to fresh seafood, every meal emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. The kitchen prepares daily portions to ensure optimal freshness and flavor consistency.
Calzones
Handmade calzones filled with premium ingredients remain one of our most popular offerings. Each calzone uses our signature dough recipe developed over four decades. Available with various fillings including spinach, cheese, and pepperoni combinations.
Catering services
We provide full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Our catering menu includes family-style platters and buffet options featuring signature dishes. Professional staff handles setup, service, and cleanup at your chosen venue.
Banquet rentals
Our dedicated banquet room accommodates up to 50 guests for special occasions. The space features audiovisual equipment, customizable seating, and direct kitchen access for fresh meal service. Ideal for weddings, reunions, and business meetings.
Retail pasta sales
Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company Pasta Company offers frozen ravioli and other pasta products for home preparation. Each batch uses the same recipes and ingredients as our restaurant dishes. Available at select Maine retailers and through our wholesale distribution program.
People
Bob Napolitano
Founder
Founded Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company in 1981 as a small bar in Portland's Little Italy. Expanded operations through multiple renovations while maintaining culinary traditions. Oversaw development of signature recipes and restaurant growth into a community institution.
Danny Napolitano
Manager
Joined the family business in 2010, bringing multi-generational continuity to operations. Manages daily restaurant functions while preserving original recipes and service standards. Focuses on maintaining community connections and quality control.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company serve?
We specialize in Italian-American cuisine featuring handmade pasta, calzones, fresh seafood, and traditional Italian dishes made from scratch.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with menu options for weddings, corporate events, and private parties throughout Portland.
Can I purchase Bruno's Restaurant & Pasta Company Restaurant & Pasta Company pasta products retail?
Our frozen ravioli and pasta products are available at select Maine retailers and directly through our wholesale program.
Do you have banquet facilities for events?
Our banquet room accommodates up to 50 guests with customizable seating and full catering services for special occasions.
What are your operating hours?
We serve Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM for both dining and takeout orders.
Reviews (7)
Kellie Retherford
Jan 03, 2022
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Pros: ambiance is nice, service was pretty good. My husband liked his veal parmigiana.
Cons: unfortunately the food was flavorless. I had the seafood stuffed haddock but the seafood stuffing had essentially no flavor after it was drowned in the butter under the fish. Calamari was pretty tough and no flavor in the batter whatsoever. For 88 dollars, this was a rather disappointing dinner.
Cons: unfortunately the food was flavorless. I had the seafood stuffed haddock but the seafood stuffing had essentially no flavor after it was drowned in the butter under the fish. Calamari was pretty tough and no flavor in the batter whatsoever. For 88 dollars, this was a rather disappointing dinner.
David Pooler
Nov 25, 2021
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This place is great! One side is an upscale dining room, the other side is more casual. The food is always fresh and well prepared. Good beer selection and well made cocktails. Reasonable prices and large portions. Friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
Elizabeth Gonzales
Nov 13, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism
Went in tried to order a Cesar salad with ranch dressing- the waiter said I dont know if they can do that- I mean why cant they do that. Just put the salad together and bring ranch out. They dont like to substitute anything. They dont like changing the menu at all. I would not recommend.
Went in tried to order a Cesar salad with ranch dressing- the waiter said I dont know if they can do that- I mean why cant they do that. Just put the salad together and bring ranch out. They dont like to substitute anything. They dont like changing the menu at all. I would not recommend.
Eileen Lynch
Nov 12, 2021
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Loved it!! We were visiting from out of state and been there before was the best food ever. Recommend to go and enjoy the food and great atmosphere. Will allways eat there when we visit.
Paul Carney
Oct 30, 2021
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All four of us had great food! The entres and appetizers were perfect, the staff is amazing. We are thankful to have Bruno's as a restaurant on our "regular" list!
Jean Lorenz
Oct 13, 2021
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We go to Brunos every time we are in Portland, Maine. The food is consistently good, and the staff are consistently personable. And it is convenient to where our son and daughter-in-law live. We simply enjoy everything about Brunos.
Lena Filannino
Sep 02, 2021
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We waited atleast 25 minutes to be greeted at our table.Then waited quite a while for our drinks. Dinner came out very slow, we were told the kitchen is backed up. All the above is understood. Greet me and give me a drink, the lack of service would have been more acceptable. Service wasn't the best, however the food was delicious.
