Our Story

Rocco Bruno always dreamed of opening an eatery. He came so close, but his dream was cut short by a fire that destroyed his pizza restaurant. Today, that dream lives on through his son, Cal, and his wife, Genevieve.

As a child and young adult, Cal spent almost every summer in Sicily, where food was more than just sustenance—it was a passion. Deciding what to prepare for meals often took hours, and most of the day was spent gathering the freshest ingredients. At Bruno’s of Brooklyn, we are committed to carrying forward that tradition for all to enjoy.

After over three years of planning, their family relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to Fort Myers, Florida. It took another year to find the perfect space for Bruno’s of Brooklyn, which opened its doors on 2112 Second St in 2014.

Now, in 2024, we are proudly celebrating our 10th anniversary of bringing authentic Italian flavors and heartfelt hospitality to the community of Fort Myers.

People often ask Cal where he was trained to cook or which culinary institute he attended. He always says,

“My culinary education was held every Sunday in the family kitchen, with three generations of Brunos passing down their expertise to me.”

The recipes, or ricette, are over a century old. The only thing that has changed is the kitchen they’re prepared—not the ingredients or the methods. Cal and Genevieve have worked every role in restaurants, from dishwasher to host, and are proud to bring their experience to Bruno’s of Brooklyn.

They are especially excited to share the rich Sicilian culture with you. From delicacies like sfingi (Italian zeppole, Sicilian puff pastries) to panella di ceci (Sicilian fritters popular on the streets of Palermo), they bring the authentic tastes of Sicily to your table.

No matter where you’re from, Bruno’s of Brooklyn is a place you’ll want to visit again and again. The food is prepared fresh daily, with moderately priced menu items perfect for everyone—from busy professionals to retirees and families. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, joining us for a cozy dinner, or planning a private event, Bruno’s of Brooklyn is your go-to place.

For more information or reservations, call us at (239) 278-0211 or email us at mangia@brunosofbrooklyn.com.

#Fuggetaboutit

– Calcedonio and Genevieve Bruno