Brianno's Deli Italia Eagan MN — Restaurant in Eagan

Short version: The place for pizza. Really. Skip the rest and go here.

Long Version: The pizza here is surreal. I mean really, real good. I've eaten pies from Naples to New York, across the U.S., Asia and even the Middle East (don't do that-just trust me on that) and these fine folks hold their own with any of them. The crust is thin, Neapolitan-style and has the perfect combination of flavor and chewy consistency. The toppings are generous, but not overwhelming. The sauce is good and applied in reasonable quantities. All told, this is the best week-night-don't-want-to-cook pizza I've found in the area. You're not going to find shaved truffles, or lemongrass on the list of ingredients. Just solid, delicious Italian-American style food that will please your taste buds.

Now, be warned: This is an Italian deli. You can get pizza, tiramisu, and cold-cut meats and cheeses, but there is no place for you to sit. During busier times, you will be waiting in a line - but it's well worth it. Call ahead for your order and show up about ten minutes before they tell you it'll be done They won't give you pizza in a cardboard container. You get your pie in a paper sack that's sort of inflated to keep it off the cheese. I recommend putting it on a seat warmer (if you have one) and putting a light blanket over top to keep it as warm as possible (even in the summer). Believe me, it makes a difference in any take out food!

I have been meaning to try some of their other fare, but just haven't managed to get past the ethereal pizza. This is my go-to spot for pizza and that's not an easy accolade to earn! Skip all the terrible chains and go here and enjoy it the way that-a-mama...

TDLR: Lovely little shop doing a lot in a small space. Fresh bread, sandwiches, pizza, sliced meats. Take home prepped pizzas, meals, desserts, bottle sodas, soups, etc. You won't be disappointed in a visit for lunch or a quick browsing of choices. Worth the visit for a hot, cold, frozen meal. It definitely feels a bit tucked away although it is only a half block back from Cliff Road. Upon entry, it seems like it can be confusing a bit as there are a lot of counters and display cases, but no "Order Here" sign. Stick to the right and stop at the display of choice, assuming there is no line. I imagine this place could be packed at the right hour.

They have a surprising variety of cold and frozen prepped food/meals to buy. Very much like Von Hansens, but with some other choices. 4/$10 cooler of glass bottle sodas, root beers, etc. 8 different desserts by the slice that look great. Deli meat, cheese, hoagie bread, pasta, peppers. Nice variety to change it up every visit.

I got a hot italian sandwich to go. Plenty of lettuce, onions, and vinegar, with two tomato slices. Simple sandwich but it was delicious. Warm and soft bread, with a little crunch on the outside. I will definitely be back to try other sandwiches. $10 for 6 inch sandwich is fairly priced since everything was freshly baked or sliced I think.

The pizza looks great and I see many positive reviews from others. I will be trying these in the future as it feels more like a pizza you would get from a local pizzeria in your hometown. They are priced the same as those, but nothing crazy compared to other similar pizza shops that aren't part of a...

I've been going to Brianno's for many years, and it has never failed to be fantastic. Before I moved into the city, Brianno's was on my way between home and work, but now it takes a special drive, which is totally worth it! I can't even tell you how many times I've gotten food there or how many people I've taken with me. It's just SO GOOD!

In addition to getting food there a kazillion times, I've catered food from there for business events and parties, and it's always a hit -- their Brianno's special hoagie, great salad and olive selections, mixed berry tiramisu, and house made cheesecake are easy wins. Their fresh made Italian bread and basil vinaigrette addicted me long ago! I'll drive there just for their Chicago hot roast beef, and that's all before you get to their amazing pizza and the hot case with the day's offerings of pastas, lasagna, meat entrees, and their sausage with peppers and onions. Okay, I"m hungry!

I'll acknowledge that Brianno's isn't particularly cheap but is still a good value considering you're getting truly excellent food made with ingredients that are not cheap, and there are very few real Italian delis in the Twin Cities. I'm also impressed with the many familiar faces I still see who have been there for years -- that's a pretty good sign they're doing more right than just the great food. I just figured after all this time, I should give them the review...