Brunetta Tinto & Pasta — Restaurant in McAllen

Well, what a disappointment! I had high hopes that there would finally be a decent authentic Italian restaurant in the RGV. No such luck.

It started with a waiter who not only didn’t speak Italian, she didn’t speak one word of English!!!! Really??!! So, then we got a waiter who said he spoke Italian, but was lost when my Sicilian friend asked him a question.

We placed a drink order for two dry martinis, one with vodka and one with gin directly with the bartender because the waiter didn’t understand the order. When they came, we asked which one was which, and the waiter didn’t know! So, we went back to the bar and was told “we don’t have gin so we made them both with Vodka!” Huh??!!

When you look at the menu, the food descriptions are poorly written, incorrect (I.e Finnochio is fennel, not licorice) AND not proper Italian or English! The wine list is small, with only three Italian wines, but decent ones.

When you pay New York or San Francisco prices you expect better. Admittedly, the food is good, although not authentic Italian. The Pappardelle is very good, and other pastas looked good, but don’t expect your steak to be cooked to your requested temperature.

All in all…. Be while it’s a very pretty restaurant and the food is good (but expensive) I...

I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience at Brunetta in McAllen. My party and I visited the restaurant, casually dressed, expecting a relaxed dining experience given the location in a strip mall and the absence of any stated dress code. To our shock, despite six open tables and two vacant seats at the bar, we were abruptly told there was no availability.

After we left, I called to inquire about availability again and was told that seats were, in fact, available. It was clear that the staff's refusal to seat us was based solely on our casual attire. If Brunetta had a dress code, it should have been clearly communicated—especially in a venue like a strip mall where expectations are typically more laid-back.

This experience was not only frustrating but also incredibly unprofessional. The staff’s blatant dishonesty and discriminatory attitude left a very sour impression. I would not recommend Brunetta to anyone looking for a respectful and accommodating...

This was our first time and we were absolutely delighted from beginning to end. The hostess was polite and professional. We dropped by spontaneously and had no idea that there would be a long wait. She offered bar seating.

The servers were friendly, fun and professional and added to the atmosphere. Despite being extremely busy, they made paid close attention to our experience and made sure we were taken care of.

The food was spectacular. We started with the bruschetta, which was fresh, flavorful and well presented. We then had the mushroom ravioli and lasagna. Both were clearly made fresh with quality ingredients and tasted amazing. This is possibly the best Italian food we've had in the Valley!

The decor and atmosphere are is cozy but classy. There is also a great wine and cocktail selection.

I would absolutely come again. The only item we would advise about is the noise level. Be prepared to talk loudly to your company/date due to...