Brio Italian Grille — Restaurant in Painttown Community

Dining at Brio in the Cherokee Casino is always a treat, but our recent visit was elevated to a whole new level thanks to Owen, one of the most exceptional waiters we’ve ever encountered. From the moment we were seated to the time we left, Owen provided a level of service that was nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re lucky enough to have him as your server, prepare for an evening that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

From the outset, Owen greeted us with a warm, genuine smile and an energy that immediately set the tone for the evening. It was clear that he takes pride in his role and is passionate about ensuring each guest has a remarkable experience. He took the time to introduce himself and ask us about our preferences and dietary needs before diving into the menu. His knowledge of Brio’s extensive Italian offerings was impressive. Owen not only described the dishes in vivid detail but also recommended wine pairings that complemented the flavors perfectly. It was evident that he’s not just a server but a true connoisseur of the restaurant’s cuisine.

What really stood out was Owen’s attentiveness. He managed to strike the perfect balance between being available whenever we needed him and giving us the space to enjoy our meal and conversation. Every time he approached our table, he did so with impeccable timing—never interrupting but always enhancing the experience. He anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. For example, when one of our guests mentioned a slight preference for extra parmesan, Owen remembered it and brought a fresh serving without prompting, saying, “I thought you might enjoy a little extra.” It’s the small touches like this that make a huge difference.

Another remarkable aspect of Owen’s service was his ability to personalize the evening. When he found out we were celebrating a birthday, he went above and beyond to make the moment special. Without being asked, he coordinated with the kitchen to bring out a beautifully plated dessert with candles and even led the staff in singing a heartfelt birthday song. He truly made us feel like we were his top priority, despite the restaurant being bustling with other diners.

Owen’s professionalism and composure under pressure were evident throughout the night. The restaurant was packed, yet he handled every interaction with ease and grace, never once appearing rushed or flustered. Even while managing multiple tables, he took the time to check in with us frequently, ensuring that everything was to our satisfaction. His ability to remain calm, focused, and personable in such a high-energy environment is a testament to his exceptional work ethic and dedication.

Beyond his technical skills, Owen’s charisma and genuine warmth were what truly made the experience unforgettable. He engaged us in delightful conversation, sharing insights about the restaurant, its history, and even some fun stories about the menu’s creation. It was clear that he enjoys connecting with his guests on a personal level, which made the entire evening feel more like dining with a friend than being served by a stranger.

The food at Brio is undeniably spectacular—authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented—but Owen’s service elevated it to something truly magical. His attention to detail, ability to anticipate needs, and authentic enthusiasm created an experience that was far more than just a meal. It was an evening to remember, and Owen was the reason for that.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a visit to Brio at the Cherokee Casino, make sure to request Owen as your server. He is a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond in the service industry, and he transforms a delicious dinner into an extraordinary event. Owen isn’t just a waiter; he’s an ambassador of hospitality, and we can’t wait to return for another unforgettable evening in his care. Bravo, Owen! Brio is incredibly fortunate to have you...

My son wanted to celebrate his birthday at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee and decided he wanted to eat dinner at Brio’s located within the casino. I had never been to Brio's before, but my husband and son had eaten there previously on a guy’s trip and wanted to go back. What a perfect choice for a fabulous meal after a few hours of gambling and people watching in the casino and was a great way to celebrate a special occasion! The restaurant’s decor is beautiful, and it has a great atmosphere with superb service.

Our server, KC, was absolutely incredible: attentive, friendly, experienced, funny, efficient, etc. She made sure our glasses were full and brought us some of their delicious bread and fresh butter a few times. We made great food choices based upon her recommendations. She also provided us with local intel on other things to do in the area during our visit. Despite her section being very full, she was very attentive.

Brio’s menu has lots of choices and price ranges. Per the website, the lunch menu prices appear to be cheaper. Some of the choices were above our typical price range for dinner; however, we had many options and price ranges from which to choose, Plus, we had looked at the menu beforehand and knew what to expect and were specifically going there for a special occasion. Everything was “deliziosa.”

My husband and I both chose the “chicken milanese” which is a Romano-crusted chicken with fresh mozzarella, herb pasta and a house marinara, topped with additional grated mozzarella. It was a very large portion size and was absolutely delicious. I cannot say enough positive things about how good it was. It was way too much food for me, so I shared part of mine with my son and still had leftovers to take home. My husband was able to eat all of his food and was very full.

Our son chose the “pasta alla vodka” which is a ricotta-filled pasta with a spicy tomato cream and crispy pancetta, topped with additional grated mozzarella. For an additional fee, he added the crusted chicken to it. He said it was delicious and simply amazing! I tried some of it and now wish I could replicate that spicy vodka sauce at home! It was a medium to large sized portion and was plenty of food.

For dessert and to celebrate our son’s birthday, our server brought him a serving of the “caramel mascarpone cheesecake” made up of mascarpone cream, anglaise, and a caramel drizzle. It was the best cheesecake we have ever eaten, and we have tried a lot of cheesecakes from a lot of restaurants in our day! LOL

While my pictures do not do the food justice, I think you will get the picture of what the food looked like. You will have to order it yourself to know for yourself how delicious it is! :)

If you want some great Italian food and fantastic service, we highly recommend this place–especially if you are already at the casino. However, be sure to make reservations in advance as they only seat you if you have a reservation, which are super easy to make via your phone, website, etc. Believe me, if you ever go once, you will definitely want to go back. ❤️

In fact, now that I have finished writing my review, I want some more of their great food and will make plans to...

During our recent visit to your restaurant, we had the pleasure of being served by Sam, whose exceptional service made our dinner a truly memorable experience. From the moment we were seated, Sam’s attentiveness and warm demeanor set the tone for the evening.

Sam greeted us with a genuine smile and immediately made us feel welcome. He took the time to introduce himself and asked if we were celebrating any special occasion. This personal touch made us feel valued and set the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Throughout the evening, Sam’s knowledge of the menu was impressive. He guided us through the various options, offering insightful recommendations based on our preferences. His descriptions of the dishes were detailed and enthusiastic, making it easy for us to make informed choices. When we expressed interest in wine, Sam’s expertise shone through as he suggested perfect pairings for our meals.

What truly set Sam apart was his impeccable timing and attention to detail. He ensured that our water glasses were never empty and checked in on us regularly without being intrusive. His ability to anticipate our needs before we even had to ask was remarkable. For instance, when we mentioned our love for spicy food, Sam brought us a house-made spicy tomato cream to enhance our dishes.

Sam also went above and beyond to make our dinner feel special. Noticing that we were celebrating a birthday, he surprised us with a beautifully plated dessert, complete with a candle and a personalized message. This thoughtful gesture made the celebration even more special and was a testament to Sam’s dedication to creating memorable experiences for his guests.

In addition to his professional skills, Sam’s friendly and approachable nature made the entire dining experience enjoyable. He engaged in genuine conversation, shared interesting stories about the restaurant and its history, and even made us laugh with his sense of humor. This level of engagement created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making us feel more like guests in a friend’s home rather than customers in a restaurant.

Overall, Sam’s exceptional service was the highlight of our evening. His combination of professionalism, attention to detail, and personal touches made our dinner one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in years. We left the restaurant feeling thoroughly satisfied and appreciative of the outstanding service we received. Sam is undoubtedly an asset to your team, and we look forward to our next visit, knowing we will be in excellent...