About Us

The Bruno family tradition goes on... Al Bruno, owner and operator of the Cumberland Business Center in which Basilico Ristorante is housed, originally opened the restaurant in 1977 under the name Back Stage. After a couple of unsuccessful name and ownership changes Al teamed up with his son, Bobby and reacquired the restaurant in 1997 to continue the family's long history in the restaurant business.

Al's father opened a restaurant in 1944 at Belmont and Central called Bruno's Pizza. They were there for 40 years. Al's early jobs in the restaurant business included such unglamorous chores as washing dishes and mopping floors. He made pizza for 12 years and learned how to cook his mother's recipes. The family also owns a banquet hall on Grand and Austin since 1964, which is called Belvedere Banquets and Catering.

The restaurant's fascinating ceiling is covered with individual oil paintings on stretched canvases. The paintings were originally purchased for another business in the family, Bruno Appliance and Furniture. Al along with his sister Corrine contracted young unknown artists from Italy for their original purpose, which was to give them away with the purchase of furniture and appliances. One day Al was reminiscing about a recent trip to his homeland when he remembered the cafes in Italy all had murals on the ceiling. He then would take it one step further and add light fixtures above to give the restaurant the cozy and romantic feeling everyone compliments on.

Because of their long experience in the restaurant business, the Bruno's know how to make customers feel at home as well as keeping their employees content. Four of the servers have been here for 10 years or more. At the front door you will find the effervescent Carol or Rafael, who has moved up in ranks from a server to General Manager. At the head of the helm in the kitchen Manuel, Mario and Italo bring the recipes of Grandma Julia up to date featuring both Northern and Southern Cuisine. Making Basilico the only Venetian restaurant in the Chicagoland area. Basilico's eclectic menu is executed with panache, while the space itself eludes warmth and old world dimension. Al and Bobby along with their family and staff wish you a memorable dining experience that will bring you back time and time again!

Ciao!