In a city overrun by fast food restaurants and corporate chain concepts, it’s always exciting to find those cozy neighborhood bistros that strive to deliver outstanding food in an intimate and unique setting. These hidden gems are often run by families and partners that are trying to bring something different to the dining landscape, and they should be appreciated, supported and cherished. Luckily the Alamo Heights area has many great, independent restaurants to choose from, but if you are craving authentic Italian cuisine prepared by a true Italian chef then you only need to head over to Braza Brava off Broadway at Sunset.
Braza Brava opened in 2014, and is one of only a few Italian restaurants in town that features a true Napolean pizza oven. It was built by the legendary oven builder Stefano Ferrara, who is known for his unsurpassed craftsmanship. The oven allows for pizzas and other dishes to be cooked at a very high temperature to ensure that the flavors will be locked in tight without burning the food. In fact, everything about Braza Brava reflects the idea that craftsmanship should be celebrated. From their creative craft cocktail menu, to their rustic, hand-crafted tables and bar top, which were built by the owners themselves, out of repurposed long-leaf pine, the atmosphere at Braza Brava is rustic and relaxed, but it is also refined.
At the helm of this beautifully crafted pizza oven is Chef Mauro D’Alonzo, who comes to the Alamo City from the Abruzzo region of Italy. Chef Mauro, along with owners Isela and Eduardo Valdes works tirelessly to bring a true and authentic Italian dining experience to San Antonio, and their hard work is evident throughout the menu. Pizza rules the menu at Braza Brava, and one of their seasonal favorites is the Pizza Carnivale. This beautiful creation features fresh house-made Italian sausage and mozzarella, along with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh basil. The secret to this pizza, however, is discovered when you bite into the perfectly baked crust to enjoy the sweet texture of ricotta cheese.
The restaurant features a wonderful menu full of delicious pasta dishes, fresh salads and charcuterie boards, crispy paninis, as well as steak and seafood, but the highlight of the menu has to be their signature Cacio e Pepe Pasta
presentation. Chef Mauro takes the concept of Fettuccine Alfredo and fires it up a notch as he sautés fresh pasta in a white wine cream sauce and tosses it over a giant wheel of flaming parmigiana cheese. The wheel is aged for 24 months and all of the pungent flavors of the parmesan meld together deliciously to create a creamy dish that is as beautiful as
it is delicious. They offer a long list of ingredients that can be added to your pasta as well, including fresh vegetables, meatballs , shrimp and even ribeye steak. The presentation is fascinating to watch and the aroma that wafts throughout the restaurant will leave your mouth watering.
Braza Brava is open for lunch and dinner, for dine-in and take-out, and offers lunch specials daily, as well as Happy Hour on Monday through Friday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with discounted appetizers and wine and beer. For those who prefer to stay home during this pandemic, you’ll want to take advantage of their special “3 Meals To Go for $29” deal. You can call the restaurant for details. Furthermore, you won’t want to miss their “1/2 price Wine Nights” on Mondays and Tuesdays, where every bottle on their impressive wine list is half off, including their high-end cellar selections. This offer definitely gives Taco Tuesday a run for its money, and a reason to celebrate the beginning of a new week.
There is so much to love about Braza Brava. From their outstanding Italian cuisine to the warm hospitality of the owners and their friendly staff, you’ll be hard pressed to ever venture anywhere else when the craving for true Italian hits your belly. It is a rare neighborhood gem that will not disappoint, and will have you returning again and again.
By Meredith Kay
Photography by Al Rendon
