Owner Bruno DiSiena urges guests to 'immerse themselves in Italy' while at his restaurant.

Cleveland Independents is in the middle of its two-week Cleveland Restaurant Week, running through Friday, Nov. 14. More than 30 Northeast Ohio restaurants are participating in Cleveland Independents’ largest promotional events of the year, offering their versions of Restaurant Week’s three-course $39 prix fixe menus.

With increasing food prices, the opportunity for an evening out at a fixed price at some of Cleveland’s finest restaurants makes this promotion attractive for everyone. In addition to in-restaurant offerings, some restaurants will be offering carryout.

“We are extremely excited about this promotion not only because it offers guests the opportunity to try many locally owned, independent restaurants, but also because of the diverse offerings represented by our members,” says Myra G. Orenstein, Cleveland Independents acting executive director.

Amazing cannoli from Bruno's RistoranteBruno's Ristorante and Catering, straddling the Ohio City and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods, is once again participating this year—offering its $39 prix fixe three-course menu for both dine-in and carryout.

Bruno’s owner Bruno DiSiena is a first-generation American whose parents came from Coreno Ausonio, Italy in the Lazio region, about 75 miles outside of Rome.

DiSiena brings central and southern Italian traditions to life through his recipes that have been passed down through generations. DiSiena and his wife, Lisa, make stepping into the family-style restaurant feel like walking into an Italian home—with homemade pastas like gnocchi, cavatelli, and ravioli, and sauce recipes that carry the heritage of the family kitchen.

“We are kind of a mom-and-pop sort of thing,” DiSiena says. "We have a lot of old-time recipes from my mother, and my wife has taught me a lot as well."

This year, Bruno’s $39 prix fixe menu includes any appetizer of the regular menu, choice of homemade pasta or house chicken dish, and choice of dessert.

Bruno DiSiena of Bruno's Ristorante“We pretty much give them a choice,” DiSiena says of the many dinner options available.

For appetizers, DiSiena highlights the Caricofo alla Parmigiana—lightly breaded artichokes baked and topped with Bruno’s house sougo (tomato basil sauce) and provolone cheese.

For entrees choices, he mentions their homemade lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana—breaded chicken cutlet baked with provolone cheese—homemade gnocchi with Bruno’s blush sauce, or Pollo Romano—Romano cheese encrusted chicken breast, pan seared in olive oil and finished in a light pesto cream sauce on a bed of tomatoes and onions.

Specials include osso buco and braciole. “We try to mix it up,” DiSiena says.

For diners looking for true indulgence in seafood, DiSiena touts his Pescatore pasta dish topped with scallops, calamari, mussels, and clams. “It’s a pretty big dish, but we like to give a lot,” he laughs.

Dessert choices include tiramisu, cannoli, and others.

Bruno's Ristorante, 2644 W. 41st Street, Cleveland, 44113, is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Note that prices may vary at participating restaurants. Refer to restaurant menus for price variations and options.

“We cannot begin to articulate how much Clevelanders’ support helps our locally owned, independent restaurants,” says Laura Torres, president of Cleveland Independents and owner of Mallorca in downtown Cleveland. “This promotion helps us kickstart the holiday season ensuring that we end the year with much-needed additional revenue. We thank everyone who has supported us throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing you soon!”

Orenstein adds that the Cleveland Independents’ Fourth Quarter Sale, currently underway, is a great time to grab holiday gifts at a discount. The Deck 2026 is also now available.