We have been to Brio Brio a few times for breakfast, but this was our first time at their dinner offering. Like their breakfast, the food served at dinner was delicious. We ordered some drinks and they gave us some complimentary croutons. These croutons were seasoned and paired well with my beer. We ordered their Brío dip to start and it was rich, creamy, and delicious. We also ordered a Kurobuta taco to start and the pork was tender and flavorful. The tortilla was also and had a good chew. For our mains, we ordered a Roast Beef Don (half size) and Wagyu Dan Dan Noodles. The roast beef was sliced thin and was so tender. The Dan Dan noodles was very flavorful, rich, and had a good amount of heat. Overall, we really enjoyed our meal and will definitely be back.

A bakery by day and casual restaurant by night. This spot is a hidden gem in the area to satisfy your Japanese food cravings. Came in with the lady around opening for a Sunday dinner and was quickly seated. For appetizers we ordered the Yodare Tofu and Black Pepper Karaage, and man we're we impressed! That tofu was light and the yodare sauce topped with the small crunchy bits on it were delicious. Paired with the Karaage covered in their homemade sauce, had a flavor that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. It tasted so good, and was something we both thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. For the mains, we ordered the Roast Beef Don and Wagyu Dandan Noodles. The Dandan noodles (spicy) had good flavor and was not too spicy. She enjoyed the Roast Beef Don and would order it again. The yuzu beer was light and crispy, and the yuzu sparkling mocktail which was sour hit the spot. Parking was easy, ambiance was vibrant, service was good, items on the menu were modestly priced, and the variety of the menu just leaves us thinking about what we'll try next when we come back!

Went tonight and got two pulled pork tacos and the fish and chips to-go. For it all being packed up, it all tasted pretty good. The only downside would have been the side of bread that I ordered - for $1, I expected maybe at least a fuller slice, but instead got two very small pieces. But, that didn't take away from the flavor of the food. The fish tacos were light, and although the portions were small, I would probably order this again. I do wish there was another small piece included to make it 4 pcs total. The tacos were delicious. I'll leave it at that. Next time I'll try the udon.

bri baru is a casual izakaya that is cozy and cute! food here is unique and so delicious the mentaiko creamy pasta, aji fry taco and karaage were all perfect, I'd get these items again when I visit again. the karaage unexpectedly had a citrusy unique sauce on it that was such a pleasant surprise. I couldnt pinpoint what flavor it was but it was soo good. prices are fair and affordable, which I appreciate! the servers were friendly and the food came out pretty quickly as well. something to know is that if u come to bri baru, u can purchase pastries that they sell during the day time (brio brio) but its limited to just leftovers. regardless tho i bought the matcha cookie brioche which were to die for. 100% will be back!

A trip to Lake Forest is usually so my husband can stop by his favorite card collectible shop, but today, it was paired with a rising eatery nestled inside of a bakery. Known for their baked goods like the matcha cheesecake and milk cream rolls with cute little pearls lining the cream. They're changing up the game but turning into an Asian fusion, Japanese Izakaya restaurant after 5pm. Come between Wed-Sun or you'll miss this unique spot. Their outside dining experience makes you feel like you're in a garden lit up with the cutest string lights for a backyard feel. My friends and I definitely ate with our eyes and the food came out looking even better than we expected! The highlights of the meal? The creamy mentai udon truly is a best seller here. From soft chewy noodles to and creamy savory sauce, balancing each other out with an umami flavor from the mentai. The pulled pork tacos and waygu tacos brings together Asian flavors with a Mexican twist. It was vibrant yet also well balanced with tons of vegetables. Did I mention they can do mocktails and cocktails? I opted for a yuzu Mocktail which gave a refreshing citrusy sparkling soda taste to it. The staff here were incredibly sweet, constantly checking on us and making sure our experience was top notch!

Hayashi udon - pretty good. The chicken was tender and the udon was perfectly cooked with a great chew. The dipping soup is perfect for a hot summer day. It was salty and citrusy Soto sake mojito - this was very good. The Soto sake was able to shine thru the drink and the mojito elements perfectly complimented it. Flan - perfectly creamy and sweet Chocolate cake - pretty good dark chocolate cake. Unfortunately it was pretty crumbly

Bri Baru is Brio Brio Bakery's Japanese izakaya style dinner concept! This spot is only open Wednesday-Sunday from 5-9pm. I would recommend coming closer to opening time as seats do fill up fast. This spot is located in a plaza with a decent amount of parking spots. Wifey and I came around 5:45ish and waited about 15 mins until we were seated. They have a unique menu of different Japanese fusion foods. We opted for the BB Karaage cup and the Japanese fish and chips for our appetizers and the wagyu dandan noodles and wagyu smash burger for our entrees. The wagyu smash burger is a summer special they have right now and they only make 5 of them a day! Luckily for me, I was able to order the last one. All the food was super delicious and packed with tons of flavor! The staff here are extremely welcoming and accommodating. We knew that Brio Brio was a high quality bakery and had high expectations for their dinner concept. Everything exceeded our expectations and more! We will definitely back next time to try some other menu items.

Bri Baru offers Japanese Izakaya Style Casual Dining in Lake Forest. It shares the same location as Brio Brio but is an evening operation with its own menu. We visited during Arigato Week when Bri Baru was celebrating its 1 Year Anniversary. All items were $5 + tax! I started with the Hakuto Japanese Cocktail which in addition to sake contained white peach that was quite flavorful. We shared the Fish & Crisps! which offered the right amount of crisp, fresh fish and seasoned potato chips. We also shared the BB Karaage Boat, but we weren't fans of the wet sauce it was lathered in. I also ordered the Wagyu DanDan Noodles off their main menu. It was by far my favorite of all the dishes we tried, but I only wish the serving size was bigger. All in all, it was a fulfilling experience and I look forward to see how Bri Baru's menu evolves going forward!