Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Its Friday night, 10pm and nothing is open. Even the Shell Station turned off its lights.
Drove by Fratellos and they were still open. Placed an order to go and it was awesome. Huge portion for a reasonable price,

Amazing bruschetta friendly service very authentic and yummy calamari too! If you’re in the mood for real Italian while in Idyllwild this is a must try!

Four friends and I visited this restaurant recently and found it to be fabulous. We started with the minestrone and antipasto, with all imported meats and cheeses (and being Italian believe me it was the best Ive had). Two of us had Fruitte De Mare and sea bass, which were both outstanding. We were so impressed we went back the next night and everything was just as good as the first time. It happened to be my husbands birthday and they brought us some delicious Cannolis. Also worth noting was the excellent service. If youre in Idyllwild do not miss this place!

By far the best place on Idyllwild Mountain to go for pizza! Reasonably priced. Excellent aumbiance and fantastic service. Love this place!

Nestled in amazing mountain town of Idyllwild is this amazing Italian restaurant. We chose to sit outside in the warm sun. Nearby at the BBQ joint in the center of town you can hear the live music playing. We had the pleasure of having a local artist play amazing Neil Young covers while we ate. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a few beers and an appetizer before our lunch. I went with a Italian beer along with bruschetta and a sandwich. Everything was delicious and reminded me of my many years in Italy. I highly rate stopping by here for great food!

One of the reasons we decided trying this place was because of very nice reviews.
For antipasti we ordered the crostini. It was delicious, but everything was way too thick, then eating wasn’t exactly easy. ¼″ thick tomato on top of thick slice of bread is an invitation to a disaster.
Then we ordered 2 pizzas… they came really good, but we had lost a bit of appetite after waiting literally 55 minutes from the moment we ordered the pizzas to its arrival.
Food really tasty — experience not as much.

Pizza was good, not great, but I am picky about pizza after having the best in Italy. The insalata mista was very good, with the right amount of dressing. We had the limoncello mascarpone for dessert. My spouse was disappointed because he expected to taste limoncello liqueur, but the flavor was lemon. It was like a lemon cheesecake, and I enjoyed it. Décor was tasteful. The tables for two inside are too small for comfort. Service was good. Cynthia was very attentive and let us know the kitchen was backed up.

6÷02÷2016
Probably some of the best pizza I’ve ever had.
Upon entering the restaurant, we realized there was nobody to greet us. I looked around however, the place was devoid of employees. Several people were waiting for their to go orders.
We grabbed a couple menus and seated ourselves on the front sundeck.
A while later (15 minutes later) a very pleasant, calm cool and collected server came by and told us he’d bring us some water. Several minutes passed when he came back and took our drink order which arrived within minutes. No water.
We learned later, that an employee had missed their shift leaving this server and one cook on deck. Tough spot considering there were quite a few tables spread all over, a few to go orders and a gradual flow of customers.
In all this, we realized the server was doing the best he could under the circumstances. The kitchen did a great job of getting the food out on time and without fail.
We ordered the salmon fettuccine and a three meat pizza.
The pizza was probably the best brick oven pizza I’ve ever had! It was smashing. All the flavors you expect. Not greasy. Premium quality!
Sausage sliced thick. Pepperoni cooked to perfection and cut up meatballs, bursting with flavor.
The fettuccine was cooked perfectly with the right balance of sauce and smoked salmon. Amazing!
Iced tea, as usual. Coffee was bit of a drawback. One could tell the same grounds were used for a couple pots. The high note was the way they froth the cream. A nice little added touch. Bringing a smidge of elegance to our casual dining experience.
We overlooked the coffee, the issues with service. As our server did the best her could. Our server apologized for the issues. Looking back, anyone else under this pressure would have probably snapped. Our server was calm, cool and collected the entire time!
Way to go!
Would we come back? YES! Definitely, yes!
Update: 6÷03÷2016
We came back!
Service was exemplary.
House chianti was wonderful!
Pizza diavolo was mouthwatering!
Lamb shank was amazing!
Tiramisu, made in house and to die for!

What a great place… this was our first time and they treated us as if we were family. We live down the hill and it would be so worth the drive for GREAT food and service. The bread and tapenade spread and was out of this world. And the fresh flowers on every table was wonderful.
KUDOS

We sat on the outdoor patio and had the loveliest lunch with our dog. They have water bowls for the pups and enough space so you’re not on top of another table. The table settings (white linens, red roses) and entire atmosphere were just perfect. The restaurant sits on a corner lot with a perfect view of the pines. The bread and oil/​olive dip served before the meal were of great quality. Lasagna and pepperoni pizza were next level– especially the good quality cheese. My favorite part was the musical accompaniment of Keith McCabe playing guitar/​singing. He was a great addition to the already idyllic experience. Definitely recommend this one.

My hubby brought me for an early Mother’s Day lunch and even though it was chilly I loved everything about this place! Such great food, service and the view is to die for! I wish I lived closer :)

Food was good. I got the rigatoni with eggplant. Friend got pepperoni pizza which was pretty tasty.
But sadly, that’s not what I’m going to remember about my experience.
The servers (busboys?) were acting quite judgmental towards us. We can tell from their faces and how they treated us that they didn’t think we were worth their efforts. In a perfect restaurant I feel like race shouldn’t be an issue, but unfortunately it might be in this case. I am an Asian woman, coming in with my Asian boyfriend and a few Latino friends. We were hungry from a hike, so we were dressed in athletic attire. How we were seated compared to the white couple after us was like the difference between Jekyll and Hyde. I have been to lower end restaurants that gave me better treatment.
From the moment we walked in they tried cramming 7 of us at a tiny table. It wasn’t until a different server (a woman) moved us. She treated us well. I wish I remembered her name. She put on a better face than the rest of them. If it was just her interacting with us, I might consider coming back.
The worst part of our experience:
«Check the check. Make sure you check it.» These were the last words we heard from one server to the other as we were leaving, suggesting that there was a possibility we didn’t pay for our meal.
Even though the food was decent, that left a bitter taste in our mouths. Not a good note to end on.
Did we deserve to be treated that way because we didn’t wear a suit and tie? Or because we weren’t white?
To the server who told the other guy to go «check the check,» maybe you should be more low key and out of ear shot next time you serve us colored folk. By the way, we probably make more than you. Go check yourselves next time before you decide to stereotype your guests.

Based on positive Unilocal experiences, we decided to eat here. Linen tablecloths, wine selections, and a sophisticated vibe when I first stepped inside. A late lunch here made me feel more comfortable to be dressed in hiking attire, but if I were to visit visit for dinner, I suggest a more casual dressy attire. It’s fancier than I had expected. Nonetheless, we were immediately and warmly greeted.
Service is wonderful. Very prompt and attentive. If you order just ice water, even that has an elevated feel as our server brings out a chilled caraffe/​bottle and poured it into our wine glass. Meal started with a soft bread and an olive oil with olive tapenade. My son enjoyed a tasty kid’s pizza and And I enjoyed their bowl of soup, a potato/​spinach/​egg in a light broth. My dad really liked their chicken marsala and penne with marinara. I overheard diners next to us tell our server that he had the best pizza he had ever tasted. Not sure what he had, but their pizzas seem to be a crowd favorite. Portions are very generous, which does makes up for the pricier menu. I could have even shared a pizza with my son and been very content. Overall, we left very happy and will definitely return when we visit Idyllwild again.

Tadaaaaaa! Fratello’s is a truly authentic Italian «ristorante.» The service is excellent and the servers are all anxious
to please. The food is the real deal, too.
I guarantee you’ll come back!

The pizza we got was very soggy. The pasta was on point tho. The cannelloni was perfect. I would stay away from the pizza.

Omgosh !!! Holy cow! I can’t believe that after all these years we never stopped in… I had the salmon pesto plate. We’re hooked. What a hidden Gem!!! To top it off our sever Edgar was so Pleasant and kind. He knew the menu well that’s always a plus.

Their soup is my favorite! I got the Italian wedding soup which included chicken and meatballs with noodles. It was delicious. I also tried the butter nut squash which was good, but I preferred the Italian wedding soup. The tapenade spread was especially delicious spread on the fresh bread. The soup and bread was the best part of my meal. The pizza and pasta was disappointing after the amazing soup. The flavors just weren’t enough to tempt me, maybe the soup ruined my appetite. Regardless, next time I would just get the soup, its all you need, very filling. Very friendly service. It was a little too cold at night. The dining room is on the small side, about ten eight to ten tables, but all near the door.

One of the best Restaurants on the hill.
Fratello’s is a well rounded Italian sit down that also offers up wood fired pizza. Don’t let the glassware and nice table setting fool you, while it does look fancy, the clientele were not fancy at all. The service was excellent and they were consistently bustling around making sure everyone was well attended to. Overall, Fratello’s offered up a good meal and I recommend it for anyone spending some time up in Idyllwild. I’ve included some pictures of the food, enjoy!
— Pizza
Personal sized can only be ordered if you order in. Large size if you order togo.
I ordered the Sausage pizza and sampled a Bruschetta pizza. I loved the thin crust of each, and especially the fresh taste of the Bruschetta. My suggestions would be to make sure your pie has at lest two toppings. One topping might be a bit too much of one flavor.
— Salads
FRESH, crisp, delicious. Premium components mixed together made this a good choice for splitting up with the family.
— Bread
House bake and delicious. They include a olive tapenade which was also good.
— Pasta (Tomato and a Cream)
Solid, perfect for the kids.
— Call for reservations!

Very good food! Loved the environment. Would definitely come back here. We ordered Veal Marsala, Chicken Parmesan (chicken was very tender), Eggplant Parmesan, and Gnocchi. The dessert is fabulous! Wish they had better customer service.

Very good, the Fruto dimari pasta Es delicioso muy generosos con la porciones de Frutos de mar, lastima perdí la foto. Lo recomiendo 100%.

This is a contemporary setting with a casual feel that ties together great food and the local environment.
I’m impressed with the upscale table settings. Yes there are real wine and water glasses on top of table linens. The outdoor seating is inviting with views of the mountains, pines and downtown.
Staff are friendly and attentive yet casual but professional. They inside layout allows for guests to see their pizzas being created. Fratello’s satisfies all your senses.
The plates are beautifully presented. They are culinary art. The pizza is thin crust with an airy edge. Toppings are tasty and well organized and layered on the pie. East coast NY style pizza lovers will enjoy the think crust. I believe most pizza lovers will happily indulge.
Simple sides like vegetables are meals in themselves. Well seasoned, colorful, and not overcooked. Salads are tender, crisp, bright and arranged tastefully. Not a mess.
The pasta sauces are rich and taste fresh. No canny or industrial taste. All meals presented were beautiful.
I noticed several guest tables enjoying bottles of wine and just appreciating life. I think Fratello’s along with the Idyllwild environment makes for a memorable dining experience. If you are traveling from LA, SD or Edmonton, Canada you’ll appreciate this unique eatery in a wonderful boutique destination. Other memorable eateries are Café Aroma; Ferro; and Idyology. All have their distinct personality but all are Idyllwild!
Yes most restaurants are dog friendly too! La Casita; Lumber Mill; Gastrognome are local favorites.