Proof that there is no such thing as too much pasta: Another Italian restaurant is coming to the east side. New Waterloo's Il Brutto, sister restaurant to the relatively new sandwich shop La Matta, will open at Comal and East 6th on March 12.
Helmed by executive chef Erind Halilaj and executive pastry chef Amanda Rockman, the menu isn't specific to a particular region of Italy, so you will find coastal dishes like squid ink tagliolini with fresh clams, mussels, sweet tomatoes and marjoram; along with slow-cooked beef tenderloin and classic Neapolitan pizza. The space features a wood-burning brick oven and an exposed dough room, as well as a full bar.
And speaking of the bar: Il Brutto's watering hole offers wine, of course, but also an entire amaro and vermouth menu, plus cocktails like the Limoncello Settanta Cinque (housemade limoncello, bubbles) and the Pompelmo Rosa (tequila, fresh ruby grapefruit, Topo Chico) and local and Italian beer.
“Il Brutto’s menu represents the cuisine of Italy as a whole, from Mediterranean flavors of the south to central lamb dishes and beef tenderloin from the north,” says chef Halilaj. “Our dishes are respectful of
tradition and that starts with fresh ingredients and classic techniques.”
Il Brutto is located at the Arnold (1617 East 6th St), and will open for service on March 12; opening hours are Sun-Wed 5-10pm, Thu-Sat 5-11pm. Lunch and brunch will launch in early April.