About
Fratello's Ristorante & Pizzeria serves authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale yet relaxing atmosphere, making it a hotspot for lunch and dinner.
The Solis brothers, who are no strangers to Idyllwild's restaurant scene, opened the eatery in 2015. They chose the name "Fratello's" because it means "brothers" in Italian, reflecting their partnership with this family-oriented restaurant.
Before opening Fratello's, the brothers spent more than 15 years perfecting recipes and learning the ins and outs of Italian cuisine. They also drew on their experience as restaurateurs, having managed other eateries such as The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill and Manzanita Cantina & Grill.
Dining at Fratello's is like visiting southern Italy, complete with family-style warmth and fresh, authentic flavors. At the core of this eatery is the belief that sharing great food brings people together, whether you're a local or on vacation.
Because it's centrally located in Downtown Idyllwild, you can easily add a meal to your sightseeing agenda. For instance, refuel with pasta and pizza at Fratellos's after a day on the trails at Mount San Jacinto State Park.
For a taste of Italy in a homey atmosphere, add Fratello's Ristorante & Pizzeria to your Idyllwild itinerary.
Vibe
If you judged the interior by the exterior, you'd conclude that it would feature rustic wooden siding, stone accents, and picnic tables on the front patio. Quite the opposite is true.
The renovated interior marries contemporary colors and features with warm amenities and Italian-inspired artwork. The faux wood wainscot and matching floor add a modern yet rustic feel. Conversely, the blue-gray walls, stonework, and contemporary ceiling fans make the space feel chic. Most importantly, these elements combine as a tour de force to make the room feel homey and inviting.
There's seating indoors for about 40 and an expansive outdoor deck to dine al fresco while listening to local musicians.
All these details come together to create a laid-back, adventurous ambiance that's ideal for your California mountain vacation.
Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria: Menu & Drinks
The main draw is the wood-fired pizza, crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, and available with a variety of toppings. Aside from the handmade dough, diners may choose various 12" or 16" crusts that are diet-friendly. Options include gluten-free, gluten-free cauliflower, low-carb, and even vegan cheese. And the pizza choices are inventive, like the Quattro Carne. This meat-lover's pie features tomato sauce, mozzarella, and homemade sausages, meatballs, pepperoni, and salami.
While the pizzas are out-of-this-world, so are the pasta dishes, like the Risotto Di Funghi. This traditional Italian entree features risotto with porcini and oyster mushrooms. It's topped with a touch of olive oil and parmigiano, making it a filling and soul-satisfying meal.
The Vegetable Lasagna is a baked favorite with roasted vegetables in a tomato cream sauce, layered with mozzarella cheese. You'll also find a regular lasagna, eggplant, and stuffed manicotti.
Guests also rave about the Spinach Ravioli—a house-made pasta filled with fresh spinach and cheese, topped with a light sauce that lets every ingredient shine. For something from the sea, the Seafood Pasta wins high marks. Fresh seafood is tossed in a savory sauce with al dente pasta, making for a satisfying meal that fits the mountain vibe while evoking Italy's coastal kitchens.
Swing by for lunch deals like a panini with a cup of soup or pasta. With choices like the Italian, Caprese, and the Polpette & Provolone, there's a sandwich suitable for every palate.
The wine and beer selection makes pairing easy. From bottles, half-bottles, and single glasses, there's a wine for every budget and taste. The bottled beers range from Italian staples to some British and American picks, along with some craft IPAs. Non-alcoholic beverages include soft drinks, milk, juices, coffee, and tea.
At Fratello's Ristorante & Pizzeria, every element comes together: delicious food, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere. Visit for yourself and find out why this Idyllwild eatery is a hotspot.
Local Tips
- The Bambini (childrens') Menu makes Fratello's family-friendly.
- There is an extra charge if splitting a meal.
- You can only split checks two ways.
- Check their social media for the live music schedule.
