Brek, Verona

The Veronesi (and Italians in general; Brek is part of a northern Italian restaurant chain) are forever dismissing this place as a mediocre tourist spot. But then who are all these Italian-speaking, local-looking patrons with their trays piled high, cutting in front of me in line at the pizza station and clamoring for all the best tables outside with a brilliant view of the sun-kissed Arena? This strip of the Piazza Brà is lined with pleasant alfresco alternatives such as the more serious Olivo and Tre Corone, but Brek is an informal, inexpensive preference of mine for a casual lunch where you can splurge (a lot) and walk away satisfied and solvent. Yes, this is fast-food alla Veronese -- but do the Italians ever really go wrong in the culinary department? Inside it's a food fest, with various pastas and fresh vegetables made up as you wait, and some self-service where fruit salads and mixed green salads are displayed.