A beloved Washington restaurant known for its traditional European comfort food has served its final customers after more than a decade in business. The restaurant gained national attention after appearing on a popular Food Network show, attracting diners eager to try its homemade specialties.
Bruno’s European Restaurant closes in Lakewood
Bruno’s European Restaurant in Lakewood, Washington, closed permanently on October 17, 2026, after 16 years at the location.
Owners Krystyna and Bruno Tomaszewska decided to retire after determining they could not commit to a new five-year lease. The couple also wanted to focus on their health, according to reporting by the Tacoma News Tribune.
History and legacy
Located at 10902 Bridgeport Way SW, Bruno’s became known for its German and Polish cuisine, including schnitzel, pierogies, beef roulade, and hearty homemade soups.
The restaurant appeared on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2013. Its signature hangover soup was among the dishes featured on the show, helping introduce the family-run restaurant to a national audience.
The owners announced the decision to employees during the restaurant’s Oktoberfest celebration on September 26. News of the impending closure quickly spread, bringing longtime customers and new visitors to the restaurant for one last taste of its most popular dishes.
Bruno’s employed approximately 10 people, some of whom had worked with the owners for more than a decade.
Owners prepare for retirement after decades in food service
Although the Lakewood restaurant has closed, the family will maintain a connection to the restaurant industry through another business.
The couple’s daughter-in-law operates Europa, a Bavarian-themed restaurant in Black Diamond, Washington, where diners can find a similar style of traditional European home cooking.
For Lakewood diners, Bruno’s closure marks the end of a longtime destination for German and Polish comfort food. After 16 years at its Bridgeport Way location, the restaurant’s final service brings an end to a family-run business that built a loyal following through homemade recipes and its memorable television appearance.
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