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Trattoria Gianni

1711 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 266-1976
Citysearch
Price:
$$$
Directions:
El: Red Line to North/Clybourn; bus: 8 to North
Hours:
Tue-Thu 5pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm, Sun 11am-3pm, 4pm-10pm

Message from Trattoria Gianni

Trattoria Gianni

As close to Italy as one can get in Chicago

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Authentic Atmosphere
  • Full Bar

Since its doors opened in 1988, Gianni Delisi's family-run Italian trattoria has flourished as a mainstay on the Chicago restaurant scene. Trattoria Gianni's menu features a diverse selection of regional Italian dishes, augmented with superb daily specials and a delicious dessert menu. Gianni's boasts an extensive wine list, a full bar and a great selection of grappas. The restaurant has been awarded 3 stars from the Chicago Tribune, 3 1/2 stars from the Chicago Sun Times and has consistently received excellent ratings from Zagat's.

Located in the heart of the Lincoln Park theatre district--right across the street from Steppenwolf theatre and around the corner from Royal George--Trattoria Gianni's has long been a destination of theatregoers before and after the shows. For those interested in the Chicago Blues scene, Trattoria Gianni's is an easy walk from Kingston Mines.

Paid advertisement by Trattoria Gianni.

Editorial Review for Trattoria Gianni – by J.P. Anderson

In Short
A bustling pre-theater crowd fills this restaurant before heading to shows at Royal George and Steppenwolf theaters. The long, narrow dining room has a cozy, old Italian feel with hardwood floors, red curtains and framed photos. The menu features hits like tender, grilled duck breast with portobello mushrooms, onions and plum tomatoes, with pan-seared polenta on the side. Signature rigatoni nocerina is a delectable bowl of sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and garlic in cream sauce.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

The Extras

Going to the show? Tell your server the curtain time, and she'll pace your meal accordingly.

Know Before You Go

Come after 8pm, and this mostly non-smoking restaurant loosens the rules a bit, allowing patrons to smoke at a few tables. Just be sure to ask before lighting up.

When to Go

Check out the brunch offered every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

User Reviews for Trattoria Gianni

Citysearch (6), Dine.com (2 ), All (8)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/09/2007 Posted by chitownfood

Went on a Saturday night around 8:30. Was shocked at how empty the place was. I immediately wondered if we shouldn't go somewhere else for Italian as there were only 3 other tables seated. I was very glad we stayed. The salads were excellent, extremely fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella - although the Caprese could use more than just one tiny fresh basil leaf. The rigatone dish w/ sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce was amazing as was the shell pasta w/ sausage and peas in a tomato sauce. Nice and spicy. Vittelo Marsala, which I thought I couldn't go wrong with, was a bit disappointing and quite boring, actually. But the different pasta dishes and the ricotta-filled gnocchi our table ordred were all phenomenal. Do not leave w/out trying the Panna Cotta for dessert! Hands down the best dessert I have ever tasted. Love Trattoria Gianni, can't wait to go back soon.

Pros: Pasta, Dessert, Wine, Authentic Ambience

Cons: Veal disappointed

3 Star Rating: Average

03/04/2007 Posted by mrjustice

Gianni's is nicely decorated and lit, but any romance or 'peaceful' dining is lost in the excessive noise level. Place is badly in need of acoustic insulation. As for the food, enjoyed both our appetizers: Muscles in wonderfully seasoned tomato sauce was some of the best I've had; and the Roasted Eggplant topped with parmesian cheese and tomato sauce was also quite tasty. Main Courses were hit-and-miss. The seared duck breast with polenta and portable mushrooms which was tender and delicious. But, the grilled Pork Chops served in supposed Chianti sauce and garlic was a definate 'miss' -- overcooked and tough, and even worse grossly oversalted (both sauce and chops). Couldn't even taste the chianti or garlic over the saltiness. Presentation was also underwhelming. What happened to quality control by the Chef? Might go back if I had nearby Theatre Tix, but otherwise wouldn't go out of my way.

Pros: Nicely decorated and lit; nearby to Theatre; Muscles in tomato sauce; seared duck breast

Cons: Too Noisy; Pork Chops overcooked, tough and SALTY

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Editor's Review

Charming, busy Italian spot in the heart of Chicago's Northside theater district.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

The Extras

Going to the show? Tell your server the curtain time, and she'll pace your meal accordingly.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • After 8pm

Parking

  • Street
  • Valet

Hours

  • Tue-Thu 5pm-10:30pm
  • Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm
  • Sun 11am-3pm, 4pm-10pm

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Diners Club
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • Italian

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Outdoor Dining

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