Trattoria Gianni
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 266-1976
- 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
As close to Italy as one can get in Chicago
- Italian Cuisine
- Authentic Atmosphere
- Full Bar
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 ExtrasGoing to the show? Tell your server the curtain time, and she'll pace your meal accordingly.
Know Before You GoCome 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 GoCheck out the brunch offered every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
User Reviews for Trattoria Gianni
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
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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