Trattoria Gianni
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Trattoria Gianni
Rose All Day at Trattoria GianniSummer is finally here - with temperatures in the 90s. The most wonderful time of the year has returned to the Chicago restaurant world; patio season and rose on the patio. Ospitalita' Italiana AwardedOspitalita' Italiana is a worldwide certification promoted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

DNA CHICAGO "Authentic Italian"Trattoria Gianni Still Thriving after 25 Years of Serving Authentic Italian. Check PleaseCheck Please Amy Cavanaugh writes about food, drink, and travel for publications in Chicago and elsewhere. She is also the weekend editor of Chicagoist.
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Al fresco dining at Trattoria Gianni calls to mind the open-air cafes of Italy while surrounding you with the sights and sounds of a picture perfect summer evening in Chicago. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a group of friends coming together for an unforgettable meal, dining on Trattoria Gianni's patio is a wonderful summer experience and the perfect place to relive memories of old and create new ones.
Reviews (25)
Kayla C.
Kayla C.
Jan 30, 2022
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The service here was not great. It took over an hour to get our food. The food was good but nothing to write home about and the portions were on the smaller side. We also told them ahead of time that we were celebrating a birthday so we expected the service to be at least half decent, but we were sadly disappointed.
Tej S.
Tej S.
Jan 23, 2022
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I've been here twice.

Food is top notch. The fresh bread, appetizers, and pasta plates were delicious.

Very reasonable prices as well.

I don't understand how this place always has open seats.
Johnna Cureton
Johnna Cureton
Jan 03, 2022
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We were eating with friends and having a few drinks after dinner & I’m not sure if it was the owner or manager, but he stopped my husband & asked him if we were camping at our table & how long we were going to be there. It took him by surprise by how rude he was. The restaurant was not busy. RUDE is never okay when we are spending $350 for a dinner.
Our waiter however was amazing. Needless to say we will not go back or recommend.
Christina Lacamu
Christina Lacamu
Dec 21, 2021
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The food was very good and there were lots of options. The service was a bit slow but maybe it was going with the 'European' theme of longer dinners. The soda we got was very flat but I'm sure they've fixed the machine! It was a little loud inside but the outdoor area is lovely!
Kim Naftzger
Kim Naftzger
Dec 19, 2021
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The service was very attentive even as the place filled up. The food was good. I'd try something else next time. My friend's entree looked much better than mine. The beet salad was excellent.
Lynne B.
Lynne B.
Dec 12, 2021
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I don't often take the time to write a critical review unless there was a real issue that I feel other customers should know about. I worked in the restaurant business for many years, and I know how incredibly difficult it can be. But I also know that being thoughtful and polite (maybe even just civil?) can bring customers back time and time again--whether or not the food is anything special. That didn't happen in our experience at Trattoria Gianni--I so wish it had.
We had a 5:15 reservation we made on Open Table for after a matinee. When we got there, we discovered the reservation had
Marlowe C.
Marlowe C.
Dec 05, 2021
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Great for pre-show at Steppenwolf. Fast and professional, pleasant service. AMAZING pasta. Reasonable prices. Homey. Easy, classic Italian.
Tina P.
Tina P.
Nov 20, 2021
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Meh is all I got.

There clearly is no reservation system, despite them taking reservations. One man up front trying to seat people but takes him literally twenty minutes to find a table for people who've already made reservations. Hint: don't take reservations if you don't know where you'll sit them for the time they've reserved.

Service: appalling. I had to stop our waiter from walking away three times so I can finish ordering drinks and appetizers. Said appetizers arrived before the drinks or complimentary bread bowl. We were there to celebrate a birthday and when
Dru R.
Dru R.
Nov 17, 2021
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We just flew into Chicago and wanted to go somewhere low key. I can't say how grateful I am for finding this tiny, quant, amazing restaurant. From the salad to the dessert, everything is incredible. The staff is kind as well! Don't pass this place up.
Jay S.
Jay S.
Sep 19, 2021
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Ordered one dish here..Conchiglie del Mercante which is made with Crumbled Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peas, tomato sauce, a touch of cream, and scamorza cheese. I substituted the mushrooms for red onions and wow this dish did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked, right spice level, and some shredded parmesan cheese on top. Was told this menu item has been on the menu since the restaurants birth. Bread that comes prior to your meal is fresh and warm. I will be back multiple times.
Brittany N.
Brittany N.
Sep 16, 2021
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Terrible experience, but great dessert. My boyfriend and I went here at 7 pm on a Wednesday for dessert and a glass of wine. There were 15+ tables open on the outdoor patio and the guy told us he wouldn't seat us for dessert. Word for word he said, "You can only sit outside if you are ordering dinner". I would understand this if it was prime time on a weekend and space was tight, but to have a whole Restraunt open and telling us he can fit us at the end of the bar or at a table inside was extremely rude. I am sure if my grandparents showed up there to get dessert and drinks he would
Beth Seiler
Beth Seiler
Sep 03, 2021
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Eccelente! Food was divine. I recommend the Tortellini. Service was great. And the outdoor dining atmosphere was very authentic Mediterranean.
Liliana Martin
Liliana Martin
Aug 03, 2021
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The service was simply phenomenal. Our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly, efficient, and even taught us some Italian! We ordered the arancini siciliani and bruschetta for starters. For main dishes, we had the risotto ai funghi and the tortellini baronessa. They also have a vast list of Italian beers and wines, as well as great cocktails. The food was delicious and this is now my go-to place for Italian food in Chicago.
Sheila Caddigan Saccomanno
Sheila Caddigan Saccomanno
Jul 29, 2021
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The food is exceptional! The ambience is spectacular especially on the patio...you feel like you are in Italy! The staff are wonderful and Gianni is an amazing host!
Shambavi K.
Shambavi K.
Jul 11, 2021
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Came in on a Thursday for dinner. Service was hospitable and friendly. We dined inside since it was slightly cooler in the patio for a July evening.

We ordered the following:
- mixto pesce appetizer from the specials which was quite good. Even my toddler tried squid and octopus for the 1st time and enjoy it.
- short rib over risotto- fork tender piece of short rib. It was pretty good but tad heavy on the salt personally
- then the pasta shells with sausage, mushrooms, peas in a tomato cream sauce. The pasta was way tooo al dente for us so the staff was willing to fix it for us.
- we also got
Mister Gee
Mister Gee
May 27, 2021
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Definitely a wonderful establishment! My wife and I definitely enjoyed the ambiance and our waiter was very welcoming. The food was utterly delicious and the deserts as well. Definitely will be returning on the regular……
Shauna Santare
Shauna Santare
May 25, 2021
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So I think I am biased to this meal because it was a pleasant surprise while waiting for my 2 HOUR oil change 2 blocks away.... this is my silver lining.
I arrived with only a few tables seated at 6p on a Thursday. It's very quiet but full of engaged convo. I'm not creepy... just not used to dining alone.
Anyway, the burrata with pesto was delish! The cappelletti soup did not look appealing and was served piping hot. I focused on my wine for a few, and then found it a little bland but acquired more chicken broth flavor with each bite. The arancinis were crisp on the outside with a creamy, cheesy
Andrew B.
Andrew B.
Apr 23, 2021
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Went here in the summer time and had a wonderful date night. Felt like old school Italian vibes. Great patio, had the filet and would recommend. Great martini as well. Neighborhood favorite.
Alex M.
Alex M.
Feb 14, 2021
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Simply the best Italian spot in Lincoln Park! Get the Tortellini Baronessa - it's amazing!
Taylor T.
Taylor T.
Feb 14, 2021
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My boyfriend and I went for Valentine's Day. Even on a busy evening, our service was superb (apologies didn't get her name, but wearing a ND mask).

Our app was Carpaccio & Minestrone - both of which were good. I ordered the filet, which was even better in a nice gravy type sauce. The star of the show was the Tortellini With prosciutto in a cream sauce. One of the best things we've eaten in a long time, will without a doubt be back to specifically order that dish again!
Alexei Marshakov
Alexei Marshakov
Nov 06, 2020
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Good Italian food. Nice wine choice by the glass. Broth with tortellini was excellent. However, the daily special, tagliatelle with ragu sauce felt too mushy, overcooked.
Phillipe Sobon
Phillipe Sobon
Dec 27, 2019
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One of the original Italian restaurants in Chicago that shouldn't be overlooked! A truly culinary adventure through Italy. Every dish was better than the next and so different but delicious. My personal favorite was the squash ravioli, squid ink pasta and the calamari.
Rhonda Skolnik
Rhonda Skolnik
Dec 22, 2019
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Wow....so delicious. Best spinach ravioli I ever had. Everyone loved their choices. Friends had lamb meatballs, shrimp and scallop linguini, spinach and sausage shells. A little pricey but so worth it. They have valet parking. Friendly service.
Jane V.
Jane V.
Dec 02, 2018
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This family-run restaurant has been serving Chicago for 30 years.

An intimate Italian restaurant that serves some of the classic Italian dishes. They also have an awesome outdoor patio on the north side of the building that is perfect for couples or friends and family to eat together and enjoy al fresco dining and a little taste of Italy!

As part of their 30 year anniversary, they threw a friends and family party with an all-you-can-eat buffet on some of their most popular delicious dishes along with red and white wine. We were able to eat a variety of dishes including Maiale Pork, Eggplant
Ian M.
Ian M.
Nov 10, 2018
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Been to this restaurant many a time and it never fails to please. The staff is so great and courteous to everyone that walks in the door.

We started with the gnocchi and I have to say it was the fluffiest, lightest gnocchi I've ever tasted. It is hard to believe how good it actually is. Would recommend any day of the week.

The pork shoulder special was also absurdly good. The veggies and mashed potatoes complimented it very nicely.

The tiramisu is always a hit, especially when accompanied with a coffee and Irish cream.

Will be back as I always do, I love this place.