Trattoria Gianni

Trattoria Gianni is located right next to the theater making it an obvious choice when we have tickets. Great atmosphere, full bar serving the best grappa in town. Food is very good too! more

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 more

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 more

The atmosphere is charming and our waiter was quite capable. The food was a bit heavy but good. However, it was unpleasant to watch the owners berate the waiters in front of everyone. Pros: atmosphere, service, food Cons: mean owners more

The best homemade Tiramasu around. Everything is so fresh. The restaraunt is perfect for a romantic evening out. I love Trattoria Gianni! Pros: fresh, good parking, good sevice more

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. It was wonderful. The staff/service and food was impeccable. We had a great time. Plus, it was so convenient from the Royal St. George theatre. I would highly recommend it. Pros: good theatre dining more

I took my family to Trattoria Gianni before the show at Steppenwolf and had a better time at dinner(though the show wasnt bad)! The wine list was quite impressive-though only featuring Italian wines-and our dishes came out great. My veal chop in barolo sauce was excellent and all fish dishes my family had were great. The pasta my girlfriend had was not quite al dente and a little watery but her tiramisu was fantastic. Great coffee and service- thank you Gianni for our experience! Pros: Service, Coffee/Dessert, Inexpensive Cons: Inconsistent pasta more