Message from 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.

MarkerTrattoria Gianni

(312) 266-1976

1711 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Editorial Description by Citysearch
Charming, busy Italian spot in the heart of Chicago's Northside theater district.
Rated 9.0 out of 10 by Citysearch.

1 Review of Trattoria Gianni in Chicago

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very good dinner choice  4 Star Rating - Very good

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!

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5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 6 reviews on Citysearch)

Go for the pasta, Stay for the dessert 5 Star Rating - World class

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
Posted 07/09/07 at 12:00pm

Decent Food on the whole, but much too noisy and dishes can be hit-or- miss. 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

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
Posted 03/04/07 at 11:18am

Good....but 4 Star Rating - Very good

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
Posted 09/29/05 at 11:42pm

Amazing! 5 Star Rating - World class

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
Posted 12/13/02 at 7:18am

We had a very nice time 5 Star Rating - World class

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
Posted 10/17/02 at 2:35pm