Message from Trattoria Gianni
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.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortA 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.
Key Points
- Italian Cuisine
- Authentic Atmosphere
- Full Bar
The Inside Scoop
- When to Go - Check out the brunch offered every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
- 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.
- The Extras - Going to the show? Tell your server the curtain time, and she'll pace your meal accordingly.
Insider Pages Reviews for 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!
Posted 07/15/08 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Go for the pasta, Stay for the dessert
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
Posted 07/08/07
Decent Food on the whole, but much too noisy and dishes can be hit-or- miss.
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
Posted 03/03/07
Good....but
by nadih70
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 09/28/05
Amazing!
by loistheladybug
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 12/12/02
We had a very nice time
by Natalie
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 10/16/02
Good before the show
by da_mike
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
Posted 09/24/02