Trattoria Gianni Reviews

This was the best Italian food my family and I have ever had. We were seated by the window, with a view of the street. The service was superb. Through his heavy italian accent, he throughly explained the menu, answered any questions we had. I had the gnocchi, which was the best gnocchi I have ever tasted in my life. Small pillows of heaven bursting in my mouth. Delicious. My mom had the Linguine Portofino and very much enjoyed it. Very tasty, she let me try a bite! My dad had Tagliatelle Bolognese, who also let me have a bite. This was the best pasta dish, next to my gnocchi, that I have ever tasted. The flavor was like none I had ever tried before. For desert, mom and I had the cannolis (which were unbelievable), and my dad had the lemon sorbet, which was also a taste of heaven. Our waiter had a thick italian accent, which added to the ambiance. We will defiantly be back. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.

Great place to stop after the theater, Giannis is warm and cozy. The food is wonderful, with reasonably sized and priced portions. Arancini balls are yummy, veal saltimbocca thin, tender and perfectly prepared. Service is excellent. Good selection of wines by the glass. Definitely a great choice.

We were a group of four on a lovely sunny, Sunday afternoon looking for a place to eat before a performance at Steppenwolf Theater - what a lovely experience! We choose this spot due to its proximity to the theatre, but we all agreed that we would come back again when in the area. We sat outside in a lovely enclosed area - the staff was very attentive, responsive, professional, and friendly. I had the seafood pasta which was absolutely delicious - well prepared, well presented, and tasty! We definitely will go back and highly recommend it.

Stopped in for a couple apps and some wine and it was great. Has arancini and mussels and they were both fantastic! Friendly service.

Reservations for 8 at 7:30pm We arrived early after the show at Royal George Theater. The bartender served us all cocktails while we waited for our table to be available. We were offered a different table if we wanted to sit down earlier, but we were fine with the wait. Once seated our server was very attentive and explained all the specials, answered questions and gave wine suggestions too. We loved everything and we will be back again soon!

We walked in and they knew my name. Yes, I made a reservation, but we were treated like family. We were immediately seated to a great table. The server offered a fabulous bottle of red wine. Our meal was delicious. I treated myself to dessert, the tiramisu was so good! I would suggest anyone and everyone try Trattoria Gianni! We went before a show next door. Let me tell you, dinner was as entertaining and as wonderful as the show. The service was excellent! We were on a girls trip to Chicago and we truly enjoyed our dinner. We were all glad that we made the effort and spent the time with Trattoria Gianni.

So my family was looking a small, authentic Italian restaurant and this one did not disappoint. Everyone loves their meals (twin boys that are hard to please loved what we ordered for them). Atmosphere was very cozy.

We went here for dinner before going to a show across the street at Steppenwolf, and weren't disappointed. We got a table easily (out on the streetfront patio), were warmly welcomed, and had an excellent pasta dinner - the food here is superb. Our service was very attentive and friendly. Prices were quite reasonable, particularly given the quality of the food - two of us had dinner and drinks for just over $50 (before tip). Would highly recommend this restaurant for a pre-dinner meal.

Trattoria Gianni is a popular fine dining destination for theater-goers before and after shows at the Steppenwolf Theater across the street or the Royal George theater around the corner. Opened in 1988 at 1711 North Halsted Street in the heart of Lincoln Park's bustling theater district, owner/chef Gianni Delisi has established a reputation for traditional Italian cooking, great martinis, hand-made pastas and fresh seafood and meat. Along the way, he has accumulated a fandom of Hollywood stars such as Gary Sinese, John Malkovich and Nicole Kidman. Delisi prides himself on the people he has met and the authentic Italian cuisine he has created. In fact, last year, Trattoria Gianni received the "Ospitalilita Italiana Quality Seal" from the Italian government, designating it as a true Italian restaurant owned and operated by an Italian using all Italian ingredients. It doesn't get any more Italian than that. My wife, who is half-Italian and the daughter of an Italian immigrant who couldn't speak a word of English when he arrived in this country in the early 1990s, absolutely reveled in Gianni's Italian creations. We started with home-made veal meatballs and grilled polenta with wild mushrooms and melted scamorza cheese. We couldn't ask for a better selection of entrees. We chose two of our favorites, Branzino or pan roasted Mediterranean sea bass filet and veal scaloppine with roasted potatoes. Other options were a 12-ounce pork chop, grilled filet mignon, grilled fresh Norwegian salmon, chicken breast with sauteed vegetables and pan seared tilapia filet with roasted red new potatoes. When was the last time you saw Branzino and veal scallopine on the same menu? For dessert, we opted for tiramisu and panna cotta. No, we didn't see Nicole Kidman or Gary Sinise, who was born in our hometown of Blue Island, Illinois, but the theater-going crowd seemed to enjoy their meals so much that they didn't have time to look to see who was coming through the door.

My husband and I parked our car at 6:30 for our show at 7:30, walked across the street, were seated immediately, ordered soon after, received our dinners not long after that, and had plenty of time to get our seats and a drink. Fast and pleasant service and both our meals were wonderful. My only critique would be that it would have been nice to have bread with our meal for the excellent sauces. We were surprised there wasn’t any. We enjoyed our experience and will return.

Tried to stop by to try an appetizer and a drink before a play at Steppenwolf. Should of been a easy thing but it became an ordeal for the gentleman, maybe (Giannin himself) who was the host. I was questioned about my decision of where to seat, how long I had and ultimately became an issue for them. Fine its your business but what a waste of my time to try and give this an opportunity. Visitor be weary if the start is like this can't imagine what the full food service is like.

When we lived in the neighborhood we used to go here a lot as our favorite Italian restaurant. It has changed, the risotto was not cooked completely. It was late on a Sunday night and they were cleaning up and preparing to close and it showed.

Prior to a performance at Steppenwolf, we returned to this restaurant not only because of its convenience to the theatre, but because of the excellent food and service. This time we shared a special tagliatelle dish which was quite tasty - veal meatballs in a light tomato sauce and house-made pasta. In addition, we shared another special, a roulade of beef (spidine) with fontina cheese and nicely sauteed spinach. We finished with a pistachio semifreddo (a light ice cream-like dish) which, while very good, was not as rich as the one I make (said my wife). Marco was very attentive even after the rain had us move inside.

Excellent food and good ambiance. Pasta dishes particularly good. We will be back on our next visit to Chicago.

Happened to be in the area and found this place. Asked for a table outside and they found a spot and dragged a table out to an empty spot, so the service is good. The food? Even better. All three of us were happy with our meal.

I chose Trattoria Gianni for my "final" dinner out after 40 years of life in Chicago, on our way to retirement with my husband in another part of the world. We were so thrilled with the service and the fine cooking, we had the pork chop Milanese and chicken marsala and appetizers and everything was delicious and beautifully presented. And our owner/chef and servers were in fine humor and we had enjoyable conversation. We only regretted not having discovered TG sooner, however visits with Chicago based family and friends will cause us to return again! Grazie!

We dined after attending a performance at the Royal George. The food was excellent, but the service was superb. The owner came over several times to see if we were satisfied. And the perfect ending to a fine Italian meal - a light and delicious Tiramisu! Perfecto!

Caveat to this review is that I dined here as part of a rehearsal dinner so the dining experience was no the same as if we had just gone there ourselves. That being said, everything we had was delicious. We sampled several appetizers and pasta dishes. The food tasted fresh and was prepared very well. The atmosphere was nice as well. The restaurant is not super big and the decor is appealing. It creates a romantic, personal feeling.

Nice north Halstead Neighborhood restaurant. Tables can be close together, so your conversation can be difficult because of the noise. Food and service wonderful.. We enjoyed everything we ordered.

Was going to Steppenwolf and chose this restaurant due to its proximity to the theatre. Everything was perfect - from the service to the food to the atmosphere. The duck was some of the best I have ever tasted. Prices for dinner for two including dessert was under $100 which for a place in Chicago is pretty good. When we next see a show there, we'll definitely go this place.

Excellent service excellent food great staff very attentive to our request. Top Notch service staff. Even though it was a cool day we did enjoy the outside patio very relaxed definitely will be returning.

Full disclaimer: no meat eaters that night The beet salad was perfect. The beets super chilled and with just enough vinaigrette. Piled high with crunchy arugula and a touch of soft blue cheese. Pasta can be had by half portion. I had 1/2 portion of the gnocchi, very pillowy , under good sauce. My friend had linguine portofino, that is with shrimp and scallops. Looked yummy but I didn’t try it. Dessert menu typical Lots of inexpensive glasses of wine (10.00-12.00) Very conversationally friendly Steppenwolf theater just steps away

We're had dinner at Trattoria Gianni six or seven times and again, last Saturday, it could not have been better. The food is absolutely delicious and the service top notch. You feel like you're having dinner at a trattoria in Italy. Staff is very warm, friendly, and accommodating. Please visit Trattoria Gianni!

We had an early dinner here after the show. This is a nice classy restaurant with good and attentive help. The food was pretty good, not outstanding. My wife had the burratta which was good but a little short on the bread. I had a seafood salad which I felt was a bit skimpy. We both ordered the branzino with vegetables. These dishes needed to be more generous as well. One thin filet on each plate seemed a little small for a main course. They do have a nice bar here as well.

This restaurant, which has a very nice outdoor eating area (patio), has good food. But some portions can be very small. For instance, I ordered pasta with shrimp & scallops. It came with 2 small scallops and 3 small shrimp. I also ordered a side of spinach which cost an extra $7 or $8 and was the size of an ice cream scoop. My spouse’s chicken dish was likewise very small. It was a good thing we weren’t looking for leftovers. Everything tasted good, however, and the service (from Vita) was excellent. This is a great place to go before theatre at The Steppenwolf or Royal George. The server asks if you are going to the theatre and works diligently to get you out on time. One more thing - if there are small kids running around and screaming, please be good restauranteurs and ask your patrons to control their children. It shouldn’t be up to the guests to have to ask other guests to keep their children at their tables and not screaming. It makes for a stressful and unenjoyable dining experience.

We went for an after theater...Steppenwolf...and enjoyed the intimacy of this small Italian restaurant. The food was delicious. I especially enjoyed the spinach ravioli and the tiramisu. The atmosphere was great and the service was wonderful. We look forward to our next meal there.

Very handy Lincoln Park restaurant in Lincoln Park Theater District but it was like a mini trip to Italy with food that cannot be surpassed for taste.We started with the beet salad and meatball special and those meatballs were so tasty we had a second order. The bread was warm and crusty on the outside and soft inside, yum! My husband had the tilapia and I had the seafood linguine both excellent. We were beyond full but could not pass up the tiramisu which was more than enough for both. They offer a full service bar with specialty cocktails. My husband enjoyed his martini and my Proseco was dry with just a hint of sweet. The service was friendly and efficient and we enjoyed this lovely pre-show dinner very much and plan to return on our next trip to the windy city!

This restaurant is located in the North/Lincoln area with outdoor dining. The restaurant has plenty of heaters in case the evening is chilly. We had the Bolognese, and it was outstanding. The wait staff are very friendly and accommodating. To access the outdoor dining, you must enter the restaurant at the front door and walk through the restaurant. The outdoor access has ramps for those who use a wheel chair and would like access. This is not a touristy restaurant - It is near Steppenwolf Theater which makes it convenient for the theater-goers. Don't forget to order the tiramisu. It is outstanding and big enough for two (maybe!).

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 been canceled on Open Table. We definitely didn't cancel it, it's possible the restaurant did (they can), but nonetheless we were seated in the fairly empty room. So far so good. There were 5 of us and we ordered a lot of food and drinks. Two rounds of cocktails, a bottle of wine, appetizers, main courses, desserts. The food was unremarkable, but our waiter was outstanding. We didn't delay ordering at any time. We ordered appetizers when he asked, main courses when he came back, and desserts when he asked if we were interested. When we got the check, I promptly provided my credit card. After I received the statement, I signed it, and we sat for maybe an additional 5 minutes wrapping up when the maitre de came over and started angrily clearing our table and muttering --loudly--that we had to leave. At this point we had been in the restaurant a total of about 2 hours and 10 mins, had ordered promptly, paid the bill promptly, and had been wrapping up the conversation for about 5 minutes post signing the credit card statement--not particularly long for a 5-person full-course dinner that totaled about $500 with tip. As we got up to leave, the muttering got louder, and then got really nasty--with the maitre de almost yelling that there's a two hour maximum at the tables ("two hour maximum," "two hour maximum" was repeated over and over again). If this is their "rule" it wasn't shared with us when we sat down. Based on the time we were seated and the number in our party, the restaurant couldn't possibly expect to turn over the table for another pre-theater party. I would note that while there did appear to be one party waiting for a table when we left, there also appeared to be numerous open tables in the back of the restaurant. Having waited tables for many years, I am sensitive to the situation on a Saturday night when there's a wait for tables and people are sitting for a long time after paying the bill. That's why I always order and pay and leave promptly. I also know the drill about clearing a table and I understand it. You start to clear the table in hopes that the customers get the point that the restaurant wants to turn over the table. It's not like this happened and then we sat around for half an hour. Indeed, they hadn't cleared away any dessert plates, and the credit card statement had just been signed. So quietly clearing away the dishes and picking up the signed bill would have been a perfectly appropriate cue for us to get on our coats asap (indeed, one of us was already putting her coat on). What was not appropriate was a maitre de yelling at us to leave as if we had been there for 4 hours and ordered only a green salad. We left the restaurant at 7:45, a total of 2.5 hours after we arrived. What started out as a nice dinner (and again, I commend the waiter) basically turned into an "f you for eating here" from a shockingly nasty maitre de. The restaurant is very conveniently located to theater but there are definitely better options in the area.

Across from Steppenwolf and close to North this little place rocks, period. It is so good, from the kitchen to the service to the nice umbrella covered patio, to the cool inside to the wine by the glass selection. It just rocks. We have been walking past it for ten years, walking past! Saturday night we arrived early to be able to go to Steppenwolf. We were greeted by one of the owners from Sicily immediately, asked if we would like a drink and settled into two proseccos while enjoying the patio vibe. The server was wonderfully attentive but not obtrusive, and did a great job explaining the menu. Ahh, but he food was superb and every bit as good as places up the road like Riccardo. We had appetizers that were excellent, buratta and carpaccio of octopus and I forget, and main courses of salmon and branzino, both truly wonderfully prepared and accompanied by a really dry and favorful rose by the glass. Desert was the best panna cotta in my restaurant history, including numerous trips to Italy. This is a great place and should not be missed. We will become regulars! Total bill, with drinks and tip and espresso and capucino was $150. ZB

Not the best but pretty solid Italian food- kind of Chicago style but classic. Nice service. Friendly- kind of a neighborhood place- they do the basics well.

Wonderful gem in Lincoln Park, right across from Steppenwolf Theater. Very delicious Italian traditional food prepared perfectly. The service was perfect and attantive and very friendly and professional. Food is authentic. All wines are Italian and reasonable. Our waiter helped with a fine bottle and the meal was perfecto.

Went to Trattoria Gianni last night prior to theater. Our usual dining location burned a number of months ago and Vinci, across the street, was just not meeting our expectations. We ate on the patio at Gianni where the tables are well spaced and the wait staff was very attentive. Went for the specials since tomatoes are out now and all of our dishes featured fresh summer ingredients and were very tasty. The beet salad was lovely, the brochette plain looking but those fresh tomatoes really were wonderful. Special pastas featured good summer fare. Cocktails excellent. Will go back again.

The Restaurant has a typical Italian vibe. The menu is in Italian and has a wide selection of popular dishes from, I would say, the centre/north Italy mostly - lots of ravioli, spaghetti alla Bolognese. Meat and fish also looked good. I had gnocchi, stuffed with ricotta and with a tomato sauce. It was good. Most wines in the wine list come from Veneto, therefore lots of white, dry wines. I had prosecco. They are very efficient, service is fast and used to pre-theatre people.

Royal George Theatre as well as Steppenwolf are a stones throw away. Food was fantastic and the service was prompt and attentive.

First off, no place could be more convenient before a show at Steppenwolf. The waiter asked if we were going to the theater early on and then as time passed recommended getting our entree orders in soon so we would not be rushed. Both pastas we tried were fresh and flavorful. The tortellini was done perfectly with strips of prosciutto and peas in a cream sauce. The tagliatelle was in a meaty rich sauce. Great stop pre or post theater.

It's great to dine regularly or for the very first time where the owner greets you, the staff is your family, and you get what you want prepared exactly the way you want it. Service with a smile.

We went here before a play at the Royal George. The one great thing was we got to use the Valet Parking for both dinner and the show. As far as the food goes, it was just average. My wife and I both had the grilled chicken breast with spinach and mushrooms. The chicken was tender and moist, but devoid of flavor. Started with the tortellini soup. It as good but a bit salty. My wife had he salad, which was good. The best part of the meal was the desert. I had the cannoli and my wife had the gelato. Service during most of the meal was excellent. The desert service not so much. It is an OK place to go for dinner before a play at any of the Halsted St. Theaters.

I first started coming here in 1988 when it first opened. I have moved from the area but usually couple a visit to Steppanwolf with a meal at Gianni. Food is always excellent, well priced and the servers attentive. Combine that with Italian ambiance and the charm of its owner and its a cant miss hit for an trattoria meal

We went here for dinner before a show at the Steppenwolf. It is very convenient, it is right across the street, you can park in the Steppenwolf parking lot. But the food is just really mediocre. I had the duck, and duck should be strongly flavored, this didn't taste like anything. It was also tough and I had to ask for a sharp knife. One of us had the saltimbocca and was pleased. Another had a pasta that was just too rich. So I guess go for the saltimbocca.

Other than the stingy portion of bread, the food was superb. Service was a little surly at times but the quality of the food made up for it.

Visiting from out of town and wanted to try a local restaurant. Chose this restaurant after a show for convenience. It has a nice Italian atmosphere and the menu has a good variety to choose from. We were not greeted in a pleasant manner. Obviously, this restaurant caters to locals rather than out-of-town visitors. After waiting 15-20 minutes for a table at the bar, we were not escorted to our table with menus and an engaging demeanor, bur rather just motioned from afar to go sit by the table at the window. Our waiter was not very attentive; he never explained the menu and specials to us as he later did with the obvious locals sitting next to us., never asked us if we wanted more bread like the couple next to us and left us sitting at a quickly cleared table far longer than we felt was acceptable. He brought us one check rather than asking if we wanted two, which we did and then when we asked to split the bill, he wanted to split it 50-50 instead of splitting it according to what we ordered and acted perturbed that we even asked in the first place. Any of these actions alone would not have resulted in a lower rating, but when evaluating the evening as a whole, we were a little surprised and quite disappointed in the way we were treated as customers of this establishment.

We had tickets for a show and needed to get in and out in a hurry. Gianni is close to Steppenwolf, so it is a logical 'go-to'. I hadn't been there in years. The food was ok, but not worth noting. The pasta dishes were really bland and not inviting. Appetizers were "OK". If not for some good beer and conversation with friends, it may have been worse. I think the menu needs updating. Worth it if you need to eat nearby. Friendly staff. But not a destination in and of its own doing.

Homemade pasta, great bread, good wine selections. Nice outdoor eating, knowledgeable waiters. My wife’s favorite gnocchi in the USA!!

Excellent food. Excellent service. Wonderful patio. Not pretentious. Highly recommended. A local go to place when we want to relax and enjoy a casual night out.

fantastic little gem of a resturant. The food is outstanding and if you really want to have fun tell them to just bring you something from the kitchen and sit back an be surpised. I have done this with groups and we just eat family style every one loves it.

We tried this restaurant on a recommendation from a friend. It didn't disappoint! The arancini was amazing along with the bolognese and veal scallopini. Great place to visit. Service was excellent. I've found another favorite Italian place!

Great little place in theatre district. Great staff, owners, food,ambiance . Best prices in Chicago for quality food. Had sea bass filleted at our table, melt in your mouth. Desserts also outstanding. Catch a show in the theatre next door and stop back here for an authentic espresso.

My husband and I have been dining here before (and often after!!) our regular visits to the Steppenwolf for years. The owners and the staff know us; their warm and welcoming greeting ALWAYS makes us smile! The food is delicious with a ice selection of wines, too. Priced very reasonably, too!

Excellent food, superb service by Marco T, great drinks & wine, and a real taste of Italy in Lincoln Park. I would recommend everything on the menu, but here is what my party of seven ordered: Polpo Genoese, Caprese Salad, Bruschetta, Prosciutto Melone, Capellini Al Pomodoro, Conchiglie del Mercante, Gnocchi Della Nona, Veal Marsala, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Branzino alla Grigio, Saltimbocca alla Sorrentina - my mouth is watering remembering this delicious food. As to the martinis and wine - they too were great! Try it you’ll love it!

A nice pre-theater restaurant with great food and service at prices that won't kill your budget. Plenty of locals eat here, even families with small kids who love the pasta. I had the Spiedini special, like a mini-braciole, that was wonderful. My partner had the trout which she said we delish. The triple sorbetti (passion fruit, blood orange and 1 other) was a cool way to finish the meal.

Had a wonderful meal here with family sitting outside under the stars. Everything we had was wonderful. Our waiter was very entertaining and made great recommendations. The wine list is extensive and they have a full bar. On a summer night in Chicago it's hard to beat that outside seating.

Great food, poor servíce! Have been here before where I found the food and the service to be equally great! Not this last visit. We were there before going to Royal George Theatre that is just about a block away! We had allow for a leisurely dinner (there were 8 of us and we all love to talk, eat and drink!), so we weren't in a rush to get to our show. Had to ask twice for drink refills, water and bread. One dessert never arrived, probably because waiter wasn't paying attention! Never got coffee refills. Good location for b/4 or after Royal George or Steppenwolf. We will try again, though! May just an off night, but disappointing.

I'm Italian, my wife is German, our guests were Indian (vegetarian), Chinese, and Jewish. The food was great as was the service.

Enjoyed every morsel.Great drinks, service, warm bread with olive oil or butter and shared the Carpaccio di Manzo – Row thin sliced filet mignon, olive oil, lemon, arrugola, shaved parmesan cheese. Then the entrees came: Mrs. Q had the Veal Saltimbocca alla Sorrentina – Veal scaloppine,prosciutto and mozzarella cheese, white wine, a touch of tomato sauce, served with sauteéd mixed vegetables. One of the absolute best Veal dishes she ever ate. Mr. Q had one of the “Specials” Talapia and enjoyed his choice. They offer a beautiful outdoor seating area with umbrellas. We would go again when the opportunity presents itself So many good restaurants, so little time. Alice 34203 and 60660

Great food and ambiance. Went here pre-second city and loved it! We set the menu and bread basket on fire with our votive, but they still served us...

Place is nice looking, service was ok, food was unflavorful. This is my first negative review of a restaurant and I should of known better because they make their customer flow from the theatre and apparently not from taste. I ordered a pasta special and there is not a chance that everything wasn't frozen or out of a can... Watery, absolutely no flavor, waste of money... My boyfriends risotto was also without any taste and had nice crunchy rice. Next time I'm sticking to King Crab.

good dinner and real pizza one of our group decided for this place and he was right, perfect for friends and for a honest italian food

So convenient, across from Steppenwolfe Theater, valet solves the parking problem, oh how I wanted to like this restaurant. Alas it was not to be as our 6PM reservationprovided barely enough time to make a &:30 curtain due to inattentive service. Our entrees were delivered at 7:10. If we had not explicitly reminded the waiter of the theater, if the restaurant had been packed and if we didn't give him a couple of verbal jabs we might still be there. Food? mezza, mezza, had better, had worse. Risotto with funghi was somewhat dried out (like it had been sitting under a warming light). My wifes short ribs were good but the advertised bed of polenta turned out to be mashed potatoes. Caprese salad surprisingly good since this is not the best season for tomatoes. Wide variety of unimpressive wines by the glass, no time for coffee or desert of course. However it was servicethat killed this place for me. You would certainly expect a restaurant near a theater to be concious of time. Would never go back.

The food here was delicious. There is a nice sized patio outside but sadly it was too cold to eat out there. I'll be back in the summer to eat out there.

We were here on a Wednesday evening, and the restaurant was not crowded. The decor is really pleasant, and because it was not very full it was quiet enough to have conversation. There was a nice outdoor patio area, but it was a bit too cold that evening. Our waitress was attentive and professional, but not intrusive. But, the food was fantastic. A few memorable items were the light-as-a-feather gnocchi, and the paper thin, tender, veal scaloppini. The gelato was incredible. I don't think it could have been much better. Highly recommended.

Went before 8pm play at Steppenwolf. Above and beyond service. Waiter, named Mariano, I believe, aware of time so we wouldn't be late. Knew how to gage our needs, super nice. Delicious gnocchi and Ceaser salad. Highly recommend.

This Italian restaurant - where you can eat inside or out - has a great menu with many delicious choices. We had pasta- gnocchi and tagliatelle with meat sauce - both were fantastic. Our server, Shawn, was excellent, making sure we had everything we needed and that we were enjoying our meal. A good find!

Have been coming to Gianni's for years, love Gianni and his staff - they all go all out to treat you special. Love being able to customize food orders - this is a great Chicago restaurant!

We visited here after a Royal George Theater show. It is a block away, so just a short walk. Authentic Italian cuisine. The menu describes the items that can't be pronounced, which were many for us. Quality of all items was very good. Risotto balls was a good start. The linguine with shrimp & scallops was good, with a nice touch of garlic, but I could have used more of the shrimp & scallops. Grilled chicken with spinach was very good. Was a little disappointed with the pistachio mousse for desert. It was rather flavorless. Our waitress Vita was very knowledgeable and attentive. Prices were very reasonable.

Nice Italian restaurant located close to two off-Loop theaters. Convenient valet parking where you can leave your car till after the play is over. Food was good. Service was excellent.. They are used to dealing with theater goers who have a deadline. The bolognese sauce was not flavorful enough for my dinner companion.. I had a special du jour of chicken with mushrooms, which was done very well.

Decent wine, and good service, but the food is sub-standard... Linguine portofino was missing salt and had no other spices, skimpy on the seafood...hadn't been here for awhile and see why not...

Right across the road from Steppenwolfe theater on Halsted st chicago. Cozy, friendly atmosphere with typical italian menu. Wife had eggplant parm, said it was fantastic, I had whitefish which was served with a medley of peppers and onion/herbs and rice, very nice balance, friend had chicken vesuvio and enjoyed it completely . Tartufo was available for dessert, our favourite italian dessert. Daniel, our waiter, ensured our meal was enjoyed in time for the theater but not rushed (we were a little late as we underestimated travel time). This will be a definite "go to" the next time we are in chicago.

Perfect fresh made pasta... Delightful pizza choices... Service that was attentive, impeccable, but never rushed. Is there a better recipe for a family gathering? Don't let the understated exterior fool you. This is a great place!

We went there while going to Steppenwolf for a pre-theater dinner. We didn't know anything about restaurant before (we are not from Chicago) and were very very happy with our choice. The food was excellent, service friendly and atmosphere was relaxing and enjoyable. We will surely return if we come ti Chicago again.

Location is great, they also have outdoor sitting but food is really so so. Also service was more like " are you kidding me". We waited more then 15 min just to get the menus. Considering that we were short on time before the play, I went to look for one and visibly annoyed waiter told he would bring one. When the waiter , finally, made it to our table I explained to him that we were limited on time to make a play to which he just shrugged his shoulders as in " what ever". We ended up ordering just the appetizers which took for ever, and had to gulp them down to leave in time for the play.

I made a reservation for two of my sons, their wives, and five of my grandchildren, including my ten year old granddaughter celebrating a birthday. When we arrived, we were made to wait in front of the bar among the empty tables. All empty. Our table for ten was set in the courtyard in the corner as he had described it on the phone. My crime was arriving early. Gianni confronted me with a wild look In his eyes, stating “You cannot have that table yet”. He was distracted by a party of four trying to enter our narrow spot by the bar thru the front door. Gianni immediately turned his wrath to them, scolding “You are late”. They looked as flabbergasted as I felt. This guy wants a whole lot of our money to be here this evening. In fact, I spent over $500 for the privilege. The service from the owner got worse from there. He lectured us in a demeaning manner about the grandkids moving about the empty inside tables, waiting to be seated at our table in the busy courtyard. I told him if he didn’t want kids in the main dining area he could seat us at our table, which was in plain view. He attempted to stare his defiant customer down in a war of wills. I won the starring contest and the lunatic finally seated us. Our waiter was kind, and tried to make amends for the owner. The chicken tasted like well aged leather. I was charged $60 for “buttered noodles” for the grandkids. I have seen this guy in action in the past speaking inappropriately to others, and wrote it off to restaurant owners Covid stress as he was trying to reopen. I now see that these are his true colors. Avoid this place like the plague. In fairness to customers who pay exorbitant prices to eat out after CV19, Mother Nature would have been kinder to us all if his restaurant had been extinguished during the pandemic.

I went to Trattoria Gianni for dinner before a comedy show with my boyfriend. I was thrilled they had a gluten free menu! The pasta was great. Plus, I was able to make a reservation using Open Table. The restaurant itself is a little outdated but it is cute and pretty quick.

consistently a good dinner before going to Steppenwolf Theater. Good service, wine prices within reason, and very convenient to the theater.

Picking a restaurant in Chicago is like finding a needle in a haystack. This place is great , the service was top notch, and the food was wonderful. We felt like we were back in Italy. Not rushed, well taken care of. The neighborhood is so nice.

It was so hot in there! I could not enjoy my meal cause I was so over heated. Food was good except my sister in law said the risotto was just rice not creamy.

Regulars treated poorly We go often when seeing a show at Steppenwolf Theatre. Food is good. Not special but good. We showed up at 6 right in time for our reservation before our 7:30 show. We did jot see a waiter until 6:30( (which we know since the manager told us he put in the order at 6:30 when we complained at 6:50). The manager finally took our order and complained that he wasn’t used to doing so. He then chided us for being in a rush. The wrong food came out and was quickly replaced. At 7:05 we asked for a check. It took time to get it and then it had a convenience fee. The manager unpleasantly told us we’d be on time for the show and never apologized. He certainly never offered anything in compensation for being ignored for more than 45 minutes. Needless to say we won’t be going back. There’s another good Italian place across the street. Vinci!

My husband and I dined here before a show at Steppenwolf Theater, which is right across the street. They were not busy when we arrived for our 5:30 reservation, but did fill up while we were there. Our server was very pleasant and helpful. We asked to split a Caesar Salad, which they split for us. Quite good. But the Gnocchi! They were filled with Riccotta, and served in a tomato sauce. I ordered a half order, which was enough for me, but I was almost sorry I didn't get a full order. They were light and fluffy and melted in my mouth. I would seriously go back here just to have that dish again. Fantastico! My husband had the Veal Saltimboca, which I tasted as well. Also very, very good. Lovely experience. We will go back.

Had dinner on a Saturday evening because we couldn't get in other places. Dinner was expensive and just okay. Beet salad fair, trout good. My husband and daughter both had the same fish and my daughters was undercooked.

Real Italian food cooked by Italians...quaint with fun outdoor seating. Good mix on the menu, with a lot of traditional dishes.

I loved the outdoor patio at Trattoria Gianni. It was a great place to eat after a show at the Royal George. My pasta was good but s little bland. The bread was crusty and tasted sensational.

A Friday evening in June, just before a theater performance next door -- what a great time for a little alfresco dining! We began by sharing the Melanzane Del Pecoraio (roasted eggplant) and moved seamlessly into our entrees -- Petto D'Anatra Alla Julia (grilled duck breast with mushrooms) and Pollo Alla Diavola (roasted half chicken), both of which were delicious. A cannoli dessert completed the trifecta and we were off to the Royal George. Our waiter, a fellow named Marian from Romania, was helpful throughout without being obsequious. The only "fly in the ointment" was the noise and activity generated by the three youngsters who couldn't stop fidgeting. It's a pity their parents couldn't have invested in a babysitter (or taken the little angels to McDonald's).

Nice casual small spot great for dinner on a Tuesday before a play at the Steppenwolf Theater across the street. Dinner arrived promptly.Traditional Italian nicely handled. Pleasant waiters. Only downside: credit card machine was down. Fortunately prices are reasonable and I had cash.

We were really surprise to receive this kind of service and quality food in a small place like this. It is cozy and really Italian. No complains about any type of food.

I went here with my girlfriend for a nice Saturday evening date. The atmosphere was nice, but not too fancy. It had a fun neighborhood atmosphere--relaxed, not too big, very authentic and local. The food was excellent--the best gnocchi we have ever had. So good we ended up ordering a second dish of it. The menu offered a good range of pastas and meats. I'd highly recommend it for a nice meal where you want to have good food and focus on the company you are with. We will definitely be back.

There are many things I miss about Chicago since retiring to Florida. Luckily, I return frequently to this great city where I grew up and each time, I find myself always drawn back to my favorite place, Trattoria Gianni. Everything about this place is awesome. The food speaks for itself, the service is second to none and I always feel like I am in a little piece of Italy right here. It doesn't make a difference if it is your first time or your twentieth time to dine here, the owner makes you feel very special and always welcome. Trattoria Gianni - thank you for being a Chicago landmark.

I visit Chicago 2x's per year and make a pilgramage to Trattoria Gianni every trip. This is a Real neighborhood trattoria, run by a Real Italian gentleman (Gianni of course). The food is to die for - Real gnochhi - and every dish is superb. My favorite is the Costolette di Maiale (pounded pork chop, breaded and fried in olive oil). I have brought a picky eater with me and he didn't see anything on the menu that "thrilled" him, so the waiter played 20 questions and had the kitchen custom make a dinner for him (the plate was cleaned). Gianni even puts up with my three years of Italian language lessons and will show you how Grappa can be used to loosen up your tongue. Last time I enjoyed an Italian Restuarant this much - I was in Tuscany. Steve

Good Italian food - nice location near theaters - very good pasta and veal dishes. Wine list is decent

Trattoria Gianni never ceases to amaze. The service is amazing and the food is even better. You can tell they take pride in their homemade pastas. I've never had a bad meal. Can't wait to go back.

Conveniently located when attending the theater. One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago and we will definitely return again.

My wife and I went to an early play at the Steppenwolf and had dinner afterwards at Trattoria Gianni. The first impression we had walking in was that we were in a classic Italian eatery - a little dark and noisy, servers moving quickly, and aromas that made us hungry. Our food was delicious and our server was attentive even though he was very busy. We shared a nice salad that was on the specials menu and a bowl of mussels as starters - both of which were very good. My wife had Linguine Portofino that was loaded with shrimp and scallops, and loved it. I ordered the Gnocchi and thought they were very good, but maybe not anything special. For dessert we shared a dish of sweet tortellini filled with Nutella served with a scoop of pistachio ice cream. That was to die for. We're looking forward to returning to Trattoria Gianni in the warmer weather and sitting outside on their patio.

We have lived in Chicago for 15 years and finally found a new favorite. It is old school service with lighter Italian dishes. We shared everything mostly because everything looked great. I would order the fresh pasta dishes - all traditional sized. The server helped with wine selections. It is also great to sit at the bar for pre dinner drinks. The best part is the outdoor patio- perfect for summer.

The food and service was great! Loved the grilled calamari. The waiter gave some great suggestions, the atmosphere was very relaxing. I would definitely visit again

I guess I’ll second (or third) what most others have said. Gianni’s has it all together – food, service, atmosphere. The restaurant is very aware that it caters primarily to the pre-theater crowd, mostly Steppenwolf across the street or, in our case, the Royal George Theater down the block (and a few blocks from Second City). Indeed, when I made reservations, the phone person asked if we were going to the theater, was aware of the time, and assured us that out 6:15 reservation was just right for the 8:00 curtain. The $11.00 valet parking, including the show, added to the convenience. I don’t know if I’d call the food “awesome” as others have but it certainly compares well with the better-known Vinci immediately across the street. The salads were great – my roasted beet and my companion’s arugula with apple and pear. My veal limone and her duck breast were just right. With the good but not rushed service we were able to relax over a tasty shared hazelnut mousse dessert. Nice but nothing special about the décor. It’s reasonable at about $80 for two, with one glass of wine and tip. We’ve been there before and would happily return.

I was nervous about going after reading the reviews but it was wonderful. The service was great, the food was amazing. Would definitely go back!

Our group of six arrived at 6PM before attending an 8PM Royal George performance. The waiter was great, and he told us he would get us out on time. We were never rushed, we had 17 drinks, 3 appetizers, and six entries. Since we sat outside on the patio, I will suggest it took a little longer for the waiter to be walking back inside every time to order and deliver our food/drinks; maybe a little bit inefficient. But the evening and great company made the time fly. Everybody enjoyed the food and atmosphere before heading to the Royal George. We would definitely come back again. Overall, we averaged spending $50 per person.

Why did it take so long for my wife and I to discover Trattoria Gianni? Maybe because we aren't into Chicago Blues music and we aren't frequent theater-goers. Located at 1711 North Halsted Street, in the heart of Lincoln Park's theater district, across the street from Steppenwolf and around the corner from Royal George, an easy walk to Kingston Mines and Blues Chicago, Trattoria Gianni features traditional Italian cooking in an Old World, rustic but elegant atmosphere with exposed brick walls, white tablecloths and wood trim. A long-time destination for theater-goers, before and after plays, Giani Delisi's pride and joy opened in 1988 and has been named the best Italian restaurant in Chicago by Chicago Traveler. Open daily at 5 and on Sunday at 1, it certainly rates in the conversation. For starters, we had minestrone, Caesar salad and bruschetta with toasted Italian bread, chopped plum tomatoes, garlic, basil and extra virgin olive oil. For an entree, my wife had saltimbocca, veal scaloppine with prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, white wine and tomato sauce served with sauteed vegetables. I couldn't resist my new-found favorite, Branzino, the meaty and tender and tasty Mediterranean sea bass, with asparagus and mixed vegetables. I can't believe how popular Branzino has become in the last two years. For dessert, we shared plates of panna cotta, delicious Italian cream custard, and traditional tiramisu. Very underrated, Trattoria Gianni deserves more props. We can't say enough good things about our dining experience.

You will love the outdoor patio at this small hidden gem in Lincoln Park. All of the food is amazing so it doesn't matter what you order!

Excellent dining alfresco Friday evening before a play at the Steppenwolf. Excellent pasta and seafood, attentive service and who does not love warm Italian bread with delicious olive oil! Will be returning for sure!

We had such a wonderful dining experience here and we loved that it was right across the street from Steppenwolf Theatre. The service was excellent, but the waiter could have been just alittle more informed about the menu and wines. We definitely will return.

Convenient location for both Steppenwolf and Royal George theaters. The minestrone was ok as were the whitefish and tilapia specials. The tiramisu was excellent.

We stumbled upon Trattoria Gianni looking for an early dinner before going to the theater. What a delightful find. During the warm weather there is the bonus of a patio! The servers are attentive and understand the time issues related to theater start. Our meals were delicious - the salmon special and linguine portofino. Portions are generous though not so much you feel stuffed at the end. There is a good wine list. There are good gluten free options available, too. It’s conveniently located to Steppenwolf and Royal George. The Clybourn/North CTA stop is just a block or so away.

Right across from Steppenwolf so that's a big plus but the place has great food and service. Let your server know if you are going to a show; you'll have plenty of time to cross the street. Great selections on the menu and daily specials and if you don't see exactly what you want, ask. Definitely worth going back to.

Sunday evening dinner after a great play. This restaurant is across the street, making the restaurant location excellent, Reception at Trattoria Gianni made us feel very welcomed, very relaxed atmosphere, In addition to the specials,there are specials, excellent selection, not overwhelming but several choices from start to end,

Gianni Delisi's family-run Trattoria Gianni has been a mainstay of the Italian restaurant fare since 1988, featuring a diverse selection of regional Italian dishes, delicious specials and tasty desserts with a full bar, an extensive wine list and a great selection of grappas. Located at 1714 North Halsted Street, it is a great place to eat before or after attending a play at nearby Steppenwolf or Royal George theaters or a musical event at Kingston Mines and Blues Chicago. Trattoria Gianni has all the vibes of a classic and rustic Italian eatery with brick walls, white table cloths, wood trim and floors. It all adds up to an elegant atmosphere. But with any great restaurant, it's all about the food, right? They don't rate four stars because they are comfortable and cozy and have fine china and silverware. Trattoria Gianni's menu is filled with Italian traditions. Start with bruschetta, which I always do when it's offered. Trattoria Gianni's version is toasted Italian bread, chopped plum tomatoes, garlic, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Other antipasti that is highly recommended are Carpaccio di Manzo, raw thin-sliced filet mignon with olive oil, lemon, arugola and shaved parmesan cheese, and Arancini Siciliani, saffron risotto balls stuffed with bolognese, peas and scamorza cheese fried and served with fresh marinara sauce. Choosing an entree is more difficult, even challenging. How about Lingjuine Portofino (scallops, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, olive oil and garlic) or Saltimbocca alla Sorrentina (veal scaloppine, prosciutto and mozzarella cheese, white wine, a touch of tomato sauce served with sauteed mixed vegetables) or Filetto al Barolo (grilled filet mignon, wild mushrooms, Barolo sauce, roasted potatoes) or Ravioli Burro e Salvia (home-made spinach ravioli, stuffed with ricotta cheese, burned butter, sage and parmigiano ) or Gnocchi della Nonna (hand-made stuffed ricotta gnocchi, tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella cheese) or Costoletta di Maiale alla Siciliana (flattened 12-ounce pork chop, olive oil, garlic, parsley and bread crumbs, grilled and served with roasted potatoes) or Conchiglie del Mercante (crumbled Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peas, tomato sauce, a touch of cream and scamorza cheese) or Petti di Pollo alla Griglia (grilled chicken breast marinated in olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and a touch of balsamic vinegar served with sauteed spinach and mushrooms)? It doesn't get any better than that, as if you were dining in Naples or Venice. I didn't even miss spaghetti and meatballs.

We always enjoy going to a restaurant where the server is friendly. It makes for a much more pleasant dining experience. The gentleman that waited on us was superb. The pasta and desserts were also very tasty. Their seating space to the side of their restaurant was a pleasant spot to eat on a lovely evening.

We chose to dine at Trattoria Gianni because it was across the street from the Steppenwolf Theater. It's a great little neighborhood Italian joint. The food and service were very good, and they made sure to get us out on time to attend our show. Next time we're in Chicago, we'll make a point to head to this restaurant even if we're not attending a show at Steppenwolf.