Was walking by with friends and decided to stop in and start with a drink then maybe dinner but the girl at the door wouldn’t even let us in because we didn’t have a reservation. Mind you the place was empty. When we pointed that out she shut the door on us and told us to go somewhere else which we did. Very unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Abbie Anderson
Absolutely divine. A must when in west loop.The food is carefully and expertly crafted- Shout out to Chef Cristiano.Their wine selection is far beyond any selection I've seen just about anywhere else in the same area. So many yummy and authentic options.Service was top notch Ms Luana was an absolute pleasure. She is so kind and personable and really made us feel like family.Will absolutely be back to try another round of Chefs specials!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
April Bell
trailblazing food
Caryn Shaw
A gorgeous modern restaurant with fresh fare, tasty drinks, and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nikhil G
Cacio E Pepe is awesome. Try the cheese wheel. All dishes were great and good wine selection. Great service, too. A true Italian experience. Crabcakes are a must
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
Matthew Coleman
IDK why this has negative reviews....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Fal
A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of FlavorsRecently, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Gioia, an unassuming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service, Gioia provided an extraordinary dining experience that left an enduring impression on my gastronomic journey.Commencing with the culinary focal point – the food, Gioia's menu encompasses a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, meticulously crafted with precision and care. Livio's, an entrancing seafood dish, served as a prelude to the evening, highlighting the establishment's unwavering commitment to ingredient freshness and culinary finesse. The Carciofi, an artful artichoke creation, and the impeccably crispy Fritto further exemplified Gioia's dedication to culinary excellence.The Polenta at Gioia transcended expectations, offering a luxuriously textured and rich palate that flawlessly complemented the robust flavors. The Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish, captured the quintessence of classic Italian cuisine. The Milanese, boasting a perfectly breaded and fried exterior, was a manifestation of Gioia's culinary prowess.Transitioning to the realm of desserts, the Crème brûlée and Tiramisu emerged as sublime delicacies, each spoonful unveiling layers of decadence and sweetness. These desserts are unequivocally a requisite for those with an affinity for the saccharine.To accompany the epicurean journey, Gioia offers an artfully curated selection of beverages designed to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes. The 520 Insoglio del Cinghiale, a red wine boasting robust and velvety notes, heightened the dining experience. The Monte Negroni and Black Magic cocktails, meticulously crafted for a harmonious balance of flavors, provided a delightful accompaniment. For aficionados of caffeinated indulgence, the Espresso Martini and Jungle Cat served as a fitting denouement to the culinary symphony.The solicitous and erudite staff at Gioia contributed to the overall enchantment of the evening. Their insightful recommendations and gracious hospitality cultivated an ambiance that was simultaneously welcoming and refined.In summation, Gioia Chicago stands as a gastronomic sanctuary that captivates the senses. From the tantalizing Livio's to the celestial Tiramisu, each dish narrates a tale of culinary ardor and proficiency. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection serves as an apt complement, rendering the dining experience memorable. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy amidst the urban bustle of Chicago, Gioia emerges as the epitome of culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole Mitchell
My experience was extremely mediocre. I don’t have anything negative to say about our waiter, he was swift so we didn't have much interaction with him. If I had to guess I would think the slow speed of service was due to understaffing but there were waiters everywhere. Some bumping into my chair so hard it knocked the wind out of me. I could see why filling the restaurant with that many tables would be necessary if the place was constantly packed but there was no scarcity of free tables. The layout was poor with little to no walk through space that didn’t have you bumping into someone in their chair. The food was okay, the lettuce of my Caesar salad tasted like the bag it comes in at the grocery store. The rigatoni pasta was aldente. The Cacio e Pepe was finished off in a flaming 21 yr aged wheel of Parmesan, that was cool. But when the Trader Joe’s frozen bag of cacio e Pepe is better it’s kinda like, “well why go out?” I had heard great things about Gioia and wanted to try it but maybe I missed its peak.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
ANGEL GARCIA
Music was a little loudSalmon was good, maybe needed a bit more flavor.Menu was a tad pricey dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine $360.Overall I had a good time and will visit again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Tapan Sheth
HIGHLY recommend to eat here! The atmosphere was romantic, great decor, service was fantastic and food was phenomenal! We had the fritto, cacio e pepe in the cheese wheel and the la parmagiana and it was absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto, Bucatini Cacio E Pepe, Focaccia
Fantastic Italian Restaurant. Very authentic and the best sugo! Had the lobster risotto the other night and it was outstanding! Quickly becoming our “go to” restaurant in Chicago! Thanks Gioia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gioia Nei Paccheri
LL Chicago
Fantastic Italian Restaurant. Very authentic and the best sugo! Had the lobster risotto the other night and it was outstanding! Quickly becoming our “go to” restaurant in Chicago! Thanks Gioia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gioia Nei Paccheri
Gabriella L
I’ve been there twice, two weeks in a row. It is the best Italian restaurant (and my parents are from Italy) I think I’ve had in Chicago- EVER!! The chef/owner and many of the staff are born and raised in Italy and couldn’t be nicer! The place is clean and beautiful. But most importantly- the food is AMAZING!! Simple, fresh ingredients just like in Italy!! I don’t think I’ve ever written a review on a restaurant, that’s how highly I recommend it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
P Marwah
Best Italian!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
Gabriela Reyes Casadiego
Gioia is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The exquisite food, experience, and service are recommended. My last visit was at the anniversary celebration, and they gave us champagne from the house. Whenever I go, the attention leaves me with a big smile. I owe you the photos!Gioia is one of my favorite restaurants in the city, the exquisite food, experience and service are truly recommended. My last visit was for the anniversary celebration and they gave us champagne on the house. Every time I go the attention leaves me with a big smile. I owe you the photos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Branzino Alla Griglia, Burrata
Was walking by with friends and decided to stop in and start with a drink then maybe dinner but the girl at the door wouldn’t even let us in because we didn’t have a reservation. Mind you the place was empty. When we pointed that out she shut the door on us and told us to go somewhere else which we did. Very unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Absolutely divine. A must when in west loop.The food is carefully and expertly crafted- Shout out to Chef Cristiano.Their wine selection is far beyond any selection I've seen just about anywhere else in the same area. So many yummy and authentic options.Service was top notch Ms Luana was an absolute pleasure. She is so kind and personable and really made us feel like family.Will absolutely be back to try another round of Chefs specials!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
trailblazing food
A gorgeous modern restaurant with fresh fare, tasty drinks, and friendly staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cacio E Pepe is awesome. Try the cheese wheel. All dishes were great and good wine selection. Great service, too. A true Italian experience. Crabcakes are a must
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
IDK why this has negative reviews....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of FlavorsRecently, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Gioia, an unassuming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service, Gioia provided an extraordinary dining experience that left an enduring impression on my gastronomic journey.Commencing with the culinary focal point – the food, Gioia's menu encompasses a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, meticulously crafted with precision and care. Livio's, an entrancing seafood dish, served as a prelude to the evening, highlighting the establishment's unwavering commitment to ingredient freshness and culinary finesse. The Carciofi, an artful artichoke creation, and the impeccably crispy Fritto further exemplified Gioia's dedication to culinary excellence.The Polenta at Gioia transcended expectations, offering a luxuriously textured and rich palate that flawlessly complemented the robust flavors. The Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish, captured the quintessence of classic Italian cuisine. The Milanese, boasting a perfectly breaded and fried exterior, was a manifestation of Gioia's culinary prowess.Transitioning to the realm of desserts, the Crème brûlée and Tiramisu emerged as sublime delicacies, each spoonful unveiling layers of decadence and sweetness. These desserts are unequivocally a requisite for those with an affinity for the saccharine.To accompany the epicurean journey, Gioia offers an artfully curated selection of beverages designed to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes. The 520 Insoglio del Cinghiale, a red wine boasting robust and velvety notes, heightened the dining experience. The Monte Negroni and Black Magic cocktails, meticulously crafted for a harmonious balance of flavors, provided a delightful accompaniment. For aficionados of caffeinated indulgence, the Espresso Martini and Jungle Cat served as a fitting denouement to the culinary symphony.The solicitous and erudite staff at Gioia contributed to the overall enchantment of the evening. Their insightful recommendations and gracious hospitality cultivated an ambiance that was simultaneously welcoming and refined.In summation, Gioia Chicago stands as a gastronomic sanctuary that captivates the senses. From the tantalizing Livio's to the celestial Tiramisu, each dish narrates a tale of culinary ardor and proficiency. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection serves as an apt complement, rendering the dining experience memorable. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy amidst the urban bustle of Chicago, Gioia emerges as the epitome of culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My experience was extremely mediocre. I don’t have anything negative to say about our waiter, he was swift so we didn't have much interaction with him. If I had to guess I would think the slow speed of service was due to understaffing but there were waiters everywhere. Some bumping into my chair so hard it knocked the wind out of me. I could see why filling the restaurant with that many tables would be necessary if the place was constantly packed but there was no scarcity of free tables. The layout was poor with little to no walk through space that didn’t have you bumping into someone in their chair. The food was okay, the lettuce of my Caesar salad tasted like the bag it comes in at the grocery store. The rigatoni pasta was aldente. The Cacio e Pepe was finished off in a flaming 21 yr aged wheel of Parmesan, that was cool. But when the Trader Joe’s frozen bag of cacio e Pepe is better it’s kinda like, “well why go out?” I had heard great things about Gioia and wanted to try it but maybe I missed its peak.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Music was a little loudSalmon was good, maybe needed a bit more flavor.Menu was a tad pricey dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine $360.Overall I had a good time and will visit again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
HIGHLY recommend to eat here! The atmosphere was romantic, great decor, service was fantastic and food was phenomenal! We had the fritto, cacio e pepe in the cheese wheel and the la parmagiana and it was absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fritto, Bucatini Cacio E Pepe, Focaccia
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic Italian Restaurant. Very authentic and the best sugo! Had the lobster risotto the other night and it was outstanding! Quickly becoming our “go to” restaurant in Chicago! Thanks Gioia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gioia Nei Paccheri
Fantastic Italian Restaurant. Very authentic and the best sugo! Had the lobster risotto the other night and it was outstanding! Quickly becoming our “go to” restaurant in Chicago! Thanks Gioia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gioia Nei Paccheri
I’ve been there twice, two weeks in a row. It is the best Italian restaurant (and my parents are from Italy) I think I’ve had in Chicago- EVER!! The chef/owner and many of the staff are born and raised in Italy and couldn’t be nicer! The place is clean and beautiful. But most importantly- the food is AMAZING!! Simple, fresh ingredients just like in Italy!! I don’t think I’ve ever written a review on a restaurant, that’s how highly I recommend it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Italian!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
Gioia is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The exquisite food, experience, and service are recommended. My last visit was at the anniversary celebration, and they gave us champagne from the house. Whenever I go, the attention leaves me with a big smile. I owe you the photos!Gioia is one of my favorite restaurants in the city, the exquisite food, experience and service are truly recommended. My last visit was for the anniversary celebration and they gave us champagne on the house. Every time I go the attention leaves me with a big smile. I owe you the photos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Branzino Alla Griglia, Burrata