Very hit and miss spot. Tried for the first time the other night. Service was essentially non-existent, and overall unwelcoming. The FOH manager needs to get it together. Our server barely said any words to us. No intro to the restaurant, just "what can I get you". That said, the order was taken. Drinks were delivered promptly. Zero recommendations offered, zero discussion about the wine list. (Owners: you are missing sales by how inept your FOH is) We ordered a round of apps-- Crab Cakes: Very good Meatballs: Bad. Dry, room temp, flavorless. Honestly not sure how a meatball could be this bad. for $15 mind you. Server never asked why we didn't eat them. Burrata: They forgot to drop this, so our entire dinner was delayed ~30min. That said, it was very good. Main Course: Rigatoni: This is honestly the dish to get. Was far and away the best. Tortelli (special): Good, but served room temp, a little pricey at $28. But not bad. Linguini: bland. Broccolini: oily, but good. Overall, you pay a lot and get nothing in the way of service, and varying quality among the dishes. The GM never once touched our table. The Chef was walking around sitting at his friends tables and never bothered to check on his customers. This is probably the most confusing part, you can prevent negative reviews and negative customer experiences when you have a FOH that cares about its guests. It has me wondering, who is this restaurant for? Certainly not for their guests. With so many great places in Chicago, I would never recommend this spot. More miss than hit, with owners/management that very clearly doesn't care.
Ed B.
Go for the food. Stay for the wine! A classy room w/soft pleasing relaxing lines. The Chef is stellar and has been providing Chicago diners with excellent choices thru his career. This Italian food prepared as in Italy. Highly recommend Gioia.
E N.
The food was OK, nothing out of the ordinary. I went on a Sunday with a friend of mine, and we were ignored for so long. The service was not great. The ambience, was fine.
Nelson Padilla
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
Aidan C.
Food was really good, highlight was the Seafood Linguine and the lowlight was the calamari. Absolutely beautiful interior but the music is blasting so it is hard to hear the people at your own table. The service is impeccable as the waiters make sure your water is always full. I'd come back again, but I'd appreciate a lower volume level
Amy P.
To start we got seated 20 minutes after our reservation (7:50 PM) and no one had drinks until an hour later. It took so long that we had to ask a hostess for bread because everyone was starving. Second, the Sauvignon Blanc was extremely spoiled. Third, an automatic tip of 25% was applied to the bill. This is unacceptable given the poor experience we had. They also charged us for water but did not warn us of this ahead of time.
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
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
Very hit and miss spot. Tried for the first time the other night. Service was essentially non-existent, and overall unwelcoming. The FOH manager needs to get it together. Our server barely said any words to us. No intro to the restaurant, just "what can I get you". That said, the order was taken. Drinks were delivered promptly. Zero recommendations offered, zero discussion about the wine list. (Owners: you are missing sales by how inept your FOH is) We ordered a round of apps-- Crab Cakes: Very good Meatballs: Bad. Dry, room temp, flavorless. Honestly not sure how a meatball could be this bad. for $15 mind you. Server never asked why we didn't eat them. Burrata: They forgot to drop this, so our entire dinner was delayed ~30min. That said, it was very good. Main Course: Rigatoni: This is honestly the dish to get. Was far and away the best. Tortelli (special): Good, but served room temp, a little pricey at $28. But not bad. Linguini: bland. Broccolini: oily, but good. Overall, you pay a lot and get nothing in the way of service, and varying quality among the dishes. The GM never once touched our table. The Chef was walking around sitting at his friends tables and never bothered to check on his customers. This is probably the most confusing part, you can prevent negative reviews and negative customer experiences when you have a FOH that cares about its guests. It has me wondering, who is this restaurant for? Certainly not for their guests. With so many great places in Chicago, I would never recommend this spot. More miss than hit, with owners/management that very clearly doesn't care.
Go for the food. Stay for the wine! A classy room w/soft pleasing relaxing lines. The Chef is stellar and has been providing Chicago diners with excellent choices thru his career. This Italian food prepared as in Italy. Highly recommend Gioia.
The food was OK, nothing out of the ordinary. I went on a Sunday with a friend of mine, and we were ignored for so long. The service was not great. The ambience, was fine.
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
Food was really good, highlight was the Seafood Linguine and the lowlight was the calamari. Absolutely beautiful interior but the music is blasting so it is hard to hear the people at your own table. The service is impeccable as the waiters make sure your water is always full. I'd come back again, but I'd appreciate a lower volume level
To start we got seated 20 minutes after our reservation (7:50 PM) and no one had drinks until an hour later. It took so long that we had to ask a hostess for bread because everyone was starving. Second, the Sauvignon Blanc was extremely spoiled. Third, an automatic tip of 25% was applied to the bill. This is unacceptable given the poor experience we had. They also charged us for water but did not warn us of this ahead of time.
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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