Gianna's — Restaurant in Carlstadt

Conveniently located less than 2 miles from the Meadowland Sport Complex, this classic, family-owned establishment is just the kind of place one would want to find when visiting North Jersey. Our last visit was 4 years ago, and my partner, our friends and I made a return visit yesterday with friends at Gianna's, situated in Carlstadt. Reservations were easily made the day before via Open Table. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and made our way to a table by the front window. The menu is classic Italian, with either single or family-style portions, and is made with all the attention to detail and quality of ingredients one would expect. We decided on Chicken Parmigiana, Filet of Basa Sole Scampi, Chicken with Fettuccine, Steamed Vegetables, and a side of Broccoli Rabe with Sausage. Complimentary bread started our dinner. Our meal came with a salad. The food was absolutely delicious, well seasoned, and the closest one will get to home-made Italian cooking. Some of us saved room for dessert, as most is made on site, and decided on bread pudding and giant cream puffs. The staff was very funny with a sense of humor. We never felt rushed, and the service was good. We had a great meal as our stomachs were satisfied, which we can continue...

Why Did We Wait So Long?!

As first-time diners, we're kicking ourselves for not visiting sooner! We arrived early for our dinner reservation and were immediately welcomed and seated. From the moment we sat down, the service was wonderfully attentive. Our drink orders were taken promptly, and warm bread and water appeared almost instantly. To start, we shared the fried calamari, and it was absolutely delicious – perfectly tender with a light, crispy fry. A great start to our meal. For entrees, we had Lasagna, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Eggplant Rollatini, and the evening's Chicken Special. Each dish was generously portioned, bursting with flavor, and delicious. We couldn't leave without dessert, and we're so glad we didn't! The Coconut Cake and Bread Pudding were outstanding, providing a perfect sweet end to a perfect meal. This is undoubtedly a place we'll be bringing more of our family and friends to. We wholeheartedly recommend stopping by – you...

Good food, good service, way way over priced. Four martinis at $13.50, two appetizers, two entrees = $150 including tip.

Instead of a vegetable I wanted a side of pasta, no extra charge. I ordered spaghetti, sorry can't have spaghetti as a side, can only have it as a full portion meal only.

I could have linguine as a side so I did.

Now I assume Gianna's buys linguine and spaghetti at about the same price. I also assume they have pounds and pounds of it in the kitchen. I further assume they don't put an order of pasta in the pot until someone places an order.

But I couldn't have spaghetti.

The six of us at my table looked at each other in disbelief.

Since there are enough great restaurants in the area with an "whatever you want, if it's in the kitchen, we'll make it for you" attitude (and at a much better price) I won't be coming back.

I don't mind spending extra but you have to give me something extra, you don't get it...