Gino's Italian Joint — Restaurant in Richmond

How the heck have I not reviewed Gino's Italian Joint before?!?!? We are Gino's loyalists. We haunted them in their original location, their food truck, their temporary location and I'm sure we will sleep out overnight to be the first ones into their new digs once it's ready. Ok, pizza aside, the owners Gino, AnnaMaria and Sean are the nicest people- so welcoming and generous. When Sean hugs you- Oh man- you feel like you are home. AnnaMaria's smile is so incredible- you can really see why people love going there.

But let's get down to the meat of the situation- their Pizza is- what is even the correct word- SUPERB. It's not the typical floppy, soggy, undercooked mess you typically find in what Texans think pass as pizza. My husband likes to overload a pizza - I always worry that the crust won't hold up to the meat market he tries to pile on there, but Gino's says CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

The crust is firm in the right places (where it has to hold up the juicy, cheesy, deliciousness) and soft in the right places aka- the crust, but not overcooked in the least. It's HOT, and I burn the roof of my mouth EVERY DANG TIME-and I'm not even mad about it. It's the price you pay to experience greatness. Their toppings are delicious. I cannot express this enough- do not sleep on their appetizers. The mozzarella sticks are top notch, and if the CHINOS are on the menu- GET THEM. I don't care if you aren't hungry, get them. They are like, egg rolls stuffed with the soul of your Italian Grandmother- I don't even know what's in there- ricotta, i think, mozzarella, and maybe some pepperoni, fairy dust? I don't know, I lose consciousness when I bite into them and am transported to some alternate universe where I don't care out carbs or fat or my heart stopping from too much cheese...it's culinary heaven. OH! And the truffle fries. I don't even like french fries. I know that's against the laws of my irish heritage but I'm not a huge fan of the humble potato- I fry or two is normally all I need. Gino's fries are excellent. HUGE portion, well seasoned, none of this soggy crap you find elsewhere- they are crispy, but not overcooked- and HOLY GOOD JESUS- that Truffle Aioli... put it in a shot glass and line-em-up- it's other-worldly.

I've seen some people complain about the price. Let them. I would rather pay $18-$20 for a perfect pizza than $10 for pile of garbage. If that's your jam, go for it, but it's not mine. I recognize that quality and excellence comes with a price and I'm willing to pay it.

I know I'm gushing. And no, I'm not affiliated with Gino's- other than personally holding them responsible for being a fatso, but I can't help it- I wish I could quit them, but I can't. Net/net- go there. If you don't love it- well, I can't help you- seek help. LOVE LOVE...

🙋‍♂️Self-proclaimed pizza critic here. Many states traveled in pursuit of the perfect slice. Confidently. I have finally found the pinnacle of pizza perfection. 🤌 We recently stumbled upon this hidden gem in the heart of the Richmond downtown district. Immediately felt as if we had been submerged in to a beautiful rustic city night life. From the aged brick to string lights hung above, authenticity that is hard to replicate.

This family has redefined the pizza experience, and let me assure you, it truly deserves every one of its five stars and BEYOND.

It just took one bite. The crust was an impeccable masterpiece — perfectly fluffy yet crispy, flame kissed. Embodying the authentic Italian style that so many attempt but few achieve. It served as the ideal foundation for what was to come.

The house made sauce was a revelation, bursting with rich flavor, salty, sweet, tangy. It struck a FLAWLESS balance complementing the high-quality, fresh ingredients that topped this magnificent creation. Each ingredient, hand selected with such care and precision, adding layers of freshness and taste that elevated the entire experience bite after bite. There was not a morsel left of the 2 pizzas we had ordered. We left feeling just as light as the crust. We did not leave feeling sluggish and immobile, it is unbelievable. Wish I'd ordered another couple to go! I might add the Truffle fries crispy fresh and rich, Tots and Ravioli(ohh my)the sauuuce🤌🤌🤌 the desserts were nothing short of superb as well, you just can't go wrong!

This isn't just pizza; it's a culinary work of art. For anyone who believes they know good pizza, I challenge you to indulge in this extraordinary find and savor the difference. This pizza has set a new standard, and any true enthusiast owes it to themselves to experience this slice of heaven.

This family knows food; the passion for pizza and service is felt the very moment you walk in the door.

You don't just feel like a customer here. They are proud of their work, which is so hard to come by. They treat you like Family.

Do your lifetime a favor and experience this place, even if you are passing thru, you...

I was born and raised in Little Italy in The Bronx. Needless to say the food was absolutely amazing and authentic! I then was blessed to move to the Great Republic of Texas! Although Texas has its own amazing and wonderful flavors I was missing the tastes of my old neighborhood. I have found a restaurant here and there that had a good dish or two. But I had yet to find a place that made REAL NY Pizza That is until I visited Ginos Italian Joint! The thing that makes NY Pizza unique is the dough! There are many wise tales to why the dough is so good. I’m not really sure why...but it is! Ginos found the SECRET! The Pizza is Delicious! It takes me back to the Bronx and my childhood! Fresh authentic ingredients! Big slices you can fold and the oil drips down your arm! And the dough...the dough! It has the unique NY flavor and they cook it well done on the bottom the way it should be! Not half uncooked like most of these franchise places. Then they have Canollis and Sfogliatelles! And Zeppollis at Christmas time! It is a family run business and you will find them working in the front and kitchen at any given time. They make you feel like part of the family the second you walk through the door. It has a great old fashioned atmosphere and you can’t help but to love hearing the RatPack and other crooners playing in the background! Love this place so much! My Sons and I will never by pizza from anywhere else! Ginos Italian Joint your doing it right! Looking forward to the next visit! God Bless you!

From a very happy...