Gioia Chicago — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Yesterday I decided to venture out in the restaurant world after such brutal arrest due to the pandemic that kept me away from dining out for a very long time. I knew about the new Italian restaurant "Gioia" on the Randolph strip although I tend to be skeptical about new "authentic Italian dining " in general. I have to admit that once I arrived at the restaurant with my friend Caterina, I was immediately blown away by its beauty: elegant entrance with a superb crystal sculpted bar which embraces you when you step into the dining room. The colors of the interiors are soft and yet punctual in the pleasant delivery of their schemes and all around it feels you have just walked into a beautiful restaurant somewhere in the most elegant areas of Venice or Milan. We were immediately greeted by two hostesses who kindly asked us our name and wether our preference was for outside or inside ?"( Instead of the typical and annoying inquisitive one :" Do you have a reservation ?".) We were promptly seated by the window in the main dining room and welcomed by the smile of a few staff passing by. After a minute or so, the General Manager ( I believe his name is Carlo or Carlos ?) came to our table and introduced himself with his appropriate title. He was very charming and yet extremely professional in the way he delivered the information about the restaurant, the menu and how the meal would be structured. You could tell he is a "veteran" in the field and if he had not introduced himself as the GM, I would have guessed he was the owner of the joint because of his professionalism and care he displayed during our interactions. We started with an appetizer: we both shared " Insalata di Mare". I found this appetizer original not only because of its execution but and foremost in the selection of the seafood provided: tender octopus, mussels, calamari and a langoustine drizzled with an exquisite olive oil dressing. Simple ( apparently ) and yet absolutely delicious. This salad is also served warm and calls for a few pieces of their ciabatta bread and focaccia which, on a side note, is also a wonderful treat being both made in house. As a main course, we shared a wonderful Milanese veal chop which serves two and it is accompanied by a salad of arugula, capers and cherry tomatoes. The veal chop was tender and juicy and slightly thicker than usual; to be honest I never tried it that way. However, after the first bite I truly enjoyed how juicy and succulent the meat was. In addition as our wonderful server Arturo told us, this veal chop is also cooked in butter as an authentic Italian veal Milanese should be prepared and served. In truth, I would not be able to tell because of how light and tender it was. While we were waiting for our meal, we were also able to watch the other waiters go by and carrying other dishes which all looked wonderful even from a distance. A the end we were stuffed and we only had a tiny room for dessert. We shared a dessert called "Millefoglie" ,which means "thousands leaves" in Italian, a concerted and diligent cascading of puff pastry layers intra-filled with whipped creme. To finish, coffee, espresso obviously, and even the cup was at an ideal temperature to keep the coffee warm and yet readily drinkable. I have to say that my overall experience was extremely positive: delicious menu selections, friendly and professional staff, and elegance and yet welcoming vibe of the ambiance. Go if you can and treat yourself,...

A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of Flavors

Recently, 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...

I went in to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We were a larger group and we’re seated in an orderly fashion which was appreciated. I ordered an amaretto sour which was pretty decent, however, nowhere near the best I’ve ever had. Once the rest of the party arrived, we had to wait a kinda awkward amount of time before our orders were taken. We had to ask for bread for the table and we’re each given a single slice on our plate. My appetizer arrived and I was honestly confused. I ordered the buffalina and the description made it seem like something completely different from what I got. It essentially was a gutted tomato filled with flavorless buffalo mozzarella sitting on a bed of pesto. When I got visit my family in Italy, we always have Buffalo mozzarella and it has a distinct, strong taste that this alleged mozzarella did not. I digress… next came our pasta dishes. I need to emphasize the point that if you’re going to call yourself an Italian restaurant, one of the main things you should be able to do is a pasta dish. I ordered the cacio e pepe and was honestly disappointed with not only the flavor but the portion size. The pasta was quite bland and the portion size was ridiculous. Italian food (and like I said, I am Italian and go to Italy regularly to see my family) is made with love and care and flavor and this was nothing of the sorts. The general consensus of the table after we all ate was we were all still so hungry and quite frankly disappointed. Finally, when it was time to pay, we were informed there was only one check per table but it could be split with different cards. However, when we tried to do that initially, it seemed to irritate the maitre d’ and he left us just sitting there awkwardly while the rest of the wait staff were busy closing up the restaurant around us. I finally put everything on my card and had everyone send me the money for it. Overall, we spent $500 as a group and honestly were disappointed by our experience. And they do valet which was fine I guess, but $15 for them to drive my car around the block and park in front of the restaurant when some members of the party parked across the street for free is a little bit much…and there isn’t any change given back (FYI). I’d say this establishment is a one time deal for me and there are way more authentic Italian restaurants that won’t charge half a band for quadruple the amount of...