I love when I just stumble upon a restaurant and it becomes a perfect night. I saw a movie in the area and my husband and I were hungry so we searched for a near by restaurant and this happened to be it. We made a quick reservation but didn't need to at all. They immediately brought bread to the table and it was yummy! Because we were the last people to leave we ended up taking home extra bread and I've been eating it with my breakfast. So this was the meal that kept giving. We got the tricolore salad, fresh and simple. We then got the branzino and lasagna bolognese. Both were cooked perfectly. I never order lasagna but this was great! Branzino was fresh and flaky. We had this with a carafe of Chianti. I love that they have all 3 options for per glass, carafe and bottle! All of this wasn't too expensive either! Highly recommend if you're in this beautiful area. read more

il Gigante - Lasagna - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

Food: The food was absolutely delicious! Knowing that all of the ingredients are sourced from local neighborhood stores made the experience feel even more wholesome and authentic. Every dish was beautifully presented and served in generous portions, making the meal both satisfying and memorable. The pasta dishes and pork chops were especially outstanding. And the espresso martini was hands down the best I've ever had! Service: The service was excellent--attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our server was happy to explain menu items and made us feel well taken care of throughout the meal. Ambiance: The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. It's a smaller, more intimate space, which adds to its charm, but I would definitely recommend making a reservation in advance. Overall, a fantastic dining experience that I can't wait to repeat! read more

il Gigante - Espresso Martini - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

Ridgewood is already a destination for a very good food options , Mamayoshi, Bakeri, Rolos. Add Il Gigante to the list . Fun place !!!! Fantastic space , very friendly and cool with funky Italian music . And the food fit the atmosphere. They start with their bread with olive oil - addicted. Great - not too oily - fried calamari. Fantastic lasagna that would give a good fight for the best in the city . Excellent wine list . Highly recommended!!!! Definitely a Destination!!!! read more

8/18/26. 3.5-4 stars. Upon arriving, the host could have been more welcoming or friendly. Maybe crack a smile even. Mitchell our server was great though. Wanted a cosmo but they don't have cranberry juice. My friend wanted rum, and they don't have that either. Odd bc they have a full bar area. The signature old fashioned ($17) was good/very cherry and I had a lemon drop ($18). Drinks were extremely weak. I think he said only 1oz of alcohol was used. Ludicrous! While the pork with parm sauce ($33) was good, it was akin to Alfredo sauce. However, The Lasagna ($24) was outstanding! read more

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What a wonderful experience, the owner and staff were instantly warm and welcoming, knowledgeable and rightfully proud of everything they built on the little corner in Ridgewood, the vibe was like going to your Italian grandmother's for Sunday dinner , everyone felt like family , guests were greated at the door with hugs and kisses . The food was impeccable in presentation and taste , beautiful pasta dishes , handmade and cooked with love, wonderful cocktails and wine selection and dont miss the homemade focaccia, feathery on the inside , crisp on the outside with a wonderful crunchy pop of sea salt..finish it all with one of their lovely desserts and a nice old fashioned ( or your cocktail of choice) and you really cant ask for more, just perfect ! read more

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I can appreciate a good rustic Italian meal, but am often so disappointed by what amounts to flour and water (pasta) and a little protein commanding sky high prices. Every review, even a one star review on this page sung the praises of this place so I had a good feeling my notions about dining out for Italian food would be proven wrong but unfortunately, this meal kind of reinforced my experiences with the cuisine. Things started out on an optimistic note. We were seated right away at their handsome bar top, and our bartender/server greeted us with a smile. We were there for brunch on a Saturday, and the outdoor light lit up the wood accents all over the restaurant in a beautiful way. The Americano I ordered and espresso martini my partner ordered were pretty good. Salsiccia e Fagiole all'Uccelletto was a decent starter. Cannellini beans that had bean slow cooked in a tomato stew with sausage and served with toasted bread. The olive oil they have at each table is bright and fragrant. The place did not seem packed, but our entrees took an eternity to arrive. We had a movie to get to but had allotted more than 90 mins for this meal, so we didn't feel the need to rush. We were reaching the hour mark before our entrees finally arrived and hurriedly scarfed them down. Both spaghetti carbonara and Pollo alla Cacciatora fell totally flat. The Pollo alla Cacciatora truly just tasted like some baked chicken with tomato sauce on top. They seemingly did nothing to the sauce or chicken to give in any depth of flavor. I found myself totally disappointed by this dish. Spaghetti carbonara seems hard to mess up and I make it at home myself a lot and this one lacked any umami. We didn't even finish our plates but urgently asked our server for the check multiple times as we had to rush out, but that also took a very long time. Had high hopes for this meal but ended up spending so much time and money here for flavors that were too muted and service that was too leisurely for me. read more

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Il Gigante in Ridgewood delivers the kind of old-school Italian execution that does not chase trends and does not need to. The focaccia arrives warm with a zesty olive oil that sets the tone immediately. Clean flavor, good structure, not overly salted. The beet salad over whipped goat cheese is balanced and well composed. Earthy, bright, and creamy without feeling heavy. The fried cod in tomato sauce special was straightforward and well prepared. The sauce tastes developed, not rushed. The linguini with seafood stands out. Generous portions, properly cooked pasta, and seafood that tastes fresh rather than buried in sauce. Although could have used a little more salt. The lasagna with béchamel and green noodles is rich but structured. The layers hold, the sauce is silky, and it feels like someone in the kitchen respects technique. The stuffed pasta special over marinara was delicate and nicely plated, with a clean, vibrant sauce. Dessert closes strong. Vanilla gelato with sour cherries hits the sweet and tart contrast perfectly. The mascarpone with chocolate sauce was indulgent. Service was attentive without hovering. The space is intimate and cozy, ideal for a relaxed dinner where conversation matters. Super cute spot! Summary: Il Gigante focuses on fundamentals and executes at a high level. read more

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Great spot in Ridgewood Queens for really good Italian food. It's a great date night spot as the ambiance is very cozy. Good service and wonderful cocktail drinks. Definitely go for the pastas. A great sausage pasta, wonderful burrata salad, meatballs that were very flavorful, great fresh clams pasta and a wonderful chicken entree. Always end it with one of their cannoli's. All were very satisfying dishes and cooked to perfection. Will be back for sure. read more

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This is a nice, Michelin-selected restaurant tucked away in a Queens neighborhood. We came with a reservation, and were seated immediately at a cute table by the window. The inside of the restaurant was gorgeous, and the staff all friendly and attentive. I had an amaretto sour and cacio e pepe. Both were very good. The pasta came with a mug full of grated cheese on the side, which is a fun and delicious touch. read more

il Gigante - Grated parm - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Excellent date spot. Love the atmosphere here and the decor feels very cozy. We had the meatballs (4 pieces) which you'd swear someone's sweet grandma was in the back making. Cacio Pepe wasn't a standout dish for us here and was a bit forgettable. The chicken entree was stick to your ribs delicious and the branzino was also fantastic. Good amaro selection and who can resist a tiramisu to end the night? read more

Great Italian in Ridgewood. Vibes of a family run business (no idea if it actually is or not). Pastas & sauces are top notch. Really loved our servers recommendation of the pappardelle. Really accommodating staff. read more

il Gigante - Pappardelle - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

For family birthday celebrations, my family usually goes out to dinner; my brother's birthday was no exception, and he chose il Gigante to mark the occasion. I'm not too familiar with the food scene in Queens to be honest, but he heard good things about this place via social media. That, along with the fact that the people who run this place are from Italy, got me super pumped to check this place out - so off we went. Located in Ridgewood, the restaurant itself is pretty spacious. Even though it's relatively new, it has the look of being there for a long time with a dark, aged wood aesthetic. Tables are scattered throughout the space with a large bar along one of the walls; there's also additional seating outside - the look works. It was a hot summer day when we were there, but they didn't have the a/c pumping - they were really giving us that true feeling of being in Italy ;-). Almost goes without saying but the menu contains Italian fare, roughly separated into starters, pastas, mains, and sides; they also have a separate section for meat and cheese boards. A board sounded great so we started with that - we got the Gigante one which contained a fair amount of meats and cheeses. It was a good variety and had a very grand presence (the board itself was huge), but didn't have an overwhelming amount of product; this was a good thing as it was filling enough to leave room for our apps and mains. Speaking of apps, I decided to get the burrata. This was very good - the cheese was fresh as were the tomato and greens underneath; a really good starter especially given the weather. I was tempted to get one of their pastas as a main, but the pork cutlet was speaking to me more so I decided to go with that. This was interesting - the aforementioned cutlet was prepared breaded with prosciutto on top and smothered in a parmesan sauce. The cutlet itself was prepared well - the sauce was cream-based which I was afraid would be too heavy but it actually wasn't too bad. It's a large cutlet as well, but thin enough that you're not drowning in the meats. We opted for dessert - the vanilla gelato was speaking to me. It was excellent - super creamy and was paired with cherries that pushed it to a whole other level; it was honestly the perfect finisher. Service was great - everyone was very friendly and hospitable. Our server in particular really made sure we were taken care of. Overall, il Gigante is a yes - they're off to a great start and judging by the crowd they seem to really be gaining a following. It's a little bit of a hike for me to get here, but I wouldn't hesitate to return for another meal. read more

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Been eyeing this spot and finally decided to stop in for an early dinner. We sat at 5pm and the place filled up rather quickly, shortly after. Very cute inside, they also have a really cute bar. Service was nice and quick! They have lots of wine and cocktail options, a few NA options too! Sooo hard to decide on what to get (everything sounds soso good) but ended up with the tortelloni, cacio e pepe, and sweet sausage ragú - all SO good. Bread to start was also delish too! Can't wait to come back and order other things on the menu. read more

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I recently had the pleasure of dining at il Gigante, Italian restaurant, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, with a great selection of drinks and delicious cuisine. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff (Mitchel) who made sure we had everything we needed. The outdoor seating area was particularly charming, with a great view of the surrounding cityscape. We enjoyed our meal while watching people walk by and cars drive past, adding to the lively ambiance. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great authentic Italian dining experience with a fun and lively atmosphere both indoors and out. Be sure to try their mezcal margarita and wine selection, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from the knowledgeable staff. Hopefully next time we visit the Crostini - two toasted rustic Tuscan bread with homemade spreads: sundried tomatoes and arthickoke hearts isn't sold-out and there's an ambulance of focaccia bread to dip in extra virgin olive oil with salt and pepper. Michael and I have walked by il Gigante many times before and it's always packed. We finally got a reservation and so happy to add this neighborhood gem to our date-night memories. Additionally, I highly recommend stopping by Hellbender beforehand for a round or two of drinks and specials, but don't spoil your appetite because il Gigante has a lot to offer. Tanti auguri e grazie mille! read more

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Il Gigante delivers a warm, effortless dining experience that feels both personal and refined. The standout for me was their pesto pasta( rotini by another name I can't recall) perfectly cooked and coated in a vibrant, well-balanced sauce that was fresh, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. It is usually my go to dish. The veal was equally well executed, tender and flavorful without being heavy. What truly elevated the night, though, was the service. The staff was attentive and welcoming, and the conversation with the owners added a genuine, human touch that's hard to find. read more

il Gigante - Pesto pasta - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

They did it again! Ik gigante never misses. Came here as a celebration with a large group and they made sure everything was excellent. The service and food were all to the same great standard they always have, and all of our out of town guests were super impressed. Love this gem of our neighborhood. read more

il Gigante is a must if you are in the area! I had a reservation one night and was seated immediately at a cute table beside the window. I started with a Prosecco and "Tagliere di Formaggi" (cheese board). Both were great! For my main course I decided on the Orecchiette Salsiccia & Cime di Rapa. It was absolutely delicious! The spicy sausage made the sauce so flavorful, and the serving size was perfect. They also give you a huge cup of cheese to top your pasta with. Needless to say it was obviously a hit! The service was fantastic! We were constantly checked on and servers made sure we enjoyed everything throughout the entire meal. The price for all of this, plus another cocktail + meal + tip was $112. This feels incredibly reasonable for the value of our meal. I would honestly pay more for most of the dishes. I will definitely return next time I visit! read more

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Amazing Italian restaurant tucked in Ridgewood... I stumbled upon il Gigante about two weeks ago while attempting to go to Rolo's and man, I must say, I'm not mad at all. I've been back twice since then. On this visit, I ordered the Etna Bianco (a fragrant Sicilian wine), burrata to start, rigatoni all'Arrabbiata, pollo alla Cacciatore, linguine allo Scoglio, and tiramisu for dessert. The rigatoni and pollo alla Cacciatore are must-haves. The rigatoni is full of flavor, and the pollo alla Cacciatore is boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich Tuscan tomato sauce. That said, the linguine allo Scoglio was the star of the show. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the white wine sauce was rich, and the clams, mussels, and shrimp were cooked just right. Il Gigante is definitely one of my go to spots now, nice vibe with helpful staff. Jacob, Fabio, and Romelio (hopefully I spelled that correctly) were great, informative, pleasant, and genuinely helpful. Check them out! you won't be disappointed. read more

TLDR: so impressed with the level of food, hospitality and general love you can feel at this restaurant! Do NOT miss this, while you can still get a res! SETTING: we had a dinner reservation at 7:30pm for a birthday on a Tuesday. When we arrived, the entire restaurant was full. It is a beautiful, spacious place with an old school ambiance and vibe. Fun music playing (NOT too loudly), with candle light and raw ceilings. Really loved the vibe here and it's perfect for date night, friends, family, anything! FOOD: the FOOD. We ordered ... a LOT. Three appetizers, four entrees, and cleared every single morsel of food. We had the burrata (classic and simple but the quality doesn't lie), the pecorino salad (anchovy dressing was so good), the calamari (shockingly light and juicy), the pork cutlet (honestly the best thing we had though it was a tight race), and three different pastas. I could not believe the pork cutlet of all things was my favorite, only because I don't like pork cutlet that much! But it was that good! The pastas also deserve a shout out (the gramigna, vodka special pasta with guanciale, lasagna alla bolognese and the tortelloni). All impeccable, perfectly cooked and sauced though my favorite was the Gramigna because of how much the sweet and flavorful sausage adds to the dish. SERVICE: as good as the food was, the hospitality was even better! The owner was our own personal concierge, making great recommendations, checking in to see how we were doing, opening the red bottle at the perfect time, and more than happy to talk about his clear passion and love for Italian food. You can see his much he loves food and hospitality through his interactions with the guests. That is what really makes Il Gigante stand apart and how I know it will be very successful. They even comped us our cannoli deserts and espressos at the end for our friend's birthday. That kind of special care can't be beat. VERDICT: HIGHLY recommend this restaurant if you're looking for an amazing bowl of pasta, an owner who LOVES food and providing for others, and a cool/lovely ambiance. This is the place for you. read more

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I would give this place somewhere between a 4-4.5 star review. The prices were great, and the food was pretty good. The main asset that this restaurant had was our server, who was incredibly kind. My husband and I came in on a Friday night, a bit early for our reservation. Thankfully they had a table available and we were seated right away. Inside, there seemed to be plenty of tables available, but I was unsure if they were being held for a large reservation. We ordered a tricolore salad which was cherry tomatoes, arugular, a 24 months aged Parmesan, and a citrus dressing. This salad was fresh and it was a nice way to start our meal. For our main, we got an order or the tortelloni burro e salvia, the tagliatelle ai funghi (a special), and a side of the patate al Forno. The tortelloni and the patate needed more salt, for me, and the best bites of the tortelloni was the bits with parmesan on it as it balanced out the sweet ricotta filling. Overall though, they were both tasty and I would order them again. The tagliatelle ai funghi was a special, and it was really, really good, but it was a bit difficult to get the mushroom and tagliatelle in one bite. The focaccia that they have is definitely not an afterthought and it is incredibly tasty. I would definitely come back here again, and the prices and servers are great! read more

il Gigante - The tricolore salad mixed and on my plate! - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Came here on a Tuesday night for a 7 PM dinner with a date. It was nice for the first hour, but by 8 PM it got very loud not too loud so you were yelling but almost. The bread was free and for the table and it was this Rosemary focaccia type of bread and there was olive oil so that was great. The cheese plate, I do not think is worth $19 but it was OK. The Buratta with arugula and tomatoes was also OK not amazing. I think they could've seasoned the arugula and tomatoes a bit more. the cacio e pepe was great, but the chicken cacciatore was by far my favorite. The chicken was so juicy and soft and the flavors were amazing! Definitely get it! We didn't get dessert or even look at it so I can't comment there. The spritz I got was reminiscent of an aperol spritz. read more

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This was amazing. The cacio pepe was one of the best in the city IMO, and the lasagna is up there too. Every bite was excellent. read more

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Came here for dinner and had a great time. My friend and I ordered the pesto pasta along with the pork chop in the Parmesan sauce and both were incredible. I HIGHLY recommend the pork chop. Service was great and the restaurant itself was so nice and aesthetically pleasing. Had a fantastic time and will absolutely be coming back. read more

Food here is good. Came here for dinner 1/7, we ordered the meatballs which were delicious but very salty, the fried calamari was also good but also as we kept eating the saltiness's kicked in and the food became more and more salty. The mushroom pasta is recommended if you're a mushroom lover. The swordfish was good except also very salty once we put the salsa verde on it. Maybe it was just a bad day. But i would most definitely come back here if the food isn't so salty. Service was great, the staff consistently checked in to see if everything was ok. I love the interior, decor and lighting. read more

Neighborly Italian restaurant with an appealing wine offering. We've passed by il Gigante many times and my wife vindicated that today was the last time. While on route to nearby bar, she decreed that we must give this new Italian spot a shot. It was previously occupied by a Pan Asian restaurant called Porcelain. My hunch is that this is a new operating team with no relation to the last. The bones of the restaurant are pretty similar to the previous occupant. Still feels like an apartment converted into a restaurant. Oversized restroom with an odd space that I'd conspire was previously a shower space. It's handicap accessible and can easily fit four at a time. The decor of the restaurant is relaxed. I spoke to the host and he shared that the Prost of the decor were items that his mother had brought from Italy. The one piece that stands out is a vintage bicycle on the back wall. The host mentioned that it was an afterthought as the back wall was still empty after they finished decorating. The layout of the restaurant was tight. The proximity of the seating reminded me of Don Angie and San Sabino in the West Village. We sat in nook at the front which was impossible to maneuver without bumping into someone. Unfortunately, I ended up in the center seat of the nook and I'd estimate that I was bumped into every five minutes or so. My absolute favorite component if the experience is the wine menu. It's an Italian focused selection. (I believe only Italians are available). A solid variety which is super approachable on price. The most compelling aspect is that nearly all the wines are available by half bottle too. More business need to offer half bottles! It's the perfect quantity to order. I suppose you can order two or three glass, but there the half bottle served in a carafe is incredibly efficiently. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't have me try the wine before it was poured. I had a Barbara which is typically a younger and earthy wine. I wouldn't have sent it back, but I think it would have been customary to offer a sampling before pouring a half bottle. Food was very comfy. Started with complimentary bread. First, we had the meatballs in red sauce. Meatballs were your typical super savory nonna style meatball. Slightly crispy with ultra rich sauce. Generous toppped with grated cheese. Served with a twig of sage which I learned was meant for brushing. For the main course, we shared a couple of pasta dishes. We had one of the specials: a strozzapetti in a lamb ragu. We also had the tortelloni in a sage butter sauce. Lamb ragu seemed to be mirepoix based sauce. Felt simple and homey. Lamb was finely minced which dissolved a lot of the characteristic lamb flavor. The tortelloni was a familiar dish. Simple yet rich. I enjoyed both sauces and ordered extra bread to mop it all up. Service was patient and attentive. They were knowledgeable and kind enough to double check a few things for us too. Pacing of the food was perfect. We always had something in front of us but never too much. Pacing was perfect to stretch out dinner into a night out. A great spot if you're a local. Probably one of the best values for this quality of service and food. read more

I work in the neighborhood and I have been to this restaurant several times with my colleagues! It is the best in the neighborhood! Food is amazing! Service is amazing! Owners are amazing!!! We always have an amazing time here! Definitely a go to restaurant!! read more

So I've been to il Gigante two times now, so I finally have found it time to write my reviews. This quaint little italian spot situated on a corner in Ridgewood might just be my favorite italian food that I've had in NYC, and potentially in the US. It's an extra bonus that this place is not a far walk from my home either. Both times that I've been here have been an amazing experience. The ambiance is so cozy and feels welcoming, a type of comfort I might feel having a home cooked meal at my grandmas house, where you can feel the love in the service and the food. That brings me to the food. I haven't had a single bad dish here. Everything is superb. The freshest and most authentically italian food that I have had outside out italy. For starters, I've had the calamari, two of the salads, the cauliflower, and the sausage/beans, and the bread. You would not be disappointed with any of these. As for the pasta, it's the freshest most delicious pasta i've had in a long time. The lasagna alla bolognese is takes me back to the incredible lasagna i had in a small town on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, transporting me directly back to italy. If you need to order one thing, in my opinion it's this. The butter and sage tortelloni is also delicious. Next, do not skip the pork cutlet: a prosciutto wrapped, juicy, cooked to perfection pork cutlet sat in a delicious creamy parmesan sauce. I'm not usually a cream/cheese sauce fan. I'm a red sauce loyalist through and through, and this dish sounds like it would be too heavy and rich, but that is not the case at all. It's perfectly balanced, and i soak up the rest of the sauce with the delicious complimentary focaccia. The crispy potato's are also great, as was the snapper. You can not go wrong with anything on this menu, and i cannot wait to sample more of the pastas such as the pesto and the gramigna. The tiramisu is a great way to top off the meal as well, served in an appropriate portion in a glass - not too much and not too little, just enough to end the meal with a bit of sweetness. Overall, potentially a top 3 restaurant in NYC for me. When you want quintessential NYC Italian-American cuisine, with hefty portions of chicken parmesan and meatballs, you have the amazing Joe's restaurant. When you want traditional, fresh, authentic italian cooking, you have il Gigante. I will be back plenty more times read more

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Lovely restaurant in the neighborhood with such friendly staff! They fill up quickly but do have tables available for reservations. Loved that they started us with a side of focaccia bread (which they refill!) All the food came out promptly and service was wonderful. The calamari was crunchy and delicious and the slow cooked beans with sausage were good. The lasagna was tasty but quite heavy - didn't get to finish this. Didn't like the linguine with seafood - would pass on that. Tiramisu was heavenly, light and delicious. Great date spot read more

If only we could have something like this in Forest Hills - but close enough and SO worth the short drive. Best lasagna I've had since my honeymoon in Italy 12 years ago, perfectly tender calamari, savory (complimentary bread), and really warm inviting and friendly service. I heard about this restaurant from Eater and once I found out it had any relation to Il Brigante in terms of roots, I knew I had to come. Well there's no longer any reason to travel all the way to the South Street Seaport anymore, this place is local and full of the type of deliciousness that just makes you all around happy. It's the type of place I'll return to frequently. Can't wait already! read more

il Gigante - Tricolor salad, calamari and meatballs for starters! Yummalicious - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

Amazing food! This restaurant is just a few steps from our home, and my husband and I come here every Friday for our special date nights. The food is absolutely delicious hands down the best pasta I've ever had! I also love the side of focaccia bread they serve with the meal. The tiramisu is perfectly balanced in sweetness, while the flourless chocolate cake is a bit too sweet and small for my taste not really worth it. Overall, this place is a must-visit. You won't be disappointed! read more

The decor is this place is so beautiful. Old school vibes with a great meal. People here are very nice and helpful. The food was delicious and I see why it's so popular here. read more

il Gigante is a fresh new establishment in Ridgewood that my friend and I have been dying to try out! Let me tell you, the place does not disappoint (new hot-spot for the Rolos fans?). Our server was one of the most genuine and kind I have experienced (I assume he was also the owner/manager) and service was very quick for a new establishment that has already proven to be a popular spot. The ambiance was simple yet cozy (they didn't change much on the interior from the last tenant). Now for the Star of the show, the food! First of all the bread is some of the best I've ever had in Ridgewood, and it definitely tastes freshly baked with the perfect salty layer of crust. The pasta was absolutely delicious (like gourmet hamburger helper) and it was perfectly filling. Can't wait to come back to this spot again, a 10/10 dining experience! read more

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My daughter couldn't wait to take me to her new favorite restaurant- she said it had menu items like we enjoyed during our trip to Bologna, tastes like home & she knows I love any excuse to speak in Italian. When I asked our waitress, Sara, born & raised in Bologna, if she was familiar with the restaurant we visited last year, her casual reply was the final seal of approval of authenticity: "Restaurants in Bologna? If you live there, you don't know restaurants - you eat at home." Do yourself a favor and go! read more

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This is the best restaurant thus far to occupy this space. Staff friendly and attentive, food absolutely scrumptious. Loved the vibe as well. I came here solo one evening and sat at the bar. Ordered Rigatoni and Spinaci with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Perfectly done and my mouth is watering 2 weeks later as I remember it. For dessert, I had Panna Cotta with Sambuca. Puzzled as to why there were no coffee beans in it. Ha ha. Will be returning with friends soon. read more

il Gigante - Sambuca sans coffee beans and Panna Cotta de Bolognese - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

Overall the food was good and the service was very friendly and attentive. What was very disappointing was I was served day old Lasagna. I suspected when I cut into the very first piece at the edge it had that microwave hot. The Lasagna was also a bit mushy as if it cane out of a microwave. As I got closer to the middle now its just Luke warm and then in the middle I got refrigerator cold middle. Being that I also sat when the restaurant open more than likely they were getting rid of the prior days Lasagna. Very disappointing especially with the price I paid for the dish. read more

Loved everything about this restaurant, food was delicious and reasonably priced. Amazing customer service our waiter was super friendly and even gave us tiramisu to celebrate mom's birthday read more

il Gigante - Clockwise: tortellini from the special menu, pesto, pappardelle, lasagna , and gramigna - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Loved everything. The gelato surprised me and was some of the best I've ever had. Wonderful experience all around.

Ever since FARO shut down, I've been searching for a new go-to pasta spot--and praise be, Il Gigante absolutely nails it. Real-deal Italian cuisine, made and served by Italians straight from Italy. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. This visit we had the Gramigna, Scoglio, and Tortelloni, plus a glass of Valpolicella and a whiskey cocktail. Service from Sara and the team was warm and genuine. The gelato with cherries was out of this world, and the seafood pasta was the standout. I'm already counting the days until my next visit. Easily 6 out of 5 stars! read more

Just absolutely phenomenal service and food! Obviously had some preferences over others, but every single item hit. I didn't realize arugula could taste that good with burrata - it was so flavorful! The calamari literally melted in my mouth - not chewy at all. I would also recommend the sausage pasta - 10/10 - and the pork cutlet. Cutlet is breaded with thin sliced prosciutto, a ton of Parm, and an amazing sauce. All of the prices are so reasonable compared to other Italian spots I've been to. Even their bottles of wine!! I would recommend this over Rolo's over and over (and that's not taking away from how great Rolo's is but just showing how amazing Il Gigante is). Can't wait to come back and try new things and their cocktails read more

il Gigante - Tortelloni Burro e Salvia - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

I ate at the bar. I came early around 5:30 because they are very popular and get busy. The staff are very friendly and many of them are Italian and it gives the restaurant an authentic feel. The bartender immediately served me and was super friendly and easy to talk to The food itself is really good. They served it up really quick. Everyone was very friendly and I felt like I was always attended to when needed. Overall I think this is a pretty stellar spot in a neighborhood lacking fine dining Thanks for a great experience read more

il Gigante - Desserts Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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