the nose knows

If you are looking for a casual Italian styled a la carte restaurant, Gio Rana's really really nice restaurant is the place for you.
Otherwise known as Gio's, it's located in an old bank on the corner of Queen and Leslie st in the ever evolving East end.
There's no sign, just a large paper mache nose out front.
It's been around for a few years now (at this location) and has a pretty loyal following.
Us included.
The service is always entertaining and good & the atmosphere is upbeat and eclectic.
They actually just took over the space next door because of how busy it gets on the weekends.

Not sure that I would consider Gio's a family friendly place to eat, seeing as they don't have highchairs or booster seats.
But we have brought Lulu in the past and as long as you go early and don't mind if the music gets too loud, it's actually a great place to bring the kiddies.
Especially considering the menu choices.
The menu is divided into courses – antipasti, primi, secondi & contorni.
we usually start with the pan-seared scallops and cured pork belly in balsamic jus and grilled calamari with charred green-tomato relish and basil aïoli.
Then we move onto our favourite- the gnocchi.
It's actually the best gnocchi I've ever tasted, I actually get cravings for it.
soft and fluffy..mmm. with lots of cheese, like Nonna used to make.
I usually end up ordering the osso bucco with cremini mushrooms and Asiago, which never fails to disappoint.
The sexy duck leg is also really good and a bargain at only $9.95
For veg, we have a hard time deciding between the roasted peppers with anchovies and pine nuts and shredded brussels sprouts with pancetta and asiago or the grilled rapini.
Truth is, we usually end up ordering a few sides.
Which is the beauty of a la carte dining.
Though it does make it pretty easy to start racking up a bit of a hefty dinner bill.
I have to admit, the food wasn't as good as usual this time around.
The carpaccio was a tad skimpy and the scallops did taste a little bleachey.
But I just figured it was a bit of an off night.
Especially considering the past dozen or so times we ate there the food was really good.
This time around I'll give it 2.5 G's.
Great service
Good- for the most part- food
Good vibe
oh yes, speaking of vibe..
we went pretty early and the place was only half full, but I couldn't help but notice the strange crowd this time around.
Dare I say a bit freakish?
which at least made for more interesting dinner conversation for big daddy & I.
Like the Nick Nolte look alike dining with a Liza Manelli look alike, served by the waiter that looks EXACTLY like David Arquette.
(which, after a few glasses of wine, I decided to tell him.)
apparently, he get's that all the time-though he didn't seem too amused..
humph- I kinda thought it was a bit of a compliment..oh well.

GIO RANA'S REALLY, REALLY NICE RESTAURANT (1220 Queen East, at Leslie, 416-469-5225)

Comments

[metro mama]

I had the osso bucco at Gio's and it was fab. As was the gnocchi. Mmmm, now I'm craving gnocchi.

[motherbumper]

duck and gnocchi... I'm drooling (no seriously, I am)

[Sandra]

I LOVE Gios :)

[NotSoSage]

Mmm...haven't been there since it moved from Yonge and Eg, but now I'm thinking of sexy duck legs. Oh, imagine the google hits this site'll be getting now!

[nomotherearth]

I keep meaning to try Gio's, but it's never happened. We love italian food. Have you tried Mistura yet? It's a bit more upscale, but wonderful. The trap is that they have the best breadsticks I have ever tasted, and I fill up on them before the meal comes...

is fantastic ;.)

io sono italiana e da gios si mangia benissimo.bravi ai propietari ;.)