Gigino Trattoria is located in the trendy TriBeCa. This quite large restaurant boasts a rustic decor and an impressive menu where most of the bread and pasta are house made (I chose the one dish that was probably not...).

Overall the food there was fine, but I admit that we got a horrible service, but, in fairness to the restaurant, it was probably the one person who served our table as I could see that the other staff members were giving the proper attention to the tables they waited. We only saw our waitress when she took the order and brought my wine (quite late in the meal) and put in rudely on the table. Then, she disappeared and did not even bother checking how our meal was going. I rarely mention when the service is not good as I am always careful that it is not because they are short in staff or have an issue with the kitchen, but this one was something!

So anyway, I mentioned the wine, so let me start with it first: it was a Montepulciano and I have no other info as it was the only information that they displayed on their board.

Glass of Montepulciano wine at Gigino Trattoria in TriBeCa

They first brought us some homemade bread, that looked and tasted a bit like focaccia, delicious with some olive oil or some of the pickled vegetables that came with it.

We decided to share an appetizer: melanzane alla sorrentina or eggplant and mozzarella baked with tomato, basil and parmigiano cheese. It was good, although the eggplant, cut in different sizes, was unevenly cooked.

Mellanzane alla sorrentina at Gigino Trattoria in TriBeCa

For her entree, Jodi went for risotto ai funghi, made with Italian rice, mixed mushrooms, herbs and parmigiano cheese. It was an ok dish, missing a wow factor that we got in other restaurants with a similar dish.

Risotto ai funghi at Gigino Trattoria in TriBeCa

On my side, I went for the linguine alle vongole, a dish made with Linguine, clams, garlic, olive oil, peperoncini and parsley. There was so much peperoncini that it was inedible and they graciously replaced my plate with another one without these chilis. And you know what? It was good!

Linguine alle Vongole at Gigino Trattoria in TriBeCa

We finished with dessert and chose a classic: tiramisu. It was a good one, not the best, but still good (I know, once the service sucks, you kind of become unappreciative...

So, yes, I was disappointed a bit as I was really looking forward to eat at Gigino Trattoria. Would I go back? I am not sure. After all, Max, that is close by is a great Italian restaurant and definitely satisfies that craving for an Italian meal.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Gigino Trattoria

I Just Want To Eat!