Il Gigante occupies a breezy Ridgewood corner and emphasizes house-made, Central Italian-inspired pastas. The space is no-frills, with wood tables, butcher paper, and bottles of olive oil, and servers who readily refill focaccia baskets. Menu highlights include gramigna alla salsiccia with nutty pasta and fennel-kicked sausage, a massive cotoletta alla Bolognese topped with prosciutto and cheese sauce for sharing, and a classically prepared tiramisu without an intense rum taste. The drinks list focuses on Negronis, spritzes, and a tight wine selection with half-bottles. Moody but readable lighting, eclectic artwork, and brisk yet unhurried service create a casual, lively dining experience.
"Il Gigante sits on a breezy corner in Ridgewood, with a pasta-heavy menu influenced by the owners' Central Italian upbringings. It's a no-frills spot where you'll find butcher paper and bottles of olive oil on wood tables, and friendly servers quick to refill focaccia baskets. Come here for fantastic house-made pastas in a laidback setting, at prices where you can have satisfying group meals for around $60 per person."
"Gramigna alla Salsiccia: The short, tubular pasta had a wonderful nuttiness, with Italian sausage bringing sweetness and a kick of fennel. Cotoletta alla Bolognese: The massive fried pork cutlet, draped with prosciutto and covered in a cheese sauce, is a showstopper made for sharing. Tiramisu: The classic dessert comes in a well-sized portion, generously topped with cocoa powder. This version does not have an intense rum flavor."
"The artwork strewn around the walls and placed on ledges gives Il Gigante a lived-in feel, as does the moody lighting - dim enough to feel cozy, but not so dark it's impossible to read the menu. On a recent visit, the restaurant was packed with groups chatting over a lively soundtrack and plates of fresh pasta. A stack of high chairs sat in the corner, but they are likely to be used during brunch and early dinner hours."
Read at Eater NY
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