TLDR
Authentic Emilia-Romagna inspired pasta spot in Ridgewood. Wallet-friendly prices with a lively atmosphere perfect for groups.
Will Hartman reviews Il Gigante, a Ridgewood Italian restaurant that delivers a dangerously fun dining experience with handmade pastas and a lively atmosphere, perfect for casual dinners and dates.
Details
Located in Ridgewood, this cozy Italian neighborhood spot has earned a reputation for its authentic, handmade pasta dishes that are impressively priced under $20 [1]. The restaurant offers a boisterous, welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both casual dates and group catch-ups [2]. While the menu features a wide range of classic preparations, it is particularly celebrated for its generous portions and high-quality ingredients [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic Italian dishes, with high praise for the Gramigna Alla Salsiccia, which features a savory, fennel-forward sausage [1], [6]. Customers also frequently recommend the calamari and the large, juicy meatballs [1], [6]. While the lasagna is a popular staple, experiences with the Pappardelle al Ragú have been mixed, with some noting it lacks the quality of the other pasta options [1].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons generally praise the restaurant for its friendly service and great value, frequently highlighting the excellent pasta and wine selection [1], [2]. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a small number of diners have noted issues with serving temperatures or pricing concerns [4], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About IL GIGANTE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Need To Find The Truffle Moneybags From Now
"The commenter suggests visiting this restaurant as a potential spot to find a similar pasta dish."
NeutralFrom post: The Perfect Ontes Day Defontes Bamontes And
"Suggested as a place that rhymes with 'onte', though another user contested the pronunciation."
NeutralFrom post: Best Affordable Italian Restaurant Nyc
"This user mentioned Il Gigante, implying it might be outside the poster's price range."
NeutralFrom post: Best Lasagna In Nyc
"This user finds Il Gigante's lasagna good, but it was served so hot that it impacted their enjoyment."
NeutralFrom post: Best Lasagna In Nyc
"This user mentioned liking Il Gigante's lasagna better than Rolos."
PositiveFrom post: Best Cacio E Pepe In The City
"Il Gigante in Ridgewood is recommended as a place that serves cacio e pepe."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Some Authentic Italian Recommendations
"Il Gigante is recommended for its Emilia-Romagna cuisine, noting it's relatively new, excellent, authentic, and affordable, especially the pasta."
Positive