Authentic Italian trattoria w/ handmade pastas & great vibe. Known for legendary fried calamari & rich Cotoletta Alla Bolognese.
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.
This Ridgewood gem, Il Gigante, offers a vibrant and welcoming Italian-American dining experience with a focus on authentic, handmade pasta dishes at affordable prices. From crispy calamari to rich pork cutlets and the must-try Lasagna alla Bolognese, the menu is packed with flavor and generosity. It's a perfect spot for a lively date night or a casual catch-up with friends, promising a fun and delicious time.
Il Gigante specializes in authentic Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on handmade pasta dishes. Fan favorites include the crispy fried calamari, juicy meatballs, and the rich Cotoletta Alla Bolognese. While most pasta dishes are highly recommended, the Pappardelle al Ragú has received mixed reviews. The Lasagna alla Bolognese is a standout, often accompanied by a generous serving of Parmesan.
"Highly recommended dishes include the crispy fried calamari, the rich and large Cotoletta Alla Bolognese, and handmade pastas such as the Gramigna Alla Salsiccia and Tortelloni Burro e Salvia. The Lasagna alla Bolognese is also a must-try."
Customers consistently praise the authentic Italian cuisine, particularly the handmade pasta and flavorful appetizers like fried calamari. The lively atmosphere and friendly service also contribute to a very positive overall experience.
Important Note
One reviewer noted that the Pappardelle al Ragú was slightly disappointing, though other pasta dishes were highly praised.
"Il Gigante is recommended for its Emilia-Romagna cuisine, noting it's relatively new, excellent, authentic, and affordable, especially the pasta."
Positive"i giganti in Ridgewood is a trattoria with a good wine selection and great vibe, known for homemade pasta like the gramigna."
Positive"This user mentioned that Il gigante serves great free bread."
Positive"A user unexpectedly tried El Gigante's calamari and still thinks about how delicious it was, noting everything else was also delicious."
Positive"El Gigante in Ridgewood Queens was highly praised for its fried calamari, described as crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, needing no sauce."
Positive"Lists Il Gigante Trattoria as a recommended pasta spot."
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