GiocoNever DisappointsEvery time we dine here we are impressed with the quality of food, service and ambience, and the small but excellent wine list, with mostly Italian choices, completes the experience. The chef is actively involved in making sure our experience is top notch, checking every plate, talking with the guests, and even making wine and food suggestions if requested. Very good and consistent restaurant.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways Hits The SpotGreat home made Italian food with an urban modern flare.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGood South Loop ItalianLost a bit of it's luster over the years but for south loop, a solid choice for italian food. There are certainly better places in Chicago but worth a stop if looking for a spot in the neighborhood.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMfavorite neighborhood restaurantthis is our go to restaurant in the South Loop - we have a condo nearby so we walk over. The food is always great - I have noticed lately tho that the portion size has gone down considerably!! The time before we ordered the special - swordfish - it was awesome but the portion size was very small and it was very expensive so i was disappointed!! They need to reconsider how much food they are sending out to the customer now!!! B5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFun Italian FoodNice place, good menu, the waiters literally run from table to table. Best approximation of a tuscan steak I have seeen outside Tuscany. That said - they really feature seafood. Good Portions. The chef came over and had fun with us in between orders. (The line is in one of the dining rooms)
Pizza looked great - real wood fired oven. Wines by the glass could be a little better selection. If I lived in Chicago, I would definetly return - and I generally don't eat italian - Very reasonable prices.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMNice dinner. Fair serviceGood food. One waiter covering 12 tables is not a good way to run the business. Good way for waiter to make money but I HATE waiting - like we did for almost 10 minutes to even order and another 10 minutes to have our check processed. Note to owner - hire more help for busy nights. Makes no sense to leve customers depending on short staff5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing spot in South LoopThe service was impeccable and the food was divine.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is delicious however,Food is delicious however, when I order an appetizer I expect more than 1 crab cake for $19! Special should be priced as they are upwards $40 plus, plus portions seem small. Ambiance is nice and the bartender Tim was delightful. I would consider going back
But it is pricey.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMComing back strongWe hadn't been to Gioco in a while. Troubles with previous owners, liquor licenses and sloppy service kept us away. But Gioco is back and if it isn't "better than ever" it's still good enough to rejoin our neighborhood restaurant rotation. Welcome back!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently very goodWhile the menu is somewhat limited, it IS augmented by a number of specials daily. Everything is well executed. Service is friendly, attentive and helpful and your server will not shy away from making recommendations when asked. The open kitchen area near the wood burning stove makes a nice diversion. Pasta tastes and textures are great, especially the linguini bolognese and the tortelloni. Multiple courses will set you back a few $ but if you have a pal or two to share with, you won't be disappointed ordering from each section of the menu. There's a reason Gioco is still around and that's because it knows what it wants to do and does it well.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good experience! EverythingVery good experience! Everything was perfect. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Can't wait to visit again.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAlway great! A true sign ofAlway great! A true sign of a good Italian resturaunt is if they have good red sauce. Everything from their apps to entrees do not disappoint. The wood burning oven gives the food a nice smokey - homemade taste, love that! The baby squid, branzino, portabelo mushroom, and huge steak for two were stand outs.
The chief often comes out and talks to guest, he's not only does he cook good food but is also pretty funny.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Italian - South LoopOur dinner was wonderful. We shared two appetizers - the grilled calamari and the prosciutto and melon. Both were delicious. Two of us had the fish special, one had gnocchi, and the fourth person had a chicken special. Everyone raved about their dinner.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAs an out of towner, I wantedAs an out of towner, I wanted a "real" Italian meal with an authentic not "cheesy" atmosphere. Gioco hit just the right note. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and comforting. My only down note was that the pasta was from a box, not hand made.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe burrata appetizer wasThe burrata appetizer was divine, as well as the agnolotti special. The steaks were cooked to perfection and served hot. We were there on a busy Saturday night and received great service. We will definitely return on our next trip to Chicago.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a great restaurant.This is a great restaurant. The interior provides a very intimate setting with an open kitchen. It is divided into two rooms, with (original?) brick supports between the two. On one side is the bar (with red lights illuminating the wall) and on the other side is the intimate dining room and the open kitchen. The food was delicious. I had the spinach tortelloni, and the flavor was so fresh. The sauce was creamy, but very light so that the spinach flavor came right through. I also had the lentil soup and the tiramisu, both which I would recommend. The service was also great. The wait staff were well informed and answered our questions amiably! They were also fantastic about filling drinks, removing plates, and anticipating our needs.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe new menu is inviting,The new menu is inviting, interesting and well executed. The prosciutto with melon offers a generous portion of prosciutto, perfectly ripe melon paired with well-seasoned arugla; it is light and well-executed. The grilled salmon was done perfectly...as was the special sea bass. The poached pear is a lovely addition to the dessert menu. Gioco's rebirth as a delightful South Loop neighborhood dining destination is well on its way to becoming true.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AM