I am a local and a small business owner myself, so I prefer to frequent local businesses myself when I can. There are a few Italian restaurants I enjoy in the area for different reasons, particularly one simply because I grew up going there and it's the same as it was when I was a kid. It's great if you are in a "Bari Foods" type of Italian mood. Gianni's, however is more suitable to a palate that appreciates authentic Italian, as opposed to American Italian. I truly LOVE authentic Italian, especially when it is prepared well. I've had the good fortune of spending time in Italy several times in my life, so I can be a little snobby about "authentic" claims. If your favorite Italian is Olive Garden, you may not appreciate Gianni's. I don't believe this is the audience Chef Gianni is targeting, anyhow. If, however, you appreciate your meal being prepared to order, this is your place.
The restaurant itself, like most of Mount Dora is quaint. I was not convinced it would be wonderful when I walked in. The hostess seated us upstairs. I sat down to a table set with cloth napkins. I hope someday to see tablecloths as well, because it would add to the ambience. Our server was was very nice, knowledgeable about their menu, which felt limited at first. The wine selection is extensive. She immediately brought us bread, which was very tasty and reminiscent of a local Cuban restaurant's bread, so my snobbery was still in affect. Since the restaurant is small, obviously they can't bake their own bread. (Maybe they do, but it didn't seem this way). I ordered a rigitoni dish with chicken and spinach that was tossed in a light garlic/wine cream sauce. My date ordered the clam and linguini dish. From the first bite I fell in love. The chicken in the dish was pounded and lightly floured before it was sautéed. It was real chicken and very tender. The pasta was cooked to order and perfectly al dente. I do not like mushy pasta and this did not disappoint. Fresh spinach was used as well. It was very apparent this dish had been prepared for only me. I did not taste my date's meal, however he felt as strongly about his meal as I did mine. It was wonderful.
During the meal, our server was attentive, but not annoyingly so. She made sure to keep wine in our glasses. About midway, Chef Gianni came to our table to greet us and assure that we were enjoying our meal, which is impressive that he would take the time, since he is also preparing all the food. If you've ever prepared a meal to entertain in your home, you know it takes talent to do the work AND be social and make sure everyone is pleased. With that in mind, the smallish menu was forgiven and completely understood. In fact, I think it is preferable. Everything on it is fresh. Too large of a menu and you will be getting a Bari foods meal.
We were too full after eating half of our dinners to order dessert, although I feel it would've been to die for. I look forward to trying his tiramisu. I do not feel that the food was over priced at all. I'm not sure I could've prepared it for much less at home myself. I've read some complaints about price, but I suspect that would be a lover of O.G. and the endless soup and salad deal. We had our two very ample meals that provided us two more with leftovers and a bottle of wine for about $70. I think that's very affordable considering we only had to drive 5 miles to the restaurant.
I truly hope Gianni is a great success in this location. The closest great authentic Italian for me has been a fine dining Italian restaurant in Maitland and this food rivaled that all day long. I look forward to going back. read more