Gio's nails it every time. Arancini cannot be beat and their marinara is perfection. The staff is always welcoming and beyond accommodating. Great for a work lunch, dinner with your parents or a girls night for catching up. Casual and great for date night. read more

This is a neighborhood family restaurant that started as a grocery/mini mart that eventually became a restaurant. Ordered their broiled steak and zuppa de pesce. First off, the owner, Nacho was very accommodating and allowed us to change the sides of the broiled steak from potatoes to mushroom risotto without extra charge. He even offered us some water while we waited for our take out order which is something you no longer see nowadays. Service was a 20/10! Then the food - OMG. The steak was cooked to perfection and flavorful. We were glad that we had the risotto as it was just the right pairing with the steak. The pasta and the seafood that came with was utterly sublime. They did not skimp on the seafood with mussels, clams, fish, shrimp and squid. All done perfectly and not rubbery at all. Overall, a quaint Italian restaurant that can compete with any downtown establishments but with the price and heart of Bridgeport. Free parking on the streets and clean simple tables inside of you want to dine in. Thanks for 25 years and looking to many more! read more

I've been coming to Gio's for years - usually for lunch with clients from work. The place has a great vibe being a neighborhood spot with really consistent Italian dishes in a quasi-deli/grocery store setting. This visit was my first time for dinner and I brought my wife and daughter with me. It was a last minute decision, so we didn't come prepared with a bottle of wine (it's a B.Y.O.B. establishment), so it was water for us. Overall, the service was fine. We seemed to be continually waiting on bread, but I don't think that was our server's fault, because she was spot-on with everything else. We ordered the Goat Cheese Bruschetta for an appetizer which was served with some small toast points, but it wasn't enough. Some more warm bread was needed, but alas, we didn't get it until our dinner had already arrived. The other appetizer we ordered was the Stuffed Artichoke, and it was absolutely delicious. Ordering these out at a restaurant is typically a crap-shoot because they are prepared so many different ways. Gio's version was heavier on the breadcrumbs instead of cheese, and also featured a nice black pepper flavor. My wife got the Grilled Calamari for her meal. The squid was fine, but they doused it in balsamic vinegar, and it was a bit overpowering. I got the Baked Cavatelli and it was exactly as expected. Homemade bits of pasta with a ricotta spiked marinara and topped with golden melted mozzarella cheese. Really good. My daughter ordered a special Fusilli pasta arrabbiata sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. The pasta and sauce were great, but they just cut chunks of mozzarella cheese and placed them on top of the pasta. It just kind of made it difficult to eat. Maybe smaller slices, or even thinner slices so you could incorporate it into the pasta? It wasn't an issue with the flavors... Just the whole mechanics in trying to eat it. This review is long overdue... This place has been serving up above average Italian food in this neighborhood for years. If I lived in the neighborhood, this would be a regular spot for me and my family. read more

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Great small restaurant on the southside of Chicago. I have been coming since I was in high school. Great small spot. I have never had anything that I didn't like! Always order a rice ball but everything is good. Last visit, I had the chicken Vesuvio! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Chicken Vesuvio - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We finally went to Gio's for dinner and wish we had gone sooner! It is casual inside, but perfect for a no-frills, 100% satisfying meal, with our toddler. BYOB. We had the sausage and peppers to start, which is one of the things they're known for. The sausage had really great flavor and the garlic sauce the dish was served in was great! We shared the chicken parm, carbonara, and shrimp diavolo with linguini. All if the dishes were too notch and some of the best Italian dishes in the area. The standout dish was the carbonara though. It was everyone's favorite- super rich, creamy and buttery, great flavor. I'm so glad the server recommended it. All the pastas were cooked well with complex and delicious sauces. The diavolo had a kick but wasn't too spicy. We're definitely adding Gios to the rotation! read more

My taste buds are forever happy ! Authentic and delicious. My whole family loves this restaurant. Southside gem! read more

Ordered lunch for my set up crew and it was amazing and the delivery perfect ! Each one had something different and loved it ! read more

An amazing find! Decently authentic, quick and efficient service, cool vibes. There were 6 of us and they were not only able to accommodate a bigger table, but timing of appetizers and entrees was perfect. Lots on the menu to choose from. Tiramisu was the standout! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

These guys hit it out of the park. Love their specials. The arancini is the best. You have to try it.

Very old school deli but the restaurant is INTERESTING! 1) Food - GOOD+ 2) Service - GREAT, period! 3) Ambiance- Hmmmmm????? VERY INTERESTING! I'll be back next month! Much more detailed review once I get over the trepidation read more

Unfortunately, this was a 3 star meal for us. Granted we didn't dine in, and did take out , but our meal was meh at best. We ordered a couple of meatball sandwiches and a side of fries last night and they didn't even get the basics right. The meatballs were just thrown on to the bread with some sauce. There was no cheese and it wasn't baked. In addition it lacked seasoning, and we had to add salt. The fries were thick but probably should have been fried a bit longer to cook them more. We had got a meatball sub a couple of weeks ago from another popular spot that does fried steak sandwiches not too far from here and they totally hit the spot. read more

Favorite little gem! Never disappoints ...food and service is always A+. The service was soooooo amazing, felt like I was invited into there home for a excellent meal. read more

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Excellent authentic food great service The chicken vodka is excellent also the grilled chicken sandwich deserts are also top-tier read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was once a little corner grocery, then a grocery and deli, and eventually an inconspicuous gem of an Italian eatery. The deli counter is still working, but the aisles have been replaced by tables. This is a friendly little neighborhood cafe, where the owner greets you at the door, and perhaps a well kept secret. There are lots of great options on the menu, and daily specials. So many interesting options to choose from. The service was extremely helpful and attentive, and the food was top notch! The portions were large, and the flavor outstanding. I tried one of about 10 daily specials, the Stuffed shells with ground sausage. I don't know what blend of cheeses they used to stuff the shells, but the the flavor was bold and delicious, and the plentiful sausage was immersed in their amazing vodka cream tomato sauce. The home-made tiramisu was also delicious, and the lady fingers were notably intact and not mushy. I was very impressed with this place. It was my first time. But my friend is a regular, and she said they met this high standards consistently. And then a good as everything was, the check was also a delight. The prices were remarkably low for this quality. The toughest part of this experience could be finding street parking in the neighborhood. read more

Yum. That's all I can really can say. Special veal Milanese with risotto is fantastic and the cannoli to finish too. I took home some stuffed shells from their deli and they were phenomenal. It's probably for the best this is such a long drive for me... read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Veal Milanese and risotto - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One of the best Italian joints in the city. From the service to the food. Everyone with a one star rating obviously are very impatient and just thrive to complain. Try the chicken parm with rigatoni and vodka sauce. read more

I've only ever gotten this place for delivery, but it's been consistently good. The rigatoni with vodka is my go-to order. The sauce is very flavorful, and not spicy or peppery which is great. It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to pasta, but this is 100% the best rigatoni alla vodka i've ever had. The calamari is perfectly cooked and smells like it'll be too fishy (but it's not). Delicious dipping sauce too. The chicken parmesan was an 8/10 rating according to my dad. The chicken was juicy and perfectly cooked. The pasta and sauce was basic but it's hard to mess up something like that. I would highly recommend ordering this place and I'm sure it's even better in person! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Rigatoni Vodka and Fried Calamari - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Went with a large group. The staff couldn't have been more accommodating. Food was really good. Couldn't believe we were eating that level of cuisine in a deli. I will be back next time I'm in town. read more

Went there to celebrate mu brothers 60th Birthday. Waited a hour and a half for our food 10 of is. Excuse from waiter I'm sorry I lost your ticket. Then the owner said the computer froze. Seriously then why did other diners get their food. Totally unacceptable. When our food arrived it was mediocre at best. We had to argue for a little compromise on the bill. Owner said I have a business to run. When 10 people wait over a hour and a half for a meal he should have been a little more accommodating. It will be a long time before we go back if ever. If I could post no stars I would. read more

This was an amazing find thanks to Yelp. Gio's was awesome! It was the perfect place to bring my 85 year old mom to relive old memories as a child growing up in a classic Italian Chicago neighborhood. read more

Girlfriend took me here and i absolutely loved it it's small and quiet and the food was delicious, I had the vodka sauce pasta with sliced sausage and will be going back for more read more

Located in the Bridgeport neighborhood, Gio's serve cold cuts made from fresh ingredients daily. The Panini Italiano sandwich is a perfect snack for any time of the day. Stuffed with capicolio, Genoa salami, and mortadella, but I substitute that out for turkey. read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Italian Panini Sandwich (cold). - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This south side gem hits all the marks. Beautiful lunch spot. Breaded steak sandwich. Poof, just magical. Do it. My lunch partner had his favorite sandwich, chicken vesuvio. He raves about it.,Spumoni in the freezer to take home for later. All kinds of Italian market goods to buy. Amazing. I love the home made giardinera. Get some! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Homemade Italian Giardinera - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was delicious. I loved that you could purchase some items to bring home. The stuffed artichoke was a stand out along with the veal Marsala. My husband loved the beef sandwich! read more

Gio's is absolutely fantastic. It's a family owned spot with fast friendly service - Italian deli by day and a BYOB cafe by night. There's really something for everyone here. We've been 3 times and already rank this high on our list of Chicago favorites. Here are some highlights.. the breaded steak and cold Italian sandwiches are absolutely perfect, love the vodka sauce rigatoni, meatballs are great, also really like the sausage and peppers. If you're looking for a casual midweek spot to grab a great meal anytime of day, this is it! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Breaded Italian Steak Panini - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Can't complain if I wanted to. On the corner or 27th & Lowe in clout heavy Bridgeport, the political 'Holy Land', sits Gio's Italian deli and restaurant. We figured it was apropos to eat in the Chicago 'Holy Land' on this Good Friday. Gio's is a corner one room deal grocery store / deli / restaurant. The grocery items section of this little spot is built around the dining tables with a deli at the back of the room. Grocery items for purchase can be viewed while you mentally shop while eating dinner. A smart marketing move because the delicious food almost ensures you will leave with a few specialty grocery items. Large portions and you get what you pay for. The fellas here used to be involved in Bella Notte of Grand Ave. so they know what they're doing. Bridgeport is a funny neighborhood, with a 'social club' on every other corner, that can be put off by visitors and people they don't know. People still peek through their curtain onto the street when a car parks in front of their bungalow. But these folks at Gio's are very welcoming as soon as you walk in the door. The guy at the door even said it was okay to park in a no parking zone. I mean hey, it's Bridgeport, right? The guy controlling the door was posted to watch the flow of people in and out and keep covid safe and comfortable for all. We started with a traditional salad I eat at home all the time, made of chilled broccoli, fresh garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon. Simple yet substantial. The meatball sandwich was loaded with good sized meatballs and an obviously homemade marinara. A mostaccioli pasta with broccoli, garlic and olive oil with a few minced anchovies throw in was a pretty large portion of homemade delight. Because it was Good Friday we split a pepper 'n' egg sandwich to make up for eating meatballs. Hey what can I say we're at best, heathens and like the church, can easily 'look the other way' when convenient. What can ya say I was raised Roman Catholic. Sinner or not it's a solid pace in the Bridgeport, political 'Holy Land' to have a good meal. I'll be back. read more

The arancini is gigantic and so good. We have ordered their salads, which are fresh. We have had pastas in the marinara and vodka sauces. My son likes the Italian beef. The bread is fresh. Calamari is not chewy and fried perfectly. Service is super friendly. Highly recommend. read more

I got delivery so no internal pictures here but the food is awesome! Very authentic taste, I would definitely recommend. It was a big serving of pasta and it came steaming hot. The little limoncello flute was pretty cute read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Rigatoni Vodka, bread, Arancini, Cannoli, Flute Limoncello - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The stuffed artichoke was not stuffed but sat in a soupy mixture of water and bread crumbs. The leaves were void of any artichoke meat. The owner said the reason was that artichokes were out of season. Then don't serve them when out of season. I was looking forward to eating the heart after the rest being disappointing. But there was a worm in the heart. The server said that was a good thing because it meant that the artichoke was organic. The owner said and did nothing. Second visit, I know, shame on me. There were hairs in the salad and bread bowl. Owner said and did nothing again. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. read more

Ordered spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs, and food was delicious. Definitely going back.

Great Italian subs and meatball sandwiches! Noticed an Italian sandwich available on focaccia for next time! Fresh ingredients and nice people. Also, a little sit down restaurant in addition to deli carry out. Was able to walk over from my girlfriends! The pastas and desserts look really good. I heard this is a local favorite. Reminds me of the Taylor St or Grand Ave delis! Enjoy read more

Big Surprise!Italian restaurant inside ..Italian Grocery Store!!!..Hidden Gem! Very Cozy and Casual!MaybeLittle pricey.;( ...Authentic Italian Home (!?!)Atmosphere In middle of Bridgeport!know only by locals!Different! BYOP! Great Simple Fresh Homemade Italian Food!Super Nice Friendly Service! Definitely I will back! read more

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Wonderful local authentic food and excellent service. Unique atmosphere. Didn't realize it was BYOB. Will be back w a bottle of wine! read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Sausage risotto w peppers - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

THE BEST Rigatoni Vodka I've ever had in my life. This place is a hole in the wall with BYOB but it's such a hidden gem that I would tell everyone to go to for these reasons: 1. Food is AMAZING. Everyone at my table was thrilled! 2. Large menu to choose from 3. All staff were very attentive and quick 4. I never felt rushed to leave- I was able to sit back and enjoy desserts with friends. 5. Genuinely authentic Italian food. It feels like you're eating in a family member's kitchen 6. The waitress opened our bottle of wine (which we brought) and poured it for us. Drop all other plans and go to Gio's!! read more

The service is wonderful. Staff is very personable. The serving sizes are large. The food is pretty average. read more

Gio's Cafe & Deli - Italian salad - Delis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loved atmosphere, food. Great BYOB. Waitstaff was awesome. Friendly and made great suggestions.. love birthday celebration!!

A small, cozy, friendly eatery! I have transplanted to Chicago from California recently, and always passed by this place since I live close by - but never went in or ordered. Lo and behold, they do accept online delivery/ pickup! I have only tried their soup and meatball side. The soup was pasta fagioli and it was one of the best tasting one I have ever had. The meatballs are in a portion of 2 large size with a bath of marinara sauce. Cannot wait to try their other menu items! Luckily I can just walk here with no hassle :)!! read more

Visiting from San Francisco with my 11 y/o son. Stopped here on Monday - our first day here - for cold cuts, cheese, and bread to snack on. Nacho hooked us up with some great staples for the fridge at the house. Came back for Thursday night dinner. Calamari, House Salad, meatballs, mostaccioli w/sautéed broccoli (I'm a big meat eater but haven't had a vegetable since we arrived), and took our tiramisu to go. Great food, all of it. There is also a waitress here who might be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life. Great food, great casual vibe, great neighborhood spot! read more

While visiting friends in Chicago they brought us to this cute Italian cafe for dinner. This is a cute checkered tablecloth eatery that provides food and non alcoholic beverages.. you take your own cocktails if desired. People had bottles of wine at most tables.. why not.. nothing goes better than wine with Italian food. They served us warm yummy bread to start. Then we opted for the calamari.. it was very good. They serve it with cocktail sauce, so I asked for marinara sauce.. the New England way. It was cooked perfectly and delicious. I ordered the cheese ravioli.. I loved it and the sauce it came with. Hubble ordered spaghetti with meat sauce (their take on bolognese sauce. He really enjoyed his dish. Miss Rita had the tortiglioni Cabo area which is her go to dish when she eats there and Brian had the seafood pasta .. and he ate the whole dish. Portions are big so bring your appitite. We will be back for sure on our 2025 trip. read more

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This place is a hidden gem in the city. Sorta off the beaten path, but if you're looking for great Italian Food consider it. The owner was super friendly and very charismatic, but the quick lunch they prepared was fantastic. We had heard from others that the Breaded Steak Sandwich was the best.., so I had to try it. The Breaded Steak Sandwich was off the charts good, the flavor of the sauce the crispy texture of the steak while still retaining it's tenderness, it was just a great sandwich. In my rankings the best Steak Sandwich in the city and surrounding suburbs. I will be coming for dinner as well because it has a cool little atmosphere plus a BYOB policy. Enjoy a GREAT ITALIAN dinner while enjoying your favorite bottle of wine as well, or your favorite beer. I look forward to having dinner here as well. 9.1 out of 10 for their breaded steak sandwich! ~Apologies for no pic, it smelled so good, I ate it before snapping a quick pic. Reason for me to come back! read more