il Gigante

My wife Yuni and I walked by Il Gigante out of curiosity, and one day finally decided to take a break from work and try it. We only had a short time to dine, but we were so glad we did. The pasta was incredible. A week later, we were craving brunch and looked at a few spots, but honestly, we just wanted to go back. That’s when I met their lasagna, and it completely won me over. We went back again the next weekend with my in-laws just so I could have it again. We all shared our plates, as you should at an Italian restaurant, and every dish was fantastic. Since then, Il Gigante has become one of our favorite places in Ridgewood. The food is amazing, but it’s the people who make it special. Everyone we’ve met has been kind, genuine, and welcoming. When you work long, stressful hours, meals

A divine dining experience. The friendliest staff. Amazing dishes. Phenomenal wine list. Cozy, warm interior. Baby friendly (they brought us a high chair) and babe loved the meatballs. Do not miss the cotoletta, it’s unreal. We were very excited to find a place with northern Italian dishes — the gramigna alla sasiccia is absolutely incredible! A solid choice to end on the panna cotta. We will be back again and again.

Il Gigante has a piece of my heart. It genuinely feels like a home away from home. The kind of place where you walk in for the first time but you’re treated like a regular. And that doesn’t just “happen.” You can feel the care in every detail, the consistency, the hours, the pride. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you what hospitality is supposed to feel like. If you haven’t been, go soon. If you have, go back and bring someone you love.

So happy I finally tried this place! Came here on a recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint! Our server Elena was brilliant - take her reccomendations when you come! We let her decide our appetisers and they were just fantastic! The pecorina salad was my favourite. The food was so good that, as a vegetarian, I was even tempted to try the lasagna and it was so good. Don’t skip the drinks, the espresso martini and Bianco spritz were 10/10. Will definitely be back.

Wow, I am blown away! Firstly, when I walked in the door I loved the ambiance. Felt like a real classic NY joint (similar to Eddie’s Sweet Shop, iykyk). The service was impeccable- we had a really sweet waiter and bus staff. Each of our dishes were delicious and they have a specials menu, which I appreciate. Each dish was simple yet full of flavor. Next time I’ll have to try the drinks!