Gioco

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1312 S Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605

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(312) 939-3870
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Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Gioco - Chicago, IL
Reviews
( 14 )
( 18 )
( 5 )
( 4 )
( 2 )

Best

2nd time here in two years. Both times were fantastic. Food, service and setting are outstanding. We have decided to make this a regular stop when we're in Chicago. Pros: E...

Worst

I didn't find the ambience to be all that romantic as it's a little loud and cramped. Portions were pretty small for the prices. The pasta dish was good but the lamb was not. ...

A Vinocave for the masses 5/1/2006

The delicious, fresh, crusty bread, and warm rosemary-scented oil for dipping caught my attention. But when the waiter returned with a $40 bottle of wine I realized that it was actually the right temperature! When asked, the waiter pointed me toward their Vinocave wine cabinet near the bar. These devices are not hard to find in higher-end restaurants but even there, only the big-bucks bottles see any temperature-controlled storage. I will be back, no doubt. People who love wines of all price points will love Gioco if for no other reason than Gioco understand the importance of cool reds, chilled whites and cold sparkling wines. more
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Good Contemporary Italian 4/9/2006

Went there on Labor Day weekend 2004 while visiting for a convention. My wife and I showed up unannounced and they found us a table. Very good service, good food and fair prices. I liked the high energy atmosphere. We thought it romantic but it was also bustling. Pros: Value Cons: Noisy more
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same old same old 4/6/2006

We had a large group of people for dinner. The portions were all very large but it's not like we would have left half the food if it was yummy. It's another American-Italian. a bit greasy at times. The risotto I had was a bit crunchy (i'm guessing the rice wasn't fully cooked). I don't understand why this place gets a high rating when the food is so plain. Pros: ambience Cons: blah food more
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great italian 2/5/2005

Gioco is a restaurant I will return to often. Warm, casual atmosphere in an up and coming neighborhhood. Menu had a number of great looking items that made the choice hard. Everyone at my table loved their food and it came very hot. There are plenty of places to go where they try to create ""funky"" dishes but this place relies on great flavor. Wine list and service just average but food made up for it. Plan on spending $100 per person with tip and half bottle of wine. more
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olsonmd 1/21/2004

Good restaurant - but a romantic spot??? Crowded, Very Noisy - to maintain a conversation at a table for 6 requires shouting. Food has been good to very good, reasonably pricey. Pros: OK Costs, Decent wine list Cons: Noise, Crowded more
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not worth it 2/17/2003

I didn't find the ambience to be all that romantic as it's a little loud and cramped. Portions were pretty small for the prices. The pasta dish was good but the lamb was not. Pros: dessert Cons: over priced, small portions more
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Palate of Flavors! 2/13/2003

My boyfriend and I showed up for dinner early without a reservation. The hostess was kind enough to fit us in after a short time at the bar. We started with the Carpaccio (Harry's) -- just as delicious as it is at Cipriani's in NYC with smooth homemade mayonaise and plump, tart capers covering the most tender thin slices of beef. I had the scallops and crispy artichokes for dinner which was an excellent combination of flavors and textures. The scallops were sweet and perfectly seared with a browned butter sauce. I also coudn't stop eating the bread. the service was attentive without being overbearing. Pros: Cuisine, Atmosphere, Service Cons: Tables are too close, Expensive valet, Crowded bar more
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Gotta try the filet !!! 11/13/2002

If your a steak lover - you have to try the filet. It's the best I've ever had and the sauce is AMAZING ! more
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Amazing 11/8/2002

We had a great time at Gioco. It was off the beaten path and outside the downtow district, which was nice. The decor was excellent, and the food was unbelievable. My recommendations are the steamed mussels and the Buffalo mozzarella for starters, and then the sea bass for the main course. This is a meal I had no problem paying $$$ for. The staff was also very attentive Pros: Service more
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pretentious and overpriced 10/30/2002

We made the mistake of planning an early New Year's Eve dinner at at Gioco. There is a lesson to be learned about these 'trendy' Italian places popping up here and there. If you could get over the snobby waitress and mediocre food the atmosphere was nice aesthetically. Save your money and go elsewhere. Pros: dark Cons: snobby, overpriced, boring menu more
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As Good as it gets, in the Midwest... 10/25/2002

I have had about 10 meals at Gioco over the past 18 months, and the service has been good, though not terribly Baby-Friendly. The food, however, is outstanding, particularly the beef entrees. The pasta has been disappointing, not even al dente as is generally accepted at better Italian establishments. Stick with the other specialties. BTW, the pizza is an appetizer only. It's good, but not intented for a full meal. Pros: Food, Trendy Crowd Cons: Occasionally Arrogant, Trendy Crowd more
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best italian food??? according to whom?? 10/17/2002

as far as i am concerned, gioco is no more the best italian foos than taco bell is the best mexican. other than the nice decor and the good service, what does one see here? the food id mediocre, the fish on the menu is breaded to fish-stick perfection. the carpacio is totally second rate, the calamari tough and the other entree with red sauce tasted close to bottle italian gravy. sorry folks, this ain't the place, forget about it!!! more
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exquisite atmosphere 9/24/2002

My experience here was very nice. I actually went for lunch, and it was great. No waiting, not a crowd, and the food was very delicious! The atmosphere is excellent. This place would be great for a romantic date. more
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Interesting space...phenomenal tastes 9/20/2002

I've moved here from New York city, and consider this to be one of the better Chicago establishments that I have seen. My experience with Gioco involved truly amazing food in a warm, open and inviting setting that is upscale without being pretentious. The wait staff is attentive and sensitive to your needs without being overbearing. A great find. more
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Delicious! 8/24/2002

What a find in the South Loop. As this neighborhood booms, watch for Gioco's popularity to soar. Great atmosphere, coupled with great food and service. I'd definitely go back! more
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great food....... 7/26/2002

Food is great,we go there pretty often even if we reside 40 miles away,waiters they should write their food orders instead of trying to play memory banks,always a mistake when they try to memorise orders,believe me.......... more
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A great place to get away to celebrate! 7/1/2002

Our dining experience at Gioco was wonderful. We had reservations ( a must for Saturday night) and were seated promptly. From the appetizers to the desert, everything was delicious. An added plus was meeting Chef Corcoran (Corky), whose creative attention to each plate was a spectacular sight. Overall, I was very delighted with our dining experience. Pros: Easy to find parking, Cordial staff, Delicious Food more
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Different and Great Italian 6/26/2002

Gioco is doing its own thing, and that thing is just fine. The atmosphere is very cool and comfortable. The service is almost always excellent. The food, especially the pastas and desserts, are a great change of pace. Pros: food, service more
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It's All About the Food, Not the Service 6/15/2002

I went to Gioco largely because of the favorable reviews, and they were absolutely accurate with regard to the food. The eggplant ravioli was delicious. However, the service there left a lot to be desired. Not only did our waiter slur every word out of his mouth, but he managed to act exasperated whenever he was asked to to fulfill the simplest of requests. I relish the opportunity for fine dining, but when you pay premium prices you expect service that is commensurate. Truth be told, I have had better service at Denny's. Nonetheless, if you do not mind contentious servers, and like great food, Gioco is an excellent choice. Pros: Great Food Cons: Lackluster Service more
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Always outstanding 6/9/2002

I've been going to Gioco for quite a while now and every single time I go, it is outstanding. The food, service and atmosphere are consistently terrific. The menu has changed slightly but everything is still great. more
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Menu for Gioco


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    Once deserted, this stretch of Wabash Street now positively pulses with activity. Gioco can take some credit, having opened up shop in this 'hood back in late '99. The space is...

  • 11/18/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm-9pm, Mon-Thu: 5pm-10pm, 11:30am-3pm, Fri: 5pm-11pm, 11:30am-3pm
  • Payments: Discover, Master Card, American Express, Visa, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Central, Near South Side
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