Oh my goodness.
I live in Austin, and grew up in PIttsburgh's east side. I never knew just how spoiled I was by PA italian food until I left and moved to the south where...at least in Austin, italian is miserably pale comparison to what I can get at so many places in Pittsburgh. Gias is FABULOUS in my book, one of the best italian places in Pittsburgh IMO... I wish I could bottle all this deliciousness up and take it with me but I can't. So I'll just keep dreaming about the awesome meal I had here until I'm back in PA.
Things to know: The interior is warm and charming. Space is very limited so make reservations in evenings and on weekends. You need to bring your own wine. Service is good...our waitress wasn't fawning but she was polite and didn't miss a beat in execution.
Oh yea, the FOOD! We got these things and thought this about them:
- Eggplant parmesan- very best I've had. Lightly crispy, not too heavily cheesy, and heavenly sauce.
- Beet salad- good, light. PICKLED FENNEL!! Why do more places not have this?? So good. Need to learn how to make. Would be an epic hit at gastropubs.
- Ceasar salad- we all agreed it was the least impressive. Dressing was heavy and a little too fishy. About 1/3 as much dressing would have improved the salad greatly. Still everything else was awesome so they get a pass here.
- Homeade ricotta gnocchiI! If you get nothing else here get the Gnocchi with roasted red pepper sauce. I'd probably honestly make it my last meal on earth.
- Homeade Rigatoni with tomato basil sauce. So delicious, just a perfect simple and beautiful bowl of pasta.
- Pork Shoulder with puscanetta- didn't have any but it got rave reviews from everyone.
- Tiramisu and mini cannoli, and a house coffee. Dessert to die for.
I'd easily eat here and die happy.