| rev:text
| - This is the spot.
Warm. Cozy. Classy. They dish out perfect meals, and although I don't really like to, I'm obliged to dish out a perfect score. Gio Rana, you've definitely built one really really nice restaurant! :)
Keeping it (very) low key at the northwest corner of Queen and Leslie, Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant bares no actual signage. Well, there is that massive human nose affixed above the main entrance, but that's about it. 2 points for the conversation starter (annnnd 1 for non-traditional marketing tactics).
A lovely staff will have you seated in what always feels like no time. If there's a bit of a line up, crack a bottle of wine and warm up in the waiting area. The staff knows their vino and bottles are definitely well priced. If you're one for random conversation, the hosts are awesome at indulging in some fun banter before guiding you to your table.
Gio Rana's is a gorgeous space. High ceilings, great background music, warm mood-lighting and beautiful decorative pieces all over the place. If you've got a group, I suggest booking the wine-cellar in advance. It's gets a bit tight for really large groups, but with the right minds, in that space, you're bound to spark conversations that will change your life.
As if you're not already sold, let's talk a bit about your meal.
Never one to disappoint, Gio's mouth-watering Antipasti will get your tastebuds dancing at first bite. If you've got a carnivorous bone, light it up with the "Classic Beef Carpaccio w/ Grano Padano, Arugula and Lemon" - wow!!.
The mains are all top notch. I'd steer away from the chicken if possible and maneuver towards the "Sexy Duck" or the Braised Beef Ribs (with portobello and fried gnocchi - zing!).
The Contorni options balance out the meal. If you're with a group, Gio's generally puts these sides on a long share plate, so you can get a taste of everything. Is it just me, or does food ACTUALLY taste better when you're sharing it?
If I was forced to be critical of my dear Gio, veggie options don't really exist, and the washrooms could use a reno. These criticisms are neither here nor there for me though - I'm in love, remember?
Gio Rana's is hands down, my favourite restaurant in Toronto - a definite must for every non-veg foodie around the globe. Get there soon though. Queen East is developing rapidly, and it's inevitable that this joint will lose a bit of its charm once West-Queen-West infiltrates.
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