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| - I've had quite a time finding a good local restaurant but am pleased that Girasole has finally filled that need for me. It is tucked away in Shadyside, under, I might add, one of the best places to get ice cream in the city.
We went for lunch, on a weekday, and the place was packed but we were given a table quickly and the service, overall, was fast and friendly. Their lunch menu did not have a lot of options - but I would rather see a place focus on a few items and do them really well than spread themselves over several mediocre offerings. I opted for the potato gnocchi in a marinara with fresh mozzarella and my husband ordered the penne in marinara with roasted chicken... bot of us were really happy with our entrees. For me, the star was the salad. I am never a real fan of salads in restaurants but this one was excellent. The lettuce was fresh and perfectly balanced - garbanzo beans, Gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, shaved red onion, and nicoise olives (the only thing that I left on the plate) dressed with a house sunflower vinaigrette dressing.
I'd certainly recommend this for a casual lunch/dinner -- I really want to head back if only just for the salad! In warmer months they also offer seating outside.... for dessert, head upstairs for some amazing gelatto.
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