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| - I hosted my boyfriend's birthday dinner for a large group at Gio Rana's this past Saturday, and I would give this restaurant 6 stars if I could. I spoke with the manager a couple weeks before the dinner and he walked me through the prix fixe menu option, the wine list, and answered all my questions patiently. Our server Victoria was on the ball the entire evening, and was even able to give us separate bills without any problems. The service was quick and friendly, including the bartenders. Everyone who works at this restaurant seems to really love working there, and it shows in their enthusiasm. The food was absolutely delicious, we had different courses including calamari, boconcini salad, spicy shrimp, pork loin, salmon, beef brisket, pasta, meatballs, sweet potato ravioli, and other items I'm sure I'm forgetting about. Everyone was absolutely stuffed by the end of the meal, and it only cost $40 per person. Amazing value. The decor is fun, chic, cool, but not too stuffy. Somehow it's the kind of environment where you can wear anything from jeans to a cocktail dress and still feel comfortable. We were lucky enough to get the side room behind the main bar which has a large retractable garage door that opens up onto Queen St (there was no extra cost or minimum-spend to use this room). Everyone in my group was raving about the restaurant, from the decor to the food to the service. If you're looking for a fun, trendy but laid-back place to host a group dinner I HIGHLY recommend Gio Rana's
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