A New Baby in Manayunk: First Taste at Gigi Italian Bistro BYOB

If you haven’t been to Manayunk lately, you’re missing out on a slew of established and “new kid on the block” diverse dining choices. Whether you’re up for a quick grab-and-go burger, a loaded artisan pizza or an elegant evening of wine and song while overlooking the Schuylkill River, this historic—now hip-industrial—Main Street mecca has sincere culinary clout for everyone’s palate.

Gigi dining room

Gigi Italian Bistro BYOB is the most recent baby in the thriving restaurant community. Opening its doors at the beginning of August, Gigi promises an experience where “food and family come together”—and PA Eats had the opportunity to get a first look.

Gigi (pronounced with a “soft g”) is the latest venture of the always assiduous chef Craig Wilson and his gorgeous wife/co-partner/co-owner Jaqi Au. As if tending to his existing Maya.J restaurant a few doors down wasn’t enough (with an eye on the Main Line, too), this newest culinary journey is affectionately named after Craig’s mother to honor all women who nurture the tradition of preparing, cooking and enjoying authentic Italian fare.

Gigi interior 2

The rustic-casual ambience plays throughout, touting warm-toned hardwood floors mirrored with an overhead whitewashed ceiling. The 50-seat rich chocolate and salmon-colored theme highlights straightforward, minimalist yet elegant table settings. Overhead light fixtures provide subtle amber lighting for the potted greenery-lined walls. Well-blended galleries of generational familial portraits frame the intimate room. “We reached out via social media asking people to send us personal photos of their own mothers and grandmothers to get an authentic, loving feel,” says Jaqi with satisfaction. Mission accomplished.

The cozy space swelled with diners on a Tuesday evening as Jaqi (expecting a baby next month) and Craig (escaping the petite kitchen) made genuine rounds to dining guests with introductions, hugs and stories. When asked how a relationship like this works, chef Craig discloses, “We’re adults. We act like adults. We know how to create a flow together that works without the extraneous drama.” And it works well.

Gigi bread with garlic

The menu is unpretentious and the plates (priced from $15–$40) are good-looking, with antipasti (Grilled Polipo Octopus), insalata (di Rucola), loaded flat bread pizzas (with long or short sauces) and entrees that include seafood (salmon and snapper) or meat (Petit Filet, NY Strip and chicken). Specials on the night we dined included grilled chicken over penne with arugula pesto as well as a have-to-try-next-time baked mac (fusilli) and cheese with shrimp, truffle oil and baby spinach.

Gigi Fra Diavolo

We opted for the loaded Fra Diavolo ($34), which incorporated gigantic clams, mussels and shrimp with just the right kick from roasted cherry peppers, blended with saucy swirls of pasta. Fantastico! Don’t skip the warm toasted bread with roasted garlic bulbs and herbs that comes with the meal. A dusting of grated cheese showered the dish at our request.

Gigi grated cheese and seafood

A triple threat of authentic Italian house-assembled dessert specials punctuated the meal with decadent finality. We dove into the over-the-top sfogliatelle with delicate layers of pastry full of fresh ricotta cheese and surrounded by fruit and pools of raspberry puree. Coffee was bold and hot. Pinch us please.

Not playing a typical Sinatra-Lanza playlist, the piped music was enjoyable old-school Motown (think Smokey Robinson) at the appropriate decibel level for conversation.

Gigi Sfogliatelle

“Early in the game” service was quick, knowledgeable (we love enthusiastic servers who make solid recommendations) and pleasant. Gluten-free pasta is available. Meters along Main Street and sporadic lots are inexpensive and convenient. Reservations are recommended. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Gigi Italian Bistro BYOB is located at 4357 Main St. in Manayunk; phone: (267) 323-2899.

  • Photos: Ed Williams

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