Gioia

Staci, Anthony, Noni, and I had the chance to try Gioia—Anthony’s second time there—and overall, it was a solid experience. The space has a nice energy to it—elevated but not stiff, with a cozy neighborhood vibe that makes it easy to settle in.

Starters

We began with the salumi plate and burrata, and both were excellent. The burrata came with a unique tomato presentation—fresh, flavorful, and plated with intention. The salumi didn’t miss either. Great texture and variety. Honestly, the apps were one of the high points of the night.

Main

Staci and I split a gluten-free rigatoni with a red sauce prepared tableside, which was a nice touch. The pasta held up well and the sauce had depth—simple, but satisfying.

Anthony had the duck risotto, which he enjoyed, and Noni went with a pizza, which rounded things out well. No major misses at the table, but it definitely feels like one of those Italian spots where your experience really depends on what you order.

The Verdict

Gioia is a good spot—nice vibe, solid food, and gluten-free friendly, which is always appreciated. Would we go back? Sure. It’s not in the top tier of Chicago Italian, but it holds its own and feels like a safe, stylish pick when you want something that hits the middle ground between casual and special.

Check Beli (@graffiajr) for the full rundown. Not a destination meal, but definitely worth having in the rotation.