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Gelso & Grand
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Gelso & Grand
8.0
A Little Italy mainstay that’s best used for a low-drama sit-down meal when you want red-sauce comfort and a lively room. Gluten-free diners can still eat like everyone else here by steering toward GF-friendly pastas and straightforward mains, keeping the order classic and unfussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-Free Pasta Option, Meatballs, Chicken Parm-Style Main
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Little Italy comfort with gluten-free pasta available.
Who should go: Groups mixing gluten-free and classic Italian cravings
When to visit: Early dinner before peak crowds
What to order: GF pasta, meatballs, a simple parm-style main
Insider tip: Stick to sauces you recognize—skip overly custom builds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room better at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but expect background buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak evening hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta, salad, and vegetable-forward mains are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple pasta and sauce combinations, but requires asking the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta is available and staff are familiar with accommodating GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something comfortable and low-pressure. It’s lively enough to avoid awkward silence without being overly loud or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early or on weekdays. For weekend dinners, a reservation is strongly recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu is familiar and flexible, making it suitable for kids, though the evening crowd skews more adult.
Best For
Better for: Reliable red-sauce Italian comfort with gluten-free options that still feel like a normal meal, not a workaround.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge Italian cooking or a quiet, intimate dining room — there are better options nearby for those moods.
Gelso & Grand
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A modern Little Italy spot with enough space and menu breadth to handle families without turning the meal into a negotiation. Go for wood-fired pizza plus one pasta and a starter, and it plays as an easy, upbeat dinner that still feels like a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inferno wood-fired pizza, Pistachio pasta, Bone marrow bruschetta
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Family-capable room with pizza-and-pasta ordering that stays fun.
Who should go: Families who want variety without a formal vibe
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest service
What to order: Inferno pizza, pistachio pasta, meatballs
Insider tip: Split one pizza and one pasta per two people, then add a starter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; limited metered street parking nearby and paid garages within a few blocks. Expect some circling after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room skews stylish and photo-forward.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet room, especially at peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas, pastas, and starters work easily without modification.
Vegan options: Limited – some vegetable starters and pizza modifications possible, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited – salads and some mains work, but pizza and pasta are not gluten-free focused.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want energy without pressure. The room feels fun and modern, and shared pizza or pasta keeps ordering easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights are usually manageable with a short wait. Weekend dinners are tough without a reservation, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for elementary-age kids and up. Pizza, pasta, and meatballs are easy wins, though the vibe is better for kids who can handle a lively room.
Best For
Better for: Families or groups who want a modern, upbeat Italian meal that feels social and stylish without being stuffy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, old-school Little Italy experience or need extensive gluten-free or vegan accommodations.
Gelso & Grand
8.3
An easy Little Italy date-night pick when you want wood-fired comfort—pizza, pasta, and a cocktail—without turning the evening into a production. The room hits that sweet spot: lively enough for people-watching, but structured enough to feel like a real dinner plan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inferno pizza, Pistachio pasta, Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizza-and-pasta energy that reads romantic without being formal.
Who should go: Couples who want pizza plus cocktails
When to visit: Early weeknights for smoother service
What to order: Inferno pizza, pistachio pasta, meatballs
Insider tip: Split one pizza and one pasta, then add one starter if hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to date-night dressy — jeans are fine, but lean polished rather than sporty.
Noise level: Moderate — lively and buzzy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and starters.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward options can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free accommodations possible, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s approachable and social, with enough energy to avoid awkward silence while still feeling intentional.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings and weeknights are your best bet; weekends are tougher without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? More date-focused than kid-centric; fine for older kids who can handle a lively dining room, less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Casual-but-romantic Italian nights where pizza, pasta, and cocktails all land without overthinking the plan.
Skip if: You want a quiet, candlelit dinner or a purely upscale, white-tablecloth Italian experience.