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Giano
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Giano
8.1
A cozy East Village trattoria that leans into handmade pasta and a straightforward Italian comfort lane. The best experience comes from going classic—one salad, one rich pasta, one baked pasta—then keeping the finish simple with dessert and a glass of something dry.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Lasagna, Arugula salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Handmade-pasta focus in a small, classic East Village room.
Who should go: Pasta lovers on a low-key date
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating
What to order: Cacio e pepe, lasagna, one seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Ask what pasta is best that day before choosing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and difficult after 6pm. Best bet is nearby paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but a clean, put-together look fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still easy to hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas and starters available
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward dishes can be modified if you ask
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free pasta sometimes available, but cross-contamination is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s cozy, approachable, and comfortable without feeling generic, which makes conversation easy and the meal feel relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you’re flexible, but weekends are tighter — showing up early or later in the evening improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who enjoy pasta; there’s no dedicated kids menu, but simple dishes work well.
Best For
Better for: Classic, handmade pasta in a calm, neighborhood setting that feels more personal than trend-driven Italian spots.
Skip if: You want a buzzy, high-energy scene or an experimental menu — this is about comfort and tradition.
Giano
8.4
A cozy, wine-friendly Italian room where the pasta list is the reason to show up and linger. Lasagna holds its own as a hearty centerpiece, especially when you balance it with something lighter and a clean glass-pour pairing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Cacio e Pepe, Arugula Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Pasta-and-wine energy that stays intimate and reliable.
Who should go: Pasta lovers who want a cozy dinner.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the best pacing.
What to order: Lasagna, cacio e pepe, arugula salad.
Insider tip: Do one rich pasta and one bright salad—better balance than doubling carbs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm. Plan for rideshare or public transit.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressed up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta dishes and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some pastas and sides can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pasta may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It’s cozy, attractive, and relaxed without feeling too loud or formal—easy to settle into a real conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and peak dinner hours usually require a reservation or a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning. Older kids who enjoy pasta will be fine, but it’s better suited for date nights than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: A balanced Italian night where pasta quality, wine, and atmosphere all matter—not just big portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick, ultra-casual red-sauce spot or need extensive vegan or gluten-free options.
Giano
8.2
Modern Italian that leans into housemade pastas and a polished but approachable room, making it a solid family pick if you go early and order in a clean sequence. Aim for one appetizer, one long pasta, and one richer pasta or main so the table gets contrast without turning the meal heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade pasta (seasonal), Meatballs, Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Housemade pastas in a polished room that still feels welcoming.
Who should go: Families who want a nicer early Italian dinner
When to visit: Early seating before the room gets loud
What to order: One appetizer, two pastas, cheesecake to finish
Insider tip: Do one lighter pasta and one richer sauce for better table balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan on walking or using rideshare. Nearby garages are available but pricey.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but elevated tops or jackets fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate early, lively and louder as the night goes on.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; much easier before 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward pastas and starters.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple pasta or vegetable modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some dishes can be adapted, but not a gluten-free-focused kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially earlier in the evening. The room feels polished and energetic without being stiff, which helps conversation flow before it gets loud later on.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or on weeknights, but weekends after 7pm are tough. Walk-ins are most successful right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pasta and can handle a livelier room. Best for early dinners; no kids’ menu, but simple pastas work well.
Best For
Better for: Families or groups who want a more polished Italian experience without going fully formal, and diners who care about pasta texture and sauce balance.
Skip if: You need a quiet, low-key meal or are dining with very young kids who need space and quick service.