Why Come Here? Modern, interesting and affordable Italian with a friendly staff
It is said that in the East Village, you can’t throw a PBR can without hitting an Italian restaurant. Most of them churn out perfectly good staples like pastas, meatballs and tiramisu in perfectly nice environs. So to choose one over the others requires something special. I was recently invited to dine at Giano, and I can tell you it has what it takes to become your go-to neighborhood Italian spot.
It all begins with the owners, Paolo and Matteo. If Paolo is in, you’ll know it. He works the restaurant the way only an Italian can and leaves you feeling like you’ve just dined at an old friend’s home. He also designed the place, which you’ll quickly realize has a lot more going on than your typical “rustic” decor. Giano takes its name from a Roman goddess with two faces looking in different directions (the past and future), a theme which carries over to many aspects of the restaurant, including the design. The front contains a modern looking banana shaped bar and sleek white tables. The back, segregated by some red rope straight off a pirate ship, is more traditional: dimly lit with wooden tables and brick walls, although it maintains hints of Paolo’s flair with touches like feather covered chandeliers. There’s also a cozy, plant filled garden in back you’ll want to bring a date to in warmer times.
The duality of modern and tradition flows into the kitchen as well under Chef Matteo. While there are some old Italian standbys, most dishes offer a playful twist on classics like the amaretto cookie covered risotto and basil mashed potatoes (both must trys). All the pastas are made fresh in-house and there is a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, except for those needed to be imported from the source (Italy). And with most dishes coming in under $20 and most wines under $40, you’ll have some extra cash for your night out in the East Village. Everything I tried was a winner, and my top picks are below:
Cappuccino Gelato 
Have you ever dreamed of eating your cappuccino in ice cream form? If not, you will after eating this. Think espresso ice cream topped with ricotta and cinnamon foam and a sprinkle of biscotti chips.
Filleto al balsamico 
Normally I don’t order steak at Italian restaurants and avoid filet’s in general. But rules are meant to be broken. This steak is juicy and flavorful and comes with Chef Matteo’s basil pesto mashed potatoes, which are a must try in their own right.
Gnocci ai 4 Formaggi Often after a hearty bowl of gnocci l’m ready to hit the old dusty trail. But this gnocci is pillowy and light while still quite satisfying. Even the four cheese sauce is more of a light glaze meaning nap time won’t be necessary.
Risotto w/ butternut squash & amaretto 
I’m always a fan of butternut squash risotto, but this one had an added bonus I found intriguing: crumbled amaretto cookies. The sweetness was the perfect match for the rich risotto and gorgonzola. One of the best risottos I’ve eaten.
Asparagus 
Calling asparagus wrapped in cheese and speck your “vegetable” may not be the healthiest decision, but it’s certainly the tastiest way to go.
Giano
126 East 7th Street (1st & Ave A)
New York, NY
