Gaia Italiano

Review summary

1. N

   Nancy

   VIP

   Chicago

   45 reviews

   5.0

   45 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent meal. Gaia has many appetizers that I like, especially their burrata and crab cake. The fish selection could be a little better. The fish special last night was a whole brazino. We didn't order it because it wasn't filleted. The strip steak and the pork chop were good however.
   

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2. P

   Pamela

   Chicago

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Ordered lobster ravioli for both of us. Undercooked, chewy, tasted like raw dough. Sent back, replacement same. We’ve been going to Gaia for years, and this is the first time such a thing has happened. Usually, this is a perfect restaurant!
   

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3. L

   Lani

   Chicago

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Food really salty and small portions for high price
   

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4. W

   Wendy

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 27, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience and are looking forward to dining here again. The food was delicious and service was outstanding!
   

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5. K

   Kathy

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 25, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Enjoyed a lovely Christmas Eve dinner. The food was delicious and the service outstanding! We will definitely be going back.
   

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6. l

   luis

   Chicago

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 22, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   They do not take care of the customers the same way. Server wasn’t bad but we didn’t get the same treatment as her other tables. Food was ok, we took a few bites got containers paid the bill and left to go to another restaurant.
   

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7. KK

   KathyK

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 22, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Our server was great. The short rib ravioli was delicious!! I am not sure if there was a call in the night we went but it took forever to get our food. Was it worth the wait, yes. But was not expecting that wait for pasta.
   

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8. E

   Erik

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 21, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   We went early on a Saturday evening. The food and service was outstanding.
   

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9. S

   Scott

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 18, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Gaia was delightful. The evening began early so it wasn't very busy but filled in nicely before we left. The waiter was very accommodating regarding food prep and everything was delicious.
   

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10. D

    Doug

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Gaia Ristorante: A Culinary Masterpiece Worth Every Visit! After dining at Gaia Ristorante twice this week, I’m once again blown away by the exceptional flavors, impeccable service, and talented Executive Chef and owner Maurizio’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Each visit is a celebration of Italy's finest culinary traditions, and this week was no exception. We started with an incredible array of appetizers: the meatballs were perfectly tender and paired with Gaia’s signature marinara, while the fried calamari was golden and crispy, with a light texture. The burrata with pistachios and prosciutto was a standout—creamy, nutty, and balanced with the savory prosciutto. The minestrone soup was hearty and comforting, brimming with fresh vegetables and vibrant, herbaceous flavors. And then came the show-stopping Cacio e Pepe, prepared tableside in a Parmesan cheese wheel. The warm, creamy pasta, infused with the sharpness of the cheese, was amazing. For the main courses, we savored the seabass—perfectly cooked, flaky and buttery, with a light, citrusy finish. The veal saltimbocca was another highlight, with tender veal wrapped in prosciutto and finished with a fragrant sauce. The salmon with grilled vegetables showcased Gaia’s expertise in balancing fresh, simple ingredients. The gnocchi stuffed with Asiago cheese—pillowy soft and indulgently cheesy, an absolute must-try. To complement the meal, Gaia’s wine selection was impeccable, and the staff’s recommendations paired beautifully. The cocktails were also a treat, artfully crafted and vibrant. From start to finish, the service was flawless. Maurizio’s personal touch elevates the dining experience, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and every dish exceeds expectations. Gaia Ristorante continues to be a shining star. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience that will have you coming back for more. Bravo, Maurizio and team!
    

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