Horrible and Expensive.
The dank, dark mostly-empty dining room (at 8pm on a weekend evening) smelled of mold and mildew and the food was no better. Watery, salty sauces; overcooked, stringy meat; mushy overcooked pasta, tiramisu that had passed the expiration date a week ago.

Service was unattentive and spotty but civil. The prices are ridiculously high for this dive. Not recommended.    [16 Aug 2003 19:05:42]

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Recommended Dishes: bread

     ­Anonymous   

Enjoyable but a Bit Pricey
We dined at Bravo Gianni last night after attending a Broadway show. We found it quite enjoyable. I'm glad that I hadn't seen the negative post on here prior to going out, we may have bypassed this nice little gem on the Upper East Side. My husband and I ate with another couple, who had actually heard nice things about the place, so we went with their recommendation.

The four of us ate and had a carafe of Chianti for just under $200. Including tip.

We found the place to be neat, clean, and although it wasn't bustling, there was a steady stream of customers. This was fine with us, considering that it was a Wednesday night, and we had just had 10 inches of snow fall that morning.

I would definitely go to Bravo Gianni again.

Try it for yourself! Don't avoid it because of the negative review posted here. It may be a personal vendetta, or something. I can't believe anyone wouldn't enjoy eating at this restaurant.    [29 Jan 2004 16:16:28]

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Recommended Dishes: gnocchi, angel hair and white or red clam, veal marsala

     ­Doreen   

A Great Place to Enjoy italian
It is a magnificent place to dine. It was my first time that I have dined at Gianni's restaurant. I went there with a friend of mine who dinnes there a lot, and he talked me into dinning over there. I usually pass by but this place and it's unnoticed from outside. It's quite a private place, through this narrow hallway you'll find yourself in the dining room. Gianni's restaurant is what you'll find unique in Italian restaurants which are, hospitality, service and most of all friendly atmosphere.

Soon as you step at the door, the owner Gianni is greeting you with a big smile and big heart. He is accompannied by his lovely wife, who make you feel like you are in the middle of the Italy. Behind the bar awaits you brilliant bartender - Dante, who enlightens the night with his great sense of humor.

That night I happened to see my favorite actress, Nicole Kidman. Anyways, it happened to be great night for me, and since then I dine there frequently.    [16 Mar 2004 23:38:38]

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Recommended Dishes: home-made fetuccino with white truffles

     ­Denni   nydenis69 at aol dot com

Bravo Gianni is probably the best Italian restaurant in New York. Even better, it's not trendy and crowded. After 20 years, Ive still never had a bad meal. Whoever wrote that it was dank and dusty must have been drunk or sick. Gianni picks his favorites, but, it's worth trying to be one.    [28 Mar 2004 20:42:03]

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     ­Anonymous   

Unbelievable
This restaurant is one of the more "quiet" spots in the city. You wouldn't know it was there just by walking by...However, the food in Gianni's place has to be the best I have had in NY. I go there on a regular basis now and recommend it to all. Not only is the food wonderful but the staff are very attentive. Thanks for some memorable evenings!    [29 Apr 2004 18:24:53]

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Recommended Dishes: veal

     ­EnigmaMadeira   

A Great New York Dining Experience
I've enjoyed Bravo Gianni and the wonderful host/owner, Gianni Garavelli, on dozens of occasions. It remains a "gem" on the Upper East Side and the food and service never disappoints.    [25 Sep 2004 11:28:47]

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Recommended Dishes: Osso Buco

     ­Clint   

Untouchable
This is by far the best restaurant I've ever been to. The fact that it is a little dark makes this restaurant even more appealing. With no windows you have nothing to be distracted by, which allows you to concentrate on your food and the person(s) you are with. You can argue that any restaurant you go to is too expensive, but the whole point of going to New York is to spend money. The only way this establishment could be too expensive is if you eat there every day, and I wish I could, but I do eat there every time I go to New York wich is about once or twice a month. You always have a waiter standing near your table ready for your request.

If you want pure Italian food at its best this is where you should go. And to the person who gave this restaurant a bad review, I think you should stick to the Olive Garden because you obviously do not know what fine Italian cuisine is.    [27 Oct 2004 13:14:18]

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Recommended Dishes: red snapper

     ­Chris   

You'll Be Moonstruck
This place really did remind me of The Grand Ticino in the movie "Moonstruck." The entrance is nothing special but once you're seated it's completely charming. Like another reviewer said, even when it's not crowded there is a steady stream of customers, and couples get seated in cozy corner banquettes. The food is fantastic. The list of specials is actually longer than the menu, but Gianni will make you whatever you want anyway. A unique and wonderful place to eat in New York City.    [19 Aug 2005 16:16:12]

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     ­Michele   

Bravo Gianni, A
Upon the recommendation of a friend who had recently dined at Gianni's, we decided to give it a try. They said the food was fabulous and the "people watching was great", a couple of star sightings on their visit (I'll leave the names out).

The moment we walked in we were charmed by kind and polished gentleman in a chef's jacket, who whisked us to a table immediately...this was Gianni, the owner. The room is small, with few tables, and the staff is warm, polished and attentive...the level of service is absolute overkill, but unobtrusive at the same time, making you feel like you have been there many times, even on your first visit.

People watching: no star sightings, but it was nice casually evesdropping on nearby tabletalk, a light primer on Upper East Side lifestyle. The food was magnificent, a tableside prepared seafood entree, which was presented without fanfare, ample portions, sumptuous! The wine list offered price and variety selections for the epicurean and casual diner alike.

I don't understand how anyone could perceive this as expensive in NY. We ran the course with a bottle of wine, and skipped the appetizer because the bread plate came with complimentary prosciutto and cheese in generous portions. We ordered one of the higher ticket entrees and each enjoyed a selection from the dessert cart...all total including tip was $200.00.

I'm not sure what "dank, dark & dusty" reviewer deems expensive in NY, I've walked out of restaurants dropping three times as much for a less enjoyable meal. In fact that very day we had lunch in midtown at an old school steakhouse and the tab was close to the price of our dinner at Gianni's for a completely overrated meal. This will be on our regular haunt list when in the city.    [29 Jan 2006 23:29:12]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: seafood tableside

     ­Michael Welling   

Absolutely Sensational
I have been going to Bravo Gianni for years. It is an excellent restaurant. The service is terrific and the food is really Italian.
Anyone who knocks Bravo Gianni does not know Italian food.    [23 Jun 2006 20:34:26]

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Recommended Dishes: Whole fish, Chicken scapriella with sausage

     ­David Karron