Restaurant Review: “Gianna’s”

Nestled in the heart of Westchester County, is Yonker’s most succulent secret, Gianna’s Italian Restaurant, specializing in Italian cuisine, brick oven pizza, comfortable charm, and family ambiance. 

After the third time dining at Gianna’s I decided to share my deliciously decadent secret with the rest of New York, and the rest of the planet. Each time I entered the establishment I did so with the mouth watering promise that whatever I chose off the menu would be tastefully as well as emotionally satisfying. Greeted at the door by manager Robert Grabeklis , myself and the two others with me were immediately guided to a table amidst the nearly fully seated venue at 8:00 Pm. Accomplished and elegant server Jesse Hess took our drink orders, and made sure to ask my preferred vodka selection, while we tried feverishly to decide amongst the opulent choices on the overwhelming menu. 

My perfect Bloody Mary (without the Mary- vodka, tomato juice and lime juice), made by Jesse, was accompanied by several different bread selections, including crisp, warm and cozy Italian bread with soft, warm, spreadable, slightly salted butter. Famished we ordered fried calamari and shrimp and chopped clams oreganata for our appetizers. They arrived quickly, the calamari and shrimp lightly golden with a sweet, vibrant sauce adding a tantalizing thrill to the already flavorful delight. The clams were surrounded in a buttery wine and lemon sauce with an addicting flavor making me wish I had more. 

For the main I ordered stuffed calamari and shrimp marinara over spaghetti. The marinara was packed with flavor, the spaghetti a superb al dente, although tender. The shrimp was cooked ideally and the calamari was stuffed with innovative ingredients. Although it was incredibly delectable there was no way I could finish it. It was wrapped up for me with the promise of a mid-night snack, or a flavorful breakfast.

In the unlikely event that you had room for dessert I recommend the Italian cheesecake that I simply couldn’t resist. It was moist, filled with flavor and a vivacious texture that although I was stuffed to the brim I couldn’t help but force myself to ingest the entire piece served with homemade whip cream. Also brought to our table by manager Robert, was a pistachio Tartufo and a homemade Tiramisu quickly consumed by the others at the table…

My hats off to owners Anthony Stallone and Carmine DeMeglio, and long time chef Rudy Flores. Special thanks to manager Robert Grabeklis and super special thanks to server Jesse Hess who was not only friendly and polite but seemed to know exactly what we wanted or needed before we knew.

Gianna’s is located at: 1034 North Broadway, Yonkers, N.Y. 10701. The can be reached by phone at: 914-375-0106 or 0197. They also deliver and cater to large parties. They are opened 7 days a week, and most importantly priced fairly.