Welcome to Gio Rana's Really Really Nice, an Italian gem nestled in the heart of Toronto at 1220 Queen St E. This lively restaurant is a celebration of Italian cuisine, where traditional flavors meet contemporary cooking techniques. With a welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners, Gio Rana's encapsulates the soul of Italy while embracing a vibrant restaurant culture.
The menu at Gio Rana's is a carefully curated journey through Italy's beloved culinary staples. The Primi section features house-made pastas that are nothing short of enchanting. Diners rave about the Vegetarian Pappardelle, skillfully prepared with cremini mushrooms, thyme, and toasted walnuts, wrapping you in a warm embrace of flavor. Another standout is the Fregola Pasta with Shrimp, Clams & Mussels, which promises a delightful taste of the sea, perfectly balanced with lobster bisque and fresh herbs.
Moving on to the Secondi, the Ossobuco is simply unforgettable—a slow-braised veal that melts in your mouth, enhanced by a rich Asiago crema. For seafood lovers, the Atlantic Cod with pistachio butter offers an interesting twist, delivering a fresh yet nutty experience that shines through the delicate fish. It's evident from the customer reviews that every dish here tells a story, with guests frequently mentioning the meatballs and calamari as must-try items.
The Contorni options further enhance the dining experience, with favorites like Sautéed Rapini Nonna Anna's and Roasted Beets, adding vibrant colors and textures to your meal. The Tuscan Fries, topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs, are an irresistible side that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
While the food steals the show, the ambiance is equally noteworthy. The warm, inviting decor coupled with attentive yet personable service creates an atmosphere that feels just like home. Many patrons have applauded the enthusiastic staff, ensuring that their dining becomes a memorable occasion.
For beverages, the cocktail selection has drawn mixed reviews, with some patrons finding them a bit sweet. However, the extensive wine list and digestivo offerings allow for perfect pairings, enhancing your overall experience at Gio Rana's.
In sum, Gio Rana's Really Really Nice stands out as a pillar of Italian dining in Toronto. With its carefully crafted dishes, a warm and lively atmosphere, and a commitment to delivering quality, it's no wonder that diners make a point to return. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this charming restaurant promises to make your taste buds dance and your heart feel at home.
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Unit 7.0.9, The O2, London SE10 0DX, United Kingdom
Hauptstraße 130, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Kaiserstraße 124, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
P.za San Pietro Barisano, 22, 75100 Matera MT, Italy
Aaron Te
29/10/2025
Meatball: 5/5 must have Calamari: 5/5 if you like calamari. The veggies/peppers that come with it is a nice touch too Cod with Pistachio: 4/5 fish was good but not feeling that pistachio that much Rigatoni: 5/5 our fave pasta here
Kelly Schmaltz
30/09/2025
This place is a must. We come to Toronto once a summer and we don't miss this place. The meatball, the calamari was probably the best I've ever had in my life. The osabuko The seafood linguni, the Panna Cotta, you cannot go wrong with whatever you order..
Pairings & Plates
28/09/2025
Absolutely delicious food. The pasta is definitely the star of the show and cannot be missed. My only comment not so glowing is that the cocktails are very sweet - so stick to the wine, beer and digestivo list and you are golden.
Brianna Lucero C
07/09/2025
The food was amazing and our server Zac was the best! So friendly and gave us great recommendations. We had the meatball, focaccia, gnocchi, and the pasta special they had. We loved every dish! The cocktails were also very good. I also really liked their playlist, great vibes! Can’t wait to come back!
Sandra T
12/08/2025
I had the Arancini balls, tried the Bronzino, the gnocchi and the mushroom pappardelle. Everything was good aside from the gnocchi. The tomato sauce tasted like ketchup. Like the sauce was cooked for too long, and they did remove them from our bill. For a family style restaurant, I would still recommended it. It’s really lively and, it’s nice for a date too. Though my preference is always fresh pasta, which would be my pick over Gio.
Boris Dobrusin
04/08/2025
Walked in on a Thursday evening with my wife and 10-month old (they don’t take resos for groups less than 5). Place was packed. About a 25 minute wait for a table. Service was solid - they checked our stroller and the staff felt warm and friendly. Ambience is great. Lot of fun decorations and good music. We ordered the calamari, risotto balls, gnocchi, and ossobuco. I was super excited for the food to come. It was a decent meal; just no WOW factor and the seasoning was lacking. For example, the ossobucco was meat in gravy with a couple of mushrooms — I would strongly consider serving that dish with something starchy (like mashed potatoes or polenta) for balance. I’d come back to give it another chance if in the area.
Fluffy Kitten
01/08/2025
Food was delicious and everything on the menu I didn’t eat looked delicious. I had gnocchi, sea bream, and tiramisu. I knocked down a star for atmosphere. The place is nice but it is way too loud inside. Like if you have a table of more than 4 you can’t talk to everyone. You have to shout to talk to anybody not within 1 seat of you. Turn down the volume on the music.
Cindy Hum
05/07/2025
Food is very fairly priced, good portions, although I found the pasta to be very slightly undercooked end the night I went. That said, I absolutely loved the giant meatball dish! So flavourful, meaty and filling. Ambiance was great, staff was friendly and helpful. Would definitely come back and worth a try if you are in the area!