Gigino Trattoria

Chef Luigi Celentano opened Gigino in 1994 after Positano, his first NYC effort, closed (it, too, was owned by Phil Suarez and Bob Giraldi). The casual setting—brick walls, distressed stucco—was created with Tribeca locals in mind. Celentano’s obliging waitstaff is careful to seat a couple on their first date in a quiet corner away from the overexcited table of 12. Few dishes on the lengthy menu are out of the ordinary, but what they lack in originality they make up for in portion size. Brick-oven pizza is the star, with enough variations to satisfy any craving; pastas and entrées are hearty. And if you don’t want to leave the house, Gigino delivers.