il Gigante | Savor Authentic Italian Flavors in Ridgewood

Overview

Located in the heart of Ridgewood, NY, il Gigante brings an authentic slice of Italy to Woodward Avenue. This Italian trattoria impresses with its genuine atmosphere and carefully crafted menu, making it a standout dining experience in the neighborhood.

The ambiance at il Gigante strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. With a chic interior and cozy layout, it offers a warm escape that feels like a genuine New York classic, perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings. The atmosphere hums with subtle energy, inviting friends and families alike to relax and savor the moment.

The menu reflects a thoughtful selection of Italian staples, focusing on freshness and simplicity. Highlight dishes such as the pappardelle al ragù and the lamb ragù showcase tender, home-style pasta preparations that honor traditional recipes without unnecessary complexity. Starters like the burrata salad and the house focaccia dipped in fresh olive oil set an elegant tone at the table. Desserts, especially the panna cotta and tiramisu, have garnered raves for their indulgent textures and rich flavors, truly closing the meal on a high note.

il Gigante's beverage offerings deserve mention, enhancing the dining experience with carefully chosen Italian beers like Peroni Draft Lager and Italian-style pilsners, alongside creative cocktails such as a mimosa with freshly squeezed orange juice and prosecco. Coffee lovers will find authentic Italian espresso options that round out the meal perfectly.

What elevates il Gigante beyond its menu is the attentive and friendly service. Guests consistently praise the genuine warmth of the staff and the owners’ involvement, which adds a personal touch rarely found in larger establishments. Whether it's an intimate dinner or a lively evening out, the team ensures that every diner feels welcomed and cared for.

While some dishes vary in portion size, the overall dining experience at il Gigante remains satisfying and well-paced, reflecting an understanding of balance and quality over quantity. Its location in Ridgewood makes it a convenient destination for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine away from the more tourist-heavy areas, appealing especially to locals who appreciate sincerity and craftsmanship in their food.

In summary, il Gigante is a remarkable find—a genuine Italian trattoria that combines great food, inviting space, and attentive service to deliver a meal that resonates long after the last bite. For lovers of traditional pasta dishes, refined starters, and classic desserts, this neighborhood gem offers an experience that is both heartfelt and memorable.

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Organic dishes

Small plates

Vegan options

Vegetarian options

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Trendy

What Customers Say

karina onofre

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We are so happy to finally find an authentic Italian restaurant in the area. Pastas are always fresh and cooked just as it should be,the service was amazing and the desert which I didn’t take a picture because it was impossible to wait to eat it was out of this world ( the Pana cotta) . Definitely our new favorite Italian restaurant.

J. S. Jeanjaquet

Dec 11,2025

5/5

A wonderful surprise in the neighborhood, a true giant among Italian ???????? trattorias in the area, with really good offerings from their uncluttered menu, the salads and pasta dishes in particular. Typically packed in the evenings, but still cozy and rather relaxed, and not at all loud. Rustic interiors add a nice timeless touch. Friendly and neighborly staff and crew, so apt for a ‘hood like Ridgewood. Photos are from our second visit.

Ethan Kassimir

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Authentic Italian that fits right in. Food came out fast yet prepared with such care. The house focaccia really set the tone with fresh Italian olive oil. Burrata salad was refreshing to start out and the meatballs were light and fluffy. Lamb ragu was perfection. Prices were fair from the food to the wine. Customer service was pleasant and felt genuine as we communicated with one of the owners trying to get a reservation. 3 months in and these guys are off to a great start, get in while you can!

Cara Stock

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Wow, I am blown away! Firstly, when I walked in the door I loved the ambiance. Felt like a real classic NY joint (similar to Eddie’s Sweet Shop, iykyk). The service was impeccable- we had a really sweet waiter and bus staff. Each of our dishes were delicious and they have a specials menu, which I appreciate. Each dish was simple yet full of flavor. Next time I’ll have to try the drinks!

wallace dos santos

Dec 11,2025

4/5

Nice neighborhood trattoria enjoyed a lot of things about this restaurant. The atmosphere is great, with a chic interior, great branding, and excellent music. Elevated feeling, and without breaking the bank My table split the Tagliere del Gigante and the Pecorina, as well as the tiramisu for dessert, which was amazing! I enjoyed the diversity of flavors among these starters (though the anchovy dressing was a bit too strong for me on the salad). I ordered a homemade pasta, the Pappardelle al Ragù. It was good in flavor but a very small portion and a bit of a weird texture, in my opinion. Though that was overshadowed by the starters and dessert, I am excited to go again sometime, as there are many pastas to try.

Rex Workman

Dec 11,2025

5/5

My wife Yuni and I walked by Il Gigante out of curiosity, and one day finally decided to take a break from work and try it. We only had a short time to dine, but we were so glad we did. The pasta was incredible. A week later, we were craving brunch and looked at a few spots, but honestly, we just wanted to go back. That’s when I met their lasagna, and it completely won me over. We went back again the next weekend with my in-laws just so I could have it again. We all shared our plates, as you should at an Italian restaurant, and every dish was fantastic. Since then, Il Gigante has become one of our favorite places in Ridgewood. The food is amazing, but it’s the people who make it special. Everyone we’ve met has been kind, genuine, and welcoming. When you work long, stressful hours, meals like this remind you to slow down and enjoy life. Ridgewood’s lucky to have a place like this. Ps. They’re very dog friendly!

Reina

Dec 11,2025

4/5

Unfortunately had to eat outside on an especially horrible summer day because of how much it was bumping but I didn’t mind by the end of this meal. The waitstaff were super knowledgeable on the menu (as one would hope) and extremely comfortable and friendly. I learned a lot about digestives on the back of the dessert menu and the lady serving us was kind enough to bring a little sample. I highly recommend the sausage and beans—beautifully juicy and every bite was aromatic and flavorful. Just enough beans for me to dip some bread too (which I believe they make). They are constantly bringing out more of their focaccia and gorgeous containers of olive oil. They’re freshly baked too and just the perfect oiliness, texture, and size. I couldn’t stop dipping it in stuff. You can’t go wrong with any of their pastas. I got the sage and ricotta one and it balanced out the meatiness and flavor punch of everything I ate before. Beautifully buttery, slightly sweet, and an absolute abomination to everything I thought I knew. One of the best tiramisu’s I’ve ever had at a restaurant too. Dang.

mike gasper

Dec 11,2025

4/5

This place is very cute, although it can get a little loud just because of the acoustics in the space. It was nice to hear the server and some clients speaking Italian while we were there, reminds me of my family and made it feel very authentic. The menu is very well priced and made for a pretty affordable good meal! The crostini are good but the artichoke one is far superior to the tomato, I was expecting a blend of the two. The pasta noodles themselves are very good, I would come back and try some additional pastas.