Giano

- 126 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

In a city saturated with dining options, finding an Italian restaurant that truly captures the soul and flavor of Italy can be a rare and delightful discovery. Tucked away on a vibrant street in the East Village, Giano is just such a place. It's more than a restaurant; it’s an authentic Italian haven where every detail, from the homemade pasta to the warm, inviting atmosphere, is meticulously crafted to transport you straight to the heart of Rome or Bologna. Giano has earned a reputation among locals as a genuine neighborhood gem, a place that manages to be both trendy and timeless, casual and romantic all at once.

The name Giano is the Italian word for Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, with two faces looking to the past and the future. This duality is a recurring theme at the restaurant, reflected in its decor and its cuisine. The front dining room has a more modern, sleek feel, while the back boasts a rustic charm with brick walls and wooden tables. The menu, under the direction of a passionate chef, mirrors this blend, offering traditional, comforting classics alongside innovative dishes with a playful, modern twist. The result is a dining experience that honors Italian heritage while keeping an eye on contemporary culinary trends.

A key element that sets Giano apart is its commitment to authenticity. The pasta is made fresh in-house, a detail that makes an enormous difference in the final dish. The ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, with a few key items, like San Marzano tomatoes, imported directly from Italy to ensure the most genuine flavors. This dedication to quality and tradition is immediately apparent in the richness and depth of every plate. It's the kind of place where a simple spaghetti with pomodoro feels like a revelation, and a classic lasagna tastes exactly as it should—homemade, hearty, and full of love.

The experience is elevated by the staff, who are not just servers but passionate ambassadors of Italian food. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to making every guest feel at home. This warm, caring service is what transforms a good meal into an unforgettable one, making Giano a place people return to again and again. Whether you’re a New York native or a visitor seeking an authentic and memorable meal, Giano is a destination that promises to delight with its exceptional food, cozy ambiance, and genuine Italian hospitality.

Location and Accessibility

Giano is located at 126 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA, placing it in the very heart of the East Village. This popular and dynamic neighborhood is known for its incredible food scene, vibrant nightlife, and artistic community. The restaurant is easily accessible from all parts of New York City, with multiple subway lines a short walk away, including the 6, L, and F trains.

The restaurant is welcoming to all, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. Its cozy, casual atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for a variety of occasions, from a laid-back solo dinner to a special date night. In warmer months, Giano also offers outdoor seating and a charming back garden, providing a lovely, intimate escape for al fresco dining. The full bar and clean restrooms add to the convenience and comfort of the space.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Giano offers a full-service dining experience, providing a relaxing and intimate setting to enjoy their authentic Italian cuisine.
• Takeout: For those who want to savor Giano’s flavors at home, takeout is available.
• Delivery: The restaurant provides no-contact delivery, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home with ease and safety.
• Reservations: Giano accepts reservations, and they are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure a spot and avoid a wait.
• Outdoor Seating: A delightful outdoor seating area and a back garden offer a great option for dining al fresco when the weather is nice.
• Wine and Cocktails: In addition to a great wine list featuring Italian and global varieties, Giano also serves a selection of beer and has a full bar onsite.
• Dessert and Coffee: Giano is known for its great desserts, particularly the homemade tiramisu, and offers excellent coffee, making it a perfect spot for an after-dinner treat.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic, Homemade Pasta: A major highlight of Giano is its commitment to making pasta from scratch in-house, which is praised for its freshness and perfect texture.
• Cozy & Romantic Atmosphere: The restaurant's intimate and warm ambiance, with its mix of rustic and modern decor, makes it a top choice for a date night or a special evening.
• Excellent Service: The staff at Giano is a standout feature. They are known for their professionalism, passion, and genuine hospitality, which makes the dining experience truly memorable.
• Great Wine List: As a wine bar as well as a restaurant, Giano offers an extensive and well-curated wine list that perfectly complements its menu.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The focus on using fresh, high-quality, and often organic ingredients, including grass-fed beef for their meatballs, is a point of pride and a key to their delicious food.
• Popular Dishes: Guests frequently rave about the Toasted Ravioli, Rigatoni con Salsiccia, and the Lasagna Tradizionale, along with their homemade Tiramisu.

Contact Information

To book a table or learn more about Giano, you can reach out to them using the information below.

Address: 126 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA

Phone: (212) 673-7200

What is worth choosing

Choosing Giano is choosing a genuine taste of Italy without leaving New York City. The primary reason to choose this restaurant is the food itself, particularly the homemade pasta. Customer reviews consistently highlight the freshness and authentic, comforting flavors of the pasta dishes, from the simple yet perfect Spaghetti al Pomodoro to the rich and savory Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese. The portion sizes are noted as generous, and the pricing is very reasonable for the quality and authenticity you receive.

The atmosphere is another compelling reason to visit. Giano's cozy, intimate vibe makes it a perfect date night spot or a place to bring a small group of friends. The service is also a key selling point. As one customer noted, the staff, including a waiter who was "warm, entertaining, and so passionate about Italian food," can truly elevate the experience. The commitment to a personal and friendly approach makes you feel like you're dining in an Italian family's home, not just another restaurant.

Furthermore, the comprehensive experience, including a great wine list, delectable desserts, and the option of a beautiful outdoor garden, makes Giano a well-rounded and exceptional choice. It's a place that caters to both a desire for delicious, authentic Italian comfort food and a need for a relaxed, enjoyable dining environment. For a New Yorker in search of a true culinary find, Giano is a place that lives up to its reputation as a local treasure, a place that you will be glad you went a little "out of your way" to find.

Giano

126 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA