Gino’s Italian Ristorante
3015 W McMillan Rd,Ste 108, Meridian, ID, 83642
Gino’s Italian Ristorante Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Meridian for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
3015 W McMillan Rd,Ste 108
Meridian, ID, 83642 - Phone (208) 887-7710
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Caroline T.
This place is a gem! The atmosphere is wonderful and cozy, plenty of Italian vibe to go around. The food - the appetizer bread is outstanding! Could be the main course alone. The pasta was perfect! Tiramisu amazing. I can't imagine this place serving anything less than outstanding. Prices are somewhat steep, but you definitely get what you pay for and it's worth it! Our server was Jennifer and she gave some of the best service I've ever had. Very warm and inviting personality combined with professionalism and knowledge of the menu. She truly made it a wonderful evening and made our experience over the top! Overall, I highly recommend this place!
(5)Charles B.
Went here for lunch. Most of the sauces, desserts, meatballs, etc. Are made in-house. Gino's is not of a dinner place and I understand that the lunch menu is smaller and cheaper than the dinner one, but I have never had such a tasty and classy lunch for $10. The decor and service are very good and I get the feeling that the chefs are native Italians. Great place, will go again.
(5)Joshua E.
I have spent dozen of wonderful evenings at Gino's. My history dates back to their downtown location. They set the bar for fine dining in Idaho. The menu is exquisite. The wine selection is unmatched. Chocolate mousse and table-fired creme brûlée are second to none. Make a reservation (if you can get one) and enjoy. Cheers.
(5)Maureen K.
I've been here a total of four times over 3 years, once for lunch. Really don't remember what I ordered the first few times, the menu is so extensive! But tonight four of us went to dinner and I thought I'd better post now before I forget yet again-- lol. To be on the safe side, I called before noon on a Monday to make reservations for 6PM that night because they are popular and best not to take a chance if you're counting on dining there. (That alone tells you something. :-) ) First off, the bread and the garlic dipping oil is to die for! I usually end up taking some of the bits off the bottom of bowl and use as a topping over whatever entree I order. The Shrimp Maria was outstanding. I had it served over angel hair pasta. Artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, plentiful shrimp (and probably something else-- they don't post their menu online nor do they have a website, which seems strange to me), were blended beautifully with just the right amount of olive oil so as not to be swimming in it. Just perfectly executed. Mom had the primavera over fusilli which she loved and again wasn't overly oily. She took half of hers home for lunch the next day. Hubs had the spaghetti and meatballs which was also well done; two huge meatballs that were probably a mixture of beef and something else were perfectly seasoned, not too spicy. Same with the sauce-- it was the perfect consistency (not watery or too thick), there was plenty of it and described as savory. Our other dining companion had the halibut special that included stuffed crab ravioli as I recall. He said it was exquisite with a rich,creamy, lemony sauce. While I can't comment on previous dishes, I can tell you the one consistent thing: Service. It is extraordinary. Gino himself came over to ask how we were doing, and was present as we were leaving to thank us. My most recent other occasion here there were about 20 of us in the party. All of the meals were brought to our table in about 30 minutes, and there were no errors. One of the 20 was a bit late in being served, but considering the orchestration needed in pulling off a feat like that it's remarkable. Couldn't recommend Gino's more highly. Very pleasing decor as well.
(5)Christie S.
Amazing! Being an Italian born American citizen, Gino's is as authentic as it gets. Truly a special dining out experience If you want an authentic Italian food experience, Gino's is the place for you!
(5)Kathy J.
This is by far one of the top East Coast Style Restaurants in Idaho. The food is authentic and delicious, the service is excellent even the bussers make sure you are taken care of, and the owner, Gino always stops by to say hi and make sure everything is perfect. The Wine Guide knows his wines and is happy to discuss wines with you. My husband and I will definitely be back.
(5)Kristin B.
Went to Gino's to celebrate my Birthday. Had a lovely glass of Rose but that was the only thing I enjoyed. The table we sat at needed repairs done to the chair legs. I ordered a shrimp and lobster ravioli, it was awful! Shrimp was very very over cooked and not edible the ravioli could not have had any lobster in it. Maybe crab with a K? Not sure. I left the restaurant hungry. My husband had lasagna and he did enjoy his meal. I do have to say the servers were very attentive and took great care of out table.
(2)Brian D.
So anticipating my return to Boise and my favorite restaurant. We arrived at 8:30 so it was not too busy. Unfortunately our waiter somehow was. There were six of us. Delays in just getting water, drinks, menus...We had to ask the young lady pouring our water for Gino's delicious bread. When he finally took our orders, no offer of side salad or soup was offered. Worst service experienced at a nice restaurant in a long time. This is not how I remember Gino's. To add insult to injury, a generous tip was pre-added to our bill.
(2)Karen C.
Sure Boise offers up several Italian restaurants to choose from, each with an event of authenticity. But what if there were somewhere that had more than an element. What if they were the WHOLE package of Italian cuisine?! Gino's is it. A brief two weeks in Italy has yielded an insatiable craving for the fresh pastas, breads, and of course, wines of the countryside. It is with this in mind that I can confirm that Gino's is different from any other regional Italian restaurant.
(5)Troy B.
Very good food! Overall all of my experiences here have been great. They have good food, good service, and Seem to really care about their customers. I would and do recommend this restaurant to people!
(4)Jordan C.
My favorite Italian joint anywhere I've tried. I've been here a bunch of times and it's always good. The appetizers are great, the entrees are great, the service is great, and the desserts I've tried are great too. My only annoyance is that they won't serve a Caesar salad because it's "not Italian and is Mexican". I know it's Mexican but I don't care. I'm not positive but I don't know that most people would consider ranch dressing "Italian" either. A really odd thing to be told instead of just saying they don't have Caesar... Aside from my silly gripe they are the first place I recommend for amazing food. Very impressive place.
(5)Andy C.
Wow, how can I have such a different experience then most here? My chicken was dry and over cooked. The Mac and smoked cheese was scorched. The server was snotty and rude. Maybe this was an off night but I can't image how the difference between my experience and other comments can be bridged. Are there two Gino's on this corner?
(1)Dan J.
My wife and I celebrated her 65 B Day(a significant milestone). The hostess was charming and seated us immediately by the window adj. the patio. The busboy was right there with the water and bread. Our server was Eric-probably the.best I've ever had. Very knowledgeable about the wine. We had the Gino's mushroom and chuck roast over your choice of 5 pastas. The best I've had. Gino paid his respects and the rest of the meal was stellar. Finished with the Cream Brule & excellent coffee. We'll be back.
(5)Cole S.
Ate here for the fist time last night. It was a Monday evening so it wasn't busy. Service was timely, friendly and efficient. The food was pretty good. Came out hot! I had the crab and shrimp pasta.... It was decent the sauce was kinda bland. We also had the penne sausage, it was also lacking something. We definitely enjoyed out visit and will return again to explore the menu further.
(3)Michael B.
It seems to be a hard task to find a true Italian restaurant that doesn't butcher the food. Coming from a true Italian family I can tell you, you won't be disappointed. Such a great place with great food.
(5)Kyle C.
This place came recommended to me by several people who had nothing bad to say about it. And they were right. This place is top notch. It deserves to be stand alone and not in the corner of a strip. If you like Fettuccine Alfredo (come on, you know you do) Gino's kills it for only $11 a bowl. Add chicken, Shrimp, or vegetables for only +$1. The dress is casual, but could easily be nicer. Our server Malea was attentive and the bartender was quick and friendly. Their taps fit their menu well and the owner engaging to us. If I'm ever that deep in Meridian again I would definitely go back.
(5)Lori C.
My husband and I had a spur of the moment dinner at Gin's. We didn't have reservation, but got seated right away! We started off with a bottle of Three Legged Red wine! AMAZING wine from Wala Wala Washington. Our server, Erik, was very attentive. He gave great dinner recommendations. He knew the menu. You won't go wrong here!
(5)Michelle N.
Always absolutely enchanted with each dish! Gnocchi is like fluffy soft pillows of deliciousness, any type of shank is awesome, the mushroom risotto is divine, lasagna di mare is fantastic and of course any pasta is great! Gino himself comes around making sure everyone is happy and taken care of and enjoying their meal. If you want great Italian, look no further!
(5)Michele R.
"Who'd a thunk it?", my Italian - American, Brooklyn born and raised hubby asked mid way through a delicious dinner and delightful evening at Gino's, "A 'from the neighborhood' Italian restaurant in Meridian, Idaho." We entered skeptics given the location. We left fans; won over by friendly greeting, "all people are welcome" vibe, stellar service and delicous food at reasonable prices. Had we known earlier the postcript for Gino's, which we learned at the very end of our meal, we would have had Gino's higher up on the "to go" list earlier. So I'll share this nugget at the start of my review. THE "AH HA" MOMENT Gino, who greeted customers at the door and also stopped by the tables, has a hint of an accent suggesting New York as one time home. Turns out, he is originally from Naples and made his way to Boise via Brooklyn. "What a coincidence", said my husband to the server, "Tony who makes wonderful pizza, calzone and tiramisu at Tony's Pizzeria Teatro in Boise, has a Naples to Brooklyn to Boise story too. I wonder if Gino has met Tony?" "I hope so", the server replied, "Gino is Tony's brother." So there you go! Fabulous food and hospitality run in the family. VIBE & SEATING Two entry doors into Gino's from the parking lot. Take the one to the right, not the one marked "deli". Old school neighborhood interior. Red tablecloths over black. Soft lighting. Perfect dinner music at a low enough level to invite conversation. Windows on the side wall. Sparky lights against one wall. The restaurant is all standard height table seating and enough spread out to be comfortable. (Sadly, the bar is all high perch tables.) It seemed the folks dining at Gino's (almost a full house at times on a Tuesday evening) were mostly locals to include people of all ages and walks of life. From families with small children, to people in work duds suggesting a farming life, to people in business attire, to couples in dress up, to jeans and sweaters like us. SERVICE Lara, our server and Sara, her assistant, were a stellar team. Lara knew the menu well and could answer questions. She advised my hubby when he was torn between two different Italian wine options on the by the glass menu. Lara paced food delivery perfectly and served it at perfect temperature. Sara was on the spot for offering freshly grated cheese or black pepper and kept our water glasses full. Both women struck the gracious balance between friendly and professional. Six stars. MENU & FOOD The menu is multi page, from soups and salads, to antipasti, to pasta and risotto, to specialty classic baked options like eggplant parmesan, to grilled and braised meat dishes, to fish and seafood, to vegetable sides, to pizza. There were options that would work for omnivores and vegetarians. Prices range from about $6 to $25. I chose the fresh fish special, partly because as much fish as I've enjoyed this Corvina was a variety new to me. Expertly grilled and served with roasted red bell peppers and mushroom risotto, every bite was delicious. Well priced too @$25. The meal included salad with house made dressing. My husband's lamb shank served with gnocchi (@$25) was deliicous he said. We chose cannoli @ $5.50 to share for dessert; house made and with shells filled just before arriving at the table. Perfecto! Save room! LIBATIONS Large and well crafted wine list with bottles and glasses at reasonable prices and tilting Italian; just right. Also have a full bar and specialty cocktails. Hubby enjoyed Italian blended red @$8 / glass for generous pour and I had a luscious Sgroppino (persecco, vodka, housemade lemon sorbetto and fresh mint) @$9. After dinner espresso @$3. VALUE Wonderful meal for two, including libations, salads, entrees, dessert and espresso clocked in @$76.50 before tax. Great value. Had we selected pasta options, our bill would likely have been around $55 and if pizza, even less than that. Affordable for everyone depending on choices. THIS N THAT 1) PREVIOUS LOCATION: Gino's was once in downtown Boise. He moved his restaurant to this Meridian strip mall about five years ago we learned. Smart that was, given how much the area here is growing with neighbors who need to eat! 2) PARKING: In the strip mall lot. 3) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in restaurant and throughout with standard height table seating. Accessible loo. No accessible height seating in bar, unfortunately.
(4)Dale B.
I love going to Gino's. I have always had a great experience here. The staff is wonderful and the owner is extremely friendly and he is always interacting with his customers. The food is amazing and well priced. My wife and I enjoy the house bread and sauce. They make it fresh daily. We have come a few times for just the bread and a few glasses of wine. I ordered the margarita pizza and it was fantastic. We will be back often.
(5)Richard G.
Last time we will ever visit this establishment. Food took over 1 hour to get to the table. Granted we were with a large party but they were aware of table. Ordered the flat iron steak at over $30.00. Steak was inedible, cold. Not one apology for was made and owner didn't come and apologize and avoided our table. Service was so so. Each time we come it is the same thing, mediocre service and horrible food. Never again.
(1)Brad E.
Good place to get some shank. I had the boar shank and my wife had the lamb shank. The boar shank was the better of the two. The meat is very flavorful and tender and is served bone in as the name implies. The shanks are served with gnocci as a side. The gnocci had great texture and flavor. Very good. The wine list was even surprisingly good. Great place to spend an evening on the deck.
(4)Ophelia M.
Gino's is hands down the best Italian food I've had in the Treasure Valley to date. Came here on a Thursday night with a large party. Originally, I had called on Monday to make reservations for 10 that Thursday. Over the next few days, that number grew to 16. Gino's was perfectly lovely about the shifting reservation party number and at the appointed reservation time, they were ready for us. Gino's is larger than it looks from the outside. Our party of 16 were seated comfortably together (several tables placed together) and there was also a wedding party enjoying their rehearsal dinner and a third large celebration party and we were all comfortably seated with plenty of room (enough space that it was never overly loud). I began my dining experience with a particularly finely mixed Old Fashioned. We were also served a delicious, fresh made flat bread with a mix of garlic, olive oil, and red pepper to dip it in (amazing). I then ordered their gnocchi with creamy pesto. My main dining companion ordered their gnocchi with a four cheese sauce, which I also tried. Both were stellar. Though, my preference was the gnocchi with the four cheese sauce. It was the absolute pinnacle of deliciousness. As a member of our party put it, it'll leave you wanting to lick the bowl. It is just that good. As if that weren't enough--we ordered dessert. I ordered their chocolate mousse, which came with shavings of beautifully dark and rich chocolate blended in. My main dining companion ordered their creme brulee, which looked amazing (the top is caramelized at the table). I REALLY wanted to try some--but that would have meant sacrificing a bite of my chocolate mousse in return--which, as it turned out, I was unwilling to do (it was REALLY good...like...smack-any-hand-that-tries-to-come-Ânear-it--good!). The service was absolutely perfect and they kept up with our large party quite well. The owner, Gino, came over to our table and checked on us more than once. Finally, the location. Yes....it's WAAAAAY the heck out Mcmillan road in Meridian. It's easily a 25 minute drive from my house (depending on traffic--it could be even longer). Which, if you know me at all, you know that I'm hard pressed to leave my little cocoon of awesome in downtown Boise. But, my people, it is ABSOLUTELY worth it. In short? Gino's: it's worth the drive. Get to it!
(5)Shelle M.
The atmosphere at Gino's was very inviting and did offer outside seating. I was part of a large group of 16 and the staff that night were very accomidating. The owner himself made sure we were being taken care while we waited for our table. Our waiter was very friendly and kept us informed if there were any delays. That night there were two other large parties plus multiple small tables, so a slight delay in drinks was to be expected. My spouse and I ordered calamari for an appetizer and shared a lasagna. The lasagna was amazing and pared nicely with the fresh, warm garlic bread and olive oil. We ordered tiramisu for desert and it was by far the best I have ever had. The experience we had at Gino's was perfect and the location for us is great. We will be back.
(4)Donna D.
Excellent food!~ Great service!~ Gino's is by far the best Italian in the Treasure Valley!~
(5)Steve J.
Gino's is my favorite Italian restaurant in the Boise area and I have been there many times. Service: Service is always friendly and knowledgeable. I have never had bad service at Gino's. Food: I love the food here. It has a unique flavor and it over the top rich. I almost always get angel hair pasta with Alfredo sauce and sausage. Awesome flavor combo. My wife usually gets chicken parmigiana and the chicken is always crisp. A lot of places end up soggy breading but it's always crispy at Gino's. If I have not stuffed myself silly at the end of the meal, I will order their Tiramisu. I love their Tiramisu. They are one of the few places that I have been to that does it really well. My only complaint on the food is this. When I first ate at Gino's, it was still downtown and I got veal saltimbocca and it was amazing. I loved it. I got it again when I first went to the new location and was very let down. The flavor of the meat was overwhelmed by the spices and cheese that was folded inside of the meat. The meat was a little dry and was missing the super smooth rich fat/flavor. When I first had it, it was all about the meat and it's flavor, the second time it was all about the stuff inside. I have not had the courage to try it again since then. Next time I go back, I am going to give the veal saltimbocca another try. If it's awesome like the first time I had it, then they will have earned back the 5th star.
(4)Arianna F.
I have heard a lot about Gino's from several people so we went to try it out. We made a reservation which is a must on the weekends and they got us right in. Our waiter was super friendly and quick. The owner made sure we were comfortable and happy too. My boyfriend ordered a seafood lasagna which he loved and I had chicken fettuccine alfredo. Mine was creamy and pretty good but a bit bland. The bread and dipping oil they gave us before our meal was delicious and our house salads were good too. I would definitely come back and try something else. It's definitely one of the better Italian restaurants around here.
(4)Jessica M.
I've been here about 5 times now and just have bad luck every time! I got the gnocchi alfredo with chicken last night. The gnocchi was overcooked and the alfredo was flavorless. The chicken was also flavorless and dry. My boyfriend got the crab and marinara. He said it was okay but was up at 3:30 am sick to his stomach. So, for $85.00 I will be going somewhere else where I know the food is great! The service is great and the owner did come around to check on people. I didn't want to complain because I know he'll chew out the kitchen staff. My bad I guess! Needless to say, we will not be going back!
(1)Mary J.
Authentic Italian food, service and atmosphere is great! One of the best restaurants around! Highly recommend!
(4)Clara L.
Good old italian restaurant, with lots of options for you to choose from. They allowed my parents to customize their own pasta, which is always a plus. Fresh bread to start, and the dry chili, oil & ginger dip that came with it was pretty amazing tho. I got the pasta al granchio with penne, it was alright; you can't go wrong with a simple italian dish. Our waitress Allissa was really nice tho! & the wait staff were all really friendly.
(3)Michael M.
Best Italian food in town. I love this place. If you are looking for a great environment along with great food then this is the place. Gino is always walking around calling the kids by name. Awesome place.
(5)Carl Y.
I have been to Gino's 3 times and I am still on the fence about this place. This last time we arrived at 7 PM with a couple from out of town who wanted Italian food. So since it was close to our place, we dined here. For a weekday night, it was pretty packed. One thing about Gino's, it is nearly impossible to hear the other diners in your party when the place is full. Also, the other tables are nearly in your pocket and sardines may have more room in their can than we did. The server, Alyssa, however, was very good. Took our orders, accommodated our questions and kept the delivery of the dishes on pace and correctly served. She was the highlight of the evening. We had an antipasto plate, a soup-Italian Wedding Soup, the butter squash ravioli, an order of frutti di Mare, and an order of penne arrabiatta. Finished up with a cream brule shared. The soup was a bit too heavy on sage for most of us, but the meatballs were ok. The pasta recipes were done al dente but the flavors were not always on key. The wine a Va Piano, 2009, Columbia River Cabernet was excellent, however, and very fairly priced according to my VaVino wine app. But the size of Gino's menu always makes me hold my breath. It is hard to imagine that any place can do that many dishes well. For example, the pasta dishes were al dente, but the sauces were unrefined for my taste. I have eaten Italian pasta over a good portion on Italy and there the sauces have less of a feel of over-abundance, but more refinement and dedication to the local tastes. It appears that Gino's interprets American tastes to be one of abundance (large servings). However, our server was gracious in letting us split the pasta dishes to more ideal serving sizes. It also appears that when the place is packed, the kitchen seems to struggle to produce good renditions of the dishes listed. As an example, the penne arrabiata sauce was more like from a can and without any real feeling. In the end, we might go back, but there are other places in Boise for excellent Italian food and where the atmosphere is conducive to good conversation.
(3)Nikkeya M.
Gino took the time to say hello and check on us and our server was amazing i feel it could simply not go to a 3. The service was awesome. Hostess was a little bland could have smiled and did not offer us a high chair. I got the impression this place isnt as kid friendly, no kid menus, but we got them a pizza and they loved it. The veal was good as well. I got a pretty flavorless dish but i think that was just me i cant even remember the name
(4)Shea M.
We love Gino's! The service is always great and the food never disappoints. Good food portions for the price and the atmosphere is good. I wish they had booths instead of so many tables but that doesn't detour us from partaking. Our take out is always hot and ready as well!
(4)Scott B.
Great experience. From the bread to the salad to the entree to the dessert. Everything tasted incredible. Sea food lasagna may have been the best lasagna I've ever had and the salmon appetizer was incredible. The appetizer was a few minutes late and Gino and the waiter apologized numerous times ( we didn't even really say anything about it). Staff was excellent. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Keith B.
I've been to Gino's a number of times. They used to be in downtown Boise. The old location was a little more romantic, but the new location is much more convenient (for me anyway). I almost always get the boar shank and it is awesome! I feel like a caveman when I'm eating it. It is served with gnocci, which is incredible. So much so that I started making it at home. It's a serious pain to make it, so I stopped and only get it when I go to Gino's. The food is great, Gino almost always comes by to say hi, you can't go wrong. Excellent place for dinner.
(5)Nancy R.
Amazing pasta!! Great restaurant. Gino even spoke Italian to me when I asked him. :)
(5)Aleksey O.
Exceptional customer service all around. Gino's friendly staff are very knowledgable and genuinely interested & determined to providing the highest of standards in customer service to each & every customer. Gino's exceeds most restaurants when it comes to service and cuisine. One draw back that I must mention; is that it's always extremely busy and crowded on weekends. Making it all the more exciting. I would recommend visiting Gino's on the weekdays Mon-Thursday to avoid a crowded restaurant. I give it 4 stars
(4)Brigid F.
Recently ate at Gino's. Fantastic meal - we had Alfredo sauce, Mariana sauce and sauce with a great sausage. Also the staff were great. I would strongly recommend Gino's
(5)Melissa K.
My hubby and I came here for our Anniversary. I can't believe in the 4 years we have lived in Meridian, we have never been here! Totally been missing out! Very nice atmosphere, and friendly wait staff. They have an outside patio too, which looked nice. We didn't have reservations, but got a table. I got the impression reservations are strongly suggested. I think we just got lucky. There drink menu had a great variety of options, many of which sounded worth trying. Also an extensive wine list. We ordered the caprese appetizer, which was very good. I am a sucker for fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Wish there was a little less salt and some balsamic, but it was good. Both our entrees were very good. I had a eggplant dish, which was almost like a lasagna. Came with a side of pasta, which they give you several noodle options. For an extra $1 you can get gnocchi. Love those little potato pastas! Hubby had a chicken pasta, with all kinds of goodies in it. They give you a fresh basket of focassia bread and dipping oil, which was delicious. Very authentic Italian! We will totally come back. Hopefully with enough room for dessert next time!
(5)Rob S.
Stopped in for dinner on a Wednesday night. Had made a reservation just in case but don't think it was needed.. Took a while to get greated at table once we were greated server was very good and constantly check on us. I got the special which was a shrimp scampi linguini. It was OK nothing special and wife got chicken Alfredo and was very blah. . Both meals were just ordinary. . Best thing was the bread at the beginning. Probably won't ever go back as food not worth the cost. Also place seemed super loud and the tables are right on top of each other
(3)Curtis K.
This is one of my most favorite restaurants to eat at, especially for a date night! Where do I start? I recommend making a reservation if you plan to eat here on a Friday or Saturday night, as it can get very crowded. Upon arrival, the hostesses are always polite and friendly, and that continues over to the wait staff. I've even seen Gino himself going around to tables to make sure everyone was enjoying their meals. Great customer service! I went there once for a special birthday dinner so we ordered wine, and our server was very knowledgable about their wine and made a great recommendation within our price range. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing, and both classy and casual at the same time. I see people dressed up and I see people in jeans, and neither seem out of place. Lighting is nice and dim. Tables are a little close together so it can get a little loud, but not so loud that I can't hear the people I'm talking to. The food is awesome! I have been here a few times and gotten a variety of dishes. Veal shank with mushroom rissoto, chicken parmesan, and pesto gnocci were the most memorable, but I can honestly say I've enjoyed it every time. The red sauce they use on the chicken parmesan is the best I have ever had. To finish, I make sure to get the tiramisu, which is always moist and rich, a perfect end to the meal. Price is about what you would expect - $15-$20 for pastas, $25-$30 for specials, so unfortunately I can't eat there too often. But it is definitely great for special occasions!
(5)David S.
My wife and I eat here occasionally, it's pretty good but not truly worthy of 4 or 5 stars. I did however really enjoy the calamari. As for the true Italian feel that a name like Gino's should evoke, well that was missing. Still all said it's a good place to get food that's on par with other Italian restaurants
(3)Diana Z.
When our party came in we were promptly seated, greeted by our waitress and given large cups of cold water. The restaraunt feels warm and the decor is cute. Although the service we received throughout the night was great! On the down side there seemed to be about 3 flies inside the restaraunt that kept landing on our table. We found that to be so annoying and disgusting. Upon receiving our food ~ ravioli, Alfredo, Pizza, lasagne, pasta Maria -it looked delicious but tasted very bland. Our plates lacked salt and seasoning. Everyone in our party agreed! Very disappointing will not return.
(1)D C.
Attempted to eat here, never got the opportunity. We entered on a busy evening (for a weekday). Two people were ahead of us, they were seated fairly quickly by the hostess'. We (party of two) said, we are a party of two, one of them, said ok we will be with you soon. We stood, waited, while the hostess' ran around doing who knows what, not making eye contact with us in fact ignoring us. Then two people came in after us and they greeted them and added them to the list. I walked up and said, excuse me, why are you adding them to the list when we arrived first and you haven't collected our name, but you collected theirs? All we got was a terse, unapologetic, confused and snarky grunt of a response. They both played ignorant that we had even been standing there, in front of them for 5 minutes. They did not offer to rectify the situation, we were so disenchanted by the whole experience, lack of follow thru, and attitude that we turned around and left.
(1)Eileen D.
We went to Gino's for our anniversary dinner I ordered the chicken parm with gnocchi. I didn't say anything when he served me the halibut special. Oh well. It was great...... Just like everything I have ordered in the past at Gino's. Our server, Austin , was very attentive. Sara, his bussr, was a delight. I have been to Gino's on several occasions. You can not go wrong. Always good.
(4)David B.
This was a great place to take my family to celebrate my new position at DMP. Great food, great atmosphere, top notcch service, we willl be back again and again.
(4)Nidia Z.
The restaurant had a nice ambiance. We were promptly greeted and seated within a few a minutes. Our party consisted of 3 adults and 2 children (10 &12). The waitress was very kind and asked us for our drink orders as soon as we sat down. We were given delicious bread with an infused oil. This was the most flavorful food we had during our dinner. We ordered a pepperoni pizza, fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, shrimp Maria, ravioli, and a meat lasagna. All the food lacked flavor. I believe it needed a more robust flavor because the foods all tasted very bland. The waitress, hostess and host were all very attentive checking up on us making sure our water was never empty. Unfortunately we were a bit disappointed.
(2)Dede S.
We love this place, been coming for years! Miss the original house salad though with cheese. Dressing rocks as usual
(5)Michael T.
I'm on the fence on Gino's, but I want to be fair and will update my review after a dine in experience. It came under recommendation from a friend and we decided to call In a take out order tonight. We grabbed a margarita pizza, which was okay and a lasagna. I enjoyed the lasagna, but the wife said it tasted like the microwave box kind. We were in disagreement since I like to think I know a thing or two about Italian food. It was also cold when we got home and the microwave just doesn't add to a good meal. The owner greeted me when I walked in and was very friendly. We will see what happens when we dine in....
(3)Chris B.
Food was really good. The server and service was excellent. I had a dinner special that was pretty good. Steak needed to be cooked more. The price wad fair maybe a little high.
(4)S R.
Exceptional, very good. Great staff, great restaurant. Just read the other reviews.
(5)Lisa B.
Customer service was outstanding. The dinner special was amazing. The overall experience was really good. The prices are a bit steep. One of the best Italian places in the valley. I would recommend it.
(4)Randy W.
Went in for lunch and the service and food was exceptional as always, thanks to Robert, Karen and the rest of the staff for a great afternoon.
(5)Luis M.
So my wife and I made a reservation at Gino's for my 30th birthday on the 19th of June for the patio. They were really awesome though the whole process from making the reservation to the actual day of the party. On the day of the party we showed up 5 minutes early and they took us right in and sat us at our table, there were about 20 of us. We brought an ice cream cake and they put it in the freezer wile the party happened. We had our appetizers, drinks, and main courses and they were all delicious. I had the veil which was bomdigity! Our drinks never got low and our server was absolutely amazing. Overall the party was a success! Thank you Gino's for making this day so perfect! I would recommend they establishment to anyone. They food is awesome, they drinks are a little spendy, but the atmosphere is perfect and intimate. At the end of the night our waiter brought out the cake, everyone sang happy birthday, and the waiter sliced up the cake. An epic conclusion to and unforgettable night. Thanks again Gino's!!!
(5)Guy L.
Gino. Another great and tasty meal! Great penne with sausage. Thank you! See you soon!
(4)Hope E.
Three words: Braised Boar Shank. Enough said - try it. I've never tasted anything like it. And it is truly unforgettably savory!
(5)Rach G.
Great food and always great service. Waiters always know excellent wine pairings. The owner typically comes around to talk to people to see how their food and service are.
(5)Sher P.
Love the food, service, and atmosphere. Definitely make reservations it's a popular place.
(5)Danielle S.
The food was fantastic, the waiter not so much. I will go again!
(4)Andy H.
I am from Chicago and understand what real Italian Food is all about. I also know the difference between Chicago style pizza and real Italian Pizza (both are great). We visited Gino's for the first time and will be back. The service was outstanding, the waiter took his time explaining things and recommended a great bottle of wine. We dabbled with Lasagna, Clams & Mussels, shrimp, soup, pizza....All were A+. The atmosphere and lighting are spot on, very comfortable but yet elegant setting. The owner was nice enough to talk with us and ask how the food was, I think it is important that we go back to eating at Family restaurants and get away from chains.
(5)Stephanie W.
We went this past Tuesday night and the service was great as usual, but the food was not what we have experienced in the past. The meat lasagna was awful - could not tell what the meat was. And, I had the lobster ravioli which included two large, very "ripe" smelling shrimp. We have eaten at Gino's many times, but this visit was not so hot. I was also very shocked at how empty the restaurant was - sometime indicative of issues. I'm sure we will be back, but were were definitely disappointed this week.
(3)Jen J.
Hands down our favorite place in the area. Our family prefers the Alfredo/cream sauce (can't remember what they call it) to the red sauce. It is absolutely amazing. Hubby and kids usually get pasta and the cream sauce and hubby adds sausage to his. I get the parmesan chicken and then get the cream sauce instead of red sauce on my pasta. My meal comes with a fabulous salad and the fresh bread and olive oil are superb. Gino's is only slightly pricier than the Olive Garden and is miles above and beyond OG. Gino himself is usually there and what a pleasant man who appreciated his customers. Hands down the best restaurant in the area.
(5)Todd L.
Sad to say but this visit was disappointing. The past visits have yielded great food. My primavera with chicken was extremely bland. The pasta was good well but was also not dressed. Just plain pasta. The chicken was tough as tough can get. The other dish we got was butternutt squash ravioli. The brown butter sauce tasted burnt. The best item we had was the table bread with dipping oil.
(2)Kevin K.
My wife and I ended up here on accident one evening and were thoroughly impressed. The ambiance was totally unexpected for the location and really set the mode. The service was great and made you feel as they were actually there to severe you, at one point all the servers were between tables and instead of standing around talking they were at the bar cleaning wine glasses. It is that kind of management and work ethic that has probably made this place so successful. As for the food..................two thumbs up. I traditionally don't order ravioli's at Italian restaurants as they never serve you very many. Here they bring out a huge plate that anyone would have a hard time finishing. All-in-all, this is a great restaurant that provides a great experience and great food. I will return!
(5)eric j.
Home run on dinner tonight. Bread and seasoned oil for dipping and a bottle of Barberra to start.perfectly prepared Vitelli scallopini and side said with homemade blue cheese dressing . All very fresh. Crime brûlée and raspberry cheesecake to finish. Most importantly, our server Luke did an outstanding job. He is knowledgeable of the menu as well as the wine list and works very efficiently.
(5)Lisa B.
Since discovering this place 3 years ago while in town on business, hubby & I have returned each year and been delighted every time. Our recent meal may have been best yet. Laura, our server, was professional, friendly, informative, all around perfect. We enjoyed wine before the meal: Hubby had Chianti and I had an Italian Zin-blend, recommended by Laura. Both glasses were wonderful. The warm table focaccia bread and garlic/pepper infused olive oil: yum. Salad: yum. Tuscan soup: yum. By the time our entrees came, we were pretty full, but we gave it a try. Hubby's smoky boar shank with gnocchi was a bit salty for my taste but he liked it. I had one of the nightly specials: Parmesan crusted veal chop, frenched, with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, mushroom risotto & other yumminess. How can one go wrong pairing flavorful tomato bursts with balsamic? I know you are full, tummy, but just a little more. Despite our efforts, most of our entrees ended up as to-go boxes which ultimately ended up on a Southwest Airlines flight where they received some well-deserved attention. A steward stopped to watch me try to slice my veal (that was before I gave up and just picked up the frenched bone with my hands.). I looked up expecting that she was going to confiscate my useless plastic knife but instead I got, "Oh, my goodness! Did you get that at the airport?!!" Veal envy. I understood. Heads were turning from rows 36, 35 & 34. And so, I apologize to the nearby passengers & crew of SW Flight 6521 for enjoying a 5-star meal as you wolfed pretzels.
(5)Kevin H.
I have eaten here a couple times with friends and been very happy with the food and service. Gino's gets five starts because it is definitely the best Italian place in the Boise area. Unfortunately, they've moved from downtown to Meridian, but definitely worth the drive. Everything I've tried here has been excellent. The Calamari appetizer is a must, and they offer three different kinds of gnocchi, which is often hard to find at all. This trip I had the angel hair pasta prepared with garlic and oil with pine nuts - so simple but so delicious. If you're looking for Italian in the Boise area, you've got to go to Gino's.
(5)Reyz A.
Great food, friendly and knowledgeable staff . Atmosphere couldn't be warmer, with kids crying next to our table. Much different than a Silicon Valley business dinner. We started with a great platter of shrimps, calamari, tomato parmigiana. I had a nice tomato/garlic based soup that was not too tangy nor sweet. I then had an order of their veal eggplant parmigiana dish which were slices of fresh eggplant baked with medallions of tender veal in their own special tomato meat sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese, served with pasta. I had this with angel-hair with tossed beef. Ths was delicious, but way too much for me to eat in one sitting. Great atmosphere since this was my first biz dinner here in Boise.
(3)Kara V.
Traveling states with the family and had arrived in Boise in the late afternoon. After checking into our hotel we began heading towards the best sounding Italian restaurant we could find. After a short debate on whether or not to dress up from our car travel attire, we arrived at Gino's. Quickly discovering we should have dressed up, we walked up to the front desk where three nice hostesses greeted us. They asked us if we had a reservation at which we said no. They frowned and we feared for having to choose a new place, more in line with our 'on the road' rags. However, one of the girls promptly found her manager and tried to find out if they could squeeze us in, as it was a busy night. Within ten minutes we were seated in the beautifully decorated back room and were served promptly. The servers, food runners, and even Gino himself were quick to answer any questions we had. Excellent food at a mildly fair price. Complementary bread is served with an oil and spice mixture that is delicious. An overall nice experience, just remember to dress up!
(4)Angi V.
I ordered the balsamic vinaigrette grilled portobello mushrooms and a margherita pizza. The mushrooms were great, not overdone, and perfect mix of flavors. The margherita pizza was a dream. The crust was the perfect crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and they make it brick oven. The sauce was incredible--not too sweet or heavily spiced. Definitely tastes homemade. The basil was incredibly flavorful and fresh. The ambiance was perfect, we sat on the patio. The music was great. The service was excellent, with attentive staff and friendly waiters. The owner himself came out to check on us and nearby tables--I really really liked that. Would come here again. It's fancy enough for a romantic dinner or business, but casual enough for daytime eats. New fave Italian in the area.
(5)Dana M.
I came here for a company dinner. The service was good, nothing to write about there. The food however, is a different story. I ordered the lobster ravioli. It was cold and tasted bland and frozen. Not what I expected from a $26 entree. I am not a rude person and it wasn't my money, so I resisted the urge to send it back, although it was tempting. My coworker was not as shy and sent back her steak because it was so bad. Maybe they were having an off night or aren't good at accommodating larger groups. I know I won't return. I mean..it's in a strip mall....
(1)Jen O.
Had a great celebratory meal here with my parents. Splendidly surprised to find some good Italian in central Idaho. We all ordered variations of veal which were cooked to perfection- each one. Veal parm was fantastic, plenty of flavor bursting sauce. There was a side of pasta, which we added alfredo to. it was glorious. The daily special veal chop, bone-in, was excellent, and the vegetables were sautéed perfectly. The veal Saltado was also very good, but the pasta could have used something different for a sauce besides the browned butter reduction to vary it from the meat. All in all, the meal was great. The only reduction on rating is due to the cost- which is more a reflection on the economy in Idaho and not the restaurant. We each had 3 entrees, along with 4 drinks total, for $115. Modest by many cities' standards, but difficult for some in the area.
(4)Allen P.
I like everything here except one hostess who walked us to the table, dont know her name, long hair and little bigger than other hostess. wearing dress showing her back. She is not friendly with fake smile and snobby. Food, waiters and owner are all superb. 8/8/13
(3)William S.
Excellent. Have to agree it can get loud.
(4)Gina D.
I'm Italian, and used to my mom, Nonni, and Nonna cooking away, so I'm pretty picky with my Italian food. My in-laws live in a tiny town with nothing but fast food, so they always want to eat out somewhere great when they come visit. My FIL can be very fickle, as he's an amazing cook himself. Gino's has exceeded our expectations every time we go. It is the only place I will ever order veal. A-may-zing! The creme brûlée with cherries is to die for. My only...constructive criticism...the bright yellow on bright purple table clothes & napkins. Ick! But the great service, outstanding food, and visits from Gino himself make up for it!
(5)David L.
Very good. The food was delicious. The service was excellent. The bathrooms were clean. Easy to find on the corner. Worth the drive. Had a great time with friends. They have some outdoor seating, but a bit too cold in the winter to sit out there. Ample seating inside. Why only 4 stars? Acoustics inside are a bit loud. Not sure how they can change this with the vaulted ceilings.
(4)Nicole D.
Been going to Gino's since I was a teenager with my parents. Now its a place I love to go when I'm craving good Italian. All of the food is top-notch from the homemade salad dressings, the sauces and of course the pasta. The service is always impeccable, although sometimes it can be a bit slow on a busy night but I guess you could just call it relaxing. I am gluten free and love that they offer gluten free ziti, although I'd love to see more gluten free pasta options and maybe even some bread to dip in their delicious oil! There really is nothing to compare with Gino's in all of Idaho.
(4)Sal E.
Best Italian food in the entire state of Idaho!!!!!
(4)Kimber S.
I tagged along with my friend who is moving to Meridian last week and her realtor was kind enough to treat us to lunch at Gino's. As soon as I stepped through the front door I felt warm and welcomed. The dining room was nicely decorated and cozy on a cold, rainy afternoon. The lunch menu was quite extensive with choices that ranged from pizzas, to salads, to full-blown Italian entrees. It was difficult to choose just one thing, but since the realtor was buying, I thought I'd better behave. I ended up ordering the Hot and Cold salad which was mixed greens tossed with grilled veggies and chicken and a balsamic vinaigrette. It was amazing!!! And the portion was so huge that I regretted not having a fridge in our hotel room so that I could have it as a midnight snack. My friend ordered the sausage and rapini pizza thinking it was a lunch portion but the thing came out and it was easily 12" in diameter! As sorry as I am to see her leave Denver, I'm glad my friend will be moving to a neighborhood close to Gino's so I can dine there whenever I visit.
(4)Dave R.
This place is good, service was great, people were nice.... Love to spend my money at places like this. Thanks Team Gino!
(4)Carol M.
I hate it when the person who is charged with removing plates, etc...walks past your table 12 times and is actually disappointed that you have not rushed through your meal so you can leave and they can seat the next wave. Food was good, but the occasion was ruined by the consistant feeling that you have to hurry.
(3)Leon D.
Fantastic authentic Italian on the pricy side but appropriate for the type of cuisine served highly recommend for a romantic dinner that isn't a typical chain spot
(5)Jaime J.
Wow! We were in Boise for one night on a work-related basis and were in the mood for Italian. The concierge at the hotel recommended Gino's first thing. I never expected to find Italian this good in Idaho, but I was pleasantly surprised! I had the baked mancotti. The cheese filling was creamy and smooth. I really don't like when the filling is dry. The sauce was delicious as well. It was perfectly seasoned and a little sweet. It had a very fresh tomato flavor, too. Hubby had the chicken park and I believe it was probably the best he's had. Large portion sizes too! Great dessert menu...the creme brûlée is amazing!
(4)Sue S.
DO NOT CHOOSE THIS POORLY RUN RESTAURANT! The owner was rude to all 65 guests we treated there for a dinner after our daughters wedding demanding we leave right after we finished our dinner, which was served one hour after ordering. The food at Gino's is mediocre at best.
(1)Tracy K.
So I said I would be back and last night went back with a friend. I ordered the Calzone and all I have to say is this New Yorker just loved it. It was the best one I have had since I left NY 14 yrs ago. The service is still stellar and the wines we ordered accompanied our dinners so nicely - thanks to the server who suggested them. He was even nice enough to write down the names of them so we could grab a bottle the next time we are in the liquor store or supermarket. I just LOVE this place so much. Already looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Lino R.
Very nice ambiance and friendly staff. We started off with some delicious bread and olive oil mixed with herbs that was excellent. My girl ordered the baked Ravioli and she liked it. After reading the reviews, I was going to order the lamb shank but I am such a big fan of Marsala that I skipped the lamb shank and ordered the veal Marsala. What a mistake. The veal was flavorless and so was the pasta. After adding tons of salt, it was still bland and I was really disappointed. Gino came by asking if things were OK and later I regret not telling him. I will be going back to try something else but I was very disappointed with my meal. :( I really want to like the place. I like having a nice Italian restaurant in Meridian. Next time I go, I will be ordering the lamb shank and will write another review. 3 stars for nice ambiance, friendly staff and good bread and Raviolis. I hope to go back soon.
(3)Paige E.
Holy delicious, Batman! Went here for the first time recently and loved it. I had the butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce (or whatever it was called) and it was amazing. Very light, fresh, and tasty. I was stuck between about four things on the menu and was so happy I went with that one. I don't remember what everyone else at the table had but they all said it was great. I had a cannoli for dessert, which was a pretty standard cannoli but it's hard to mess that one up. Highly recommended, I'll be back here again.
(5)Brooke H.
Delicious. Great bread. Great Alfredo. Great chicken. When we moved here several people recommended it, and now we know why! Delish.
(5)Robert B.
Excellent! The is nothing else to say! My new favorite. Service and food is great, been there a number of times now and we have never been disappointed.
(5)Gio C.
From an ultra critical Italian food guy: Gino's is FANTASTICO! It's not about good vs bad food, it's all about authenticity. Gino's takes it right out of the Boot (Italia) and puts it in front of you on a plate in little Meridian, ID. Gino's is bar none THE restaurant of choice when me and my wife come to Idaho to visit my family. You can fly to Napoli, or just head over to Gino's. Same thing. Buon Appetito! Gino - carissimo amico! Fino alla prossima, stammi bene!
(5)Christina M.
I have always loved Ginos and it is the only place in my opinion other than my own kitchen to get good Italian food! I am so sad that downtown has closed and find the new location to be a very odd choice It was always the place to go on a date or celebrate a birthday then go onto a movie or another event or dancing downtown not the case anymote. I will still dine there but not as often The meats are always great. Fresh bread but the Lasagna and Raveoli are my favs
(5)Leigh Ann D.
Gino's is no longer in Downtown Boise, and is therefore dead to me. There is no way in hell I will drive into the suburban depths of Meridian to eat at this restaurant. The food is good, but not that good. Made the decision "Gino's or Asiago's tonight?" a lot easier... Asiago's FTW!
(3)Mike C.
This is our go-to spot for special occasions. One of the other reviews mentioned the outstanding Calamari. I come from the SF Bay Area and have always held Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf as the gold standard for Calamari. Gino's is the only place in Idaho we have found Calamari that is on the same level. The rest of the menu is fantastic as well. Friendlty staff, great atmosphere.
(5)Darby C.
I was visiting a friend in the area and she recommended this place. It was amazing. Great food, wonderful staff and atmosphere. This wasn't like any Italian restaurant I have been to before - it was better! So worth the money.
(5)Stacy W.
I have visited this restaurant many times never disappointed when it was located on 8th downtown Boise. Gino was always personable and the service outstanding! Then, in eager anticipation my husband I looked forward to visiting the restaurant once relocated to McMillan and Ten Mile. WHOA...very, very bad service!...and the food was poorly prepared. My husband's steak, ribeye, was charred and tough and my filet mignon with risotto was cooked beyond 'medium'...Gino was not there to supervise. The staff could care less. The waiter (know the name - won't mention) was rude. And to boot the bill was nearly $100. I would like to see this business do well, but after making a phone call, the service hasn't improved. I don't know what else to say except I am very sad for Gino as he is the core of this business and if he's not there, the staff doesn't seem to care.
(1)Lindsey R.
Let me just start by saying YUM! We had excellent service, the wine was perfect and most of all the food was very good. Gino wad in the dining room checking to make sure all was well. I love that an owner/chef is concerned about his customers enough to walk around and see how everyone is doing.
(5)Kelly O.
Delicious italian food! I LOVE the bread!
(5)Larry W.
New location in Meridian is great. Make a reservation or you may be turned away. Food is great I love the Polo Maria. I see Gino in the kitchen allmost every time I go there. Most of the staff from the downtown Boise location is there. I usally get to go orders and have two meals as portions are generous. The menu is a phone book so lots to choose from. This is how dinning should be.
(5)Aaron I.
What is up with all the restaurants closed down in Boise??? Its literally like last restaurant standing or in Gino's case 1/2 standing cause this spot originally had to locations next to each other and one is now closed. Very solid Italian food, great variety of pastas, a little veal, a little lobster ravioli, but the homemade garlic, chili olive oil, mmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really could have just ordered a glass of vino, had some bread and this secret homemade spicy olive oil concotion. Its so goood, they even sell it by the bottle to take home!!! This a a medium size dining area and would imagine it gets busy witha a dinner crowd on a friday or saturday night. Service was very good, i take that back Boise very good.
(4)Sarah B.
Good food and service, could take it or leave it.
(3)Joseph H.
I had a chicken pasta with a vegetable from the broccoli family. this place was great. My brother had the special: Pork steaks with risotto (details I do not remember), it was delicious! Service was very well done, they did not rush you, leftovers they bag for you and fairly well trained in etiquette as a server. Dessert! oh can not wait till we go back, they have the best tiramisu! They use a private baker and contract outside the restaurant, apparently this person does catering, no shop!!! It is the best in the Area! The best place overall we have been to thus far!
(5)Whitney S.
This is TRULY authentic Italian food. I cannot count how many Italian places I've tried around the country, probably close to as many times I've been to Gino's. :) First of all, the service is absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable in regards to wine and regions of Italy where the ingredients in the food hail from. I have had everything from veal to sausage to chicken here and I'm NOT A BIG MEAT FAN in general. I'm one of those jack-vegetarians... but every time I visit Gino, he hooks me up with that Italian food that makes me want to start greeting people with cheek kisses and conjure an accent. Not to mention Gino is such a nice man. Him and his wife own Gino's (and Gino's brother Tony started the pizza/wine place Tony's downtown - INCREDIBLE) and you can always find Gino cooking in the back, never missing a beat when he sees a familiar face, he comes out from around the grill and talks to you for a minute and asks how the family is (even though he's not tight with them of course :) The decor of the restaurant side is dripping in rich colors, murals can be seen on the wall and the linens on the tables are always a crisp and pressed white. But the ambient lighting makes it the perfect place to go on a romantic date or even a business dinner...either way, you are sure to impress the company you keep with Gino's. You'll immediately feel extremely catered to and you'll never feel bad about being picky about how you like you food - they expect that from their customers because they themselves are picky about how they prepare it. Upon entering Gino's, you'll NEVER be served by a bubblegum popping blonde hair bimbo, annoyed if you ask for extra lemon or if you want to change up the original recipe. Consequently, I love Gino's. It is the B-E-S-T. HANDS DOWN!!!
(5)Stanton C.
I thought this was an okay Italian restaurant, but definitely not the best I've ever been to. Maybe it's a lunch thing... Came here with coworkers, got seated after a bit of confusion (the inside of the restaurant looks REALLY small). The bread was nice because it was freshly baked, but I felt like it took a while to get our dishes ordered and things settled. And then after that it took a while to get everything cooked... Anyways, I got the Eggplant Rollatini, which wasn't too bad. I felt it was a bit salty on the sauce - but you've got your eggplant with your standard red sauce, some cheese, and a nice bit of prosciutto. It came served with house ragu on a pasta of your choice (I chose penne) and a side salad - all okay, but nothing was stand out amazing. Maybe I gotta come back for dinner... but definitely worth another shot for lunch.
(3)Veronica G.
Great atmosphere. I especially love the patio seating when they have live music playing.
(4)Steamer G.
Ate at Gino's a few weeks ago with my wife and another couple. Food was very good, service was great, and the owner made sure he stopped by and thanked us for eating there. It's a little deceptive from the outside, looks like a strip mall restaurant. Inside, very elegant and spacious. I'd highly reccomend Gino's.
(5)BoiseFoodie A.
I am confused why no one has reviewed Gino's at their new location in Meridian. We went tonight for dinner and it was just as I remembered it from when they were in downtown Boise. For starters we had the calamari... absolutely the best calamari in Boise or Idaho - trust me, I know my calamari. I had the lamb shank and my husband had the red snapper (tonight's special). The lamb had simmered for 6-8 hours and you could tell! Meat was falling off the bone - the gravy infused with its richness. I am not a big fan of the run of the mill spaghetti-smeared-in-red-sauce Italian. I think that kind of easy Italian lacks imagination and flavor. I *only* like the way Gino's does Italian. The red snapper in white sauce was light and flavorful. Oh, last but not least - our server Josephine made the dinner even more of a pleasant experience... she was like an aunt, checking in, making helpful suggestions and making sure we enjoyed our food. We finished with coffee and tiramisu which was rich - yet still delicate. Serving size was just right as well. I so miss them in Boise. I will never get over the loss of Gino's, Mortimer's or Milky Way but if you get a hankering for Italian - drive over to Meridian. It's worth it. As my husband put it, "I will never again attempt to make Italian at home again... why bother when Gino's is here?"
(5)Mary A.
We dined here with neighbors on New Year's Eve and since we had never been to this restaurant before we didn't know what to expect. First of all the location is close to our home, there is ample parking because it's in a small shopping center, and the atmosphere of the place is very warm, quiet, and inviting. There was soft jazz playing in the background. I had one of the specials of the evening which was grilled lamb chops and risotto. They were cooked perfectly, medium rare. My husband had veal parmesan which was also very good. One of our party had the Hagerman trout special and stated that it was excellent. We all shared the fried calamari appetizer and enjoyed that very much. The service was very efficient, friendly, and we felt unhurried and relaxed in this dining environment. We would definitely return. On a note: the portions are ample and could be shared. We ended up taking some food home.
(4)Erin T.
Gino's absolutely made me fall in love with Italian food all over again. It's one of two restaurants run by Gino and his wife - the other being Gino's Grill across the way. It's located in the big building/parking garage off 8th and Main. It's kind of small, but in the Summer you can eat on the patio. But the food is AH-MAZE-ZING! Gino hails from Italy so you know it's very authentic. The lasagne is to die for as it has several types of Italian meats and cheeses. They constantly have specials like lobster stuffed ravioli, lamb dishes, or seafood pastas. I've been there several times with friends and everyone always loved whatever they ordered. Gino's makes for the perfect romantic date or a good place to go for a family dinner. Also make sure to say hello to Gino, he's a character and loves to take pictures!
(5)Wild W.
Gino's closed its doors in downtown Boise.......not enough patrons. They are moving to s a strip mall location in the burbs and probably will have a tough time with there price points and demographic., good luck Gino...
(3)Mark L.
Where has this place been all my life! The service was stellar, the food was fantastic, and the cocktails were generous! I can't wait to come back!
(5)James P.
Had the salmon carpacchio, was quite good. We both had veal dishes, very tasty, slightly too much olive oil, ?could have been reduced more. Chocolate torte with marionberry, very good. Only restaurant in the valley that does not blink when you ask for a slice of lemon peel with your espresso, which by the way was perfect. The pinot grigio we had was also quite good. We had not been in years but we will return.
(4)Rob L.
Every time I've been I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The gnocchi, the veal saltimbocca, the lasagna, and if you want to spend a little more, the boar shank, are all incredibly prepared dishes. Five stars for the food alone. However, the service is also very attentive. My glass was never less than half full, empty plates were removed quickly and our server was knowledgeable and entertaining but not overbearing. Five stars for service. Overall, a great place.
(5)Jason S.
Went last night and had the Pasta Gino's which was good but not great. My wife had the lamb shank which was amazing and well worth multiple return trips. For an app try the salmon carpaccio.
(4)Janie P.
Great food with a lot of depth of flavors! And an excellent wine selection. You will need reservations because a restaurant this good is popular!! The fish is fresh and the pasta cooked to perfection. Don't forget to dip your bread into their signature their seasoned olive oil (which you can purchase up front if you can't get enough of it during your dining experience)
(5)Amy J.
Good, Good Good!! We live in Meridian and it's great to have dining choices on this side of Eagle Road. Service is great and we always see the owner checking on guests.
(4)Paul S.
Loved this place, very tasty eggplant parm. I also enjoyed my salad with excellent blue cheese dressing, and the deserts were great too! Our table shared the spumoni ice cream and creme brulee. My girlfriend's mom had the lamb shank and she loved it. The service was great, and we loved our meal, we only spent a few days in Boise but and we really liked this place.
(4)Kimberly K.
the most random thing i discovered on my way back to the midwest. an italian restaurant that had some of the best italian i've ever had. come to think of it, the other great italian place i love is in seattle and is called Perche No, and it's owned by the Wongs. yep - you read right. but they make a damn fine italian meal. gino's is authentic, down home, real italian. filling, too- i had a lot of left overs and couldn't take them home because i was traveling. however, come on an empty stomach and just fill up on this great stuff!! the staff was a bit over attentive for my taste, but the food was great. and better over attentive than under attentive, i guess.
(5)cedro t.
Great Tiramisu and Gnochi. What more do you need?
(4)Joe T.
I was expecting a lot more when I came here based on all the reviews. The place looked closed and fairly run down. The food was fairly decent. I had a baked ziti which tasted very fresh but it could have been baked more with a bit more cheese and less mushrooms. You could really tell they used fresh herbs and the basil flavor was real good. Overall I would go here again to try the lasagna and baked lentil dish, but I can't give it a 5 star rating.
(3)Tim M.
Gino's lives up to the hype and reputation. Excellent quality food in a pleasant atmosphere. I had simmered lamb shank, and wife had seafood lasagna. Daily special prices are high, but you get what you pay for, and this means chef-prepared cuisine of superior quality.
(4)Wesley J.
Incredible food. Highly recommend. Here is what I had: - Ahi tuna for ap - Chicken for dinner Had some red wine and salad....everything was very tasty. Parking is in the same building too.
(5)Mark T.
A superb Italian restaurant with very reasonable prices. There is a very large menu. My favorites are the baked ziti with sausage and mushrooms, and the osso buco. The stuffed shells are also very good. The sausage is grilled on a spit and is excellent. The osso buco is a little pricey, but it is one of the most succulent dishes I have ever had. This is a small, intimate restaurant, and great for a romantic dinner.
(5)Matt T.
Gino's is my favorite restaurant in Boise. Boise doesn't really have any legit 'fine dining' spots, so I call Gino's my favorite restaurant, even though they fired my sister. Boise has had a few really good restaurants in the past- Sogno's, Amore, and, most notably: Desert Sage. Unfortunately, these are all closed now. Gino's is hands down the best Italian in Boise and also the best finer dining place, though Richard's is up there. I've yet to go to Red Feather, but it seems a bit cheasy. I've also heard that The Milky Way is good.
(5)