It's sad that the only other review here is about the take-out beer store adjacent to the restaurant. I saw the old-timey sign out front and the tired facade and hoped I'd find a simple, unpretentious kind of place my grandparents might have taken me to in the 70's. It is very close to what I'd hoped, and we had a lovely dinner. The main building is magnificent: an entry hall the likes of which will never be built again, elaborate wood molding, 10-ft tall windows, a fireplace. We were able to overlook the dated decor, caterer's chairs, awful wreaths with plastic heads of garlic and peppers, and the decrepit wooden donkey with his wine cart. The lights were dimmed as low as possible, as there wasn't a single other diner in the rooms. Our host and chef, Dennis, greeted us almost with surprise, then delight. He dialed the lights up to "Romantic" level and seated us by the window. We ordered Linguini with white clam sauce and Chicken Parmigiana. The bread was soft and fresh, the salads crisp and pleasing. With the bread, Dennis (who has a thick italian accent and looks like Fabio Viviani's dad and still can't understand why his mother named him Dennis!) brought a small dish with some spectacularly tangy cheese, some prosciutto and some warmed, seasoned peppers. Our bread plates, and later our dinner plates, were warmed. Dinner arrived right on time, two large servings served piping hot. The sauce on the pasta was of the thick, dark, well-reduced type - my favourite- rather than the light, mild, crushed tomatoey kind more popular today. The chicken was perfectly cooked, as was the side of pasta. The clam sauce was replete with clams, not a single bit of shell, and nicely seasoned with wine and herbs. Dennis was cheerful and attentive throughout the meal, although he was working the adjacent Italian deli, as well. Although we were quite full and did not order dessert, Dennis brought two perfect little tastes of cheesecake with the modest bill. We will happily go back, although we fear it may not be open much longer. We hope others will try Giacomo's. It will be more fun with more tinkling glasses and quiet conversations going on in the room, and less like dining on a 1970 Hollywood set.
(4)
Allen Y.
This is the best kept secret , the food is great , Gina is great we love her very helpful it's a throw back to when restaurants actually cared about there customers and the food they prepare . Don't let the neighborhood scare you off , once inside it's dated , but cozy , quiet a little dark and my favorite the prices are reasonable , try it you'll love it
(4)
M B.
Best Italian food in PA. Dennis, the chef, has excellent skills and can cater to anything you fancy. bon appetit.
(5)
Brian C.
This is our second time to this hidden gem. Dennis ( the chef) personally served us and we had pleasant conversation with my wife and I. the meal was first rate and this place has total old charm.
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.
Rhonda P.
It's sad that the only other review here is about the take-out beer store adjacent to the restaurant. I saw the old-timey sign out front and the tired facade and hoped I'd find a simple, unpretentious kind of place my grandparents might have taken me to in the 70's. It is very close to what I'd hoped, and we had a lovely dinner. The main building is magnificent: an entry hall the likes of which will never be built again, elaborate wood molding, 10-ft tall windows, a fireplace. We were able to overlook the dated decor, caterer's chairs, awful wreaths with plastic heads of garlic and peppers, and the decrepit wooden donkey with his wine cart. The lights were dimmed as low as possible, as there wasn't a single other diner in the rooms. Our host and chef, Dennis, greeted us almost with surprise, then delight. He dialed the lights up to "Romantic" level and seated us by the window. We ordered Linguini with white clam sauce and Chicken Parmigiana. The bread was soft and fresh, the salads crisp and pleasing. With the bread, Dennis (who has a thick italian accent and looks like Fabio Viviani's dad and still can't understand why his mother named him Dennis!) brought a small dish with some spectacularly tangy cheese, some prosciutto and some warmed, seasoned peppers. Our bread plates, and later our dinner plates, were warmed. Dinner arrived right on time, two large servings served piping hot. The sauce on the pasta was of the thick, dark, well-reduced type - my favourite- rather than the light, mild, crushed tomatoey kind more popular today. The chicken was perfectly cooked, as was the side of pasta. The clam sauce was replete with clams, not a single bit of shell, and nicely seasoned with wine and herbs. Dennis was cheerful and attentive throughout the meal, although he was working the adjacent Italian deli, as well. Although we were quite full and did not order dessert, Dennis brought two perfect little tastes of cheesecake with the modest bill. We will happily go back, although we fear it may not be open much longer. We hope others will try Giacomo's. It will be more fun with more tinkling glasses and quiet conversations going on in the room, and less like dining on a 1970 Hollywood set.
(4)Allen Y.
This is the best kept secret , the food is great , Gina is great we love her very helpful it's a throw back to when restaurants actually cared about there customers and the food they prepare . Don't let the neighborhood scare you off , once inside it's dated , but cozy , quiet a little dark and my favorite the prices are reasonable , try it you'll love it
(4)M B.
Best Italian food in PA. Dennis, the chef, has excellent skills and can cater to anything you fancy. bon appetit.
(5)Brian C.
This is our second time to this hidden gem. Dennis ( the chef) personally served us and we had pleasant conversation with my wife and I. the meal was first rate and this place has total old charm.
(4)