"6 adults, 2 teenagers and 2 children went here for my mom's birthday meal. Mom chose the place as she's been here before. I wasn't sure what to expect from her description so I checked on here before leaving work. I have never seen so many 5 star reviews and hoped it lived up to the hype. We arrived at 7:30pm after driving through a pleasant housing estate. The premises are located on the ground floor of a community centre, next to the gym. The illuminated GIOS sign was the only clue. Upon entering, we saw 4 other tables were occupied, with 12-14 other patrons. The interior decor was unusual, with countless pieces of artwork, movie posters, and unusual items with an Italian theme. The tables and chairs are all different shapes and sizes, but this just adds to the charm of the place. Within a minute, Gio emerged from the kitchen with a warm welcome. We sat down and opened the drinks we had bought with us, the place is not licenced. Soon, we had ordered the taster menu for the adults and the youngsters had pizza. First we had a lovely, fresh vegetable soup, with cold meats, a crustless quiche and lovely warm bread. Not long after, Gio, who was the only waiter, came out with the kids pizzas. Freshly made and delicious, and about 12 of thin crust. Then he bought out 2 large lasagne, 2 large plates of a pasta dish with courgette, 2 plates of plain chicken thighs and breast on a salad with crispy chicken skin, 2 plates of another spicier chicken with skin, on a bed of delicious herby potatoes, and an Italian casserole with sausage and meatballs in a tomato sauce. Food was plentiful and delicious. Gio packed the leftovers up as there was a lot of food, all made fresh in the premises. We then had a chat as Gio served everyone else, without looking stressed and being so friendly and polite with everyone. He also gives a carafe of water and a carafe of juice to each table. Italian music playing, he then produced a dessert with was like a warm brownie, with thick, clotted cream, a fruity drizzle and an amaratto biscotti on top. The ladies and gents are located next door where you walk through a healing centre, with chairs creating a walkway to keep you from the various equipment. As I said, the kitchen and restaurant is in a shared community centre. I was told profits go to local homeless, and it's clear from the decoration that Gio does a lot for local charities. Mom picked up the bill of £13.50 a head (massive value) and Gio said the kids were only a fiver, but mom asked him to keep the rest which he eventually did after some persuasion. When the main rustic Italian tasters were served, Gio also served two more fresh pizzas at no cost, which he says they always do for larger groups. I have plenty of leftovers to take to work today, and we all left full after the kids plated the piano and Gio and an older customer danced in the restaurant. Three pots of fresh coffee to finish. A lovely place, beautiful fresh food, amazing value and it serves the local community. Great job, Gio!"
Chocolate Mousse Cake
