Giorgio's

We have been coming to Giorgio's for years and years and years, way back when they used to be up the street from The Red Onion, before the fire in 2010. We used to go all the time before kids, and then, well, kids.I'm not entirely sure why we don't go consistently because, gosh darn, the food and service is always fantastic! I'm also not sure why it has taken me so long to write a very, very well deserved and much overdue review.The wife and I squeezed in a somewhat last minute date night after checking out The Hula Hula Room (new Tiki Bar in Torrance!) on Opening Day this week so we were two Tiki drinks in and feelin' good (read: no kids...I'M KIDDING!) which, I'm sure, had nothing to do with how much we enjoyed our evening.We decided on Giorgio's for our rare date night because it is near home, ALWAYS consistently delicious and accessible (we just walked in and a table was quickly made up for us). I was comforted by the fact that they were actually quite busy on a Wednesday night. I wasn't surprised, really, because it's so good and has certainly become an institution on the hill after decades of earning that status. The people dining that night seemed to be older regulars which I always like to see. I do think the younger set tends to go for flashier Italian joints like Primo's down the hill with its beautiful dining room or the cutely appointed Avenue Italy (decent food but the service was always terrible) but at Giorgio's, the food, even if not the decor, clearly shines.Now, there's nothing wrong with the decor at Giorgio's; it is simple, clean and cozy, like that of a Ristorante you'd actually find in Italy. I do miss, however, the old school Italian decor they had when they were across Silve Spur. I can still picture the wife and I sunk into the red leather booths set in the stark white dining room decorated with columns and statues. It definitely had character. Oh, and how we miss the elegant beehived bartender, Gay, always dressed to the nines and full of conversation. ANYWAY...you really can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. On this visit, we shared an exquisite Veal Parm ($27.95 including delicious veggies and roasted potatoes) and I felt compelled to go off menu and order Spaghetti Carbonara (probably priced around the other pastas around $20-$22). Do yourself a favor and follow my lead. That dish was INCREDIBLE and just like Carbonaras we enjoyed in Italy this past summer. And I don't mess around; I thoroughly search out the very best places for authentic cuisine when we travel. I'm telling you, this was THE BOMB. And really, the Veal Parm was solid as well. We had planned to take leftovers home for the kids...but there wasn't a single morsel left.Do remember, Chef Carlo Borelli will whip up anything you're craving. All you have to do is ask. Frankly, I'm surprised that a dish as good as the Carbonara isn't a staple on the menu. I do recall that they used to have like a three item sampler on the menu before. And they'll still make that up for you, too, as I did a year or so ago. The Chicken Marco Polo (now a still fair $23.95 on its own) was my favorite part of the Trio Sampler and is a superb chicken dish, "sautéed with onions, artichokes, roasted red bell peppers in a cream sauce flamed with sherry wine."A long time ago, dinners used to include soup or salad (their house dressing is amazing) and a side of pasta. It was a great deal and one I miss. I liked the old school way of including those extras and I like fair prices. Prices now are pretty fair and considerably less than the competition. For instance, they have a $35 ribeye steak, which is probably the most expensive thing on the menu. I don't know anywhere around where you can get a good steak at that price. Wines on the menu are also fairly priced. With a $50 bottle of Justin Cabernet (their most expensive on the menu and quite tasty) and 2 entrees, our bill for 2 came to $120 including tip.The service is always great and quick. We always love it when Giorgio (Carlo's son) himself waits on us and we also loved his bro who looks just like me (!!) and used to work there, too, a looong time ago but the rest of the staff is friendly and efficient, too.I'm sad to hear of nearby Mama Terrano's closing, but while I enjoyed it once or twice over the years, the wife was newer a fan so we always came back to Giorgio's. Giorgio's is a family run family restaurant and absolutely deserves your patronage. Remember you can order anything you'd like Carlo to make for you. Craving a hamburger? I bet he'd even whip that up for you in a jiffy. Here's a little article written up a few years ago that you might like reading:https://easyreadernews.com/return-giorgios-profile/

Came here with my daughter one night. You do have to have reservations because once it got dark the restaurant started to get busy. The hostess was great. The food is so good. The restaurant is a cozy neighborhood Italian place and I really liked it. Love the food ,ambiance and the location. I will definitely come back.

Clientele is on the older side. We came here slightly before 6 pm seeing if we could fit in a quick dinner as 2 kids and 2 adults. The restaurant was 50% empty and they told us it would be 45 min wait even though we already knew what to order. Looked online and didn't take a way to reserve online either.Bummed to not try it but customer service could have been better.

We went back to Giorgio's and had a delicious lunch. This is one of the best local Italian restaurant. I had to try something new and I loved my Marsala. My husband loved his fettuccini. The service was excellent. Next time, I'm making space in my tummy for spumoni. We saw it when it came to our table my mistake. Now I have to try it. I love its ambience. Reminds me of my other favorite restaurant in Santa Rosa, Riviera.

The food was amazingly good. The ambiance was very nice. Like a country restaurant. Food came quickly. Parking on the street was easy. Staff was okay. All in all a nice experience. I would recommend this spot.

Absolutely delicious! Lots of flavor and the service was amazing . We always go to Scardino's and thought we would try this place and has definitely impressed us. We will definitely be back !

Such a quaint local restaurant on the hill! The ambiance is warm and inviting and the service was very good. I had the steamed mussels and lasagna and both were on point! It's easy to make a reservation via phone. They do close on the early side IMO, e.g. 8pm on weekdays, so well suited for families or early date nights!

OrderedCalamari app (excellent!)Ravioli (superb)Sand Dabs (wow!)Went for lunch on a weekday. Beat the lunch crowd, I recommend a reservation.

Tonight we went to Giorgio's for my best friend Nicole's birthday, the food was delicious along with the wine that was paired perfectly with our dinner. The service was incredibly slow, our server was not attentive and ignored us during our dinner experience. He was more attentive to his other guest and never asked how our dinner was going, we had to ask for everything we needed. The restaurant was busy so I understand as I have been a waitress myself things can be chaotic. I was not happy with the service as I saw other servers being attentive with their guest. The ambiance is great and I do recommend coming here for a nice Italian dinner.I will give Giorgio's another chance , I would have given a 5 star rating but I'm giving it a 4/3 due to lack of service.

The absolute best! Georgio and his team really know how to cook and keep those stoves burning! There is so much on the menu, it's a wonder they can cook it all... But, they do! The Caesar salad, the calamari, the sandwiches, the entrées... I feel very lucky to call Georgio a friend. Enjoy!