Gigi's is a new all-day restaurant, bar and late night music venue like no other in London. With its unique fusion of cutting edge design, contemporary food and kick-ass cocktails, and the hottest DJ sets and live music, Gigi's is already cementing its new place in Hoxton’s famously evolving going out scene.
Gigi's Hoxton
Bar in Shoreditch
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Gigi's Hoxton Picture Gallery
All In London Review
Italian food in a hip Hoxton venue
The interior is vast and spacious – as you would expect in a music and club venue aimed at the predominantly young local population. There are bright pop-art murals on the walls and large wooden sculptures dotted around. I particularly liked the eagle.
We took a seat by the large window overlooking the terrace and the square. The service was friendly and swift. We were there early in the evening and I imagine the place is transformed as darkness takes over and the crowds swell.
My glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc (£6.30) hit the spot and my companion was happy enough with the house Rose (£7.50).
My scallops (£9.50) were cooked beautifully and were light with a delicate blend of seasonings. My companion’s crispy squid (£7.90) was a little less exciting – especially with a tartare sauce and an unintentionally wilted lettuce as a garnish.
Other starters included: aubergine parmigiana, Italian burrata, beetroot carpaccio, roasted duck breast, beef carpaccio and grilled mackerel.
I chose one of the chef’s favourites for my main – the crab linguine (£15.50). Well cooked pasta and a rich, flavoursome sauce with courgettes, cherry tomatoes, lemon, garlic and chilli. My companion’s grilled beef fillet (£22.50) was a sizeable portion and cooked a little more than the requested medium but still tender. It had a rich, rosemary gravy which worked well with the artichoke and polenta. The standout dish surprisingly was the spinach side (£4.50) cooked simply but brilliantly with garlic and lemon. Head Chef Antonio Mollo’s Italian heritage shone through the cooking and didn’t disappoint.
Other mains options included: summer salad, grilled aubergine, Sardinian pasta, homemade gnocchi, chicken Milanese and grilled rack of lamb. There were sea bream and tuna dishes also. The sharing mains appear popular – there are steak and seafood options (both £49).
We didn’t get as far as desserts which featured vodka lemon tiramisu and chilli vanilla panna cotta as well as cheesecake and ice cream.
The brunch menu looked appealing – with sharing platters, full Italian breakfast, eggs benedict, hot rice and prawns, roasted aubergine and vegan breakfast (injera bread, guacamole, mixed peppers and crispy leeks in a spicy red pepper sauce) as well as various burgers.
Food of this quality (and price) appeared a little incongruous in the informal environment but I suspect that the locals will be delighted at its addition to the many local restaurants on offer.
Reviewed by KimT
anonymously
on Jul 12, 2019
Published on Jul 12, 2019
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