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Yes, I asked for a vodka martini straight up, dry and burnt....and they knew what it was. Meal was fabulous as well. 4 of us ordered different things and we all were very impressed. This restaurant is on grade level in a hotel...we'll definitely go...More View all feedback.
What User dislikes about Gio:
Booked over Open Table, arrived and found the restaurant wasn’t event open. I double checked— our reservation was the correct date and time. We ate at the bar in the hotel and had some great food from a kind bar tender who gave great service, but not impressed with Gio View all feedback.
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Last update : 18.01.2018
Yes, I asked for a vodka martini straight up, dry and burnt....and they knew what it was. Meal was fabulous as well. 4 of us ordered different things and we all were very impressed. This restaurant is on grade level in a hotel...we'll definitely go...More
We were looking forward to going to Gio last night after all of the excellent reviews we had read. Every time we are in Halifax we like to try one of the better restaurants and this year it was the turn of Gio. Previous hits included The Press Gang (still the best) Stories Fine Dining, and The Five Fisherman. We arrived early for our reservation and were warmly welcomed and seated immediately. The restaurant is nicely appointed and our server came over and offered us drinks. I had a very nice unique cocktail to kick off the meal but from there some disappointment set in.The food is good don't get me wrong and is very well prepared. However the portion sizes are amongst the smallest I have ever seen. I ordered an appetizer of octopus which barely covered a quarter of the plate and it contained maybe one and a half little legs in some kind of sauce. It tasted great but was literally three bites at best. My wife had the calamari which wasn't that great but was a better sized portion. Here's where things go even further south. They bring out little fufu platters like a square of focaccia and a salad of goat cheese and fruits on a little spoon which is a bite size portion of almost nothing and things become suddenly dangerously pretentious. These are supposed to add sophistication but for me anyway we're more of annoyance. My main course followed which was a very small duck breast on a mound of black eyed peas (far too many of them) again it was beautifully cooked but so underwhelming. There should have been a t least two breasts on the plate. My wife had lobster which was supposed to be 1 1/2 lbs but consisted of a small tail and even smaller claws at a price of $44. We have dined in many fine restaurants around the world and in Halifax and I have to say I felt completely unsatisfied after my meal. I'm not expecting US size portions at a fine dining establishment but I do expect to be appropriately fed. There is too much emphasis on plating as if you are eating nouveau cuisine. We did complain and the server was apologetic. I ordered a chocolate desert which was actually more reasonable in size and was very good and when the bill came it was comped to us. I thought that was a nice touch because the did something to rectify our disappointment regarding the meal.The food is great don't get me wrong. The restaurant is well appointed but please do not go if you are the slightest bit hungry. Please Gio listen to your customers. You have a good thing going but I have read several reviews that complain about portion size. People like to feel they are getting value and it is important to be satisfied after a good dinner out at a nice restaurant. Unfortunately that was not the case last night.
This is fine dining at its best. Such beautiful presentation and great choice of dishes. Too bad many of the patrons couldn't be bothered taking more care with what they wore. Untucked shirt and suspenders down around ankles, really? Kind of an insult to the hardworking staff.
What a wonderful experience dining at Gio's was. Our waitress was amazing and very helpful when it came time to make our choices. She had great recommendations for our wine, appetizer, entree and dessert. The caliber of the good was beyond anything I had eaten in Halifax before. The little extras compliment of the chef were also appreciated. It was truly a great dining experience and look forward to going back again soon.
On a recent trip to Halifax, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at this awesome restaurant downtown. From the amuse-bouche to our shared desert, everything was perfect and the service was the best I have had in a long time.We had the chowder and carpaccio (could have used a little truffle oil to quick it up a notch though) as appetizers, the scallops and salmon as mains and shared a deconstructed strawberry shortcake for desert.A must go to when you come to Halifax!
Last update : 17.05.2024
Gio is an upscale dining spot located in the Prince George Hotel. Despite my usual reservations about hotel restaurants, Gio exceeded my expectations. During our dinner, we tried a variety of dishes including Luke's Sourdough Bread, Foie Gras Two Ways, Squash, Arctic Char, Smoked Scallop, and Oh My That's Delicious dessert. The sourdough bread had a firm crust and chewy middle, while the foie gras had sweet elements like pressed apples and rosemary jam to balance out its richness. The squash was my favorite dish of the night, with orange vinaigrette and pecorino cheese enhancing its flavors, while the Arctic Char had a great char but was a bit too salty. The Smoked Scallop had perfect smoke but was slightly rubbery, though the garlic cream sauce was excellent. The dessert lived up to its name with delicate chocolate mousse and homemade blueberry ice cream stealing the show. The service, particularly from Rachael, was efficient and attentive, adding to the overall great experience at Gio. With its good food, excellent service, and cool atmosphere, Gio is a fantastic spot for a night out.
Four stars is a very good rating. Five stars is for truly once-in-a-lifetime food experience. Le Bernardin in NYC is, Charlie Trotter in Chicago was, Arzak in San Sebastián is. We like the originality of the menu, so we decided to give it a try. Wise decision. First, oysters. From Fortune,NS. Not big and not small; from cold water, yet not too briny. Fresh like no oysters we've ever had. Well, we're off to a good start! My wife had two appetizer, she has a small appetite and likes to try stuff. First, a dish made essentially of carrots: roasted, tempura, moussed, and more. Ok, carrots is what your mother insisted you eat if you had a shot at desert, right? Well, start apologizing, because carrots now deserve a lot more respect. This dish was simply amazing! She also had the branzino ceviche. That was also quite memorable. Not overly citrusy, delicate, refined. I had the shrimps and scallops plate. They were served on a generous bed of farro and greens. Now scallops, anybody can overcook them effortlessly. Not so here: a thin layer of crispiness enveloping a delicate and sweet scallop. Divine! The shrimps were cuddle in philo dough, fried just long enough to cook them to perfection! Our server was really one of a kind. Knowledgeable with wine (and Viognier aficionado), the food, the geography of oysters, and life in Nova Scotia. She made us feel welcome! The best food experience we've had in Halifax.
After getting caught in a heavy rainstorm, we sought out a nearby restaurant close to our hotel. We found Gio, which came highly recommended by fellow Yelpers. Every dish we tried was fantastic. We started with handmade mozzarella wrapped around ricotta cheese with shredded asparagus and toast- absolutely delicious. I had the halibut with carrot purée and coconut cream with arugula, while others in my group ordered the vegetarian dish and lamb. Each bite was exceptional, as evidenced by the clean plates that returned to the kitchen. Despite being full, we couldn't resist trying desserts like tiramisu, a chocolate cake, and lemon curd with limoncello encased in torched meringue with mixed berries, caramelized cashews, and candied ginger- all incredibly tasty. We left Gio feeling satisfied and already planning our next visit. If you're in Halifax and looking for a top-notch dining experience, Gio is a must-visit, rain or shine.
For our anniversary this year, my wife and I debated between choosing a familiar favorite like Press Gang or Bicycle Thief, or trying out a new restaurant. Ultimately, we decided on Gio and we are so glad we did. Our dining experience from start to finish was truly enjoyable. We came for a delicious meal and we were not disappointed. From the delightful amuse bouche, to the appetizers and soup (which were all exceptional), to the palate cleanser and main course, every aspect of our meal impressed us. The dessert, especially the rum cake, was outstanding. The staff, including our servers, were friendly, engaging, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. Overall, Gio is a charming, cozy restaurant that knows how to make its guests feel welcome and keep them coming back. We are grateful for making our anniversary night even more special. Cheers!
I was at Halifax for work and I always go online to look for restaurants recommends in a new place. At first, I thought Gio would be really pricy being housed in a high end hotel. Turns out the lunch menu is totally affordable. Thus I gave it a try. Had the Scallops risotto on the lunch menu paired with a glass of white wine. The food was awesome. The scallops are HUGE and plenty. The risotto tasted really good. For $16, that is a steal. Then I went for lunch a second time that week. Had the lunch haddock and chowder. I still think the scallops risotto is the best. The decorations there is lovely and modern. Waitresses were friendly and helpful with the menu. I wanted to take a friend there in the following Sunday but they close on Sunday. That would be the only complain I have. Otherwise, food, atmosphere, services are all excellent.
Last update : 01.04.2024
The best meal I have had at a restaurant for some time! Expertly cooked. Dessert not overly sweet. Service attentive and friendly but not overbearing. I was glad we were seated toward the very back of the restaurant so the sound level was just fine for us, but it might have been too loud if seated otherwise. That doesn't mean I'd avoid the restaurant if my table was elsewhere. Everything was too good for such quibbling. (And I'm a senior citizen...I bet most people would find the volume okay. I was very very happy with the experience.
Went for Dine Around menu, great value and tasty food! The restaurant was fairly busy with a concert at the nearby Scotiabank Center. Our server appeared a little rushed but managed to execute all steps of service. Gio is one of the better restaurants in Halifax, no question. Make sure you ask for a booth, we didn't and regretted it.
My partner recently took me to this restaurant to celebrate my birthday and let me just say.. they DID NOT disappoint. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the staff and our waiter, Oscar. Oscar was friendly and very professional. He did a phenomenal job explaining each item on the menu and making suggestions. It was clear that Oscar is a foodie and passionate about food and the pairings. He made it his mission to ensure we had an amazing dinner. He was meticulous in pairing our meals with the perfect wine and even took the time to explain why he recommended each dish or wine pairing. He asked the right questions to make the perfect recommendations and he was warm and welcoming the entire night. We were even wowed to find out that not only was he our waiter, but he also doubled as the bartender making the most amazing, delicious and refreshing cocktails. If I had a business of my own, Gios would be in a tough spot because I would hired Oscar in the spot lol. The food was amazing. Literally everything we had was 10/10. The appetizers were delicious.. to the point that some dishes like the snapper left us eager for more! We ordered almost a little of everything but my favorites were the parpadelle pasta, the wild boar and red fish. I absolutely loved the flavors in the pasta and the pesto was amazing. The boar was perfectly cooked and the portion was perfect and quite filling. The fish was well seasoned and absolutely delicious. I will absolutely be back to Gio because I have that burger on my mind and I’m yearning for more. Thank you for an amazing dinner special thanks to Oscar for being the most amazing waiter I have ever experienced. It’s clear you are passionate, love food and take the time to learn and understand the menu in depth. The restaurant is absolutely lucky to have you on their team!!!
The food was very good as was the service but the ambiance was lacking, as there was a very noisy standup beverage fridge not far from our table. Would like to go back but only when the atmosphere is better.
My friend and I visited recently for dinner. Food was outstanding and the service was impeccable.
Last update : 14.01.2024
One of my favorite restaurant in halifax . small menu makes me wanna try everything in it and worth it. super friendly server. best spot if you are going to a date. recommend.
Great place. Not a lot of tables so nice and intimate. Nice friendly server and amazing food. A surprising jewel in a gem of a city.
Probably the best meal we've had the pleasure of experiencing. If I could give it more stars, I would.
A great place for a special treat. Superlative service, deliciously different food, excellent wines and cocktails. We shared the bone marrow snow crab starter (a weird wonderful combination! Mains were foie gras burger and halibut chips. Our only gripe was that the fancy chips/fries did not work: bland, almost tasteless and awkward.
I had the opportunity to take my girlfriend for her birthday diner last night at GIO. The food was amazing and a very well done to Jamie and the kitchen crew. As well I would like to thank the service staff for an excellent time and wine pairings. Highly recommend everyone go for the experience, we will be back for sure..
Last update : 03.11.2023
Fabulous service, delicious food and beautiful decor! My favourite restaurant!
Food is easily one of my faves in town. The service was second to none! Terri was great!
Amazing food. Foodie heaven. Chicken liver mousse, tempura cauliflower and bison and filet mignon. The plating is almost too pretty to eat. Wonderful...
One of my favorite restaurant in halifax . small menu makes me wanna try everything in it and worth it. super friendly server. best spot if you are...
One if my fav restaurant in Halifax! Their elk dish is delish
Last update : 06.08.2025
My first time to visit this restaurant. The service was excellent. Very friendly and professional. My appetizer (Beet Carpaccio) was amazing. The main course of Halibut I found unappealing. The fish seemed overcooked and it was more of a stew presentation than I was expecting. To be fair, this is likely a personal preference. Others in our party enjoyed their main courses. Dessert was quite decadent! Meal type: Dinner Food: 3 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
A group of five of us were there for my birthday on Saturday, May 3. GIO is one of my favourite restaurants, so I had raved about it to two of my friends that came along, as they had never been there. I assured them that everything on the menu is always amazing. Sadly, my favourite dish, the boar, was not available that evening, so I ordered the lamb. My two friends that had never been there before also ordered the lamb. I have to say that I was very disappointed with the dish, as were my two friends. The lamb itself was cooked perfectly, and was very tender, but did not have much flavour. It was on a large bed of orzo, which also did not have any flavour. I was also surprised that there was little to no vegetables. The dishes that I have had in the past have exploded with flavour and also had lots of vegetables. Two of the other girls at the table had the osso buco and a seafood dish, which they were both very happy with. I tried a little bit of the mashed potato that came with the osso buco, which was amazingly delicious. I feel that would have been a much better pairing with my lamb and would have improved the enjoyment of the meal. Overall, I am disappointed that two of my friends will likely never go back, and that my birthday dinner has left me not looking forward to returning myself. Outside of that, I will say that the service was wonderful and everyone also enjoyed the drinks and the atmosphere. Hopefully the lamb dish that night was just an anomaly. I am seeing photos on the other reviews here of desserts with Happy Birthday written on the plate. I was not provided any sort of free dessert for my birthday. Perhaps they only do that if you order a dessert and pay for it? I also sent feedback directly to the restaurant, to which they did not reply at all. I would expect more from a high end restaurant. Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Price per person: $50–60
Gio was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The appetizer, Toro, was elegant, fresh, and beautifully presented. The main course, Osso Buco, a braised veal dish was cooked to perfection: tender, rich, and full of flavor. The chef clearly has a remarkable grasp of seasoning and balance. The chocolate cake dessert was phenomenal, rich, decadent, and the perfect sweet finish to an unforgettable meal. Our server was fantastic, attentive, knowledgeable, and her wine recommendation paired perfectly with everything. Highly recommend. Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
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