Gia Vin & Grill
Italian restaurant · Saint-Henri ·
Charcoal-grilled skewers, rustic pasta, natural wines, and tiramisu
Charcoal-grilled skewers, rustic pasta, natural wines, and tiramisu
"This ode to Italian grilling honors the simplicity and comfort of meals shared in the Tuscan and Abruzzese countryside, but lovingly transplants them into an annex of Saint-Henri’s historic RCA building. Run by the team behind ever-cool Elena and intimate and elegant Nora Gray, Gia’s exceptional Italian menu comes as no surprise — though it leans slightly more rustic and of-the-earth than its siblings. Expect dishes like arrosticini (grilled meat skewers), Florentine steak, rabbit with mushrooms and mustard sauce, and other smoky, charcoal-grilled proteins, alongside fluffy focaccia, rustic pastas (think pici in creamy white Bolognese), and a selection of soulful, mostly Italian wines. Gia is also open for lunch, with antipasti, sandwiches, and a pared-down selection of primi and secondi. Its exterior doesn’t give much away, but inside, wood, terracotta, granite, and olive-green tiles warm the concrete walls. Best for: Getting together in all kinds of ways — for a cozy date night, a catch-up with friends, or, if you book the whole space, a wedding, staff party, or other festive celebration." - Valerie Silva
"The latest from the fabulous folks of Nora Gray and Elena draws attention to a different type of Italian cuisine — one highlighting arrosticini, which are small skewers of various meats grilled over charcoal flame. Born out of the owners’ love for time spent in Italy, this eclectic and fun space is located in an industrious part of the neighbourhood, behind the historic RCA building. Natural wines, antipasti, pasta and desserts are aplenty." - Eater Staff
"A Saint-Henri spot praised for incredible arrosticini and a huge, inviting terrasse; multiple writers singled it out as a place they can’t wait to return to." - Eater Staff
"Settled in an annex of the old RCA — a 1908 heritage building that once produced records and gramophones — this hot new restaurant and wine bar opened December 8 in Saint-Henri and seats about 55 guests (roughly 35 in a cozy dining room and the rest at a no-reservation “wine island” bar). Two years in the making and run by the Elena team (co-owner Ryan Gray; chef Janice Tiefenbach; Ellen Eamon; Julio Mendy; sommelier Lawrence Fiset; Emma Cardarelli; Marley Sniatowsky), Gia is an homage to Italian grilling centered on an arrosticini grill offering skewers of charcoal-grilled meat typical of Abruzzo — traditional lamb plus beef, pork, and Brussels sprout varieties sold by the unit and served family-style on platters — with a second charcoal grill outside for vegetables, seafood, and larger cuts. Expect some pasta (including pici all’anatra, hand-rolled pasta in duck ragu), seafood and vegetable preparations with a Central Italian bent, and a predominantly Italian, all-natural wine list that favors depth and character. The 4,000-square-foot cinder-block space has earthy terracotta surfaces, olive-grove–toned tiling, and glazed granite counters to evoke Italy while honoring the industrial heritage; a mega terrasse and expanded daytime offerings (coffee and mid-day meals starting in January) are planned, and the restaurant will host large events such as a New Year’s Eve bash. Gia is open at 1025 Lenoir, Wednesday to Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. (hours subject to change after Christmas)." - Valerie Silva
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