J P.
Yelp
I had been following G's build up to their grand opening and was excited to finally check it out in person. From the Italian name and online photos, social postings, that it would be small shareable plates, I was expecting the vibe to be a upscale, local bácaro with some good cicchetti, the Venice-style small bites found during aperitivo, the Italian version of happy hour, with olives, cheeses, salumi, maybe some mini pizzas and of course a pasta or two. My Italian expectations also included the bar program as I have been looking for a good Hugo spritz and some big Tuscan reds. I also thought this was a smart way to differentiate from previous Italian tenants and other Italian places in town.
Upon arrival, I loved the vibe, decor, except the TV's on the wall above the dining tables ( see photo) as it kinda ruins the upscale vibe and who is watching them over there - the bartender's? The one's above the bar make more sense and I can let those slide though there are already plenty of places to watch sports/TV's in El Segundo. Happy to see that they expanded the actual bar from previous tenants as I would sit at the bar if by myself or just with one other person.
Sat in the orange couch area with a small group of friends, love a good lounge vibe and was promptly greeted, given menu's. Here is where I was disappointed, minus the one star, as nope, nothing Italian about it except one prosecco and the idea of small plates (for the table section on the menu) to share along with larger entrees (for you section on the menu) that our server explained are pretty much shareable was well. Lots of carbs: fried this, bread with that. The server also explained that the bar program is a work in progress, ok I get it, you just opened, no Hugo spritz for me.
We ordered from both sides of the menu to share all and all the food was delicious and the mostly California wine list decent, friends who did order cocktails said spot on. No dessert menu currently.
In summary: off brand but the food was delicious, it is positioned as Eclectic Fare on the website but not really when looking at other places in town, where it is easy to get many similar items with a TV. Great service and great, upscale, lounge vibe ( minus the dining wall TV's). We did give our server our feedback and she did mention the owner is open to evolving over time. Will return when the back patio opens for the Summer and see if I can enjoy my Hugo spritz with some cicchetti then.