Gregory B.
Yelp
I am going to rate Tutti da Gio on what it is rather than group it in with Italian restaurants. What it is, put simply, is an Italian pick up spot for pasta, pizza, and a few other items. So I am primarily focusing on the food.
Coming into the place, it looks a bit more like a small convenience store with a big pizza oven behind the counter. There are racks for the delivery drivers, like Uber Eats, who come in to pick up and drive to someone ordering food from their couch. As I waited for my meal, there was a fairly steady queue going in and out.
To be transparent, I was offered a great deal on my meal as a part of Yelp Elite, but I did not let this influence my rating (although I did click 4, then 5, then 4, a few times before deciding). But, I have also heard great things from the Foodies of Nashville Facebook group along with recommendations of foodie friends on the east side of the city, so the price was not a reason to go here, but an incentive to go here now.
See pix: I had the daviola pizza (spicy pepperoni), an Arincini (ragu filled arborio rice ball - really an egg - breaded and deep fried), and two desserts: tiramisu and Bianco e Nero (white & black - which is a puff balled covered with chocolate cream/pudding and some cocoa).
My thoughts? The pepperoni does have a hint of spice, but if you are thinking serious pepper, you won't find it here. The cheese is higher end than what you find in lower end pizza joints and has a nice spring to it, as well as a great flavor. The wood fired oven adds a bit of smokiness which works very well with this combo. I am curious how other pizzas are, but I have always been a fan of a good wood fired pizza.
The Arincini is something I have never tried before, so I was excited. The ragu in the middle is very delicate. The rice is perfectly cooked (meaning for rice, not risotto - :D ) and it is lightly deep fried in a hot deep fryer. If you get a meal here, I would add one on.
The desserts were heavenly. The Tiramisu is very Italian style, so lighter on sugar than Ameri-Italian spots. The coffee soaking the lady fingers adds a wonderful flavor that complements the fingers and topping. The Bianco e Nero was my favorite, as I love puff balls. The topping was like pudding, but not like the cheap box stuff. Two thumbs up from both me and my friend.
It was cold, so I did not get to experience the "eat in" area, but had no intention anyway, as there are plenty of breweries that allow outside food (of course beer goes good with pizza). I can imagine it as an option for someone who does not have another spot to go, but it is definitely seasonal.
Try again? Definitely. I am interested to see if the pasta and gnocchi have the same bang as the pizza. And who doesn't like a good panini?