January 27, 2023
Gigio’s Pizzeria is a local pizza shop in downtown Evanston, located at the corner of Davis and Maple. Founded in 1968, Gigios has been open for more than 50 years, and has long been considered one of the premiere pizza places in the entirety of Evanston.
The menu at Gigio’s is one of the most impressive aspects of the restaurant. Despite being first and foremost a pizzeria, Gigigo’s still boasts one of the most robust menus around. The vast selection of sandwiches alone would be sufficient to call this a good spot to eat, sporting multiple burger options (including an impossible burger), as well as corned beef and italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, chili dogs, delicious gyros, and much more.
“I really like the fish, the tacos, and the meatball sandwiches, which is good given its a pizza restaurant,” says freshman Spencer Barbaro.
Beyond their sandwiches, tacos, and salads, the real highlight of Gigio’s is, of course, the pizza. Gigio’s pizza is absolutely delicious, and the by-the-slice attitude really helps, as you can enjoy hot pizza in minutes for less than six dollars. The quality is top tier as well. The pizza at Gigio’s is some of the best I have ever had, a sentiment echoed by the 4.4 star average across its 745 reviews on Google.
Barbaro agrees, “The crust was perfectly crisp and the cheese had an amazing mouthfeel!”
In addition to the delicious pizza, Gigio’s has other things going for it as well. The restaurant is located in one of the most accessible places imaginable, seated across the street from a Metra stop, and nearly central in the densest part of Evanston. The corner of Davis and Maple has been one of the most important factors in keeping Gigio’s in business for so long. Another one of these factors is the restaurant itself. A glowing, orange sign with big windows on both sides, and a memorable depiction of a man holding a pizza above the doorway help to really grab the attention of passersby and make Gigio’s stand out on its block. The interior is admirable too.
“The music is very fitting and there is a good amount of space between tables,” comments Barbaro.
With its reliable quality, local small business vibe, expansive menu, and amazing pizza, Gigio’s Pizzeria is a consistent classic and a favorite part of the Evanston food scene, and it might just be the best pizza in town.
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