Masala Magazine Thailand

Revel in eclectic charm and elevated Italian fare at Gigi – Dining Hall & Bar

by Aiden July 8, 2020

July 8, 2020

Thonglor welcomes an Italian restaurant that’s bold as brass.

By Aiden Jewelle Gonzales

If the personification of ‘weird and wonderful’ opened up a cantina for the bustling family clutch, the chic gaggle of gals on a night out, and the cool urbanite who’s single but not looking to mingle, it would be Gigi – Dining Hall & Bar. From its neon-red basketball hoop urging you to take a shot in more ways than one, to the mural of a green-shod man astride an ostrich, the space is a study in the seemingly arbitrary coming together to form a charmingly chaotic whole.

So grab your mates and bring your dates to this industrial-chic wonderland, and bask in its quirky indoor décor or verdant outdoor patio – I certainly will be back for a hearty meal and a drink (or three).

FOOD AND DRINK

The concept behind Gigi’s fare is Italian comfort food, but in my opinion, it goes well beyond that. Although any lover of Italian cuisine will recognise classic favourites in their extensive menu, each dish is packed with extra flavour and unique delights. Never has the phrase ‘an embarrassment of riches’ been more apt when I dined there – whatever you’re craving, they’ve got an option that’ll hit the spot.

If you share my devotion to truffle, go for the Tartufo nero (THB 270), a pizza with extra-rich mascarpone and scamorza. Want something light but meaty? The Beef carpaccio (THB 280) is your best bet, elevated by its toothsome lemon and truffle dressing. And if you’re in a Mood and want something hot to fan those flames, dive into the Penne arrabiata. How angry are you? (THB 250) for something hot enough to match your ire (and inevitably assuage it because good food is the best panacea).

Your meal wouldn’t be complete without a tipple or two from their pert lemon-yellow backlit bar, with saucy cocktails to match. I’d recommend the Bitch spritz (THB THB 275) with its punch of passion fruit and prosecco for those of us who ride the line between bubbly and tart. My own cheeky suggestion: if you’re still feeling the buzz, pop into the Iron Balls Parlour next door and then Sing Sing club afterwards, both owned by the same group, for that ultimate night-out trifecta.

MASALA RECOMMENDS

Best for big groups of friends who want to let their hair down (gals, forget the men and check out their ladies’ night on Tuesdays for a femme-tastic time) or if you want to impress a date with your impeccable taste.

If there’s one thing to try, it’s their Cauliflower power (THB 210), wood roasted in the Sicilian style and filled with a myriad of surprise ingredients that I’ll leave you to discover yourself. For the carnivores, check out their prosciutto-stuffed Agnolotti del plin (THB 260), then top it off with their sinful Gianduja budino (THB 200), a chocolate ganache with hazelnut cream that’ll round off your decadent evening.