The buzz: From the team behind Sing Sing and Iron Balls comes this cozy Italian restaurant, occupying the cantina-like confines that formerly housed Quince.

 

The vibe: Gigi has kept the rustic and industrial interior touches of its predecessor—lamps hung up by chains, exposed metal beams and rafters—but brightened up the space with a splash of color coming from behind the bar in the back of the room. Once you pass through the antique wooden door, you’re greeted with upbeat music, a long high table ideal for socializing and low amber lights. It’s the kind of hip and classy setting that baits late-stage Millennials into after-work dinners with friends that easily spiral into rounds of drinks at Sing Sing or Iron Balls.

 

The food: It’s all about homey Italian food here. Chef Edoardo Bonavolt (of plant-based trailblazer Barefood Bangkok) cranks out dishes available in two different portions: for one or to share. Start with the wood-roasted cauliflower, given some vibrancy with raisins, pine nuts, and a dill and saffron sauce (B210). Like all good Italian restaurants, Gigi does a burrata (B395). Here, they use locally produced burrata, along with acidic elements like marinated tomatoes and pickled shallots, and drizzle it all with olive oil. For mains, try the Tuscan classic pappardelle rosa (B280), or opt for the agnolotti del plin (B260)—stuffed, handmade pasta with prosciutto, mortadella and Parmesan cheese served with aromatic sage butter. To end, there’s an awesome tiramisu (B220), among other tasty desserts.

 

The drinks: Looking for an easy-drinking cocktail? Try the Aperol-based Bitch Spritz (B275), which is mixed with passion fruit, mango puree and Prosecco. Need something stronger? Go for the Paloma in Paradisco (B295), a blend of Malfy gin, Alipus San Baltazar mezcal, Dolin Rouge vermouth, grapefruit juice, lemongrass syrup and lemon juice. The wine list, meanwhile, ranges from a Vigna Di Pallino Chianti (B1,450) to the Speri family’s young and food-friendly Valpolicella Classico (B1,450) to Pinot Grigio from Friuli (B1,260).

 

Why we’d come back: This is a sleeker brand of Italian restaurant than you usually find in Bangkok, a place that works for family dinners and happy hours alike.