Da Gianni in Alabang: Authentic Italian Restaurant With a Heart
A quaint Italian restaurant resides in Westgate Hub, Alabang called Da Gianni, and this may not be the first time you heard it.
Established in March 2018, Da Gianni Cucina Italiana is owned by Filipino-Italian celebrity Matteo Guidicelli, together with his cousin Donikko Fernan, and close friends Pisha Villa-Abrille and Evan Carapiet.
IMAGE from Da Gianni
Da Gianni serves as a tribute to Matteo’s late grandfather, Gianni, who came to Cebu in the 1980s. Gianni was looking for authentic Italian food back then, but couldn’t find one. He was very passionate about the Italian taste thus started cooking on his own.
When Gianni passed away in 2016, his closest family and friends were inspired to open a restaurant that will serve as a tribute to him, as well as to provide everyone authentic Italian food. The simple idea gave birth to the first branch, Trattoria da Gianni, in Cebu City in 2017.
IMAGE from Da Gianni
A year later, they opened the second branch in Alabang, with Matteo’s father, Gianluca Guidicelli, as the head chef. They follow the farm-to-table concept and source their grass-fed meats from Argentina.
To start, you may want to sample their Gorgonzola Salad. This salad features prosciutto di parma and parmigiano, which both give off a strong savory flavor. You can taste the freshness of the greens upon the first crunch, too.
Gorgonzola Salad / IMAGE from Da Gianni
A real treat for pizza lovers is the Bufala di Napoletana Pizza. Made with a base of tomato sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella burrata di bufala napoletana–which melts creamily over the crust–, cherry tomatoes, sliced prosciutto crudo, and basil leaves.
Buffala di Napoletana Pizza / IMAGE from Da Gianni
For seafood lovers, their Italian-Style Mussels surely won’t disappoint you! Plump mussels steamed in a garlic-and-Italian-herbs-fortified broth are served with garlic bread for dipping. This is the kind of appetizer that should be shared even though you may not want to. It’s an Italian rustic seaside experience with every spoonful!
Italian-style Mussels / IMAGE from Da Gianni
As the name implies, Da Gianni’s Sear Fish Fillet consists of perfectly seared fish fillet over a bed of mashed potatoes, like a one-two punch combo. The addition of roasted cherry tomatoes, capers, and a drizzle of olive oil makes it light, briny, and flavorful. A perfect choice for seafood lovers looking for something refined, but homely.
Sear Fish Fillet / IMAGE from Da Gianni
Carbonara Classico sticks to its basics, with al dente spaghetti tossing about in an egg sauce finished with crispy guanciale. The extra freshly grated parmesan rounds ever so nicely. It’s rich and creamy, salty, and just what the soul deserves—this is Italian comfort food at its best.
Carbonara Classico / IMAGE from Da Gianni
For meat lovers, this Italian restaurant’s Osso Buco di Gianni is a standout entree. Beef shanks are slow-braised until fork-tender in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect with rice or on its own!
Osso Buco di Gianni / IMAGE from Da Gianni
Da Gianni also tries to incorporate twists into their menu, adding new dishes every now and then. They particularly love experimenting on the desserts. Additionally, they have a fully-functioning bar that features Italian cocktails and of course, premium wines.
IMAGE from Da Gianni
As for the interior, it serves as a modern interpretation of Italian homes. The decorations are also some sort of echoes of Gianni’s persona, from his personal collections to his favorite paintings.
IMAGE from Da Gianni
There are also photographs of Gianni around, and you surely won’t miss the painting of him on the brick wall.
IMAGE from Da Gianni
Ultimately, what makes Da Gianni very special is that it’s more than a restaurant. It’s home, so it’s no doubt that the majority of their customers are families.
