My follow-up review for this restaurant. Read my previous review for this restaurant here

One goes to Giannino’s when the craving for uncomplicated and timelessly delicious Northern and Southern Italian fare takes over your senses. It is the kind of restaurant that is bookmark worthy, if it actually had a website. And letting its strip mall locale steer you away from exploring the offerings would be an injustice to your appetite. Step through the double glass doors and into a space that will have you check that memory of busy intersection Hyperion Avenue and Griffith Park Boulevard at the door.

When offered, order the beef carpaccio appetizer or warm up the appetite with an order of eggplant parmigiana and a basket of garlic bread, in lieu of complimentary sourdough slices and salted butter. Homemade pasta is featured generously on the menu in a variety of preparations, which the waiter will offer to generously dust from a bowl of grated parmesan after it arrives steamy. The Ossobuco over saffron risotto is one of three specials found on some weekends. It’s a dish that can make a dinner knife feel left out – cooked through to the bone so deliciously one can enjoy alternating between the marrow and the tender shank meat. It is a hearty and delicate dish served over a bed of a deep buttery yellow saffron risotto, perfect for winter months alongside a fruity glass of the house chianti. Prepared just right the creamy texture and unique aroma inspires one to leave not even a single grain behind. Thoughtful portions are served fresh from the kitchen and delivered with care, and vegetarian dishes are available, though limited. Desserts are typical Italian offerings (tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, caramel flan) and made in house so they’re not to be passed up.

Warm and moderately lit with an upbeat tone, romantic dinners can be had if seated at an appropriate corner table or a two top along the walls away from the distraction of the busy sidestation under the kitchen’s view. Though within walking distance for surrounding locals, drivers will find that “valet” parking is actually self-parking guarded by a man deceivingly dressed as a valet who will collect $3.75 so You can park the car just a few feet from the restaurant’s entrance.

Giannino 2630 Hyperion Ave. Silver Lake, CA (323) 664-7979