How do we love Italianni’s? Let us count the (20) ways
In this food-loving nation, restaurants come and go. Some eateries pop up only to close shop a short time later. Others find their niche and flourish through the years. One good example is Italianni's, a place where friends and families share their stories, celebrate and strengthen their bonds over generous servings of Italian-American food in a homey setting.
Owned and operated by The Bistro Group, Italianni’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary today in the Philippines. It's definitely a tough fete considering the number of international resto concepts and homegrown brands it has to compete with, not to mention the Filipinos’ penchant for sweet pasta and pizza.
So how do we love Italianni’s? Let us count the (20) ways.
1 A heartfelt welcome. At Italianni’s, the dining experience begins and ends with these warm greetings in Italian: “Boun Giorno (good morning)” and “Grazie (thank you).”
2 The freshly baked bread. It’s always a treat to come “home” to good food. What’s more special is when a basket of freshly baked Tuscan and foccacia bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip are plopped right on your table while waiting for your order. Did I mention it's on the house?
3 Free coffee. It pays to be loyal. Bistro Premiere Card holders get free coffee every time they dine at the resto. Just flash your card and enjoy.
4 Spinach and artichoke formaggio. Tease your palate with a serving of spinach and artichoke formaggio, hands-down the best appetizer on the menu. Great for vegetarian diners, too!
5 Spaghetti with meatballs. Most Filipinos, especially kids, love their pasta sweet. But those who try Italianni’s Spaghetti with Meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta in marinara sauce topped with huge meatballs, are forever hooked.
6 Kids can create their own pizza. Kids aren’t left out. Aside from the kids' meal, children can also create pizza to their liking.
7 Chicken Italianni’s. Simple but, oh, so good! Sauteed in white wine, Italian sausage, white onion and red bell pepper served with rosemary potatoes, it tops the menu.
8 Shared-style dining. Dining is all about sharing best-sellers which come in generous portions.
9 Delicious breakfast fare. Miguel C. Ramos, chief executive officer of Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines, starts his day with a cup of good coffee and a hearty breakfast at Italianni's Bonifacio Global City, while having a business meeting. “There are always new dishes to try,” Miguel, who dines at Italianni’s about two times a week, enthuses.
10 Here, guests’ requests are never denied ( GRAND). Team Italianni’s believes that the customer is king. So, if you want your pasta without garlic, or want to replace the chicken on your dish with shrimp, the chef down to the wait staff would give in to your cravings — no questions asked.
11 Happy to serve. Service is a trademark of Italianni’s. The wait staff is more than just happy to take not just your orders, but “selfies” or “groufies” as well.
12 The birthday song. Celebrating birthdays is always fun and memorable at Italianni’s. 20 years ago, the wait staff would sing operatic (birthday) songs in Italian. Well, times have changed. Today, the song is more upbeat but rendered with the same energy and enthusiasm.
13 Txtify. The Bistro Group empowers its customers to voice not only their complaints, but give suggestions or commend a team member for a job well done through Txtify. Try it sometime soon. The feedback is immediate, guaranteed!
14 Photos, inspiring quotes. Photos of the Italian chef, a homemaker and a family happily sharing a meal hanging on the resto's walls, coupled with inspiring messags, add warmth to the place.
15 Homey ambience. Comforting not intimidating, dining at Italianni's is like eating in the comforts of your home.
16 Where memories are made. Micci Laroza, a creative designer, shares that Italianni’s is where she bonds with her mom. “My mom and I have had countless after-work dates at Italianni’s. We talk just about everything — even my heartaches,” she says.
17 Favorite branch. Some guests are at Italianni’s Greenbelt almost every day, having breakfast with friends and associates. “My Lola lives in Pampanga and occasionally goes to Manila. When she does, our go-to is the private room in the Italianni’s BGC,” account manager Katrina Nicdao, shares.
18 First provincial branch. Italianni’s opened its first provincial branch at Abreeza Mall in Davao in 2011. People were ecstatic!
19 Greenbelt Patio Bar. Dine and sip cocktails at the al fresco bar. A cozy place to chat with friends, people watch, chill and hang out.
20 Consistent, reliable, here to stay. “Simply put, it’s an oldie but a goodie! There are so many new restaurants, but Italianni’s remains to be a reliable choice,” says Katrina. Here’s a toast to Italianni’s 20th year! Guests look forward to more great food, outstanding service, and a lot more surprises in the years to come.