Bites Nearby: Gio Italian Grill

Tony and Giovanna DiMaio took a strip mall location on the edge of a residential development in Lower Macungie Township, added an open flame hearth, brought in imported Italian ingredients, and started living their dream of owning and operating a family restaurant. They describe the attitude of Gio Italian Grill as “Old World charm with a progressive twist.”

The open-flame brick oven cooks at extremely high heat (600° F.) to produce consistent pizzas.  Gio’s offers several specialty pizzas and more than 20 toppings, so guests can create their own favorite combinations. The menu also includes traditional Italian pastas and Gio Classics, for which diners first select either chicken breast or veal scallopini, then choose the sauces and method of preparation.

The lunch menu features those standard dishes plus an assortment of paninis and sandwiches, while the dinner menu adds a handful of meat and seafood entrees.

Among the many dishes promising authentic flavors are the polenta fritta, fried calamari and eggplant caponata (appetizers) and tomato and fresh pea risotto (sides).

The children’s menu offers no-fuss kid-friendly options such as chicken strips, spaghetti with Nonna’s meatballs, ice cream, milk and juices, not to mention some do-at-the-table puzzles to keep the little ones occupied.  

Gio has a full bar (think Italian wines and “Giotinis), and virtually all of the menu items are available for take-out. When the weather cooperates, guests can dine on the patio, European-style.

6465 Village Lane (facing Route 100), Macungie, PA 18062. 610 966-9446.