Tucked inside the historic Gibson Mill in Concord, North Carolina, Gianni’s Trattoria is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a little corner of Italy — without the 10-hour flight.
Built on the heartfelt mantra “Bring families back to the table,” this beloved local institution has been serving authentic Italian cuisine to the Concord community for over 15 years.
Every dish is crafted from scratch, rooted in generations-old family recipes, and made with ingredients sourced from local farmers — a philosophy as warm and genuine as the restaurant itself. 🌿
How Gianni’s Trattoria Won Concord’s Hearts
From the very beginning, Gianni’s Trattoria didn’t need a flashy marketing campaign or a celebrity endorsement to win over the people of Concord.
Owner Gianni’s personal touch — known to walk the floor and check in on guests himself — turned first-time visitors into loyal regulars faster than you can say “buon appetito.”
The kitchen has long been helmed by Chef Heather, whose creativity and commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients elevated this small-town trattoria into something genuinely special.
Diners who stumbled in once began making reservations in advance — because word spread fast that this was not just another Italian restaurant, but an experience worth planning for.
Locals from Northeast transplants homesick for real Italian food to families celebrating birthdays have all found their way here, and nearly every single one of them has left raving.
It didn’t hurt that the space itself — nestled within the magnificent, repurposed Gibson Mill — provided a backdrop so charming it practically dared guests not to fall in love.
Over the years, this hidden Italian gem in Concord built something rare in the restaurant world: a genuinely devoted following that shows up not just for the food, but for the feeling of being there. 🍷
Food Highlights 🍴
- Chicken & Shrimp Picatta: Pan-seared chicken and shrimp dressed with artichoke hearts and capers in a bright lemon butter sauce, served over angel hair pasta.
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Tagliatelle Di San Jacque: Pan-seared sea scallops and Gulf shrimp with wild mushrooms, pancetta, and scallions in a rich Gorgonzola-Parmesan cream sauce, topped with shaved Belgian chocolate.
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Calamari Fritti: Domestic calamari lightly dusted in special seasoned flour and gently fried, served with a fiery Fra Diavolo sauce.
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Nona’s Manicotti: Tender crepes stuffed with a blend of Italian cheeses and ricotta, topped with Bolognese sauce and mozzarella, then baked.
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Mama’s Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs: Handmade meatballs made with pork, veal, and beef braised in marinara and served over imported spaghetti.
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Lasagna al Forno: A timeless classic layered with hearty Bolognese meat sauce, mozzarella, and fresh ricotta, baked until hot and bubbly.
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Francaise: Your choice of shrimp or chicken battered and fried in a light Parmesan egg batter, topped with a citrus beurre blanc and served over angel hair pasta. 🍋
Atmosphere
Gianni’s Trattoria is warm, intimate, and unmistakably Italian — set inside the beautifully restored Gibson Mill, the space wraps you in a cozy ambiance that feels a world away from the ordinary.
“The place smells like my grandma’s house,” one reviewer said — and honestly, there is no higher compliment a restaurant can receive.
It’s the kind of room where conversations linger long after the plates are cleared, and where every table feels like the best seat in the house.
Bottom Line
🌟 Five reasons to book your table tonight:
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Authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations, made with heart
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Chef Heather’s creative, market-fresh menu elevates every visit into something memorable
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Owner Gianni’s personal presence makes every guest feel like a VIP
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A stunning Gibson Mill setting that’s as beautiful as the food is delicious
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Locally sourced ingredients and cooked-to-order dishes that put quality first 🍕
Address:
325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
📞 (704) 788-0595
🕔 Mon & Wed–Thu: 5–9 PM | Fri–Sat: 5–10 PM | Sun: 4–9 PM | Closed Tuesday