PaPa Gio' - great Italian place (NOT Papa Giovanni's)

[TheLostSwede]

Right, found out about a great Italian restaurant last night, as a friend of mine took me there, it's called PaPa Gio' and is less than 5 minutes walk from Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT station, exit 5. This is not the same place or owner as the Italian restaurant that used to be located there, so if you went to the old one and didn't like (I heard it wasn't very good) you should try this place.
The food is fantastic and there's a quick and dirty review of it on my blog if anyone cares to read it.
They also have a website http://www.papagio.com.tw/

[Tempo Gain]

Ah so this is not the infamous papa giovanni? sounds good, maybe give it a try this weekend

[TheLostSwede]

No, it's under new management (with a new name, if possibly not different enough) and I was really impressed by the the food, they even server proper risotto with porcini mushrooms...
The chef is a very charismatic and friendly guy, although I guess it helped that my friend that I went there with was Italian as well
Oh, and the pricing seems to be much more affordable as well.

Just found this

The former chef and sous chef at Capones have taken over

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRevi ... aipei.html

[citizen k]

This is Giorgio Trevisan (sp?), formely of Giorgio's in lane 216 (where the Swiss restaurant followed in after) and then of Capone's, as mentioned above. Giorgio has been in the industry a long time and knows his stuff. I have not been yet myself, but all reports from friends are positive.

[elektronisk]

This is Giorgio Trevisan (sp?), formely of Giorgio's in lane 216 (where the Swiss restaurant followed in after) and then of Capone's, as mentioned above. Giorgio has been in the industry a long time and knows his stuff. I have not been yet myself, but all reports from friends are positive.

ck. Yes, it is that Giorgio. For what it is worth I rated them in the top three when he was at Capone's. Now that he has his own place in a good location... I rate him number one.

I ordered five pizza's for take away. All were excellent. Ask for the Calzone B (spinach & ricotta) as a pizza.

It is not the bunch of friggin' idiots that were at that location before. Giorgio has taken/remade the place.

By the way, I rate them as/for the best pizza I have had in Taiwan.

Now, no one is even close.

Thanks TLS.

[TheLostSwede]

Well, we went back a second time and tried a few other things. The home made Gnocci is fantastic and I have no idea what he puts in his tomato sauce, but for a "plain" tomato sauce, it's the best I've ever had...
My GF kinda ruined the pizza though, as she wanted double cheese which made it a bit to greasy, but no fault of the cook and it was still pretty damn good.
The amazing thing, considering the location and the quality of the food, is that it's far from expensive for what you get.
This is definitely a new favourite place in Taipei to eat at.

[Novaspes]

Just to let you guys know, we Italian lads and ladies have dinner there every single Monday night at 20:30. New friends, be they Italian, Taiwanese or other asians or bignoses are always welcome!! ^_^

[Wacow]

Yes, great place. wife and I went a few times during the past few months. Great Spinach salad, and steaks. Also 10% off if you use a Citi credit card.