Named after his son, Giannini’s Pizzeria & Ristorante recently opened where was at 1195 Main St. Restaurateur Louis Bautista of Danbury is running the show, offering “authentic northern Italian-style cuisine.” He has already perfected Ecuadorian fare at his Danbury-based restaurant, .
Opening a business here in Branford, along the shoreline, has been a longtime goal for Bautista. “I was always looking in this area,” he said of expanding his business.
A chef for 22 years, Bautista hails from Macas, Ecuador and earned his culinary prowess in Manhattan then in Westport, Conn. Under the instruction of Gianny Escapin at the Culinary Institute in New York, Bautista said he started to see his longtime dreams become a reality. “In out country it was difficult to open a new business – one of my dreams was to come to the United States, work hard and open my own business.” Bautista was formerly the executive chef of Panne Vino in Westport.
In 2000, that dream became a reality and even though the economy has presented tough economic times for all business owners, Bautista said he’s been lucky. “Thank God,” he said, “Danbury supports us a lot, even in a bad economy.”
If you’re in the mood for pizza, Giannini’s offers pies of all sizes from small to “party” with the usual suspects as far as toppings. Specialty pies like chicken buffalo and penne alla vodka will challenge the palate but those looking for tradition can expect margarita and Hawaiian pies.
Giannini’s offers hot sandwiches and a variety of pasta dishes and entrees. Download entire menu attached.
“Our cooking,” said Bautista, “is very light.” Diners can expect the use of extra virgin olive oil in most dishes and not too much fat or butter.
“I’m excited to meet the local people,” said Bautista.
Giannini’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
1195 Main St., Branford; 203-488-9500; 203-488-9300; Free delivery, lunch served until 3 p.m.
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
