Dish: Gia Shows Deep Love for Italian Cooking

Photo by Kevin Kramer

What’s Up

Having operated as a pop-up over the past few years, Gia now boasts a permanent home in the heart of southwest Minneapolis’ Armatage neighborhood, situated in the former Cavé Vin space, next door to Ann Kim’s Pizzeria Lola. With a needed revamp, upgraded seating, and new paint, the space greets guests with a wave of quaint, old-but-modern warmth—and a grandiose, tiled, open-kitchen concept. This is where you’ll find the culinary visionaries behind Gia, expediting, organizing, and carefully garnishing.

Enter chefs Jo Seddon and Lisa Wengler, both distinguished alumni of Gavin Kaysen’s acclaimed Bellecour in Wayzata who share a deep-rooted love for Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on ethically and sustainably sourced food, to support local farmers. The menu changes day to day, week to week, but expect heaps of garden-fresh herbs, authentic formaggi, and house-made, perfectly al dente pastas that showcase Seddon and Wengler’s commitment to traditional cooking methods.

Side Dish

Inspired by Seddon and Wengler’s travels in Italy and southern France, Gia’s menu is progressive while celebrating seasonal produce. From rosemary focaccia and mozzarella di bufala (a mozzarella made from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo) to Chianti-braised beef and diaphanous prosciutto di Parma sliced to order, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the depth of Italian cuisine.

The orecchiette—which translates to “little ears”—is a standout: a tender and flavorful pasta dish adorned with vibrant rapini, earthy tagiasca olives, freshly grated Parmesan, fresno, and pine nuts. Studded with bright cherry tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, the bruschetta pomodoro is fresh and herbaceous—easily a staple with every visit to Gia. Dessert is equally indulgent—in fact, staff encourage shaping your order around the dessert menu. Try an affogato, the perfect marriage of espresso and gelato, or the house-made ice cream, churned daily in small batches in flavors like bitter caramel and vanilla.

Where It’s At

Gia has quickly established itself as a local gem. Seddon and Wengler’s dedication to genuine hospitality shines, and Gia’s interior is designed with a focus on warmth and comfort for an inviting atmosphere—light and airy, with thoughtful accents. 5555 Xerxes Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-274-7163, giampls.com

Correction: This story was originally published online with the wrong photo. We apologize for the error.

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