My first taste of Giordano’s pizza was late last year. While visiting family in the Chicago area, I strolled through the busy downtown streets on a quest to visit some of the city’s precious landmarks. As my adventures came to an end, all I could think about was food and frantically called a close friend who had lived in the city for many years. When I asked her to suggest the best “Chicago style” pizza, she recommended Giordano’s.
The line for the restaurant was trailing out of the door and nearly wrapped around the building. I knew if the line was long, the food was excellent but the question was, did I want to wait that long? You bet I did!
Never would I have thought this wonderful, stuffed, deep dish pizza would soon be available right in my own city. But it’s true, the famed Chicago chain now calls Indianapolis home. I was invited to a special media tasting and grand opening ceremony for a new location at 4110 E. 82nd St. I couldn’t wait to relive the wonderful experience I had while dining in Chicago.
The restaurant has family-style seating, large booths and even a full bar. A large glass barrier between seating and the kitchen allows patrons to see the dough rolling and tossing in action.
Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, Giordano’s president and CEO, said this 50th location won’t be the last project completed in Indianapolis and they are looking at a few locations in Carmel. Personally, I see this restaurant being a great addition to our downtown.
I was introduced to the cheesy garlic bread with a mix of three melted cheeses and herbs served with marinara sauce. It was so delicious and I wanted to keep eating, but I wanted to save room for the main attraction.
Next, the table was served a classic Caesar salad with creamy Caesar dressing, garlic croutons and shaved Parmesan, Romano and Asiago cheeses. Before I could finish the salad, another dish arrived. The Chicken Carbonara Rigatoni included chicken, bacon, peas and mushrooms tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. I thought to myself, “I’m not going to have room in my body to enjoy the pizza.”
Finally, the main attraction arrived and our table was served two styles of pizza, the Fresh Spinach and a special Indianapolis style which included a variety of meats and cheeses. The Fresh Spinach pizza was calling my name. The spinach was crunchy, the dough was fresh and the cheese was melted to perfection.
On my visit, I spoke with General Manger Julia Honious, who shared that staff had been turning local residents away all day because the store hadn’t officially opened yet.
“Our favorite game is to watch the cars drive past slowly and peek inside,” laughs Honious.
She added that she was expecting a large crowd once the restaurant officially opened later that day.
And boy was she correct! A few days later, I drove past the restaurant and found a steady line outside of the building. Even more interesting: I returned a few hours later and there was still a line! It seems as if the Giordano’s staff has a big job on their hands. If you’re in the mood for Windy City pizza right here in Indy, pump your brakes and stop by. You won’t be disappointed.
Giordano’s
4110 E. 82nd St.
(317) 348-4085
Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
