When you pull into the small parking lot at Gilardi’s, the first thought to cross your mind is, "What’s all the fuss about?" Everyone who’s been here talks about how great it is, but from the outside, it is unimpressive. The restaurant is small, the parking is very limited, and the building looks more like a garage than one of the best restaurants in town, but as soon as you walk through the door and the fantastic scents of delicious Italian food hit your nose, you start to think that maybe everyone is right--maybe this place is special.
As you enter the restaurant, on the left is a large, well-stocked bar and the main dining area, which is rather small. To the right is the banquet room, which is also rather small. Our group of 35 was seated in the banquet room and just about filled it to capacity. This restaurant obviously seeks to provide a quality dining experience rather than a high-volume business. The tables were immaculately set with fine linen tablecloths and napkins and crystal glasses. The walls were decorated with scenes from Italy and bottles of fine imported wine hung on racks on the wall.
Although my wife and I were with a group the evening we visited Gilardi’s, the service remained personal and attentive. Too often when with a group, when the waiter knows that the tip is guaranteed, the service is slower or less attentive, but that was definitely not the case. Our group had the banquet room in the restaurant reserved, but we still had several servers for the room, and the owner made a point to come to each table and inquire about the food and service before the evening was over.
The food was fantastic. The moment we were seated, we were offered drinks, and shortly after that, a large appetizer platter with portabello mushrooms, calamari, and several other items appeared on our table. All of the food on the appetizer platter was delicious. Since we were with a group, we were offered a choice of several entree items, all of which sounded delicious. My wife had mushroom and seafood-stuffed ravioli, which she said was delicious. I had a steak covered in a peppercorn sauce with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The food was cooked perfectly, and the portion sizes were just right as well. For dessert, we both had the flourless chocolate cake, which was so rich and delicious that it melted in your mouth.
While the food was outstanding, it was the personal service that really made the experience special. I was very impressed with the owner’s attention to detail and the friendliness of all the staff. Although Gilardi’s may not look like much from the outside, it is not to be missed when dining in Springfield. Quality food, outstanding service, attention to detail, and romantic atmosphere all combine to make Gilardi’s one of the best restaurants I have ever visited in Springfield.