Donny G’s Italian restaurante and bar is a mainstay just west of Harlem at 7308 W North Ave. in Elmwood Park. The old school, elegant vibe carries through not only to the menu, but to entertainment on weekends and weekly specials.
New general manager Michael Mirza was immediately impressed when he joined the team four months ago. “Coming from the corporate world, everything comes out of a bag,” he said. “Here it’s different. It’s actually made from scratch, literally. Chef Alberto dices the tomatoes; he makes the sauce; he puts the salt; he does the pepper. He’s got his own recipe in his mind.”
Chef Alberto Pedina arrived at Donny G’s six years ago from La Scarola in the city.
“Whatever you get, you’re going to enjoy. That’s without a doubt,” Mirza said. “The bruschetta is probably our most popular. The second would be the fried calamari. Chicken Vesuvio is a very excellent choice as well.”
Chicken Vesuvio is a Chicago-born dish. It is said to have originated at Vesuvio Restaurant, downtown during the 1930s – an echo of similar chicken dishes originating in southern Italy.
The rest of the menu reflects that deep flavor ethos too.
“It’s just old-school Italian, great food, and then Friday, Saturdays, great entertainment, too,” Mirza said.
On Friday and Saturday nights music adds additional ambiance. Acts such as the Anthony Cassano Quartet fill the air with the sights and sounds of Frank Sinatra. Stella Raimondi sings Italian and American pop hits. Weekend valet service makes parking easier too.
There is a full bar, serving all the classics, as well as rotating seasonal selections. In December it’s an eggnog martini. The wine list is Italian, but ready for all tastes and budgets.
The restaurant is often called an Italian steakhouse, but it is much more, according to Mirza.
“We do have steaks for sure, without a doubt. But our home is Italian food,” he said. “We have rotating specials. Every single week it’s going to be something different. It’s seasonal, or honestly, if the chef gets ideas that comes in mind, we’ll try it, say it’s phenomenal. We’ll just put it on a special for the next week.”
Catering is always offered, but on Christmas eve, it goes into overdrive.
“We set up a table and have everything planned out. Food comes out, we tray it up, put them in the boxes, label it and then we just dish it out. Honestly, so it’s very seamless” Mirza said.
Just like your Nonna used to make but get your order in at least two days prior to the holiday.
And to put a bow on top, dessert at Donny G’s is up to par with the rest of the menu. Cannoli come from a local bakery. Bread pudding tempts many.
“I’ve never been a fan of tiramisu. I’m not going to lie,” Mirza said. “But our tiramisu is phenomenal. It’s fresh. It’s amazing. It’s a whole different ball game.”
Donny G’s continues to bring you home, on a trip down memory lane or simply remind your tastebuds why you wish you grew up Italian.
Donny G’s
Address: 7308 W North Ave., Elmwood Park
Website: donnygsristorante.com
Hours:
Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday Closed
Tues.–Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
