Trattoria Giancarlo

Gian Carlo’s is an amazing little traditional Italian trattoria, now based in Hall Green. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming looks and the slightly rustic feel to the place — Gian Carlo’s can serve up some seriously great Italian food at very reasonable prices.
My wife and I have been going to Gian Carlo’s (no where near as often as we would like) since they were in their old location in Selly Oak. Why do we keep going back whenever we can? Well the food is a big part of it, of course — I can personally vouch for the Fillet Steak Rossini, which is excellent — but it is the people that make this place what it is. There is a warmth here that comes from having a small restaurant with a lot of regulars rather than a large establishment in the middle of town — The owner and his wife remember you once you have visited a couple of times and greet you with a friendly conversation. We have spent more than one evening ending with the owner sat with us drinking wine and talking about times passed, or recipes, or whatever.
Please don’t overlook this fine little Italian — I know it is a little out of the way when compared to the larger places in town or in the larger villages such as Harborne, but it really is worth the trip. The food is excellent, the wine is generally up-​to-​par, too (personally selected by the owner), the deserts are incredible, and the people are wonderful. Try something different and visit them as soon as you can.