New on Manayunk’s Main Street: Gigi Italian Bistro

The former So Crepe location at 4357 Main Street in Manayunk is getting a new restaurant— Gigi Italian Bistro. Scheduled to open at the end of June, the BYOB will be operated by chef Craig Wilson of Maya.J (also in Manayunk) and his fiancée Jacqueline Au.

After traveling the world and living in New York for the last decade, Wilson, an Ardmore native, came home with the intention of starting his own family—Jacqueline is pregnant with their first child—and his own restaurants.

Gigi Italian Bistro courses//Photos by Dallyn Pavey.

Jacqueline Au and Craig Wilson

The name, Gigi, is an ode to Wilson’s grandmother and the name they call her. The husband and wife team want guests to feel like they are being invited into their home and will have a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant will be an homage to mothers and grandmothers who have lovingly made comfort food for their families for generations. To give it the casual, cozy vibe, the decor will be a combination of rustic and contemporary.

The menu will offer pasta, poultry, meat and seafood, with dishes like spaghetti and mussels marinara, linguine with pesto and shrimp and insalata di rucola (baby arugula, roasted red peppers and asiago balsamic vinaigrette).

For up to date news on the opening, follow Gigi Italian Bistro on Facebook.