Having been told, albeit erroneously, that Chianti only serves family-style, my husband and I regrettably passed up Chianti time and again for lesser Italian fare throughout Bay Ridge. Prompted by a glowing review from a co-worker, we recently took a chance with some friends...and all of us were blown away. Elegant, romantically low-lit and yet extremely welcoming, the restaurant's decor was immediately appealing. Upon seating us, the waitstaff brought us complimentary bruschetta, along with delicious crusty bread and focaccia - our first introduction to the friendly attentiveness that would last all evening. Fortunately, we were too busy oohing and aahing over the delectable spread and profusely thanking the waiter for his spot-on suggestions to kick ourselves for not venturing into this place sooner. The superb dining experience at Chianti more than makes up for all the time, money and aggravation previously wasted elsewhere (especially pseudo-pretentious Areo just one block away).
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