Time for the last late-night baked spaghetti to come out of the oven at Gigi's Pizza & Spaghetti House, as the longstanding Vancouver "red sauce" Italian joint and pizzeria is closing its doors.
Located at 189 West Broadway, Gigi's has been open for 30 years, and was among the few spots you could go to in Vancouver for a meal after midnight, with dine-in service offered to 1:30 a.m. weeknights, and until 2 a.m. on weekends.
The 2,475-square-foot space was a neighbourhood landmark, thanks to their arched windows, signage, and plenty of neon.
There remained several die-hard Gigi's fans, who swear by the restaurant's pastas, pizzas, and Mediterranean-influenced dishes (which veered towards the Greek side, too). However, many who had been loyal Gigi's customers several years ago - many point to the 1990s - have found the restaurant no longer met their expectations based on more recent visits.
There were once multiple locations of Gigi's Pizza & Spaghetti House; the one in the West End at 1047 Davie Street open since the late 70s, as some recall, closed about five years ago. That space became Priscilla's, and is now home to a second location of a popular Richmond-based restaurant known for a massive menu of pasta served in heaping portions, Italian Tomato.
In March, the West Broadway Gigi's Pizza was listed for sale, and staff began discussing a possible closure with customers.
Now, it appears there will be no more Royal or Meat Lovers' pizzas from Gigi's, nor baked pastas, Greek salads, or BBQ chicken and ribs combos. As of June 15, the restaurant is no more.
June 17: Editor's note: A previous version of this story mis-identified prior tenants of 1047 Davie Street. The article has been amended to reflect the correct information.
