Delicious and authentic cuisine, fabulous service, and an exotic atmosphere combine to make Gamba Ristorante one of the most popular restaurants in Merrillville, Indiana. The architecture alone is enough to attract guests, as the restaurant is completely circular and boasts 10,000 square feet of space that is topped by a copper roof. This eye-catching structure isn’t simply all show, however, as the delicious food keeps visitors coming back again and again. Gamba

Ristorante’s reviews on Open Table and Yelp are overwhelmingly positive, showing just how much guests love dining here. The unique space has also become quite popular as a venue for private events in Merrillville. As a wedding venue, Gamba Ristorante satisfies any bride’s search for excellent food, exceptional service, and an upscale atmosphere. Engaged couples love the services offered by the Gamba family at Gamba Ristorante.

The Space

Containing not only a dining room, but also a separate event space that is perfect for wedding receptions, Gamba Ristorante is an excellent choice for a modern, upscale wedding. The lovely room can host up to 175 seated guests as well as a dance floor. The restaurant has a dining room, event venue, bar, and kitchen. Each room is positioned in its own space, forming a circular structure that centers around an outdoor courtyard. The event room has direct access to the courtyard, making it the perfect place for a cocktail hour or reception overflow. Wedding guests who plan on dancing will love the opportunity to step outside for a breath of fresh air during the celebration.

The People

Opened to the public in 2006, Gamba Ristorante is a classic Italian restaurant owned and operated by the Gamba family, people who are no strangers to the service industry. In fact, Benito Gamba has been in the restaurant business for over 25 years, beginning in 1988 when he opened a restaurant called Café Venezia. Born in southern Italy and later migrating to the United States, Benito understands Italian food in a way that few restaurateurs can, and his knowledge of the cuisine and the industry become apparent to anyone dining at Gamba Ristorante, a modern take on classic Italian food. This latest restaurant is modeled after the classic European restaurants that Benito Gamba remembers so well from his life in Italy before moving to the United States in the 1970s.

Gamba Ristorante is truly a family business, being run not only by Benito but also by his wife Hilda and their three daughters, Crystal, Michaelle, and Angela. Each family member has their own unique role and expertise, allowing the restaurant to run smoothly each day. The love this family has for Gamba Ristorante is second only to their love for one another, and this truly shows in the quality of the food and service.

Menu

The Gamba Ristorante menu, as stated above, is comprised of classic Italian fare with a modern twist. An assortment of cold and hot antipasti, the Italian word for “first course”, starts the guest’s meal out with a bang. Delicious options such as kale salad, seared scallops, marinated beets, and grilled quail are available, and these courses are best when shared among the entire party, allowing everyone to taste multiple dishes.

In true Italian fashion, guests can select a primi piatti course next, most of which are delectable pasta dishes that will leave the guest’s mouth watering. Gamba Ristorante offers options such as garganelle, risotto, and carbonara that will please any pasta lover’s taste buds.

The traditional final course is known as secondi, and this is where Gamba Ristorante truly impresses all who patronize the restaurant. Classic choices, such as filet mignon and roasted chicken, are anything but boring when prepared by the talented chef at Gamba. Or, guests can choose more unique dishes, like the braised rabbit or the seared branzino. Regardless of the menu selection, the food available at Gamba Ristorante is always made to satisfying perfection. Brides who select this restaurant as their wedding venue will love offering their guests some of the most delicious food they have ever tasted- food that is certainly better than what other wedding venues can offer.

Location, Hours, and Contact

Gamba Ristorante is a mere forty-minute drive from Chicago, making it a convenient for guests and desirable for the bridal party. The restaurant is located at 455 East 84th Drive, Merrillville, Indiana 46410 For more information regarding venue rental, the staff can be contact by phone at 219-736-5000 or email gambaristorante@comcast.net

Those wishing to dine at Gamba Ristorante prior to making a decision regarding a wedding venue, the restaurant hours are as follows: Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 9pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 10:30pm. Gamba Ristorante is closed on Sundays.