From the looks of the modest exterior facade of Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta in Dickinson, the average patron may not take a second glance. Those who stop in, however, are in for a treat. Widely known for its freshly made flying pizzas, Gio’s also serves a variety of fine Italian dishes. Using only fresh ingredients and made entirely in-house, Gio’s is much more than your average pizza place.

Upon walking inside, customers are welcomed by an upscale, modern decor with a casual atmosphere. The open design is ideal for families and large groups, though booths aligning the walls provide a more intimate environment. Toward the back of the restaurant, there’s a bar with 10 beers on tap and high-top tables, surrounded by five flat-screens, making it a great place to have a beer and pizza and watch the games. The best part about having an open restaurant, however, is the ability to sneak a peek behind the scenes. Guests have the opportunity to watch the cooks “fly” the pizza — spinning the dough through the air — sauté ingredients, and grill meats.

Made from scratch and prepared on site, the food at Gio’s is a dynamic blend of Italian tastes. Healthier whole-wheat alternatives to traditional pizza doughs and pastas are also available upon request. Along with quality food, Gio’s takes great care to ensure that, according to owner Steve Gunnett, “every last customer walks out happy.” Since the age of 15, Steve has been working in Italian restaurants, even owning two previous establishments. When he was a kid, the Italian cooks called him “Gio.” Steve, and his wife Diana, designed the restaurant from the ground up and Gio’s is the culmination of all those years of experience. But Diana is quick to credit her employees, “Our dedicated, diligent staff has been a vital component in Gio’s increasing success.”

Gio’s serves traditional, New York-style flying pizzas. With ingredients prepared fresh daily, you can bet the pies will be bursting with flavor. The “Kitchen Sink” special features pepperoni, bacon, hamburger, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and black olives. If you love meat, try the Meat Special, topped with pepperoni, bacon, Canadian bacon, hamburger and Italian sausage. Veggie lovers will savor the Veggie Special, topped with green peppers, onions, mushrooms and black olives, with the option of adding spinach and tomatoes. Other specialties include the Meatball Formaggio, topped with mozzarella, parmesan and provolone cheeses, with a sprinkle of oregano; the classic Margherita, with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, sliced Roma tomatoes and fresh basil; or the Blanco, an Alfredo based white pizza, topped with parmesan, mozzarella and provolone.In addition to pizza, Gio’s serves some amazing Italian specialties — both on and off the menu. Popular items on the menu include the Chicken Gio’s (a grilled chicken breast topped with gravy and mushrooms, butter, marsala wine, and provolone), the Luca Brazi (grilled salmon topped with artichokes, capers and lemon sauce, served with sautéed veggies), the Porcini Ravioli (stuffed with porcini mushrooms, sautéed with olive oil, zucchini, squash, red bell pepper, sundried tomatoes and basil, topped with feta), or the Tilapia Bianco (seasoned and grilled, then topped with a butter, garlic and white wine sauce and shrimp, served with a side of capellini with garlic and basil, and sautéed veggies).

Off the menu, you can find some unique specials, not often found at a pizza place. The Pork Valdostana features provolone stuffed, grilled pork ribeye in a Valdostana gravy with mushrooms and artichokes, with a side of veggies and potatoes; head over for a rib eye steak, seasoned and grilled to order, with rosemary potatoes and sautéed veggies; or try the Salmon Pescatore, served in a sherry cream sauce, with shrimp, tomatoes and olive oil, served on capellini pasta, with sautéed veggies. For a high-quality lunch at a reasonable price, including some of the specials listed above, Gio’s is definitely a good choice.

Or you can try something simpler; like the San Gerrero, a traditional Lower East Side-style sausage and peppers tossed in a basil marinara and served over penne pasta. Stay for happy hour with $4.99 appetizer specials, $2.99 house wine and premium drafts, and $1.99 domestic pints.

The great thing about a pizza place is that they typically deliver. Gio’s takes it a step further and delivers their entire menu — specials and all — within a 6-mile radius. Gio’s is located at 650 FM 517 W. in Dickinson and open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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