Gigi’s, a new bistro in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, has centered its entire menu around the rotisserie chicken. The restaurant’s focus is on the deceptively simple preparation of these birds. Chef and owner Marco Bennett, a former sous chef at a Michelin-starred establishment, opened the 40-seat spot in late July. The interior is spare, with white subway tiles and a worn oak bar, but the kitchen’s centerpiece is a custom-built French rotisserie.
The chickens are sourced from a small farm in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County. They are dry-brined for 24 hours before being slowly spun over a blend of applewood and charcoal. The result is a deeply seasoned, lacquered skin that shatters with each bite. The meat beneath remains remarkably moist and tender. A half chicken, priced at $26, arrives with a choice of one simple side, such as crisp pommes frites or a lemony chicory salad.
Bennett’s approach is precise but uncomplicated. He uses a classic spice blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper, which never overwhelms the poultry’s natural flavor. The cooking time is calibrated to the exact weight of each bird, ensuring a consistent finish. A whole chicken, meant for sharing, costs $48 and feeds three to four people comfortably.
The bistro’s sides are deliberately basic, designed to complement rather than compete. The frites are double-fried and salted heavily, while the roasted carrots are glazed with honey and thyme. A daily soup, often a simple chicken broth with pearl barley, changes based on market availability. A short list of natural wines and two draft beers rounds out the beverage program.
Service is efficient but informal, with the small team moving quickly between the open kitchen and the dining room. Noise levels are moderate, making conversation easy even at full capacity. The restaurant does not take reservations for parties under six, so walk-ins are the norm. A line forms outside most evenings by 7 p.m.
Dessert is minimal, offering a single rotating option such as a burnt Basque cheesecake or a seasonal fruit tart. The menu’s brevity is a clear strength. Guests come for the chicken, and the kitchen delivers with remarkable consistency. This focused approach has already earned Gigi’s a steady stream of regulars.
For those seeking a fuss-free, high-quality meal, Gigi’s represents a solid addition to the neighborhood. The rotisserie birds are the clear draw, but the straightforward sides and relaxed atmosphere elevate the experience. It is a place that rewards simplicity. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
