This month, Gambino’s Italian Grill is celebrating its 50^th year, and not just its 50^th year to be in operation, but to be operated by three generations of the same family.

Rick Gambino first opened the restaurant in 1976. He’s an Italian American, a self-made man, who started his restaurant with a dream, high hopes, a lot of talent and ambition, and little else. 

For 50 years, Gambino’s Italian Grill has been more than a restaurant—it’s been a place where multiple generations of families and friends have come together and made unforgettable memories. Behind it all is Rick Gambino, whose principle of never giving up has guided him through every challenge in five decades of running a restaurant. His vision has been met with one success after another.

“TripAdvisor recently named my restaurant, Gambino’s, among the top six restaurants in the nation, among other awards,” Gambino said in a recent interview. 

The Gambinos’ menu truly has something for everyone. A favorite with many diners is the Eggplant Parmesan. Other long-time diners swear by Gambino’s steaks. Their traditional Italian dishes include Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Giardino, Cannoli, and Spaghetti with Meatballs, as well as seafood dishes such as steamed mussels and fried crab claws. Gambino’s also serves fantastic desserts; a longtime favorite is Gambino’s Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce.

Although the dining rooms are beautifully decorated, when the weather is fair, diners can enjoy the ambience of Gambino’s enclosed courtyard, which includes a lovely koi pond. Gambino’s piano bar has live entertainment (almost nightly) and karaoke on Tuesday nights. 

Representing the two other generations in his family to help Rick run the restaurant are his son Josh and granddaughter Maddie, although his other sons (Rick, Brett, Adam, and Luke) have helped out in the past.

Josh has been in the kitchen, Rick says, for 36 plus years. Josh’s daughter, Maddie Gambino, came to work with her grandfather and dad around 2018, and Rick says, “she was made for this line of work. She’s a natural.”

Although anniversary celebrations are ongoing throughout May, the “big day” was May 9^th. Gambino’s had special entertainment, including a magician, a clown, face-painting for the kids, and more.

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Gambino’s Italian Grill
18 Laurel Avenue
Fairhope, AL 36532
251-990-0955

Website: Ordergambinos.com

Hours:
4-9 Sunday through Thursday
4-10 Friday & Saturday