Sangiovese Ristorante, offering authentic Italian dining, was originally opened in 1994 by Gino Pizzi in Rivers Edge Shopping Center. Chris Evans, who had worked for Pizzi’s parents at a different eating establishment in his early 20s, purchased the restaurant from Pizzi in 2007 after running the Village Kitchen in Broad Ripple.
“Village Kitchen was an ice cream and burger shop, and I was looking for fine dining, so I sold it and bought Sangiovese,” says Evans, who relocated in 2015 to the Ironworks building, which also houses Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Verde Flavors of Mexico, and Provision. This June will mark the 10-year anniversary of being in this unique space, which patrons adore.
“The atmosphere is cozy yet refined, perfect for any occasion,” says Duane Law, who has been dining at Sangiovese for more than a decade.
Ironworks is a complete change from the original location, which had old-school Italian decor with red drapes and white tablecloths. Here, Evans went dark with no tablecloths, with upbeat jazz music. Although the restaurant offers less seating (around 100), it was worth it to provide a more intimate dining experience.
“It’s a sexy, dark date-night place,” Evans says. “It feels like something you’d see in Chicago or New York.”
Evans has an exceptional staff, many of whom have been with him for 18 years.
“They are an extension of my family,” Evans says. “I pinch myself how lucky I am.”
Shelly Sondgerath appreciates how the staff offers direction when choosing the perfect bottle of wine.
“The Torta di Caprino is a favorite way to start the meal, followed by Scaloppini Alla Piccata or tender Osso Buco,” says Sondgerath.
The Osso Buco is a 2.5-ounce veal shank, slowly roasted in root vegetables with red wine. The Pollo Alla Parmesan, tenderized chicken breast with seasoned bread crumbs and melted Parmesan cheese served with spaghetti pomodoro and fresh mozzarella, is also popular.
“The chicken parm is out of this world,” Evans says. “It’s one of the lightest, fluffiest chicken parms in town.”
They’ve got an in-depth wine list, including some Brunellos, Rosso di Montalcino, Super Tuscans, and Sangioveses. Their drink named Live & Let Die has won numerous drink awards for Devour Indy.
“It’s an outstanding drink people keep coming back for,” Evans says. “Even non-bourbon drinkers like it because we infuse it with pineapple.”
Evans feels fortunate that the community’s support has never wavered, even through a recession, a construction remodel and the COVID pandemic.
“Those relationships keep us moving,” says Evans, who knows that their guests come in for a two-hour vacation from the stressors of their daily lives. That’s why he and his staff make sure to provide the right lighting, good music, delicious food and drink, and unrushed conversations.
“People put their phones down, talk to one another, and escape from their 40- to 60-hour workweeks,” Evans says.
He and his managers always stop by tables to chat with patrons. Those special touches matter because many people like to be remembered and acknowledged.
“People want to be Norm from ‘Cheers’ who walks into the bar, and everybody knows their name,” Evans says. “That’s such an important part of our lives because we’ve all become accustomed to ordering food through DoorDash or Uber Eats. We’re supposed to be more social than we are, and when we provide that, we see genuine smiles.”
The restaurant also regularly sponsors youth activities and sports teams, doling out gift cards for school charities or cancer awareness events.
“I have 40 plaques of teams we’ve sponsored over the years because youth sports are important to the community,” Evans says. “We love being part of the fabric of the community.”
Evans and his wife, Neelam, have been married for 20 years and have two children, Christian (18) and Olivia (14), as well as an 8-year-old miniature schnauzer named Coconut.
“Everything happens at the table,” Evans says. That’s why his favorite thing to do at home is make pasta with another family, then sit down with everyone to break bread.
“We all live these lives where we’re eating food to go and looking at our phones,” Evans says. “So often we’re eating at different times, so it’s special when everyone sits down together.”
For those who are looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Sangiovese, they will offer a set menu and package – likely a three-course meal with a drink (similar to Devour Indy). Evans promises the restaurant won’t be overpacked on Valentine’s Day.
“That’s a pet peeve of mine when restaurants bring in small tables from rental companies and pack patrons in like sardines,” Evans says. “You shouldn’t be squished or rushed. This is a special night to come out and celebrate love.”
Running a restaurant is not without its challenges. People may assume that a restaurant owner’s day consists of coming in, high-fiving the staff and sitting down with a glass of wine, but the reality is that the owner might be fixing a leaking toilet, troubleshooting electrical issues or changing light bulbs.
“Owning a restaurant means jumping on the wave, and whichever way the wave takes you, you pivot and problem solve,” Evans says. “It’s the hardest thing you could ever do, but it’s also the best.”
Sangiovese at Ironworks at Keystone is located at 2727 East 86th Street, Suite 110 in Indianapolis.
