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Giovanni Restaurant Reviews List
Giovanni Restaurant
Giovanni Old World Restaurant *est 1961* a Berkeley institution. Orginal owner and his family happily came back after a twenty year absence to carry on this third generation tradition.
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44 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 44 reviews
5 stars
(16)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(26)
- neighborhood gem(24)
- special occasion(13)
- romantic(12)
- fit for foodies(9)
- kid-friendly(7)
Giovanni Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"i had the eggy sidecar cocktail for $12 and thought it was kind of bland. my husband had the balsamic manhattan which was weird, but tasty. the complimentary focaccia was warm and fresh and really a delight. the warm brussels sprout starter was way overcooked, but so salty and buttery, that it was still pretty delicious. fettuccine alfredo was very light on the cheesiness and heavy on the butter. the house made noodles were quite tasty. the restaurant is cute and service was very good, but probably will not return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 2 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service better at the bar
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sitting in the back of restaurant isn't as good as sitting in the front!"
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service extremely slow seemed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service extremely slow seemed a bit disorganized, food was. Decent nothing special for the price,"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
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Review 4 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service was friendly,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was friendly, but somewhat slow. The food and atmosphere were both very enjoyable. I'll undoubtedly be back."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2012
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Review 5 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We made our first visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We made our first visit to Giovanni's in Berkeley on Sunday, and it was a great experience.
Two of us had Spaghetti and Meatballs, and another had excellent vegetarian options.
We will be back."
Two of us had Spaghetti and Meatballs, and another had excellent vegetarian options.
We will be back."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
They are really winning on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They are really winning on the specials. The menu is great, but always as the specials. I love this place. I must go once a week!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A qualified "yes"
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is an old-style Cal-Italian place. There is skill, but cost cutting and cooking for people who can't tell an Alfredo from a Carbonara has taken its toll. Nonetheless, the pesto dip was bright and lively, the basil properly blanched first. Gnocchi had an oversalted Bolognese altho tasty with chopped fennel sausage. Scallopini was good, nothing remarkable. The dish that was head-and-shoulders outstanding: the Jambalaya Linguini. If you love spicy seafood pasta with a good andouille, this is one of the East Bay's best. Unexpected to find it here, but proves that if Giovanni would only cook with some passion again, they could rival De La Torres and Casa Orinda. Service was cheerful and very good."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2003
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Review 8 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nothing spectacular. A good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nothing spectacular. A good place if you have a large group and craving Italian."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 9 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was mediocre. Wait person
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was mediocre. Wait person did not check in with the table. Two dinner party menbers complained about the food was luke warm."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
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Review 10 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was better than expected,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was better than expected, and very very good. The service was a little slow, but the tasty food made up for the slow service. Homemade lasagne, pasta dishes and pizza were excellent, the veal was good but nothing special. The veggies were cooked perfectly and fresh! Parking could be an issue since the neighborhood is in Berkeley."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service makes you fee
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service makes you fee llike you walked into Cheers. And the never miss the daily specials."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
it was old school italian,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"it was old school italian, exactly what we were in the mood for, and they made their own fettucine, which was delicious and cooked perfectly. a great surprise as we knew nothing walking in the door."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Looking for a Date Spot?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic food, service, and memorable complementary bread eaten fireside. Had a wonderful date thanks to the romantic ambiance as well."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Limited but good old-fashion
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Limited but good old-fashion Italian food. Wine list is poor and very small -- bring your own."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Family Friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my girlfriend here on Valentine's Day. Apparently, so did every Cal student with a significant other. There were also families with their kids in tow. The food was incredible. I couldn't recommend it enough. The only reason this review isn't 5 stars all around is simply because I was really looking for a little more intimate date spot, which this really wasn't. Probably a personal preference thing and due in fact to my own lack of diligence beforehand. That said, we had a great time. Our waitress was very friendly, and would quickly come back from the kitchen when she didn't know what ingredients dishes were made with (ie whether or not it was vegetarian)."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This place is a classic --
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is a classic -- an old-stye Italian restaurant with great atmosphere and very good food. A Berkeley institution! I've been coming here for years, and the original owners bought the place back recently, and the food is even better now -- very nice. The service is also very good. Free music on Tuesday nights, and last time there was a fantastic gypsy jazz band."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, great food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service, great food. Definately worth going back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had their minestrone which
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had their minestrone which was rustic with chunks of fresh veggies! It was a perfect starter for a cold night in the Bay Area. Followed by the soup I had the meat lasagna which came with a large side of steamed veggies along with a multilayered lasagna. The new trend in the art of making pasta seems to be to using thin lasagna pasta which gives the perfect balance of meat, sauce, pasta and cheeses. Their peach belinnis were delicious and hit the spot . We will definetely be going back to this special gem! If you're interested in enjoying comfort food with friends or family where each dish gets the attention it deserves and feels made just for you, this is the place!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is a mixed review. There
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a mixed review. There are certain surprises one would not expect of an Italian Restaurant like the lack of a Espresso machine or running out of Pellegrino. On the other hand certain food items, like their linguine vongole or their mushroom appetizer were very good. The marinara sauce I chose for my gnocchi was a bit below average, though, at least for the Bay Area, though the gnocchi were soft and tender. The service was cordial but a bit slow given we did explain we had a theater engagement. The wine list is very limited and the Pinot Noir is mediocre, at best. Overall, not bad."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2003
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 20 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Successful revival
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"With the new owner running the restaurant again, the food is EXCELLENT! If you have time for a relaxing dinner, this is the place to go. They are a bit understaffed so you can't be in a hurry. The food is DELICIOUS! The homemade fettucini melts in your mouth. And my friends rave about the lasagna. I'm glad Giovanni is back!"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a large party and originally
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a large party and originally reserved the banquet room. When we found out the room was not wheelchair accessible, the wait staff was very accommodating and reset the table settings out to the main dining room (after they had already set up for us in the banquet room). The service was excellent and our waiter was very helpful and patient with our orders and provided individual checks. We really appreciated all the help and time that everyone provided for our party."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great and the ambiance too! The focaccia bread was delicious, everything I tasted was yummy and well presented, don't leave without tasting the tiramisu. Best italian restaurant in downtown berkeley."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good Italian. Reasonable
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good Italian. Reasonable prices for both food and wine. Our party of 8 enjoyed a variety of entrees, everyone was very happy with their food. Looking forward to going back!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 24 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Old Style Italian Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Large and family friendly. The decor is very old style Italian; dark with painted murals and ambient lighting. The wait staff was professional and friendly. The food is old style Italian comfort food. The minestrone soup was exactly what ones wants in a minestrone, thick, full of vegetables and flavor. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals and the warm rosemary bread that they serve was a hit. They made our family evening very comfortable. We'll be coming back for more!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a unique family-style
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a unique family-style restaurant, given the enchanting ambience, both in terms of attentive personal service and the impressive physical setting. The menu is not astronomical, but confined to a sizeable number of tried and true specialties of the house, especially pasta dishes.Home-baked rosemary bread, hot from the oven, is served as a starter by the house. The high ceilings, incredible murals, and wrought iron work make the ambience stand out as worth the visit, conveying not only an artistic atmosphere but an expansiveness that makes dining pleasurable. A separate room off the main dining room for parties and special occasions looked inviting, too. I look forward to returning soon."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Giovanni Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Greeted by Giovanni..the man
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Greeted by Giovanni..the man himself. Love that this is family owned and managed. Several items were really special: Brussel sprouts, minestrone soup,gnocci (melt in your mouth) and the freshly baked foccacia. We will return when we are in the area."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Giovanni Restaurant
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic