Giovanni's

02/16/2009 Posted by tflucht

Giovanni's is a Detroit institution. And, in a neat switch, they manage to hold to their own high standards. Through fires, economic downturns, and suburban flight, Giovanni's has continued to turn out consistently high-quality Italian food. The food is great, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the owner's commitment is evident. Go. Eat. Enjoy. Oh--and try the spinach gnocchi. It's the best!

Pros: Great Italian food

Cons: Iffy neighborhood - use the valet parking

12/17/2008 Posted by Russ111

Diverse menu, well-prepared food, superb ambience, excellent service, secure parking, and a personal touch from the owner and her family. For seven years, our favorite place for romantic dining.

Pros: Parking: In our experience over 7 years, valet parking is excellent, friendly, and highly secure.

11/05/2008 Posted by conman123

Order an entree but you MUST order a pasta too. It practically melts in your mouth. You'll find out what you've been missing at other italian restaurants.

Pros: The taste of the food

08/08/2008 Posted by randgoon

this is a great little family restaurant that is hidden away in an industrial area of town. very limited tables but this is excellent for quiet discussions with your tablemates. The ambiance is great and the staff are properly trained to service customer but leave enough alone for private conversation. the food is excellent and well proportioned, you will not go home hungry. The wine list is extensive but you will pay for the uniqueness of the bottles. All in all an excellent experience and you will return time and time again. I have been in many family restaurants across the US and this rates at the top of my list for experiences. If you are there with a someone special, it's a sure bet.

Pros: ambience, food and definite romantic dining

Cons: expensive wine selection but they are very good wines so it is a balance.

05/10/2008 Posted by NoahStein2008

I always take people that visit me to Giovanni's & they ALWAYS love it! The atmosphere is lovely. The restaurant is well decorated & inviting. They have an incredible array of pasta dishes & pizzas. I consistently get the Fettucini Roma, the mushrooms are to die for! Anything I've ever eaten there is delicious. Definitely a must-try if you're in the area & looking for a great meal for your money!

04/15/2008 Posted by jeffcamp

The food was fantastic, I had the Prociuto Pizza which was amazing, my friend had the Pecorino pizza, which was also great. Both were wonderful, great thin crusts, bursting with flavors from the fresh and abundant ingredients. The salads are simply dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt and pepper- but for once, you can actually taste the quality ingredients, not just the salad dressing. The wine selection was superb, and the bartender let us taste a few to see which we liked best. Would definitely go back, wonderful service.

04/13/2008 Posted by kristengorman

This is perfect home cooking italian. The place is always packed which is a sure sign that it is well liked. The bolognese and the lasagna are the best I've ever had. You can tell they use the best ingredients because even the simplest things are delicious! The pasta is an unbeatable deal and if you are with a large group - the portions are generous. There is also a under $25 wine list with a wide selection of both red and white. Mangia!

Pros: Excellent Lasagne

04/08/2008 Posted by duncanpairman

All the pasta and salad options are excellent portions and a nice variety. Not the same old stuff. Freshest mozzarella I have had but beware the tiramisu is deadly for anyone on a diet!!! Bellisimo

Pros: Perfect for sharing a bottle of wine over a long dinner.

10/12/2005 Posted by supersam20

When I think of the very very very best restaurant in Michigan, inevitably, I think of Giovanni's. Everything, from the service to the bread to the salads are to die for. I get a Chicken dish with a creamy rosemary mushroom sauce that is so good my mouth waters just thinking about it. And their pasta (homemade and soooo tender) is like nothing else I have every had. If you like Italian, you will LOVE Giovanni's.

10/04/2005 Posted by outdoors

This used to be a great spot. It has become very overpriced and overrated, and it has lost the customers that built its reputation.

Cons: overpriced, arrogance