When you go to a place like Giannini's as an outsider, it helps to remind yourself that you're in a rural community with "mom and pop" type places. Is it a gorgeous, crisp, trendy place- no. It's a hometown vibe with feel-good food that is 100% worth the price. They weren't the fastest place in town, but pacing off service was appropriate. I enjoyed that you get good food at good prices. I also love the pseudo- multi course modality (bread, polenta, soup, salad, entree, dessert). Food was good. We'll be back! read more

This is a quirky italian place that we stopped in traveling route 88 to Murphys California. We are vegetarians and a lot of the other restaurants that were open (6pm on Friday) did not have veggie options surprisingly. I figured we couldn't go wrong with italian and this place was very close. I walked in and immediately loved the look of the restaurant. If you've been to Buca di Beppo it's kind of like that with lots of photos on the wall and italian statues around. It wasn't too busy and we were able to be seated right away. The table was set with a cute salad plate that I just loved the pattern of. Our waiter was young but friendly enough. The menu isn't the largest but it has all the staples. No pictures so I took to Yelp and Google to get a look at the food and see was was recommended. I settled on Eggplant Parmesean and my husband went with Fettuccini al Alberto. The waiter brought out bread and butter and parmesan cheese. The bread was ok, it didn't seem homemade and was a little bit like store brought sliced white bread. I was starving though so I welcomed anything to get started. I wish there had been olive oil and vinegar though. Next he brought out a big plate of polenta, which unfortunately was smothered in meat sauce. We had mentioned to him that we were vegetarians twice when we were ordering, so it was pretty disappointing to be presented with a meat dish. We pointed to him we couldn't eat the polenta with the meat sauce and he apologized but they did not offer to replace the dish with a regular red sauce. I was bummed because it looked really good and I really wish they had brought out a regular one. Seems like they could just use the red sauce as a standard so it After that there was a salad which had a red wine vinegar and olive oil, it also came with peppers, chickpeas and celery, which I thought was a nice way to add some color and flavor to the salad. We then were brought a lentil soup in a large blue bowl. The blue bowl seemed like an odd vessel but it worked. The soup was very tasty! Finally our entrees came. The entree portions were a little on the smaller side compared to other restaurants, however it is an appropriate amount considering how many appetizers they provide before it. I was surprised the eggplant parm didn't come with a side of spaghetti, but I could add some for $5. The eggplant was good, not overly fried and the red sauce was very tasty. My husband was very happy with the Fettuccini al Alberto (which was basically Alfredo). Overall this is kind of a funny place that had a quirky charm. I would come back again knowing what to ask for in terms of the polenta. read more

Giannini's Italian Dinners - Bowl of lentil soup to share - Italian Near Me - Pine Grove, California

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We recently had the pleasure of dining here at Gianninis. It has been around for a long time for a reason. The restaurant itself is beautiful and nostalgic and brings you back in time in a nice family oriented setting. They have a nice bar and great drinks as my wife ordered a lavender lemon drop cocktail which was tasty and strong and reasonably priced. The food was excellent and we were treated to a full course of polenta, salad and minestrone soup that was great. For dinner we all ordered Chicken dishes like parmigiana, piccata, and scallopini which were all cooked perfectly and tasted great. The waiter was a wonderful young man named Vincent who is part of the family that owns the restaurant, he was very polite and funny and warm! We will definitely be coming back soon! THANKS read more

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We visited Giannini's last night and were truly impressed from start to finish. From the host, to our waitress, to the food and overall ambiance--it was more than just dinner, it was an experience. The service was prompt, welcoming, and incredibly family-friendly (we had our toddler with us and felt totally comfortable). It really gave that warm, authentic Italian family vibe. Before our meal even arrived, we were treated to bread, polenta with meat sauce, salad, and soup--such a generous and delicious start! Appetizers: * Tomato bruschetta - served on flatbread with the perfect balance of olive oil, spices, and fresh tomato * Salami & olive tray - simple, classic, and nostalgic in the best way Entrees: * Chicken Parmigiana - perfectly cooked with a rich marinara, served with vegetables (we added gnocchi with pesto--highly recommend!) * Veal Milanesa - beautifully breaded and full of flavor, with veggies and pasta of the day * Veal Saltimbocca - packed with flavor, especially the sage--definitely a standout dish * Child's spaghetti & meatball - perfect portion and a great option for little ones Dessert: * Lemon berry mascarpone cake - dense, lemony, and filled with fresh blueberries, topped with a raspberry drizzle--just the right amount of sweetness * Vanilla ice cream for the toddler (they even offered chocolate syrup--thoughtful touch!) Pricing felt very reasonable for the amount and quality of food--comparable to other spots in the area. If you're looking for a special, memorable dining experience in Amador County, Giannini's is absolutely worth a visit! read more

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Had the pleasure to dine here as it has been a couple years. First off all the negative reviews are false. Any reviews with less than 100 should be deleted. This is one of the last great family style Italian restaurants left. Prices very reasonable. Our server Vincent is very energetic and friendly. We were served water and bread almost immediately when we sat in the beautiful canopy room. We ordered a bottle of Zinfandel wine which we really enjoyed. Next our order. Great selection but decided on the calamari and opted to pay the extra plate charge for $10. This covers everything but the entree which we shared. First we were served the polenta board which you can't find most places. It was excellent. Next the mixed green salad with Italian dressing. Your next service is the bowl of minestrone soup. Served hot and very tasty. Now for the entree a genourous portion of calamari steak with veggies and lemon. The owner Lisa came by to chat with us. So very friendly and enjoyable to talk about the history of the restaurant. We highly recommend this Italian restaurant not only for the food but as great old style atmosphere and very reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food. read more

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Stopped here for a drink and to say hello to the bartender for my father in law. Hubs wanted to grab a bowl of minestrone soup with his drink He was pleasantly surprised it came with bread, butter and Parmesan cheese. Reminds him of his childhood, parents and grandparents.. Service was quick and the atmosphere was a buzz with laughter and familiarity. This must be the spot to be for the locals. We love the friendliness and the vibe. Make sure you stop in. The food is fantastic, as we have eaten here many times! Cheers and bon appétit!!!!!!! read more

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I used to come here as a kid with my aunt back in the 90s and 2000s. I remember the food being good, but of course I was a child so my taste palette was chicken nuggets. Hahah but I moved up here a couple years ago and for some reason only recently started going again and I'm glad I have. The food here is so good. The polenta is amazing! I remember having it as a kid and it was so good but it's still really good as I remember. But what I really have to put out there is their Pizzarellas!!! Especially the Margherita!!! The sauce is amazing and it's perfect size for one big eater or two little eaters. Haha and only $15. Also the new Bartender Sabrina is so fun and awesome and the owner Lisa is fun to chat with. Below I posted my Pizza I got. I added pepperonis but it was so good. Worth the sit down for sure. And food is also served at the bar if you're a party of one. read more

*First time review* Super cute entrance and interior, very cozy. As others stated, it is a slower paced meal. Polenta came out (insanely good), then the soup, then the salad, then food. Time in between each dish we are looking at 20 minutes or so. If you don't want to wait, maybe you can let them know. Polenta - 5/5 insanely good! I'd honestly come back and just order that. Salad - 3.5/5 big salad, fully loaded, a tad too vinegary but good. Soup - 4/5 delicious! Tasty and a lot of soup. Wasn't expecting a big bowl. Nice portion! Raviolis - meat raviolis and marinara, good! My mom liked them. I did too Carbonara - a little rough if I'm being honest. This was not a carbonara-- it was more like an Alfredo sauce with pieces of bacon. I wouldn't get it again. Overall, best place! Excited to come back for the nice service and polenta. read more

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Great spaghetti and meatballs! Prices were good snd portions were outstanding! Highly recommend this restaurant'

Old school dining experience, such a reasonably priced four course dinner! Delicious eggplant Parmesan. The bar is cozy with generous pours and friendly regulars. read more

Has to be the worst Italian food I've ever had. The raviolis are worse than Chef Boyardee. My husband's lasagna was gross. We have no positive comments for this place. Do yourself a favor and go to salute's or Teresa's in Jackson read more

Our service was excellent unfortunately the food was not amazing. Had gnocchi and it was a little too mushy.

Our go to Italian. It's not trendy, but the food is very much old school. Always feels like home. read more

Used to go about once a month. They took away, pasta,soup AND salad. You now have the choice of soup OR salad no pasta.When Al was alive the place was booming! Looks kind of deserted now. Since then service was good, food so so. Ambiance was nice. We won't be going back. read more

Polenta and salad is always a favorite tastes like grandma use to make gnocchi's were flavorful excellent service and as always the ambiance is family oriented very kind staff. Had great company with a friend we loved it & enjoyed ourselves. read more

Peeps..Peeps! After receiving a recommendation from an Italian friend who owns a winery in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, I had to try this place. What provoked his recommendation was my complaint that, since COVID I haven't been able to find any old family style restaurants that serve creamy polenta and a great Bolognese.. and without hesitation he said, "Giannini's in Pine Grove!" So, the next night I was there. Walking through the door into this softly lit old nostalgic Italian diner almost floored me. Now this is what a family style old school Italian restaurant should look like! The only item missing was Pacino sitting in the corner table. The staff was so pleasant as they sat me down at that "corner table"! On this occasion I ordered the baked ribeye (nightly special main course), but I could see on the menu that it included a polenta (creamy) appetizer with a beautifully soft rustic bread. I had brought my own wine (Barbera from Cooper Vineyards) corkage fee included (typical), which would pair nicely with the polenta that was accompanied by a great (smooth low acidic) bolognese. The polenta was like my mom used to make it, not too spicy yet creamy and... with the Bolognese and wine I was in another universe and for me I could have walked out of the restaurant totally pleased...but...I wasn't finished yet...So then came the "chilled" dinner salad with various Italian style veggies along with the only dressing fit for and "old school Italian", wine vinegar and oil, what else? Pretty satisfied at that point! But....as I finished the salad and looked up there was the sweet waitress standing there in front of me with a bowl of minestrone soup, which I needed to make room for in my already full and happy stomach. I've been to a lot of Italian restaurants over the years and this soup was perfection which included zucchini, carrots, celery, potatoes, small portion of tomatoes and spices with a wonderful stock. After couple of sips of wine, I proceeded to dip my airy Italian bread in the soup, OMG. I could have left the restaurant at that point totally satisfied, but the best was yet to come (except for the polenta) and that was the special which was a baked ribeye in an au Jus (perfectly seasoned) with peas and onions. The ribeye was tender and cut fairly thin, which I appreciated. At that point I was so so full I had to box the remainder of the ribeye with the last of my sliced bread since there was no room remaining in my contented stomach for coffee and dessert. Ok, Happy yes! I had just stepped into the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s and in a world today of too much complexity, I found the simplicity I was looking for in a great old style Italian restaurant that is located 1 hour from where I live. Thank you to my Italian friend for directing me to this traditional and "handed down" family restaurant. read more

Dear Giannini's -- I regret that we will not visit your restaurant again. The first time we came to dine -- we enjoyed the experience. The food was good and the menu promised some variety for a future visit. The service was decent and the prices were appropriate for the area. Cut to the other night and things just fell apart when they didn't need to. We arrived just before 7p behind a table of 4 who essentially sat down at the same time -- maybe a minute before us. There were four other tables besides the bar area who were in various stages of their dining. The service was apologetically slow and the young waitress was friendly. She opened our wine and we waited patiently to place our order. We ordered an appetizer and our entrees. We got bread and butter pretty quickly. Our appetizer, the basil and pesto Bruschetta, took awhile to arrive, but we weren't watching the clock. The "polenta board" arrived next -- not bad. The meat sauce was really good, but the polenta lacked any seasoning. Now we were starting to take notice of the delays in the kitchen. Meanwhile we watched the table of 4 get their entrees. The soup and salad arrived with more apologies. And the table of four was just finishing up their entrees. Soup and salad were cleared -- our bottle of wine was 2/3rds gone. More apologies came and we watched the table of four leave -- now we were the only table waiting for food that we could see. The other two tables that remained had paid and were just chatting. We looked at the watch -- nearly 90 minutes. By this time -- it was dark -- late -- it was a Sunday night. It's now past 815p. No word on when the entrees would arrive, just more apologies and "it's coming". So we asked for our waitress -- 5 minutes passed. Waitress comes back and we ask to cancel our meal -- we'll pay for what we've eaten and we'll come back another time -- no sense in dragging this out. The young waitress called out across the restaurant for the manager (or owner -- whoever the woman was). She came by and said "your entrees are ready, you don't want them??? They're just finishing the pasta". Well... I'm sorry to say if they're still finishing something, they're not ready. See, Giannini's -- this is where there was an opportunity to reach out--to apologize by saying "Hey -- let me waive that corkage -- would you mind waiting another 5 minutes? Hey let me pick up that appetizer for you. Hey -- would you like me to box that up to go -- I'll take off one of the entrees for you." There are a number of responses. But instead, you chose to storm off without saying a word. When we next saw our waitress, she dropped the bill at the table like a dive bomber. $55 for Bruschetta and corkage and items included with the price of the entrees we never received. Huh? While we settled on $40 plus a 20% tip for the waitress (it wasn't her fault that you threw a tantrum nor that the kitchen was incompetently under water/slow/whatever the excuse). Giannini's survived Covid -- they've been a facet of our community (Yes -- did you know we were locals?) for decades. But maybe it won't if this is the way customers are treated. Perhaps it shouldn't if this is the quality of service and food that are delivered now on a menu that's much smaller than it used to be. And certainly -- if you're not the owner, you probably should find a new line of work because this ain't it, sweetheart. So many chances to turn things around -- we would have been back and just shrugged it off to an "off night" -- but you closed the door on that for good. And I'm sorry -- because the food was good -- at least the first time. The meat sauce was tasty even if there were small issues. Or maybe i'm looking at this through an overly optimistic and nostalgic lens. Perhaps the pathetic amount of salad mix drenched in oily dressing, the bland polenta, limited menu and Bruschetta that doesn't even have tomato on it (yes I get that it's pesto -- but basil + garlic like tomatoes!) are all signs that Giannini's has outlived its contribution to the community. Sell the building -- go retire. It was a good run, wasn't it? Make room for those who care about their customers. read more

How does this place stay open? who eats here? They literally serve us the pasta, ice cold, and then the server looked at us like she was shocked that I said the food was cold. Told the owner when I paid my bill that the pasta was cold and ignored me like I didn't even say anything. read more

Thank you for making my parents 55th wedding anniversary so special, on Friday! They have come here for at least 35 years. Their hometown was in San Pablo, near owners parents old restaurant and 20 years ago had a special dinner with them here at Gianninis in Pine Grove. How I wish I had a picture of all of them having dinner. Such a special family and the food is just as amazing to this day, as ever! read more

Giannini's Italian Dinners - Italian Near Me - Pine Grove, California

Anytime I go to an Italian place and get the feeling Michael Corleone and Solozzo and McCluskey could talk business here, it has a special place in my heart. It also helps that the food is great. At Gianninis you feel like you're eating at your Italian grandmothers house. The drinks are all $10 - the dirty martini definitely checks a few boxes. The food won't wow you, but you won't be disappointed by any means. The menu is small but simple, everything is classic family style Italian dishes, and everyone walks away happy. The kids meals are just smaller portioned adult servings, which I love. This is a great Yelp find if you're on the way to/from South Lake/Kirkwood area. read more

Great food, great service every time. It reminds us of our grandmas cooking! Definitely worth stopping to eat. A+ rating we'll come back every time. Service was quick and attentive. read more

Our party of four came in on a Sunday evening for some dinner after a day at Kirkwood. The atmosphere when you first walk in was VERY dated but in a warm and comforting way. The entire staff was SUPER polite and friendly. The food does take a little while, but when it comes you know that everything was fresh and nothing was frozen. This is what "real" food should taste like. In and out in a little over an hour and a half. Come in, relax, and don't stare at the clock on your phone and you'll have a great time. We'll be back soon! read more

Went to visit my cousin in Jackson went to Giovanni's for dinner. Been there many times it was good I don't know what happened but that's the worst meal and it wasn't just me. It was three out of four I would not go back again. Let me add to the list. The server was great went above, and beyond the drink was good, but the food was atrocious. read more

It has been a dozen years since we last had a big family dinner at Giannini's in PG, so I felt very nostalgic going back with friends for a fun Friday night dinner! We were so glad we did. Very nice service and we enjoyed a classic Italian multi-course dinner. Creamy polenta was the starter, and was exactly how I remembered it. It was my Mother's favorite and now it's mine!! Salad and soup on point. Everyone loved my lasagna, and the creamy tortellini was delicate and savory. We enjoyed a bottle of Chianti and the classic spumone ice cream for dessert. Highly recommend Giannini's. read more

The bright lighted sign along 88 will pique your interest and draw you in. Through a small white hallway and through the door you are transported to Italy. There is a homemade wine barrel chandelier to the left...dimly lit booths and tables surrounded by news articles about the restaurant, its owners, and memorabilia of Italy. To the right, a full length bar which was build by the owner himself. There is an ere of nostalgia for a much simpler time when meals were family style and made with love. My girlfriend and were in Pine Grove for the new year and they had an NYE special menu. We had the Chicken Parm and Lasagna. We spoke with the owner (The original owner's daughter) who also took our order over the phone (no ivory tower management here) and she explained how the restaurant had been in her family for decades and how she sometimes debates modernizing the restaurant. If you want tech savvy, mass produced faux Italian food, please visit your local Olive Garden. This place is not that. It is not old school. It is OLD WORLD. As in, (as we in the wine world know) traditions are built over time and so has this place. The food was spectacular. We paired ours with an Italian Chianti. As a sommelier who specializes in Italian wines, this place was like Disneyland to me. I loved the decor, I loved the atmosphere, the hospitality. I went during covid times and didn't even fully experience everything this hidden gem has to offer, so please, If you're able to, keep this restaurant in business by dining there. It is molto buono! read more

The food was delicious. The soup particularly was amazing and the owner's son Vincent was our server and he was quite a delight!!

Service was mediocre as well as the food. Don't quite understand why they have a rating higher than 1 star. Needless to say, my family and I will not be returning. read more

Please, someone fix this place. It has such a presence in the middle of town and a huge amount of space inside. I can't be sure, but it looks like the bar is about the only thing being taken care of. The shrimp scampi was about $20 and was a little more than 6 lukewarm shrimp on a plate with a puddle of butter water. Our waitress was nice. read more

I did love the nostalgic vibe with the old family pics upon entering. However, the food was the exact opposite. Unimpressed with my lasagna, I've had better from frozen food section at Safeway. The polenta was uneventful, no choice of salad dressing and it was more vinegar then oil. Won't go back read more

We have tried this restaurant on three different occasions. We will not be back and will not recommend this one. First time the beef was very tough and ended up taking it home for the dogs. second time, they were "out of everything we first tried to order so we had just spaghetti which was good. This last time, the chicken I ordered was so tough and gross I actually spit it into my napkin. they offered to fix it but by then I'd already lost my appetite sending most off it back. They didn't even reduce the cost, and still added their card fee percentage to the entire bill. The server was good and was not stiffed, but never going back. Would certainly expect more for what you pay. read more

Tasteless. Meat sauce tastes like a name brand canned meat sauce. Marinara was liked blended stewed tomatoes. Chicken scallopini looked and tasted boiled; also flavorless. Tried one bite of this inedible dish, and mgt. refused to take it off bill... offered a small discount instead. Chicken Parm was not terrible, but it was scorched and burnt tasting on about half of it. Worst overall dining experience we've had in a decade or more. It's obvious the ownership is not vested in this place and after 40 years it should be put out of its misery. Just say no. read more

Amazing! Catered our rehearsal dinner and EVERYONE was raving! Must stop if you're in the area.

The service was excellent and the soup and bread were good however our chicken was so terrible that my friend and my self had one bite. My husbands steak was awful and he didn't eat it, our other friend had a pasta dish and he said that was good. The place was packed so I guess pasta is the way to go! read more

I was running out of time to find catering for a memorial service. With days to go, I spoke with Lisa and she assured me my order would be no problem. 2 days later, with enough food to feed 50 people, we didn't run short at all. The lasagna was literally the best I've ever had, served with salad, Italian salad dressing, fresh bread and real butter. Being a culinary graduate helps me to appreciate great food when it's made with love, and Gianninis definitely cooks with love. Many thanks to Lisa and her staff for knocking it out of the park. If you want great Italian food with great service, you have to check out Gianninis. read more

This place was comically bad. They were out of everything, the wait was SO long (like 1hr 30min long) and I'm pretty sure my water was seasoned better than the food. We were one of maybe 4 other tables there and the wait was still that long. My friend ordered the steak... BAD idea. I'm pretty sure they cooked it by running it over with a truck and then just coated it in garlic. Never returning. Either we ordered the wrong things, or the people who think this place is good have no tastebuds. read more

Love this place. From their bar to their great Italian cuisine. The staff is so nice and portio s are generous. I urge everyone to eat here when in Amador County .. read more

I don't recommend Waited over an hour for order, was never informed it was slow. Sausage was raw Food was ok. Italian folk music. :-( Staff are friendly read more

My friends and I stopped here for dinner after a fun day of skiing at Kirkwood. We are so happy we stopped. Warm sourdough bread, polenta with cheese and tomato sauce, spinach salad, homemade minestrone soup, and spaghetti are all served family style. I had the saltimbocca which was quite tasty especially with the mushroom sauce. We also split a half carafe of the house red, which was surprisingly excellent. Our server, Donna, was also incredibly friendly and attentive. The decor may be a bit kitschy and rather dated, but I highly recommend dining here! read more

Nice family style restaurant serving very generous portions that you will enjoy at the the table and at home! Our server Krista was super nice and the food came out fast. Fresh from the oven sourdough bread - Delish! read more

RANCID CHICKEN Had the chicken piccata and was served rancid chicken. The woman who seemed to be in charge was coughing as she walk by tables and not wearing a mask. Only one server had a mask on. Instead of offering a discounted meal to make up for the disgusting and dangerous chicken, she put a $9 split meal charge on which was not mentioned when ordering. The Amador County Environmental Health inspector needs to inspect this place ASAP! read more