Giovanni's has the best customer service in town hands down! The food is amazing but more importantly the staff make you feel like you're part of the family. read more

Wonderful dining experience. Food and service were "spot on". Do not miss Giovanni's in Ottawa.

Such a beautiful, classy establishment. They have free valet parking, and when you enter the restaurant you are greeted warmly as if you are family. The food is so fresh and flavorful. The menu also has a lot of variety to it, which is nice. I really enjoyed my visit to this restaurant and will recommend it to others who are looking for a nice Italian restaurant. read more

Wow, this place is quite the authentic Italian restaurant. I came here for lunch and the service was incredible. Each dish was delicious and never ending wine options. I hope to eat here again. Watch out, this place will make another dent in your wallet. Take a food break and look at the non-stop wall decoration. read more

If you are looking for a fancy Italian meal then look no further. There is free valet parking (what could be better in Ottawa, really?) so that you don't have to walk around in the cold. Once you get inside your coat is whisked away so you don't have to bother with it on the back of your chair. The servers are all incredibly nice. My server helped me pick out a lovely wine. I ordered penne pomodoro and was very happy with my choice. When I am in an Italian restaurant for the first time I tend to chose this simple dish because it is the easiest way to judge if the place is any good. Some restaurants boast good Italian food and then they make pasta with sauce that obviously comes out of a can. This is not the case for Giovanni's. The sauce was delicious! It was homemade with just enough basil. Perfecto! I can't wait to try other items on the menu. read more

So I had reservations at another place near by and changed them to Giovanni's on a recommendation. First impression fancy i'm not going to feel comfortable here, boy was I wrong from the second my friend and I stepped in the door the staff was amazing. Someone spoke to us as soon as we arrived welcoming us, they asked if we wanted someone to take our coats. We were taken to our table and asked if we wanted anything to drink. Unlike a lot of places where you feel rushed, staff didn't rush us they gave us lots of time and answered our questions. We started off with the antipasto all italiana it was amazing everything on it was great I passed on the artichoke, but it was prepared and presented beautifully just not my taste. The main course arrived, we both ordered the pollo portofino and simply it was to die for, I was thinking how can they justify that price for it. Wow it was worth every penny the chicken was so tender and the crab was excellent and the sauce was divine, i was wiping it up with the amazing homemade rolls. To accompany dinner we had a nice Cabernet sauvignon recommended by our waiter. then we had creme brule for desert also magnificent. So I would like to add a side note about the best part of the experience the staff our it seems small to call him a waiter, but the gentleman who took care of us was Tony and he was awesome from great recommendations to fun and lively conversation he introduced us to every staff who came by and the host checked in us a few times Tony was there very often but he wasn't intrusive. The meal was expensive especially compared to some other places . I've never payed that much for a meal before, however we left feeling that we got every cent of our moneys worth it honestly felt more like going to a family members place even though it was fancy I never felt intimidated if you are looking for an amazing dinging experience this is it. I will be back and asking for tony. In short it was well worth it I felt pampered and taken care of the whole time, The atmosphere didn't feel forced it literally felt like they cared about their customer they which can come off as fake sometimes not here , I cant say enough you need to go experience it yourself!!! read more

Clearly past it's prime, Nice setting Classy servers, food was below average. Over 200 for 2 people no drinks. Seafood was not fresh

I was about 11 years old when my dad took me for the first time to Giovanni's - my first time at a fancy restaurant. Going back there tonight just blew me away. From the free valet parking to the best customer service I have ever experienced, Giovanni's is really top notch! All three pasta meals we had were excellent! Really happy I went back. read more

You cant get any better than Giovanni's! This place has it all. A stunning atmosphere, amazing customer service, and most importantly, extremely high quality food. Very classy establishment. read more

Terrific traditional Italian spot in the heart of little Italy. Homemade Italian meals. Book a reservation as this place is always busy especially on weekends. Want to impress on a first date? Then bring them here. Large wine menu with great selections. Friendly staff always willing to make terrific food and wine selections. read more

Beautiful dinner and ambience made even more wonderful by knowledgeable and considerate servers and wine steward! Thank you for a memorable evening. read more

I came here for my first time for my best friends birthday. Four of us girls. From the moment we got there with the free valet to the time we left with a free lemoncelli shot it was the best. The food was amazing and they really out of their way. For example I wasn't sure if I wanted sausage in my pasta or chicken and the server offered for me to have both with no extra cost. Once I got my meal, it was so tasty. I mean the best friggen pasta I have ever had. The drinks were flowing, I had a few martinis and they were so delicious. The atmosphere was so warm and romantic and dim. Such a restaurant! I am defiantly going back and having another great experience. If your looking for a date night, girls night, guys night or even a family night , I would recommend this place without hesitation! read more

Been here many times but figured I would write a review since they have recently done a big reno. The reno definitely has helped it was fully packed on the night I was there, it also seems a bit of a younger crowd as well which is good. There was a cast of characters the night I was there. A couple of guys with three escorts, a few celebs ( by Ottawa standards ) and pretty much every woman in the place was a babe ( that doesn't really matter I guess but it helps :) Anyway, on to the food etc. Considering this is arguable Ottawa's best high end Italian place the food is just ok. We started with a couple of old fashions for a cocktail and sent them back because they were watery, the second ones were basically the same so we just tolerated them. I don't find the food ever disappoints but at the same time I have never walked out and though I just had a kick ass meal. As a few others have pointed out the prices have definitely jumped, $35 for a seafood risotto with limited seafood is a bit much. The wine list is extensive and quite good, the staff is also extremely friendly and accommodating, also a round of sambucas at the end of the night was a nice touch. If these guys could just tweak the food a little it would be a top shelf joint, the food scene in Ottawa has vastly improved over the years and you can't just stay the same. With the reno I thought a refreshed menu was also going to be offered but it is basically the same as it has always been. There are a few places on Preston that don't have the cache ( or prices ) of Giovannis that are just as good food wise but they get overlooked by the big guy on the block. I do enjoy this place and will be back, mostly due to the staff and the vibe. read more

Finally got to experience what everyone was raving about!! What a great night from the moment we walked in. Our party of 4 was amazed by the service Tony provided for us. The food was spot on and the drinks were always full. Can't wait to return to this gem!! read more

Four of us dropped in for a late dinner a couple of days before Christmas. It was my first time here and I was very impressed from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by the owner. Very lively restaurant that reminded me of some family owned Italian restaurants I have visited in NY and SF. Service was very good as was the food. Not overly expensive considering the atmosphere, service and food. Good wine list too. I hope to return soon. read more

Traditional Italian.....very authentic and hearty classics. Kinda like homemade and the sauces were amazing.

Last night four of us dined at Giovanni's on Preston Street. Food - delicious. Service - excellent. Wine list - unsurpassed. A lady at the front greeted us warmly then got our waiter who ushered us into a comfortable table by the wall. We poured over the menu and wine list sipping a glass of medium-dry Prosecco. One order was a pasta with spicy sausage, garlic and parmesan. Another was a seafood pasta with jumbo shrimp, white wine, and herbs . The third was poached salmon with a leek sauce and green vegetables. My order was grilled lamb and beef: tender, rich, spicy bold flavour. The wine order was not easy to match between the seafood, white sauce, garlic, and spicy food. There must be hundreds of wines to choose from, a lot from Piedmont and Tuscany. They have a stunning collection of Super Tuscans most of which were way outside my budget. But I did find a blend with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, soft enough to work with the big white sauces and bold enough for the grilled and spicy meats. Altogether, a delicious and classy experience - classic Italian food and impeccable service. read more

Excellent dining experience. Food I would have never tried. Great items...feel free to ask for something not on the menu...they'll make it. I had veal saltimbocca. Worth every bit. read more

I've been going there for years just to eat their veal parmigeana. Last time the breading was a bit mushy, not like usual. The service is always great and I'm hoping that was just a fluke because I always considered the veal parmigeana at Giovanni's to be the best up until this time. read more

As an Italian I was expecting real Italian food, but I was disappointed. This is not an authentic Italian restaurant, but a Canadian restaurant imitating Italian cuisine. I had carpaccio, calamari, which were ok. I had veal which had too much gravy and didn't remind me of any Italian dish. I had cannoli, which didn't remind me of sicilian cannoli, but it was good enough. The service was great and the ambiance very nice. read more

The place by itself is excellent; however the food is not worth trying it. I went there today and was very disapointed with the calamari and also the plate which i ordered. I choose the lobster with filet and seafood risoto and the filet was burned the lobtster was old and salty and the seafood risoto had no taste. My husband's place was ok but nothing compared with the price. Earlier today we had lunch at a little italian restaurant and the food was simlply amaizing, real italian food like we had in italy. By the way, the name is johny farina. Worth a try!!! read more

I had the pleasure of going to Giovanni's for my mother's birthday and I was so pleasantly surprised at how delicious their food is. Excellent Italian food and superb service! By far the best Italian in Ottawa! read more

5 Stars??? If I could give 10 stars I would. On a busy Saturday night, we didn't have a reservation, and on a whim decided to try Giovannis which was on our "to-do" list forever! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Karsten (server) who went out of his way to take our coats, find any seats available. The restaurant was packed and very very loud (only negative to this restaurant - music and 1000 voices is very loud). When we mentioned the noise and that it was our anniversary, Karsten immediately took a special interest in making our night one to remember. He managed to find special table for us in a quiet corner, made excellent recommendations on the food and wine, and timed everything perfectly. We have never had such positive, welcoming service from start to finish - ever. The food is amazing, scallops like butter, and cheesecake like nothing we've ever tasted before. We are so thankful to have had this amazing experience. We will be back! read more

This is our go-to place when we crave Italian food. The service is attentive and the food is always good , sometimes even great. It really depends on the night. read more

As a few other reviews have stated, this used to be a great place for Italian cuisine. On a recent visit on a Saturday night all 8 of us were disappointed with the quality of food coming out of the kitchen. The Caprese salad has been greatly reduced in size with minimal dressing and one lonely basil leaf. The trio plate was overcooked with less flavour than pasta sauce that you buy at a grocery store. Even the servers were doing a poor job, passing plates in front of the person, beside the person that was to receive their dish. I used to be a great fan - won't return. read more

Best Italian food in the city! I absolutely love everything about this restaurant......the food is always fantastic, the service is incredible and the ambiance is what you are looking for. Worth more than one trip! This is a time and again place! read more

The food is very good at this restaurant in the heart of Little Italy but it is very expensive to dine here. The wine list is extensive but again, very expensive. The waiters are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and treat the clients extremely well. Great place to have dinner on very special occasions but too expensive for regular visits. read more

Not a place for couples to talk ....soooooo noisy !!!!!!! I was not able to hear my date and left with a crazy headache. I hearing senses were overwhelmed that I couldn't even enjoy the taste of the very expensive wine we ordered. read more

The staff was very quick and attentive, and drinks came very fast which is the one compliment I have. The food is completely over priced and bland. The menu is more expensive than a Michelin star restaurant and fails to provide anything close to authentic Italian. read more

Service and food was incredible. Tony was our server and hooked us up big time!!! The wife and I had some surf and turf and the food was perfectly cooked and super delish! Wine was amazing as well. Great place, will definitely be back. read more

Had the amazing experience of being served by Tony tonight! He was funny entertaining and very accommodating! Food was awesome we will def be visiting Tony again!! read more

If I were to get engaged to be married again I would want it to be at Giovanni's delicious savory food and roses(real) on every table even the restroom has roses, the place of wine and roses and warm atmosphere! read more

Last evening (Thursday Sept 10) a friend treated us to a very expensive and very special dinner to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversay. We had been looking forward to this occasion as we have enjoyed the excellence of this restaurant in the past and it should have been a memorable evening except for two young children whose parents allowed them to scream through the whole evening. What makes young parents think that robbing other diners of their pleasure is quite acceptable? read more

This place is an amazing place to go for a romantic dinner. I checked out the reviews beforehand and decided it would be a great place to have a romantic dinner with my fiancée. The building is certainly very unique and the inside is decorated very nicely with dimmed lighting. It can certainly be an expensive night out if you go wine, appetizer, main, dessert. They provided very fresh bread and a great mixture of oils for dipping. My fiancée had the Manicotti (that was an amazing dish, so tasty) and I had Spaghetti alla Carbonara (this dish was very good but the bacon they used was fairly fatty). The service was great they were fast and efficient; they had a variety of waiters for different tasks (one for wine, one food, one brought us or food...) you would think that all this different waiters would cause confusion but it did not. They were on point, very impressed! Highly recommend this place for a romantic dinner out! read more