Giovannis Restaurant

01/17/09

Authentic Italian in Austell!!!! 5+ Stars!!!!!!!

by SmyrnaSmith at Citysearch

One of our favorite restaurants in Atlanta! If you live in Smyrna/Vinings/Austell/Powder Springs/Marietta area you have to stop into Giovanni's on the East-West Connector! Don't forget to try a Cannoli for dessert!

• Pros: Food, Service, Value
• Cons: No Alcohol

12/17/09

Good Weight Loss Plan

by DHutto at Citysearch

My husband and I visited for the first time this past weekend and less than 12 hours later we were hooked up to IVs in the ER and had been diagnosed with food poisoning. We had a pleasant experience while at the restaurant, but afterwards was a nightmare. We determined we fell ill from my husband's order -- ceasar salad & chicken alfredo. I called and spoke with Giovanni himself to let him know of the food poisoning and he was extremely defensive and kept yelling "Absolutely not" into the phone. I was not trying to get a free meal (b/c we will never dine here again) or any reimbursement...only to notify him that we were sick. I was extremely disappointed in his reaction. Never once did he offer any apology or concern. I know food poisoning could happen at any restaurant at any time, but they were short-staffed on Sunday and serving a large group ahead of us so I feel they did not do their due dilligence in preparing our meal -- hence the illness. Long story short, if you need to lose 5 lbs. or so and don't mind knocking on death's door to get there, please eat at Giovanni's.

• Cons: Rude and Defensive Owner, Food Poisoning

08/27/09

Great Place For Dinner!

by slick1ru2 at Citysearch

After reading all the reviews on here we finally went. Great decision. Giovanni greeted us upon arrival, he is a great host. The food is excellent. My wife had spinach ravioli, my brother had lobster ravioli with a piece of Italian sausage on the side. My daughter had spagetti and I had chicken parm. Everyone loved their food. My brother in law said the sausage was the best he has had, and he is from Jersey. Meals include garlic bread and salad (spinach leaves with your choice of dressing). Beer and wine are available and Coke products are served. As good as the food is, desert, in my opinion, was the best part of the meal. We each had our favorite, my daughter and I split a terra massu, my wife had the cheese cake and my brother in law had a cannoli. All are home made and all were out of this world. Giovanni says most everything they serve is made there, an exception was the Italian sausage. The terra massu was the best I have ever had. I am temped to buy a sheet pan of it, which they sell with a day or two notice, lol. A great host, great food and family, how else to spend dinner?

• Pros: Food, Prices, Great Owner
• Cons: None

08/14/09

Wonderful Meatballs and Sauce

by sawyertom at Citysearch

Giovannis meatballs are the very best I have had in years. Coming from an area of many Italian Immigrants in the north I have searched and searched for good Italian food here in the south. Giovannis is right off the e/w connector a ways past Lowes if your traveling west away from Atlanta and Vinnings/Smryna area. Look for the little strip mall where the sigh for BJs Warehouse is located. His red gravy is also stellar. Light and sweet and yummy. I buy his meatballs and bring them home to serve either whole (so moist) or mash them up with my own extra gravy and mushrooms and pour over angel hair pasta I cook up at home.

• Pros: Meatballs and Delightful Giovanni
• Cons: None

07/31/09

If you want GREAT Italian food this is the place to go

by smyrnagrl212 at Citysearch

the desert is amazing...i love all their food and they are all so nice

01/11/09

Lasagna worth driving for!

by PandBL at Citysearch

Fortunately we don't have to go far since Giovanni opened right in our area. We happened on Giovanni's charming little restaurant and have fallen in love with him and his incredible food! He and all his staff are so warm and friendly and always glad to see us. The service is impeccable and the food is simply marvelous. He uses a lot of his mother's recipes and every authentic dish is prepared with great pride. If you only get out to the Austell/Powder Springs area once, you MUST try the lasagna and the cheesecake. They are both the best we've ever had anywhere. We keep trying other things, all delicious, but we just can't get enough of Giovanni's lasagna! The pasta is thin and tender, the meat is juicy and the sauce is perfect-a much lighter tomato sauce than the typical American variety. We can't say enough wonderful things about this lovely man and his restaurant and especially his food!

01/04/09

Great Italian food!

by Gerry102388 at Citysearch

Husband's co-worker recommended and we are glad he did. Giovanni was a great host and is obviously proud of his food (as he should be!). The food was fresh and plentiful. For the first time since moving to Georgia from NY, we were able to enjoy food that was perfectly cooked. The pasta was al dente, the shrimp crunchy and delicious, and the calamari was amazing (best we ever had!). Initially we thought the main course looked a little small but, I think it was just the deep bowl they were served in. We were full and even had left overs. DO NOT skip the dessert. Incredibly fresh and delicious. Might have to stop back just to pick up some cannolis, best in GA, maybe even in NY! We will be back!

• Pros: Best restaraunt food in GA
• Cons: none

12/08/08

Best Italian Food in Greater Atlanta

by medina76 at Citysearch

My wife and I stumbled upon this little eatery the first day they opened. We continue to go there regularly and have started to take out. The food is superb and the prices are amazing. Every item on the menu is a bargain as the portions are generous. Be prepared to ask for a to go box. Indulge yourself and try the deserts.

The staff is always pleasant and humble. Giovanni is the best host I have met in all of Atlanta and he is a wonderful cook too. The food, sauces, and deserts are all prepared in house. Don't be let down by the lack of alcohol. Giovanni has put in for his liquor license and will be serving beer and wine very soon. So, stop by or take out and know you are getting the best food in town.

• Pros: Best food and service.
• Cons: Location does not stand out.

11/29/08

Genuine Italian Food at its Best!!

by emily30126 at Citysearch

My husband and I LOVE Giovanni's! I don't write reviews often, but I just had to let people know what an amazing chef and a gracious host Giovanni is! Everytime we go, which is pretty often, we are always treated like family. The best thing about this place is that you get great homecooked Italian food at such an affordable price. Our bill has never been over $30 and that's ordering an appetizer, 2 entrees, and dessert! The house dressing is addictive! I'm always tempted to lick my salad plate clean it's so good! My favorite dinner on the menu right now is the shrimp alfredo. I'm usually not a fan of the white sauce, but it's so rich and creamy just thinking about it makes my mouth water! For dessert, I have to say that you haven't had real cheesecake until you've tried Giovanni's cheesecake. It is a must item to order for something sweet. Most times I don't have room for anything more, so I will get this to go! Giovanni is always adding new things to the menu, so we will definitely be back to try them all!

• Pros: Amazing food at affordable prices. Wonderful staff!
• Cons: None!

11/24/08

What a great tasting food.

by pop111 at Citysearch

I finally found the best italian food. I am not into writing much about anything. But "simply the best", this place offered the most delicious food I ever tasted (italian or otherwise). The portion is huge and the place is very clean, I noticed that all the staff are wearing and keep on changing gloves. I feel so comfortable about this place and I highly recommend it. I will be coming back again and again.

• Pros: Excellent food, very clean place and friendly staff
• Cons: None