Based on 3.589 opinions finded in 4 websites
Based on 3.589 opinions finded in 4 websites
Opinions
Always a pleasure to eat and drink here, especially when weather permits one to seat outside adjacent to the water and watch the world go by.
David Payne . 2025-05-14
MORE AT Google
Dropped in for a meal. Not able to book as were only taking walk ins but fitted us in. Great atmosphere, extremely busy with a few large tables Food was piping hot and plentiful. I had lasagne which was tasty but much to big for me to eat it all, especially after a starter. Definitely worth a visit
Victoria Moore . 2025-05-11
MORE AT Google
I ate here about a year ago on a work trip and it was so good i had to return. This time I got the spaghetti bolognese & tiramisu, it did not disappoint. The service was attentive and the food came out quick
Morgan T . 2025-05-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Best lasagna in the town! 👌👌 It has a great atmosphere; we had a wonderful experience. We’ll keep coming Giovanni’s!!!😋
Duyguincardiff . 2025-05-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Always love coming here to eat. The food and service is amazing! I love looking at all the pics of the celebs on the walls 😊
Lyndsey Haffenden . 2025-05-11
MORE AT Google
I have eaten at this restaurant many times and always found it good in the past. However, after Covid it went a but down hill. Today I was having a drink in Cardiff with my son and we decided to go there as there were spaces in what was a very busy day in Cardiff. Our starter came quite quickly but our main was early 20 minutes after that. While eating my meal, I found that I could not swallow and was choking on something . I had to vomit on the floor ( we were outside). My son asked the staff for water, none materialised. I has to use all the serviettes to wipe up the flem that I was brining up. Eventually, I has a drink of my wine (wasn't sure if that was a good call) and it moved the blockage. We then finished our meal and my son complained a out the service. They then brought the water, 15 minutes after the event. We then asked for the bill, my son questioned it due to the circumstances. The server couldn't make a decision. My son asked to see the manager and he couldn't make a decision so he brought another person out who had a very bad Italian accent, and he basically said that we had eaten so we should pay. However, he did eventually take a small amount off the bill.
Mark A . 2025-05-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We visited Giovanni’s for a 40th birthday and there were around 20 of us. We did not pre-order and the food came out in good time, all tasted great with no hassle. The service was amazing, I cannot remember the name of the lady but our italian family loved her and the fact she spoke to some of us in italian too! I had the matribologna pasta which was delicious, could have just done with a bit of salt but other than that, my calamari and tiramisu was perfect. All of my family really enjoyed - thank you :)
frankierobzz . 2025-05-09
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Food was ok! Very expensive for what it is. The place itself was dirty, I was hesitant to sit on the seats! Downstairs seating area had awful smell of damp and toilets were not very clean.
Sara Eaton . 2025-05-07
MORE AT Google
Lovely little restaurant with friendly staff, a great selection of wine and delicious food. I had the Diavolo pizza which was delicious.
Minder Virdee . 2025-05-04
MORE AT Google
After many years of wanting to go to Giovannis on the Hayes to try the authentic Italian cuisine, myself and my husband were left extremely disappointed with our experience. The food definitely did not live up to expectations. It was soggy and stodgy and completely unappetising and bland. Food portion size way too big, as if they were trying to get rid of food. The staff were surly and unfriendly (apart from a young waiter with glasses). The place lacked atmosphere, and we had an annoying bar fly hovering around our table the whole time. The place is clearly riding on the legacy of past glories.
Joanne Lawson . 2025-05-03
MORE AT Google
Incredibly disappointing food and awful service. Overpriced, tatty, and dated (and the bar flys inside made it worse). Staff acting like they were doing you a favour. Lots of better Italian restaurants in Cardiff rather than having to put up with thus.
Philip Lawson . 2025-05-03
MORE AT Google
Myself and few colleagues dined at Giovannis on a Wednesday evening. It was lovely to see how busy the place was considering most other restaurants on the Hayes seemed to be very quiet. The service was amazing, special thanks to the manager Genarro. Food was exactly what you would expect, great, traditional Italian dishes. All the food was fresh, hot and delicious. I opted for the croquettes to begin with followed by penne spezzatino. The croquettes were the perfect balance of crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, with a wonderful cheese pull. The steak in the pasta dish was so tender and the sauce was incredible. I was far too full to order dessert on this occasion, however, I have previously had their tiramisu which is wonderful! We also shared 2 bottles of a wonderfully balanced Malbec. All in all, I would highly recommend giovannis!
Catrin . 2025-04-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Excellent service. Food was pretty flavourless unfortunately. The calamari was bland, the seasonal veg reminded me of buffet food that's been cooked from frozen and kept warm under a hot plate. Just no imagination - rather than a cohesive meal it felt more just the ingredients sharing a plate. I appreciate it's in a premium location so premium price, but the result was paying a premium only to leave disappointed. I'd been under the impression this place was really good and always wanted the excuse to try it. Hopefully this was just a lazy day for the kitchen.
Beth Joy . 2025-04-28
MORE AT Google
Still nice but not as good as it used to be. Been going over over 20 years and seeing things like a cut down menu (eg no filet steak) and paper napkins don't reflect the food prices. First lady who severed us was quite surly but she disappeared and the other staff were really nice. Had a reasonable meal and I wish them all the best but won't be rushing back. For me it used to be undoubtedly the best Italian in Cardiff, now run run of the mill.
David . 2025-04-22
MORE AT Google
The food in this place is shockingly bad. My girlfriend started to vomit a couple of hours after we left, and I had heartburn all night. The prices are very high, and the wine is expensive for a terrible Malbec. For some reason, they have many photos of celebrities on the wall with the owner, but none of them are at the restaurant. I don’t know what that is supposed to mean, but if celebrities eat there, they must have lost the plot. The staff very nice apart of the manager that was a bit of a lier.
Daniel Golf . 2025-04-22
MORE AT Google
Best lasagne I have ever had! Raspberry daiquiri was lovely and the garlic bread was also very good!
Marnie G . 2025-04-20
MORE AT Google
My second visit, definitely not my last. Exceptional Italian cuisine, great presentation, fab service. I had steak cooked to perfection, my wife had lasagne her words best she ever had.
Jason Cory . 2025-04-11
MORE AT Google
Loved our first visit to Giovanni's. Wonderful experience.
Jean Booth . 2025-04-08
MORE AT Google
I always held the lasagne here in the highest regard during my formative years - as one of the best I’ve ever had. I returned last Saturday over a decade later and I’m pleased to say it did not disappoint! Despite it being a busy Saturday afternoon, we were seated almost immediately and the service we received was good. However we overheard the front of house belittling and denigrating a couple of the young waiters during service. Even in a busy environment there’s a time and a place for this to be done, which is not in front of diners. That aside, the atmosphere was as warm and welcoming as I remembered. The lasagne was delicious, and the warm bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a match made in heaven. The stars adorning the walls speak for themselves!
Ben Harper . 2025-04-02
MORE AT Google
Food was amazing!!! but service was horrible sometimes when it comes to restaurants you could have the best food in town but if you staff is not well oriented you would have the worst restaurant in town, as an advise give Bernardo a better training, it will help your business a lot trust me!
-Pablo- Figuereo . 2025-04-02
MORE AT Google
We highly recommend Giovannis - Last night was a return visit and we weren’t disappointed - Enjoyed delicious food muscles, king prawns, lasagne, lobster/clams and pizza - sorry no photos it wasn’t on the plate long enough to take one 🍽️ 😋 I’ve seen some reviews commenting on the service but our waitress (with the said dark hair and glasses) was amazing - she couldn’t have been more attentive, polite and engaging - So I’d advise you give it a try
Sandra Baldwin . 2025-04-02
MORE AT Google
Had a table for 9 people last night, turned up at 7 we were made to wait as the table wasn't ready. We then got sat around a table for 6 so very cramped. Food was pretty average service was awful and. One meal was 20+ minutes late and no really apologie. Or recognition. Will not be returning to any of the restaurants. Very disappointed.
Llyw Davies . 2025-03-23
MORE AT Google
Very disappointing experience. The carbonara sauce contained eggshells and was excessively oily. There were flies on my husband’s food (it was his birthday) and the lettuce in my salad was wilted and unappetising. The mayonnaise that came with the calamari tasted off and did not eat it. When asked to replace the carbonara the service was rude. Definitely not up to standard. Giivannis used to be much better on our past visits. Won't be visiting any time soon.
Sonia Mancisidor . 2025-03-22
MORE AT Google
2 minutes walk from St Davids car park. Attended as a large prebooked birthday party, preordered food. We'll organised and efficient service, friendly, helpful staff. large portions of food. Great atmosphere, although the music was too loud to be able to chat. Definitely worth a visit, top notch food 👌 🙂
Sara Lee . 2025-03-21
MORE AT Google
We dined at Giovannis to celebrate a major annivelyrsary and we were absolutely delighted with the food, the staff, the service and the atmosphere! This authentic, family-run Italian restaurant is an gem. The food was just the MOST delicious Italian food we have ever eaten. The ciabatta garlic bread was superb and the pasta was cooked to perfection with an outstandingly flavourful sauce. It was a Tuesday night and yet the place was completely full; we were glad we had booked in advance! The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive. We will definitely return when we are next in Cardiff.
Paul Kelsey . 2025-03-20
MORE AT Google
A party of 30 for my husbands BIG birthday, in the face of chaos the service was calm and accommodating with people forgetting what they ordered or changing their minds. The food came out hot and quickly and was lovely. And finally, the drinks kept flowing. Cannot praise them highly enough for the way they looked after us, many thanks.
BarbaraE63 . 2025-03-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I've put 3 starts mainly down to the restaurant. The seats were torn in places and the toilets weren't clean. Grubby needs renovating. Faded photos on the wall too. My daughter had gluten free carbonara but that wasn't carbonara. You don't have runny sauce with carbonara. The waitress who served us couldn't smile if she tried she had absolutely no personality. She's worked there since it opened so she's not new. The other meals we ordered were nice but nothing special. Had to peel the prawns (a starter) ourselves such usually come already peeled. Please renovate the restaurant and bring it into 2025. I'm sure it hasn't changed since 1983 when it opened! My mother in law who was with us assured me it's been the same decor since 1983 😳
Sarah Briggs . 2025-02-25
MORE AT Google
Came to Cardiff today, first time in over a year, we had our obligatory visit to Giovannis. My daughters had the cheese croquettes, spaghetti bolognaise, my partner had the Arrabbiata extra spicy and I had the home made lasagne. Cannot fault this place. Excellence service and the food is outstanding. If you like home made Italian food this is the place
Rhodri D . 2025-02-24
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Amazing, what can I say it was simply divine. The staff were very polite and the food was amazing
Viera M . 2025-02-20
MORE AT Google
The prices have shot up since I was last there, but the food was lovely, good service. This is an authentic Italian restaurant nothing has changed deco wise for years & years. Its not your squeaky polished cosmopolitan restaurant so it’s showing its age. I hope it doesn’t change.
Sharon Mc . 2025-02-09
MORE AT Google
An excellent meal with delicious wine we all thoroughly enjoyed. Great staff, no hanging around for food but unhurried too. 4 of us with 2 bottles of wine & main meals with sides around £40 each. Good value i thought.
huw j . 2025-02-09
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Great food with quick friendly service! all staff very kind and happy would definitely come back again! i recommend trying the pizzas and pollo tarragon
Summer R . 2025-02-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Best sea food linguine, it’s always nice to eat in Giovanni plus Vanessa and staff are so welcoming. My brother loved the lasanha Gracias
Alma Gira . 2025-01-21
MORE AT TripAdvisor
This old Italian restaurant is great , always busy and always amazing food , a must go restaurant if in Cardiff.
Patrick Godfrey . 2025-01-20
MORE AT Google
The worst carbonara of my life, with onions and no ground pepper. Definitely disappointed. Tiramisu made with cream, without even a hint of mascarpone. Maybe this was once a real Italian restaurant, but that has changed by now.
Viola Bakos . 2025-01-16
MORE AT Google
The boys first experience of an Italian restaurant and absolutely loved it. We'll definitely be back. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food was amazing 👏
Rebecca Roberts . 2025-01-15
MORE AT Google
Lovely food very friendly and quick service always busy
Natalie Williams . 2025-01-15
MORE AT Google
When we were given a table with one leg literally 10cm shorter than the others, we should have realised it wasn’t going to be great. Having packed a pile of napkins under the table leg we were given menus - each one with different pages missing. After a long wait the starters arrived - edible but not worth anywhere near the prices. Calamari undercooked, mussels shells broken and disintegrating, and arancini clearly frozen from a bag. An hour and a half after sitting down our mains arrived. 2 meals were sent back as they were inedible, a pizza was sent back to be cooked properly and the other meal was tolerated. The service by one waitress in particular was downright rude and way beyond disrespectful. This is a pricey restaurant for pasta and pizza offering standards below even the most basic budget choice.
Liz T . 2025-01-14
MORE AT Google
Old fashioned Italian restaurant, Giovanni's is great
mike arnopp . 2025-01-14
MORE AT Google
The food was awful. Ravioli tasted like a garlic watery mess and the food was bland. £22.95 for a seafood pasta that came out looking horrible and tasted overly fishy. The rocket on the main came out rotten and after asking the staff to replace it, we got no response expect a storming off from one of the waiters. My pizza was undercooked and bland, could have got better from a takeaway. Awful food, awful service. Do not come here.
Tim . 2025-01-13
MORE AT Google
Giovannis On The Hayes is an absolute disgrace. The food was inedible—undercooked truffle ravioli with soggy dough, frozen mussels, disgusting grainy ricotta salmon ravioli, and a soggy-centered pizza. For their outrageous prices and laughable awards, it was a complete scam. The service was just as bad. A rude, dismissive waitress stormed off instead of addressing our complaints. Even an apology from the manager couldn’t fix this disaster. Don’t waste your time or money here—this place is a joke pretending to be an Italian restaurant.
Maria . 2025-01-13
MORE AT Google
I had high expectations for Giovannis On The Hayes, given their supposed awards and claims of serving authentic Italian cuisine. What a joke! This was hands down one of the worst food and dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food was absolutely inedible and clearly not fresh. Dishes were poorly cooked, looked like they were just lobbed on the plate and made from what tasted like frozen ingredients. The so-called truffle ravioli (which costs over £22!) was undercooked, with a horrible soggy dough texture, topped with rocket that had gone old and wilted. The pizza? Soggy dough in the middle. Frozen mussels? Disgusting. The grainy ricotta salmon ravioli was revolting, and the tortellini carbonara tasted nothing like what it should. To make matters worse, when we raised these issues, we were met with a rude, impolite waitress with black hair and glasses. She completely dismissed our complaints and stormed off in a strop – utterly unprofessional behaviour. Sure, the polite waiter and manager apologised, but their efforts couldn’t salvage the horrible food, service, or the way we were treated. For the high prices they charge and their so-called accolades, I expected a dining experience that would at least meet basic standards. Instead, it was an overpriced disaster. Do yourself a favour and AVOID this place if you want a respectful authentic and memorable Italian meal. There are far better options out there!
mashinka555 . 2025-01-13
MORE AT Google
You will never leave this restaurant feeling hungry, staff always welcoming and the food is very tasty
Alex Simmons . 2025-01-13
MORE AT Google
Terrible place. Tired and dirty. Staff rude and unprofessional. Starters took ages and when they arrived the muscles were in a tasteless supposedly cream sauce which had an odd tang of vinegar. The insalata caprese had mozzarella that had the texture of carpet underlay. Absolutely no dressing. We then waited another 40 minutes for our mains only to be told that the kitchen had forgotten the ticket! Waiting staff had no clue at all. The tables around us seemed to have a similar experience - one walking out with all their food returned and another refused to pay the service charge. Avoid avoid avoid!
Stephen Glynn . 2025-01-11
MORE AT Google
Best restaurant experience ever, the staff were very lovely and welcoming and the food is amazing and the drinks were delicious!!!
Ani R . 2025-01-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Great food! Had the pasta and it was lovely, garlic break was homemade and fresh! Lovely staff , lovely service. Was served so fast and staff all polite! Lovely overall
ava o . 2025-01-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Lovely little italian restaursnt in cardiff! The staff were asbolutely amazing where we were served politely through out the evening! Great service! And the most mouth watering pasta and desert ever! We will definetely be back!
Harriett W . 2025-01-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
amazing service very attentive, friendly and welcoming. food was amazing and a lovely atmosphere. sang happy birthday to one of my friends. food was very good for the price
Daisy T . 2025-01-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Very nice restaurant, steak was great waiter was very attentive, came in without a booking and all ordered calamari which was unreal, brilliant place and lovely atmosphere.
Will F . 2025-01-09
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The food was bland, and calamari was definitely frozen. Heard great things about the place. The pics on the wall are cool, but the tack fake plants, dust collection on ceilings need to go. And there was a fly 🪰 😳 going around my food. It's January and freezing 🥶
Declan Reilly . 2025-01-07
MORE AT Google
The reputation unfortunately did not live up to the standards I expected. Maybe I'm comparing this place to other Italians a bit too much but the overall experience did not live up to the hype. The food was decent but nothing to call home about, service felt rushed. I understand it's a busy time of year but for the location of the restaurant and the many years of service, I expected this to be better handled.
Louis . 2025-01-07
MORE AT Google
disappointing, tables so close together they had to be moved to allow people to sit, food all brought out at different times, waiting ages for courses, not overly busy, but really will give this resteraunt a miss in future
Lisa Rundle . 2025-01-05
MORE AT Google
Great food and great staff guaranteed
Rob Edmunds . 2025-01-02
MORE AT Google
Yes it was Christmas week, yes it was busy, but was overall disapointed. Packed in like sardines, poor staff were so stressed. Food rushed.
Laura Ganesh . 2025-01-01
MORE AT Google
Salmone alla Griglia was overcooked & dry, & didn’t come with the advertised seasonal veg and potatoes but with an oily bitter salad and a dry ciabatta - the promised charred lemon was uncooked - an incredibly oily dish definitely not as advertised.
G . 2024-12-31
MORE AT Just Eat
First time in this restaurant and to be honest it wasn't great. Starters delicious, ordered a pizza for main, friends meals delivered not mine, think it may have been forgotten. When it eventually turned up it was not good. The owner knew and took this off the bill, offering us free deserts, which we declined. When our bill came it was not even ours. It was like a scene from Faulty Towers. However do not let my experience put you off, staff were great and couldn't do enough for you.
Amanda Thomas . 2024-12-29
MORE AT Google
Staff were not friendly and service was poor. Food was mediocre and overpriced.
Madhu Mati . 2024-12-27
MORE AT Google
The best Italian in town. Traditional. Food was excelent. The place is totally Italian, staff was helpful, price was great. Gennaro, the manager, is a differential. A place to go. Cant miss.
Andrea Garbelotti . 2024-12-23
MORE AT Google
Very good food, fair price. Attentive service, took a while.
João B. B. Barbosa . 2024-12-23
MORE AT Google
Food was pretty decent although value for money was poor. The service was absolutely shocking however, the waiter we had (short haired woman with glasses) was so rude. Didn’t serve us at all for 20 minutes and when I asked to order she put a finger in my face and told me to wait . When she eventually came over she acted almost offended that we dare bother her to get served? Also the tables are too close together and cramped could hear the neighbouring tables better than I could hear my own conversation
Will . 2024-12-22
MORE AT Google
Me and my friend dined here last night. The service and atmosphere was absolutely amazing! It's small and intimate, but not too small. Gives off the best Italian vibes. The food was outstanding we took all our leftovers back to the hotel! Would definitely eat here again. Genarro the owner was so welcoming and attentive and friendly. Just such a vibe thank you.
Bugs Bunny . 2024-12-18
MORE AT Google
A really joyful place to visit over Christmas, wonderful food and friendly staff! Pistachio pistachio pistachio!
N . 2024-12-16
MORE AT Google
Amazing service! Felt so welcomed and appreciated! I loved Guisy and Damiano! Absolutely made our night ❤️ LOVE YOU GIOVANNIS🫶🏽
Aleeza Chowdhery . 2024-12-11
MORE AT Google
Expected good things given the reputation of this place, but left disappointed. It's tiny, cramped with waiting staff knocking the back of your chair due to the very narrow gap between the tables on either side of the restaurant and so noisy you couldn't hold a proper conversation with your companion! Felt very uncomfortable there. We placed our order, and waited and waited! Other people sat down after us and got their meals and finished them, whilst we sat there with nothing. Eventually a waiter came and asked what we had ordered, they had forgotten to put our order through, then lost it so we had to start again!!! When the food finally arrived almost an hour after we'd first ordered it, it was very average, nothing special at all. We just wanted to get out of there so did not have a desert. They did remove the cost of one meal from the bill, but it was too little, too late. Really poor service and not an enjoyable place to spend time in. Needless to say we will not return when there are much better Italian restaurants in the city.
Sian George . 2024-12-09
MORE AT Google
Best night out in Cardiff😊Authentic Italian food, so fresh and full of flavour. The atmosphere was amazing too, we felt really welcome and included. Will make sure this restaurant is at the top of my list next time I’m in Cardiff. Thank you 🙏
Kim Simpson . 2024-12-07
MORE AT Google
Came in to have an evening meal and was treated so well through out the evening by all three waiters. Stunning food, attentive and genuine service and a great atmosphere! I felt like part of the family - Would definitely come back
jodi ann Nicholson . 2024-11-19
MORE AT Google
Charlie was great and was very helpful! :)
maheen rasul . 2024-11-18
MORE AT Google
Extremely disappointing experience !! Was told pizza’would be over a hour wait and we were talked out of ordering one 🤔 so had to choose quickly went for a pasta dish Carbonara very bland and tasteless Definitely not restaurant quality, None of the group of 9 ordered a dessert after the mains , We all left with a very large bill and hungry, overpriced and a underwhelming experience but were offered doggie boxes to take our left food home, no thanks,
Gary J . 2024-11-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Amazing food and great service, had an a really good time for my friends bday, definitely recommend going here and really good location.
Paul S . 2024-11-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Best Italian food in Cardiff! Without contest! We ordered a truffle and burrata pizza, and mushroom ravioli, and we loved every bite ❤️❤️
Ana S . 2024-11-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Buenísimo!!! Totalmente recomendable. Hemos pedido una pasta, pizza y entrante y todo riquísimo. Si buscáis un italiano por Cardiff, sin duda venís aquí!!!
Paloma C . 2024-11-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
El mejor italiano de cardiff, súper recomendable, una experiencia excelente: comida impresionante y servicio 10/10. The best Italian restaurant of cardiff, high recommended, an excellent experience: food was excellent and service 10/10
Blanca R . 2024-11-10
MORE AT TripAdvisor
had a really bad experience here unfortunately. was looking forward to it as my friends had been before and were big fans. we waited outside for 45 minutes to be seated even they we booked months ago and were on time. was craving a pizza but being vegan knew i would be limited, however they had no vegan cheese so that was off the cards. ended up with a tomato based penne which was average. server was nice and it’s a good atmosphere in there. don’t think i would return
Daniel Walbeoff . 2024-11-10
MORE AT Google
I went to Giovanni's with some old friends of mine and I can comfortably say we had some of the best Italian we've eaten in a very long time. We were looked after with extra care and professionalism by Jonny at the restaurant. I had the Cannelloni Caprese personally and my mind was blown. Truly. Giovanni's is a fantastic Italian establishment and I would highly recommend it to anyone for a good time. All of the celebrity photos are also amazing to look at. Kudos to all the staff for entertaining our needs with such perfection.
Ninad Barbadikar . 2024-11-08
MORE AT Google
I ordered Lasagne, and it was so tasty. The service was very good too.
Fereshta Shaheen . 2024-11-03
MORE AT Google
Lovely food, good portion size, good selection of wines and great service.
Beverley Fieldsend . 2024-11-03
MORE AT Google
It’s just perfect, It’s like being a guest in an Italian home.
John Hurley . 2024-10-31
MORE AT Google
First time and we loved it! The food was amazing and the service was great. I'm Spanish, so I loved the quick and straightforward aspect of customer service. Will definitely come back. Grazie mille! 💜
Victoria Folks . 2024-10-30
MORE AT Google
Would never dine here again! I had family down and booked for my sister’s birthday meal . The starters were fine but my main tasted funny and was not right I ordered the lobster ravioli, the waitress ask if everything was ok and I said not really my meal don’t taste right all I could taste was shell and she just walked off . When the bill came the manager had taken off 2 side dishes because I didn’t eat my main and after the waitress told him the issue and he did not proceed to come over and ask what was wrong . I had food poisoning from the lobster that night and after googling it the taste of shell that I had mean that the lobster was off! The service and management was awful I would never recommend this restaurant.
Ashley Chambers . 2024-10-28
MORE AT Google
My favourite restaurant. Had sea bass ravioli in a gorgeous sauce. Excellent customer service and delicious food.
Michelle Pearce . 2024-10-27
MORE AT Google
The restaurant was cramped with waiting staff pushing against my chair throughout my meal. The service staff were nonchalant and quite disappointing as despite the fact we spent over £100 on our meal, we had no acknowledgement either entering or leaving the restaurant which was so disappointing. Cardiff is rife with very good restaurants so Giovanni needs to up his game and improve the offering and pay more attention to the patrons rather than expecting that his history of servicing celebrities will be enough to command such high prices for such mediocre service. We won’t be returning which is sad as we always enjoyed our time with this restaurant!
Amanda Morgan-Taylor . 2024-10-19
MORE AT Google
Fabulous service and great food.. from London came in with my 3 boys the owner was very polite and welcoming
2B Not2B . 2024-10-18
MORE AT Google
If you don't expect a formal Italian restaurant but expect a family trattoria, you'll have it right. Good food, well prepared and served simply. Some good wines on the menu and a decent grappa to finish. It's no wonder Giovanni's place is still going strong after 40 years ... and I expect will continue to do so.
Alistair Duffy . 2024-10-10
MORE AT Google
I recently visited Giovanni's and had an absolutely amazing experience! The food was delicious, truly a highlight of the evening. The atmosphere was vibrant, making for a delightful dining environment. The staff and management were very amusing, adding to the overall enjoyment of the night. However, I did have one complaint: the wait time. Even with a reservation, we experienced delays in being seated, receiving our food, and getting drinks. I understand that this was the night before the Cardiff Half Marathon, so it’s possible they were just overwhelmed with customers. It did feel like they might have overbooked, which contributed to the longer waits. Despite this, I can’t emphasize enough how incredible the food was. I'll definitely be going back—just maybe on a less hectic night! 😄
Nick Fidock . 2024-10-08
MORE AT Google
Simply a great place and the staff are like family to each other, the food speaks volumes. I love everything about giovannis gracias for the service and attention :)
Joao Raposo . 2024-09-30
MORE AT Google
huge portions but still expensive. food was very hit and miss, starters were delicious but mains weren’t great. luckily we were sat upstairs where the temperature was nice but downstairs was boiling hot. staff were really lovely but quite slow to get everything done.
Molly Feltham . 2024-09-29
MORE AT Google
The staff went above and beyond with their service when we ate at Park Place Giovannis on Tuesday evening. The food was delicious and fresh, and the service was extremely quick. Thank you all!!
Rhys Woolhead . 2024-09-24
MORE AT Google
The food was bland but the atmosphere was lovely so that’s a plus
Henry Litster . 2024-09-19
MORE AT Google
The lasagne is amazing. Giving 4 only due several table sheets were dirty. Please improve.
Inga Maksimovic . 2024-09-16
MORE AT Google
Concept: My parents from Greece visit me 1 week per year. I asked 1 day annual leave and proposed them to have a lunch altogether in an Italian restaurant. Timing of visit: Friday 13/09/2024, 15:30-17:00. Order: 2 arancini and 1 Hawaiian pizza. Price: £50.33. Method of payment: Cash. Quality of food: Good (4). Let's talk about this. I enjoyed very much the food and ... cleaned my plate. However, my parents were not equally happy. For my review, I considered an average score. Staff: Very polite (6*). Service: Excellent (7*). The food came very quickly into our table despite the fact that we came in a very busy time (we had to wait for 2 minutes to find a free table). Atmosphere: Ideal (7*). Who says "NO" to dine with traditional Italian music? Highlight: The menu of pizza was not very friendly for vegans. The only vegetarian option was pizza margarita.
TAKIS NIKOLAKIS . 2024-09-13
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Massively overpriced salmon and salad £25 although the food is delicious I think a bit more could've been added to the salad Music was loud and we were crammed into our seats Service was very good tho
Caroline Eley . 2024-09-12
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Staff was unreal, food was amazing and it felt like a little piece of home! Would highly suggest the mastribolognia pasta. Will most definitely be back for more! Gratzi Gennaro
Tina M . 2024-09-11
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The food is amazing when I come here the staff are amazing lovely kind and such a laugh Pudding here is amazing too tonight I had the muscles for starter amazing five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My main was a Five star⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I had seafood linguine and the fish was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing The whole place was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Love you guys ❤️❤️
Ella F . 2024-09-11
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The food was absolutely amazing and gave a real taste of Italian culture. Food came out relatively quick and it wasn’t too busy. The food was extremely well priced and staff were very friendly. Would love to come again.
Savannah P . 2024-09-11
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Lovely food, nice atmosphere and quick service. Came here for a light lunch and was not disappointed. Would recommend it to my friends.
George B . 2024-09-11
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Very nicely decorated, this restaurant bar in the center of Cardiff offers a comfortable haven in the heart of the pedestrian streets of Cardiff
Cbs 1406 . 2024-09-08
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Amazing food amazing staff would definitely recommend, proper Italian food, range of different pastas, desserts would recommend
Shannon S . 2024-09-07
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Well worth a visit but always book ahead . Been here lots of times and excellent every time.
Paul Davies . 2024-09-06
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Amazing service and food. Staff are so friendly and attentive.
Pam Allen . 2024-08-31
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I just wanted to say that the evening was absolutely amazing. Me and my partner went to this little gem for my 21'st birthday....and oh boy it didn't disappoint, our server Luca was absolutely amazing and just so sweet. The barman (Jonny sorry if it's wrong) made the cocktails to absolute perfection. Juan (again so sorry if spelled wrong) who brought out our food was so sweet as well. They brought out my desert (tiramisu which by the way was AMAZING) out with a candle and sang happy birthday which made the evening extra special , and afterwards we even received a free shot of limoncello each (thank you it has a lovely kick) that was on the house. In general , will we visit again ? Yes , definitely. Was this one of the most amazing evenings I got to experience in Cardiff as a visitor? Yes yes yes. So thank you guys!
Amelia Jankowska . 2024-08-27
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3189 Opinions
hot wings were burned and the delivery driver didn't ring me like I asked
1623 Opinions
First time to order from this place. little bit disappointed in the garlic bread its had the bread and cheese but its did not have any taste of garlic 😔 not even bit. the rest was OK
1129 Opinions
Bit of a barn being based in an old bank building , but the food, staff, and service are excellent. I particularly like their rustic pizzas and cannot eat a whole one so I generally cut it in half and take it home. Somewhat of an American tradition I found in the past year. I reckon for a fast food type place it's really jolly good. Better than most pizza places in Cardiff. Permanently closed. Being replaced by one of six by Nico.