Based on 3.357 opinions finded in 4 websites
Based on 3.357 opinions finded in 4 websites
Opinions
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The food was bland but the atmosphere was lovely so that’s a plus
Henry Litster . 2024-09-19
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The lasagne is amazing. Giving 4 only due several table sheets were dirty. Please improve.
Inga Maksimovic . 2024-09-16
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Old school Italian. massive portions , and great food ..
simon ruston . 2024-08-22
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A definitely successful atmosphere, a little cramped but you get by. Unfortunately the food was not satisfactory. The margarita pizza was bland and indistinguishable from a frozen pizza. In addition, there is the very high price level (my impression). Overall, just poor value for money. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a world class pizza. Completely sufficient for the “normal guy” but this is where the price story comes into play again.
m3teor.a . 2024-08-19
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My daughter and I have just dined here tonight. The staff were very friendly and plenty of them, however... I have to say I was a little underwhelmed with our meals this evening. The food arrived quite quickly, that is a positive but my mushroom ravioli was not hot, I'd expect when you are ordering just 2 meals that both should be piping hot. My daughters pizza was OK... I think we were expecting something more impressive considering it's an Italian restaurant, her knife was blunt so trying to cut the pizza was challenging. My pasta was again OK... I was expecting a rich blue cheese sauce, it was pleasant but a little bland. After we finished our plates were cleared and we thought we'd like to try a dessert, so we waited and waited and waited, not one of the 4 members of staff asked if we would like one or if we would like anymore drinks... I feel when you implement a service charge in your restaurant you need to make sure your service is impeccable... Sadly it is not.. To sum up, nice restaurant, food underwhelming, service needs improving.
Liz Willer . 2024-08-15
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Beautiful Italian restaurant set in the centre of Cardiff. Wonderful menu choice of high quality,well presented Italian food. Very helpful, friendly staff. Excellent atmosphere and well worth a visit.
Martin Unsworth . 2024-08-13
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The food was very delicious and fresh. It was very cost efficient and the portion was very filling (we shared a pizza between two). The drinks were good as well and their menu has a big variety. The staff was also very friendly and came to check up on us every once in awhile
Andreea Emilia . 2024-08-12
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Booked for 3pm on the 9th August, arrived at the restaurant to a massive queue and was informed they had all booked, and our only option was to wait or find somewhere else to eat if we could. Ended up sitting on an outside table, service was slow but the waiter was apologetic and doing his best in a difficult situation. Food wasn't at all appetising to look at as no thought had been given to presentation, no opportunity to order extra drinks either, perhaps the fact that the owner was trying to make a friend who was giving him concert tickets welcome had something to do with his lack of concern for customers.
Sandra Morgan . 2024-08-10
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Great food, and it was good, couldn't eat it all.
Richard Jones (Metaller) . 2024-08-06
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Just had the most tasty 3 course meal at this amazing restaurant the food was exquisite from start to finish home made with traditional Italian ingredients made to perfection. We have left feeling completely satisfied and already can’t wait to arrange our return visit. thank you guys this was our 1st time eating at your restaurant will definitely be returning in the future.
Laura Richards . 2024-08-04
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Only had ice cream, but wow, what a great piece of art. Take pistachio and you won't be disappointed. Nice chocolate cone, good portion and pistachio pieces on top. This is how ice cream should be served
Floris van der Breggen . 2024-08-04
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Great atmosphere and friendly staff, everything sounded delicious on the menu but I opted for the Giovanni pizza,mamma Mia!
Christopher Barrow . 2024-08-02
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This was a disappointing experience. We ended up here looking for an authentic Italian. My seafood pasta (frozen) was really disappointing. Fish dish came with the same simple tomato sauce without the slightest effort to improve the taste. The chef may have learned to cook from someone who heard it from an acquaintance of someone who once really started eating Italian food. It was cozy and the waiter at the entrance was really friendly. The rest of the staff are shouting more in the kitchen. Not recommended for me.
Jan Vanquaille . 2024-07-29
MORE AT Google
Fantastic food and service once again.
Gareth Fuge . 2024-07-29
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Wonderful food. Excellent service.
Julia Parker . 2024-07-28
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Went out for dinner with my friend. We arrived and both got looked up and down by one of the staff which made us very uncomfortable. The service was very poor and each time we caught a member of staff they would just disappear again and not listen to our requests. We then quickly rushed out of the restaurant after paying and got another inappropriate comment from a member of staff about taking us both out. We will definitely not be returning.
Sophie Hunt . 2024-07-14
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Incredible authentic food. Why do people go to places like Bella Italia when they can get proper Italian food in a cosy, cheery setting such as Giovanni's? It's a must visit every time the Mrs and I go to Cardiff. Which reminds me, must go back to Cardiff again soon. Belissimo!
Jamie C . 2024-07-10
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So disappointed,I have wanted to visit for a long time - never again ! Overpriced,grubby huge portions thrown onto the plate!!☹️
alison cullinan . 2024-07-08
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What a gorgeous restaurant . A traditional Italian restaurant with a small but really thoughtful menu with some great specials including wild boar ravioli One of the freshest burratas and two wonderful pasta dishes with salmon and one with beef were perfectly executed and light rather than heavy sauces Excellent service too
Lantipova . 2024-07-07
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Unfortunately, they offer homemade food and it was prefabricated, processed, expensive and bad.
Fernando Ruiz . 2024-07-05
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Um…um,The place is pretty cramped and music was too loud, feel fretful about that.😓 Abit taste less for me, and inconsistent prices & food.
Daniel Aston . 2024-07-04
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Lovely traditional Italian restaurant
Jeremy Roebuck . 2024-07-01
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Beautiful food and setting, we came here for my birthday following a recommendation and will definitely be back. A small, authentic Italian restaurant with exceptional food.
Sara G . 2024-06-30
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I normally don't leave reviews but on this occasion I felt the need to do so. Clearly this restaurant does not live up to it's reputation. I love Italian food, but the carbonara was questionable and most certainly not the authentic recipe. Pizzas were ok but overall the food was overpriced for what we got. Also, staff should be educated on hand hygiene as waitress had left toilet before me and didn't bother to wash her hands!!
Hayley M . 2024-06-28
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The food was delicious, as were the drinks. The espresso martini was a highlight due to the quality of the coffee. The staff was super attentive and friendly, couldn’t have asked for better service. Hearty portions at a fair price with seemingly great ingredients. Overall had a lovely time and definitely intend to go again!
Yasmine P . 2024-06-26
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Was such a nice dinner, staff are so friendly, had a great experience! i had the lobster ravioli which was exquisite and my partner had the spezzatino that was delicious. end the dinner with a lovely ice cream. totally recommend!!! thank you to charley, ivan, luca and gennaro for the lovely service!!!
alex g . 2024-06-26
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Lovely food. Haphazard service and put by the kitchen when plenty of other tables free even though we'd reserved. Noisy where all staff shouting and congregating.
Vicki Francis . 2024-06-26
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Waiters were clearly talking about my partner and pointing at her , automatically put a 10% gratuity tip on the bill without consultation , bland overpriced food
Roshan Malique . 2024-06-25
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Excellent mood and food, slightly pricey at £20 for a pizza and £10 for a cocktail, but traditional and authentic! :)
Rhys Legge . 2024-06-19
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I have been here many times with no issue but went last night and they must have changed their ingredients, quite frankly the worst meal I’ve had. And they have raised their prices considerably but sacrificing on flavour. £16 for a margarita!
Zoey Williams . 2024-06-19
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Always a delight to eat at Giovanni!! The best food and the best service
Mohammed AlBlooshi . 2024-06-17
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Great food, friendly staff, good service. Excellent location and setting. Really enjoyed my Father's Day treat!
David Parker . 2024-06-17
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Was in Cardiff for work and found this lovely restaurant. Staff were lovely food was to die for. I had the gnocchi with salmon and vodka wow! My colleagues food also look amazing. Will be back if in the area
Rachel Lewington . 2024-06-14
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When arriving at Giovannis we wasn’t greeted just looked at, informed we had a table booked for 2 just taken to our table and the manger walked off without saying anything and no eye contact given. This made us feel very uncomfortable from the start. The waitress, woman in short dark hair and glasses was very rude, abrupt and didn’t smile once. The tables are too close together. The food was just okay I’ve had better at much cheaper places and pasta wasn’t fresh. Food came out 5 minutes after ordering and we felt very rushed. I was looking forward to coming here as I love Italian such a shame on the poor service. I didn’t finish my meal because I couldn’t wait to leave because of how uncomfortable I felt. If I could give the service no star I would.
Gabrielle Davies . 2024-06-13
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Felt very unwelcome as soon as we stepped in the door, we had made booking and was taken to our table no hello or welcome. Our server was so rude made us feel more uncomfortable, no interaction just what you want and a smile would of been nice, our server was the lady with short dark hair and glasses. The food was luke warm and didn't taste the best for a (genuine Italian) its not homemade fresh pasta, had better elsewhere even in spoons and thats saying something. Our food was on the table withing 5 min of ordering and we made to feel very rushed. Very cramed in could here all the conversation on the next table and I could of rested my head on their sholders. Cost £62 which included 2 meals and 2 drinks which automatically includes a service charge, which I wouldn't of paid but felt so uncomfortable I didnt dare dispute, couldn't wait to get out of there quick enough. The server was more chatty when paying the bill I think she was hoping more of a tip 🤔 won't be back shame this used be so nice before
claire davies . 2024-06-12
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Worst Italian food I have had, staff are nice but but took over an hour to get our food out. When it arrived it wasn't tasty and no appologies for the delay. Avoid if you can
Vikash K . 2024-06-07
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Absolutely delicious, the bolognase was beautiful and the penne Arrabbiata
Lisa Michaela . 2024-05-29
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I greatly enjoyed our visit to Giovanni's. I accidentally ordered a pizza with prawn on it (as a vegetarian), and the manager very kindly offered to get the kitchen to make me a new pizza- which was delicious!
Hannah Baird . 2024-05-28
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The worst Italian food I've had in my life. The food was bland and tastes if nothing. 0 effort into presentation. I like supporting independent business but this seems to be cheap junk food. The pizza at Wetherspoons is better...and that's not good. Absolutely 0 effort in serving a tasty meal
Thandi Dube . 2024-05-23
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We attended Giovannis on the Hayes to treat ourselves and usually Giovannis is a great place to eat. However at the Hayes the female waitress with short dark hair and glasses was very rude and abrupt. The lasagne my fiance ordered was cold and when we told the waitress she seemed incredibly annoyed that we mentioned it. When she returned with the lasagne warmed up the waitress pretty much dropped it infront of my fiance, said nothing and walked off. My pizza was very soggy to the point where it fell apart in my hand everytime I tried to take a bite and was dripping with oil. Very disappointing to say the least and we wont be attending there again
Matthew Evans . 2024-05-23
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Great traditional Italian restaurant set in the heart of Cardiff with Tony Bennett playing in the background, and celebrity pictures on the walls of famous diners. The food is absolutely fabulous and the service is pretty quick to.
Simon Roberts . 2024-05-15
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Very disappointed with this place. French fries have been cooked in old oil leaving a very bad after taste. Pizza was over £20 but had a think layer or grease, cheap quality ingredients and overall had better pizzas in chain restaurants.
Wiktoria Kosciolowska . 2024-05-12
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An absolutely lovely authentic Italian lunch. Came here today for lunch as we had been unable to get in earlier over the weekend as it was heaving. The food was absolutely lovely. Fresh tomato bruschetta and an amazing linguine al la marinara. Fresh, hot and beautifully booked. Finished off with affo gato and tiramisu. The staff were all lovely. No issue with sharing the sides and they brought extra plates and bowls. Nothing was too much trouble. We loved the traditional trattoria feel. Yes the tables are close together but not overpowering. If you like good Italian food please do try here. All in all
AndiCorr . 2024-05-06
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Absolute shambolic experience, waited over an hour outside. I know it was very busy ,but being told by staff just another 5 mins every 20minutes to be seated. The manager who was just running about shouting at his staff and customers. Couldn't believe how rude this guy was. Shocking behaviour.
gordon snedden . 2024-05-06
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Used to be so good. I used to come here quite often for a quiet meal with my wife. Food always used to have a home cooked vibe and taste was brilliant. Lately though food has gone downhill each time we came. The final straw that broke the camels back are the rude staff! I arrived around 10.15pm hoping to get a last minute table after seeing a show. Your restaurant is open till 11pm……… I didn’t even get through the front before a staff member laughed in my face and just said you got no chance mate and waved. Service is everything these days and this isn’t a one off incident.
lukeybabee . 2024-05-05
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Tip added to bill (£11!) without asking. Only spotted when I read the receipt. I wouldn’t have tipped as staff were abrupt, rude and frosty. Food was mediocre. Staff didn’t check if everything was ok. Disappointed (only marginally better than their one in Cardiff Bay). Spent £120 of hard earned cash on a meal I could have got elsewhere for half the price. Won’t be visiting again
Hayley W . 2024-05-05
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Table booked for 12 people a month in advance, turned up, no table for us as the kitchen couldn’t keep up with food orders, lots of people sat without food and £20+ for a pizza? Initial staff were nice and apologetic and honest about long food wait and no pizzas because of the wait, fair enough appreciate the honesty, but manager came out and tried to tell a completely different story, wasn’t buying it. Didn’t get a chance to try the food so can’t comment.
Jon-Stuart Annett . 2024-05-05
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You'll never find another restaurant quite like Giovanni's. The second you step through the doors you step back in time. Authentic traditional Italian through and through. Don't be shy, go to Giovanni's and find your new favourite restaurant. Mama Mia.
jamiem20202 . 2024-05-03
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I can see why this beautiful little restaurant has been in business over 40 years- the food is superb. Lovely atmosphere and great service completes the evening out.
K22 MDL . 2024-05-02
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The food was OK but the noise level outrageous! Really couldn't hear ourselves think! Loud music, so groups were shouting to be heard.
Denise C . 2024-04-26
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Lovely little restaurant in very convenient place. We stopped in Cardiff for some rest during our travelling and we were struggling to find something to eat late in the evening with all restaurants around refusing to serve us 1h before closing time. Only Giovanni's accepted us and we were very grateful for that after driving for over 10h. The food was very tasty and if we ever come back to Cardiff we will be having dinners here 👌
Marisela Morales . 2024-04-23
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Another excellent meal at this fabulous restaurant. Food was outstanding and service faultless. Always a good atmosphere!
Anna-Jane T . 2024-04-21
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service was exceptional and beyond my expectations. staff and food were incredible! the manager is absolutely incredible, extremely funny too.
Dvc C . 2024-04-19
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A poor meal. Quite high price. Mushroom starter looked as though it came out of a tin and was served on a slop of soggy bread. Chicken was tough and veg and sauce really not good. The tiramisu was a mound of grease. House wine sour and uninteresting. Price high.
Bill Hewlett . 2024-04-19
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Service and atmosphere good, but food appalling, and overall high priced. There was nothing fresh or crisp in my meal and the house wine was thin and sour. No Italian would recognise this fare. Avoid
billQ3137JI . 2024-04-19
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Major thanks to Gennaro for absolutely making my night. This pizza is the closest I can get to the taste of home being 3000 miles away, and not in the direction from Italy! He treated me so well and really made me feel comfortable. I am in Cardiff for the next four years, have come many times before and will continue to come again. Can’t stop recommending this place!
rednax cook . 2024-04-16
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Food wise, the worst restaurant I’ve ever been in Cardiff. I ordered salmon but couldn't even finish it. The interior design wasn't to my liking, with tables uncomfortably close together, especially when crowded. Although the service was acceptable and the staff were polite, the food fell below average. I have no plans to return.
Faranak Gh . 2024-04-15
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We had the ravioli (average) and the salmon (below average, oily and tasteless) I can’t cook and I could have made food to the same standard This restaurant is pretty expensive. More than £20 for a main and nearly £6 for a small bottle of beer. Le Monde charges those prices so I expected the same quality as there, but this was about on-par with a Wetherspoon. Also the decor is charmless and just has a thousand photos of the absent owner Giovanni with minor celebrities. As a diner I’m not sure how that’s meant to enhance my experience of eating their bad food.
Mick J . 2024-04-14
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We had the ravioli (average) and the salmon (below average, oily and tasteless) I can’t cook and I could have made food to the same standard This restaurant is pretty expensive. More than £20 for a main and nearly £6 for a small bottle of beer. Le Monde charges those prices so I expected the same quality as there, but this was about on-par with a Wetherspoon. Also the decor is charmless and just has a thousand photos of the absent owner Giovanni with minor celebrities. As a diner I’m not sure how that’s meant to enhance my experience of eating their bad food.
Mick Johnston . 2024-04-14
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Fantastic atmosphere on Rugby match day. Highly recommended and set menu prices.
Chris Morgan . 2024-04-12
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Great service even though we walked in without reservation. Reasonable priced dishes.
Ersin Ozturk . 2024-04-09
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My daughter and I walked in without a reservation. We found the food to be mediocre and expensive for what it was, as was the service. We had no starters, no extras, just main and a bottle of wine and we paid over £75. Sorry, but entre at your own peril.
Ana Jones . 2024-04-05
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I love Giovanni’s. Never disappoints. All the staff were extremely helpful. The food was delicious!! True authentic Italian cuisine. Can’t wait to go back
Dominique . 2024-04-01
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Giovanni's is the go-to spot for delicious Italian food and fantastic service! each dish was packed with flavour and didn’t disappoint. The staff are super friendly and attentive, Giovanni's never disappoints. Highly recommend
Alex Tanti . 2024-04-01
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Awful. Tightly packed in. No chance of a quiet conversation with my partner as you are literally sat on top of the couple at the next table. House wine was very expensive as was the food, which you don't mind paying for if it was of an excellent quality. But the food was bland. The veal was tough.Soggy vegetables. Very rushed service but the staff were pleasant. I would avoid.
sarah buckley . 2024-03-31
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This is a popular place to go before a show in Cardiff. If there are big shows on at the Arena and New Theatre (and St David's when open again) expect it to busy. Service was prompt and staff very polite and accommodating. Food we felt was based on fast turnover. Our Pizza was lovely, freshly cooked. The Saute Potatoes in garlic and rosemary were not freshly cooked and lacked flavour as did the salad. Our Tirasamu dessert was lovely. Portions are huge and to be fair they were happy for us to share dishes. When busy it is a cramped restaurant. So bit of a mixed review.
Annime . 2024-03-31
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It was like a club, music (Beyoncé) so loud I couldn’t hear my partner speak I asked them to turn it down, but within 5 minutes loud again!! Luckily we was just leaving when I did advise them to have Italian music in the background instead of a full DJ atmosphere ! Very disappointed as the food was amazing !
Sarah Gomez . 2024-03-30
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Having been here a long time ago, I had good memories of it. However this was quickly ruined, firstly you are given a feeling of being shoehorned in, it was rammed, and you were sat virtually on top of the folk on the next tables. Secondly the food is vastly overpriced for what you get, my Veal was like shoe leather. Thirdly I found a very substantial piece of plastic in the middle of my meal, a good three inch piece of packaging. I was offered a glass of wine or free dessert, but at this point I didn’t fancy giving them the opportunity to finish me off. Sadly an overall poor experience, been better off going to one of the many chain restaurants nearby.
Garfield15 . 2024-03-30
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We were delayed getting there due to poor weather and this wasn't a problem. They advised to get there when we could and they'd have a table. The food didn't disappoint. Plenty of choice and very tasty. Good options for vegetarian diets and staff are very helpful. Would recommend!
Tom Wood . 2024-03-26
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Food decent & service not bad. Only negatives are that place is pretty cramped when busy & music was so loud at times that you had to shout over your meal if you wanted a conversation, not ideal for a quiet date night
James Warren . 2024-03-26
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Restaurant is average but the manager is a bit racist and doesn’t treat all customers equally
sarthak karnewar . 2024-03-24
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Nothing to complain about the quality of the meal. Perfect, although a little expensive. The experience could have been perfect, but we felt like we had to vacate our table before we started the meal. You had to order quickly, eat quickly and pay quickly. There are surely better things to do in Cardiff.
anthony berthet . 2024-03-21
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This place is an absolute banger on rugby days. If you're happy to wait for a table, you will have the most fun you have had for a long time. Singing, dancing and great italian food. What more could you want? Cheers to Gio and all the staff. See you again next time 👍👏
Italo T . 2024-03-18
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Had the best night in Giovannis last Saturday, from the food to the atmosphere everything was on point. Everyone was smiling and had a great time. Would recommend to anyone after an authentic Italian night out
sarmila b . 2024-03-18
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I have been going to Giovannis during the Six Nations for a couple years now. You cannot put into words what a fun and enjoyable experience Gio's will give you. Food? Top notch. Music? Everyone singing and dancing having a whale of a time. I was served by Dani who was an excellent host for the night and kept up with us throughout the evening.
Edward J . 2024-03-18
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We were distraught when our booking fell through and another restaurant. Just in the off-chance we walked by and asked for a hail Mary of a table without a booking. To our delight, they took us in with only a short wait! The traditional Italian values really shone and they treated us strangers as if we were family. Our first visit but will definitely not be our last!
Giuseppina C . 2024-03-18
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Gio’s used to be my favourite place in Cardiff, unfortunately not anymore! Wales 🏴 v Italy 🇮🇹 Rugby Day…what could be better than some amazing Italian pizza and some beers for game day!! We booked a table for 6, however we were packed in like sardines on a table for 4? 3 big men….. we couldn’t move!! Ok so the food is the important thing though right??…..there was no mention when booking there would be a set menu on the day and it was £45 per person for pasta only. No pizza 🍕 what??? My fiance being Italian was disgusted with the food and stated the food was definitely not authentic Italian food. The price and selection was so bad the couple on the next table were so disgusted with the set menu they left and stated this restaurant was always our favourite…. We will never come back! So in just 2 bookings Gio’s lost faithful customers…. I wonder how many others were disgusted by the terrible change. The usual great service was awful, the manager talking to the servers like dogs in front of customers? The drinks…. At one time an Aperol Spritz for the ladies….. £9 and the glass was so packed with ice 3sips and the drinks were gone! The bill…not only was it £45 pp no other choices, no one wanted a 3 course meal on game day, however insult to injury was the £30 “optional gratuity” automatically added to the bill was ridiculous! It’s such a shame I used to look forward to showing off Gio’s to family and friends in Cardiff. Clearly the owners are now motivated by the ££££s over the reputation and great service… it’s all gone and the food was not great at all. 😢😢😢 Gutted! 😭
SteveP086 . 2024-03-17
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At no point when making our reservation for (rugby) match day lunch were we told of a restricted match day menu which comprised 3 courses for £44.95. We only wanted a main course but there was no reduction for that- once at our table we were told by the waitress it was £44.95 regardless of however many courses you wanted!! I explained that whilst we thought it was a lovely establishment we could not justify £90 for 2 lasagnes plus any drinks that we would have had!! We were aware of others that were of the same opinion in the short time we were there. I’m sure it’s lovely food but we couldn’t justify paying that.
Tracy P . 2024-03-17
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The disrespectful manager tried to send us the bill and remove us from the table before we finished our meal in order to sell the same table to more than one person. It is not worth being treated like this for a below average Italian meal. I recommend you not to even pass by it.
efe hepgirginer . 2024-03-15
MORE AT Google
The disrespectful manager tried to send us the bill and remove us from the table before we finished our meal in order to sell the same table to more than one person. It is not worth being treated like this for a below average Italian meal. I recommend you not to even pass by it.
Efe H . 2024-03-15
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They accepted us without the reservation BUT they made us to leave while we were drinking our wine!!! So rude. My last time here
bubushter . 2024-03-15
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The very best fun last night after the Wales V France both nations danced, sang and enjoyed the delicious food and wine. All tables joining in and the staff were magnificent. Couldn't fault this amazing place
Rowan C . 2024-03-11
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1131 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.
1661 Opinions
My friend and I were looking for somewhere to have lunch. We saw the pizza and soft drink offer and wanted to try it. A nice waitress sat us, another took our order while ensuring we had a good time. The only slightly upsetting thing was the "Romana" option. It cost a bit more for the crispy thin, and it was mostly just soggy in the middle. Otherwise, it was all very tasty. Decided to stay for dessert which was a nice ending.
2058 Opinions
Fantastic food. Great staff nice atmosphere . Would definitely recommend coming here to anyone who love Italian food.
913 Opinions
The fact that I left the restaurant and went to another one even though I paid over £40 reflects how unsatisfied I was. Never coming back
1008 Opinions
Love coming here. Food fab staff always lovely. Janetta is amazing so helpful and friendly