Giovanni’s Ristorante

Was entertaining clients from out of town and Giovanni’s was recommended. There was only one other party in the restaurant although there were a number of people in the bar. The artichoke salad was very good but at almost $ 15 way too expensive. I ordered Eggplant Parm and was very disappointed. The eggplant was soggy and the sauce didn’t have much flavor and was oily. Not what you would expect from a restaurant that claims to be Italian. My guests ordered the salmon which was probably a better choice. They said it was good (don’t know if they were just being polite or not.) And, $ 17.95 for a glass of wine! Ridiculous!!! There are much better Italian restaurants in Nashville and much more reasonable in price. Won’t be going back. Not worth it.

My husband and I ate here while visiting Nashville and we were very pleased with our experience here. I would give the restaurant 5 stars for ambiance alone — cute little place, 2 stories and had a very romantic atmosphere. We called ahead to inquire about dress code, which we were advised casual and jeans were ok, however once we got there we noticed many of the men were in sports coats so next time we will probably dress more business casual. Our food was also excellent — the only reason for 4 stars is because my husband ordered a steak, which was one of the specials, and when we got our bill we were surprised at a $ 50 steak price. None of the other meals on the menu were more than around $ 30 or so, and we just felt that with such a mark up for a «special», especially for a rib-​eye steak (not even a filet), we should have been informed of the price just as an fyi. It was vwry good but not $ 50 good. So we were disappointed with that, but otherwise wonderful service, excellent food and ambiance. Would definately recommend, just check the prices of those specials.

Needed a reservation for 8 with only 2 hours notice. Was seated right away and attended to. The meal was very good. Service was exceptional and although we needed to talk longer than normal at our table, we were never rushed. From the time we pulled up in our car till we left we were treated very politely. We look forward to entertaining there again in the future.

the food is good, a little bit better food than your standard Italian restaurant, but the service is terrible!
We got the same waiter for two meals in a row within the same week– he was an older waiter who was dressed more formally than the busboys and he was SO pretentious and rude! My dad asked for non-​egg based pasta (just regular spaghetti instead of linguine), as he’s allergic to eggs and the waiter said it could not be done… what?! Despite the food taking FOREVER to get to us, our waiter seemed to be constantly all-​over us, but not in a good or helpful way. He was just in the way allll the time! Whenever he came by, if we happened to request something (we asked for more bread as the food was taking forever), he acted like we were a huge burden…
Good food, but servers are pretentious and SLOW.
We won’t be returning just because of the service, which is sad as the place is close by.

I visited Giovanni’s a week ago for a work function. We had reserved a PRIVATE room. Our group had team building activities that tend to be fun, energetic, and full of laughter. All of a sudden, other patrons were being seated at tables in our «private room». I feel this was managements way of keeping us quiet. We were unapologetic with our original plans and let the people seated in our room know that they may want to be moved if noise was going to disrupt their evening. We have had these meetings at many restaurants before and have always been greeted with friendly staff, but not here. The server seemed offended that all I ordered was a wedge salad and glass of wine (to the tune of $ 40, by the way. Ridiculous.). We were treated as an inconvenience our entire time.
The best part of this establishment was the shuttle driver– he was fabulous.

This is one of our favorite upscale/​fancy restaurants in the city. The food is amazing. The décor is great (love the gothic chandelier). They have maybe the best Italian wine list in Nashville. This is a great place for special occasion dinners!

The service was very slow. The food was just ok sorta boring and bland. The $ 22.00 martini was stupid priced. Really $ 22 bucks??? I won’t go back

The food was pretty good, but the price point was quite high. I’m not sure if my food was really worth how much it was, but it was still delicious nonetheless.
I got the spinach ravioli and it had sort of a pesto taste to it, which I love! That and 2 glasses of wine and I was stuffed!
The ambience is quite intimate. They did have a great staff that takes good care of you. Only go here if you have the money to drop though!

Best place in town. Do not miss!!! I live close by– always delicious, always great people and the owners treat everyone like family. Whether you live in Nashville or are visiting, trust me– this is by far the best restaurant in the city!!!

We had been wanting some Italian, and neither of us had ever been to Giovanni’s. It was a Sunday night so restaurant wasn’t too busy. We got to have a half price nice bottle of wine for their Sunday deal. Nice way to end the weekend before the work week. Make sure to ask for that menu with the half priced wines!!! They didn’t offer/​bring it until we asked!
I ordered the spinach ravioli adding Italian sausage, and my boyfriend got the fusilli at the recommendation of our waiter, and then 2 sides. Sadly, we were both extremely underwhelmed. Both pastas were sitting/​dripping /​soggy from the puddles of sauce they were sitting in. I think of the best Italian I have had– and the dishes are always lightly coated in the sauce — these were the opposite. I think I had a whole stick of melted butter pooled on my plate, and taking away from what should be flavors of great ravioli. The cream sauce on the fusilli was also excessive and didn’t provide any richness to the dish my boyfriend and I were expecting.
We will not be back.
Beware!!! Both my boyfriend and I ended getting sick at about 3am that night and all day the next day. Neither of us have been sick at all recently. All I could think of would be maybe the sausage or the asparagus or spinach sides weren’t washed well/​had contamination.

Arrived at 7:00 for a special dinner. from the moment we walked in felt rushed. We were taken to the table and before we even had the chance to sit down the waiter asked us if we wanted wine, cocktails, etc. We told him we were going to wait for the other couple to join us before we ordered cocktails. Two minutes later he was back again, we iterated again the couple was coming we would wait for them. Two minutes later our guests arrived and once they arrived he pounced on us immediately.
We ordered cocktails and before that waiter left another waiter came and asked us if what we wanted to order for dinner. We informed him that we would like to wait until our cocktails came and enjoy them for a bit.
Seemed like they they more interested in turning the tables over before we even had a chance to sit… The same waiter came back three more times and asked us if we wanted wine. Trying to push the expensive bottles of very plain wines, that you can get almost anywhere. We informed him again that we would not be ordering wine but would like to enjoy our cocktails.
Also seemed like they were over charging for alcohol, if you order a drink like a martini up, they charge you an extra fee, they say it is because it is all alcohol. all alcohol? what does that mean? but really $ 22.00 for a martini? they even charge you for the juice if you have mixed drink? is that legal?
Food was over priced and mediocre, We each ordered an appetizer on the recommendation of the server. Calamari was very salty and over fried, carrot soup special of the night was okay. Carpaccio was okay not flavorful though. The veal Scaloppine was lukewarm the spinach very oily and it wasn’t hot. The Tagliatelle tasted like something you could purchase in the freezer section of the grocery store. One of our guests ordered lasagna, were told we had to order ahead of time since it took 20 minutes to make, it came in like 4 minutes and it looked horrible, I told our guest that they should of sent it back. It was so greasy and it looked like it had been reheated a dozen times.
I remarked to the waiter well that certainly didn’t take 20 minutes and he mumbled something as he scurried away and basically stayed away the rest of the dinner.
$ 400 later we left the restaurant, shaking our heads, saying never again. and will not recommend to anyone, there are too many other places in Nashville, to enjoy.
If you want high-​end Italian, this place doesn’t come close. They say they are from New York, well I have eaten at many Italian restaurants in New York, not only have they been fabulous, they never cost as much as this place. I think they are taking advantage of Nashville residents and tourists, and really don’t care!!!

Food was mediocre to be kind. Made online reservations for 930 and from the moment we walked in felt rushed. Manager/​server was nothing but rude and unwelcoming. Lights were turned off, food was taken off of our table before we were finished and all around vibe that we were inconvenience them. For the amount of money we spent the treatment was way below par. We will never be back again and do not suggest anyone ever does.

I got to eat here free thanks to my friends employer having an event there, and that is awesome, cause I would have been pissed if I had spent the kinda money they are asking for this mediocre food. My salmon was overcooked and my girlfriends pasta tasted like hamburger helper. It would all be fine except you are paying top dollar, and nothing about the food feels or tastes special in the least. Save a lot of cash and just go to Macaroni Grill.

For the life of me, I’m having a hard time finding a good restaurant in the Nashville area. Some that used to be decent (i.e. J Alexanders, Ted’s Montana Grill, Jim & Nicks Barbecue, Morton’s) have gone to the dogs, and I can’t find many of the newer restaurants that are decent either. Last night we took some guests to Giovanni’s, and what a major disappointment. On the positive side, our server was great, and they served a stiff liquor drink. That’s where the positives end. The food, way overpriced and mediocre at best. The veal scallopini was marginal, and it wasn’t hot. My wife ordered a pasta dish with shrimp. She said the pasta tasted like something from the frozen food section of the grocery store. Our guests ordered lasagna. Neither of them ate much of it, so I believe that speaks for itself.
$ 400 later we left the restaurant, shaking our heads, saying never again.
If you want high-​end Italian, go to Maggiano’s. This place doesn’t come close.

Beautiful restaurant that was super private and served wonderful food. Honestly it was just a little snooty for my taste. Everyone who worked there sort of walked around with their noses in the air. It just felt stuffy. Great for a romantic evening.

Probably one of the better Italian Restaurants in Nashville but I wasn’t blown away considering they were in New York for 25 years. Went here with da boys on a Thursday nite. Getting to the valet was tight; the street reminds me of Sicily.
We had the chef send out some Italian meats and cheeses (chef’s choice) as an appetizer which was excellent. Frankie had the Pollo allo Scarpariello and loved it. Woodsie and I had the Veal Scaloppine and both thought the veal was a little tough despite evidence of a good pounding.
Dessert was something special. None of us wanted anything off the menu but I started talking to the waiter about the one dessert I like more than anything in this world — Zabglione. As we were finishing our wine three zabglione over strawberries hits the table. An amazing jesture that I won’t soon forget.
Service was impeccable — he worked at Giovanni’s NY.
Wine list was good and well thought out.
I always say you get what you pay for but at some point you hit the wall with food and the QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) gets out of whack. I’ve had some of the best veal chops imaginable and never paid $ 44 or $ 43 for some Bronzino so I think its overpriced for what you get. With that said this is an experienced restaurateur so who am I to criticize :-)

Come here often with my boyfriend. I’ve yet to try anything here that is not absolutely phenomenal. They have the best tiramisu and crème brûlée I’ve ever had. Also, the ravioli is mouthwatering.
The environment is incredibly romantic and the staff is remarkably attentive and friendly.
Definitely a favorite.

Disappointed! When we walked in and sat down with only 5 other tables filled with customers our dinner was so slow we watched the restaurant fill up to capacity and then empty again — we never made it to coffee and dessert before we had enough.
Our waiter was non attentive, and was never to be seen once we placed our order. Drinks were served relatively quickly followed by the appetizers however it was all down hill from there. 25 minutes later the dinner finally arrived — the waiter never came by to ask how the food was or if we wanted fresh parm cheese. Lame for a supposed Italian restaurant.
We had enough and left 2 ½ hours later and after we had to find the hostess to get our bill so we could leave.
Expensive for what you get — recommend going to Café Nonna where it is excellent Italian food, service, and price!

Had seven for dinner, late. We were treated upstairs to a large table with dedicated service. Beautiful atmosphere and outstanding menu choices. Extensive wine list, cocktail list and wines by the glass. We started with a Chianti at $ 55/​bottle. Other wines ranged from $ 100 -$ 1000. So, the Chianti was on the low end. Appetizers were meat and pickled vegetables. Meat selection was good. But the pickled veggies were so spicy, they were not edible. Sausage and peppers was also spicy, but excellent. Cleansed the palate with cauliflower soup — wonderful, but needed pepper. We all had a variety of pasta. Rigatoni with meat sauce was fabulous, ravioli in butter sauce was fair. Finished with cheesecake which was very bland.
All in all, it was a very good Italian restaurant. Service was stellar and most dishes were excellent. Certainly someplace we would recommend. $ 455 for seven with wine, cocktails, appetizers, dinnefineryr and dessert.

The biggest challenge for me personally in writing this review was the price. I fully admit I knew what I was getting into beforehand. It was Valentines Day, so they were «Prix Fixe» which is french for «We know it’s a lovers holiday and you are a sucker».
In approaching it all the question is, what kind of dinner is worth $ 246.43 for two (Including tax and tip)? What kind of service and food quality approaches that price? I guess like art you know it when you see it. It was a
We arrived early so it wasn’t very busy, but by the time we left it was packed. There were plenty of other people doing the same math I was I guess.
The Prix Fixe was a four course meal.
I started with the Cesar Salad which was good, and included BONUS bacon. I’ve never heard of a Cesar with Bacon but its possible I’m just not «epicurean» enough to know such things.
After that it was the Ravioli filled with goat cheese and artichokes served in a roasted pepper sauce. This was probably my favorite entrée of the meal. Chef Boyardee would be proud to see Ravioli done this well.
For the main course it was Beef rib-​eye in a peppercorn sauce served with mashed potatoes. I was surprised at how unevenly cooked this was. Not that it was bad, but the edges seemed like they were well charred and the middle was just okay. The potatoes were decent, but overall this was a disappointment.
For dessert the better half got the Tiramisu and I got the Torrone and chocolate semifreddo. They were both good, but the semifreddo was delicious. I’ve never had anything like this before, but I would recommend it to everyone. fantastic.
In the end, I guess I just can’t recommend this meal at this price, even ON Valentines Day. For a regular price and meal this would probably have garnered 3 or 4 stars, but at this price it’s just 2.