in Beachwood opened in 1976, and since then has been the place to be for business, a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
More than thirty years later, Giovanni's has seen changes but customers know that a good place for good food never goes out of style. This is a restaurant that consistently provides top rated service and expects its customers to adhere to a dress code. In the main restaurant jackets are preferred and reservations strongly suggested. If you want to stop in for the same great food but without such formal trappings there is a casual lounge and bar area.
The classic menu consists of four main categories: anti-pasta, insalata, secondi and pasta.
Smoked salmon, beef tartar, monkfish liver and wedding soup are some of the anti-pasta choices. Prices range from $8 to $22.
Insalata picks range from the light “Mista” with strawberries to a unique mixture of pickled rhubarb, foie gras, hazelnuts, yam and kumquat found in “Frisee”. Prices range from $8 to $15.
The Secondi section of the menu has many seafood choices along with chicken, beef and lamb. Some items are at market price but range up to $49 for ribeye served with artichokes, bone marrow and Giovanni’s steak sauce.
Gnocchi, cavatelli, oreccheitte, spaghetti, fusilli and ravioli are the basis for the pasta options. Duck confit, octopus, sweetbreads and pecorino add unique flavors to some of the dishes. Pasta prices are all around $25.
This is the place to ask your knowledgeable servers about specials (such as the six course tastings), wine recommendations and ingredients. There is never a rush; Giovanni’s is here for the long run.