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Carmel's Bistro Giovanni, Carmel, CA

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

4.6
4.6
1597 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Do you love Italian food? A world famous restaurant executive chef says it all by saying, “the best meals in California are at Carmel Bistro Giovanni!” An artful, romantic setting with an international wine list and amazing cocktails.

Try some of our specialties: the "Mamma Mia" features mouth-watering meatballs with pasta and southern Mediterranean-spiced sauce, Veal Osso Buco, Lamb Shank, certified Angus steaks, and a plethora of seafood including halibut, salmon and sand dabs! For our gluten-free guests, we can also provide gluten free pasta and bread.

Enjoy a seat on the pet-friendly patio with fall off the bone Osso Bucco and a glass of red wine or a cocktail from our full bar. We look forward to seeing you.

*Patio availability depending on weather. We do have limited covered tables outdoors. Please understand this when booking

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 626-6003
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Fernando Aguilera
  • Catering
    We can accommodate large or group to go orders. Please reach out to the restaurant directly at 831.626.6003 for pricing and availability. <br /><br />We currently do not offer off site catering.
  • Private party facilities
    We have a semi private back room available for up to a party of 24. We can accommodate private groups on our patio, or reserve the whole restaurant for your group. For inquiries please email cbistrogiovanni@gmail.com
  • Private party contact
    Jennifer Mendoza: (831) 238-4188
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Cross street
    San Carlos between 5th &amp; 6th
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,597 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

1,597 Reviews
  1. GailL

    Hawaii

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the Halibut special and it was excellent!! The service was great and the pillows on the bench seating were a great comfortable addition. We will be going back for another entree tomorrow.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Erika

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    The service was slow. Maybe our server had too many tables to serve? Anyway, we didn’t get the specials read to us and the food, although some of it was delicious, came in increments and at awkward times. S-L-O-W on delivery and getting the check. But this is our first time in Carmel By-the-Sea and we know there are plenty of choices. Will try another restaurant next.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere! We love Bistro Giovanni.

    Is this helpful?

  4. JoyceR

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good menu. Something for everyone. We enjoyed lamb shank and sand dabs. Fresh looking, delicious flavors, nicely presented without looking pretentious. Second time eating there and will return again.

    Is this helpful?

  5. DavidW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Great meal. First time. Only downside was that we had an early reservation at 5:15. Were placed at a table where there was a more desirable one next to it. Asked to be seated there and were told no. Table remained empty throughout our stay…

    Is this helpful?

  6. JandNMonterey

    Yorkshire

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The halibut special was delicious, although it could have been served slightly hotter. The crab ravioli was outstanding, and the tiramisu was one of the best we've ever had. A great evening out.

    Is this helpful?

  7. jodyn

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was top notch beginning with being met by the hostess to the end of the meal. Great cocktails, large portions that were delicious ! Great decor and ambience. The staff were professional and just attentive enough. You never felt rushed or neglected. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. JudyE

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Go to place whenever in Carmel. Charming atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. We had garlic bread, the best! I always enjoy the veal piccata. My friend had the night special halibut. Delicious! Ended the meal with Tiramisu. Entire meal was A+!

    Is this helpful?

  9. LilianaA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time there celebrating my son 30th birthday, food was very delicious, clean and the most my son and I noticed was the waiter attention to us.

    Is this helpful?

  10. JLT57

    Dallas

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed our recent dinner at Bisto Giovanni on a trip to Carmel. The restaurant is small and intimate, a little noisy, but we were able to converse without a problem. The food was delicious. An interesting combination of traditional Italian fare with some unexpected offerings thrown in. Good wine list and cocktail selection. Our particular waiter was either overextended or not paying attention, so our service was slightly off. Otherwise it was our favorite dinner outing.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and a great ambience in a quaint town.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Victor

    Los Angeles

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely my go to when I'm in town. Thank you for such a wonderful evening.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    For the price-level and overall rating, we were very surprised and disappointed at how poor the food-quality was. The main entree was the crab ravioli and it tasted like it had been frozen at best. Our hostess/server could also not tell us the difference between the two Sauvignon Blanc bottles we were inquiring about, and we were left to our devices to try them on our own, and both were bad.

    Is this helpful?

  14. KateM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The meal was fine but not exceptional. The service was spotty, but the food was tasty and hot. That said, I think we will remember the people watching long after we've forgotten the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JohnM

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Even though I had a reservation we were seated at a table for two that was in the high traffic area. I was evident from the amount of time it took to be taken to the table that an earlier arriving party of two (that most likely did not have a reservation) were placed at a better location. The noise level was extremally high. However, the food and service was very good. Would go back.

    Is this helpful?

  16. EasyStreet

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner on the patio. I had butternut squash ravioli and it was ❤️❤️❤️❤️! 😎

    Is this helpful?

  17. RenataC

    Tallahassee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious pasta dishes!! I had the seafood fettuccine Gamberi and it was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  18. cjob

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Excellent food & wonderful service. We really enjoyed our time there.

    Is this helpful?

  19. JRP1

    Central Coast

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal, as always. Had the special seabass, which was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Pasta MamaMia was very tasty with it’s unique flavors, my wife had the Pasta Piccata, very flavorful with lemon, caper’s & artichokes. The bartender made a well chilled martini which was perfect. If we we’re staying longer in Carmel we would dine here again. Giovanni, delizioso! ευχαριστώ!

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been coming to the original restaurant on Lincoln for over 15 years. Very consistent.

    Is this helpful?

  22. KathyR

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful place to have a relatively peaceful evening with delicious food and drinks. Highly recommend the meatballs and the elderflower martini was the best I've ever had!

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful! Food was excellent and fresh. Service was super, great atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  24. kathiB

    Sacramento

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful service. Waited on us right away and continued to fill up our many drinks. Food was delicious! Will definitely be going back. 

    Is this helpful?

  25. PatH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly staff. Knowledgeable. Food was delicious. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the best dining experience we had during our trip to Carmel. The staff is friendly and helpful and the owner even was around checking on and chatting with us and other guests. Food was delicious 10/10. It was a chilly night to us being from Sacramento, and my wife typically runs very cold, so the outdoor heater was perfect. We were celebrating her birthday and I wanted to take her out of town because she works very hard as a nurse. We unfortunately sat behind people who were not so happy about the heater being on. They asked if we could turn it off and my wife respectfully told them no but that we’re about to eat dessert and they are free to turn it down or off once we leave. The couple began insulting my wife, commenting on her weight and yelling at her, saying there is something medically wrong with her for being cold and that she should see a doctor. We let the owner know what was said and he apologizes and encouraged us to enjoy our dessert and ignore them. We end up leaving and on our drive back actually get a call from the owner. He wanted to apologize again for the way we were treated by these other guests and to let us know he spoke to them and explained that their behavior was shocking and unacceptable and that they are free to move or leave if they are not happy. We were blown away by how considerate and thoughtful this was and expressed our sincerest gratitude. This was not only some of the best customer service but the greatest act of kindness on our behalf. We highly recommend everyone to eat here and can guarantee that the service will not disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  27. jamess

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Excellent food. Authentic Italian. A little loud inside. No problem outside.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Ginger3

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was so great. We have been going there for so many years and it is fantastic. My chicken parmsan melted in my mouth. Love this place!

    1 person found this helpful

  29. stephenl

    San Francisco

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    try this hidden gem and try the many dishes it offers. very satisfying meal in a casual atmosphere. very happy with my service and meal. the staff works hard and it shows. will return very soon.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Pitts707

    San Francisco

    47 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Horrible service. Waiter forgot food. Left us sitting along time for water and our order. Food was Ok when arrived. Too many other options. I’d pick a different place.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Open table made it easy to change our reservation from 4-2. Owner greeted us with the Italian hospitality. Waitress was efficient and friendly. Food came out quickly. My husband and I were sharing everything (family style) from appetizers to dessert. All delicious. We had just come back from Italy and I felt like I was there again. When we left I knew I would be back.

    Is this helpful?

  32. MelissaL

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always. Wish they still brought bread to the table but that aside the food and service are great. One of our favorites

    Is this helpful?

  33. Cord

    Tahoe

    88 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    88 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Very good food and service. Noisy on the second level

    Is this helpful?

  34. Neils

    Central Coast

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is a favorite of ours and it never disappoints

    Is this helpful?

  35. GabrielleR

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely Dinner experience! Went over 30+ years ago with my parents, loved it then and again this evening! The owner was very engaged, he came to our table numerous times to make sure we were OK. Definitely a must when visiting Carmel! Service and food was excellent!!

    Is this helpful?

  36. BrianN

    Phoenix

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service, and value. Will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  37. RitaF

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, great service, and a nice quaint ambiance! How could I have lived less than an hour away for so many years, and not have dined at this place before. We can’t wait to return next month.

    Is this helpful?

  38. DawnD

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It’s nice to see familiar faces when you’re a returning guest. Firouk is a great host, we go every year to celebrate the beginning of the craziness of Car Week. We like to start off on a high note!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Jude

    St. Louis

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience: excellent food, wine and service. We dined in their outdoor seating area and loved that experience. We recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  40. JoanneL

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Waiter was very attentive. Seating outside. Food was very good. They had gluten free options.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Carmel's Bistro Giovanni using the Order Online button. Carmel's Bistro Giovanni also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 626-6003.

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni is rated 4.6 stars by 1597 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

Additional information

  • Cross street
    San Carlos between 5th &amp; 6th
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Fernando Aguilera
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (831) 626-6003
  • Catering
    We can accommodate large or group to go orders. Please reach out to the restaurant directly at 831.626.6003 for pricing and availability. <br /><br />We currently do not offer off site catering.
  • Private party facilities
    We have a semi private back room available for up to a party of 24. We can accommodate private groups on our patio, or reserve the whole restaurant for your group. For inquiries please email cbistrogiovanni@gmail.com
  • Private party contact
    Jennifer Mendoza: (831) 238-4188
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