Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

Name: Carmel's Bistro Giovanni
Address: San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA, United States, 93923
Telephone: (831) 626-6003
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1450 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

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 T-Bone or Veal Osso Buco, Lamb Shank, certified Angus steaks, and a plethora of seafood including halibut, seabass, salmon and local sand dabs! For our gluten-free guests, we can also provide gluten free pasta, pizza 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(831) 626-6003

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 626-6003
Website
https://carmelbistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Fernando Aguilera
Private party facilities
Come celebrate a birthday, anniversary, corporate event or other occasion with mouth-watering Italian food using the Monterey Peninsula's freshest ingredients.
Private party contact
Jennifer Mendoza: (831) 238-4188

Location
San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923
Neighborhood
Carmel
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

Popular dishes

Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade$5.00
with Ciabatta Bread
- Gluten Free$6.00
Garlic Dip$6.00
with Ciabatta Bread
- Gluten Free$7.00
Garlic Bread$8.00
Ciabatta bread with homemade garlic butter and parmesan with a side of marinara
- Gluten Free$9.00
Frito Misto Combo$17.00
Deep fried prawns, calamari, artichoke hearts, with cocktail sauce and lemon aioli
Steamers$18.00
Steamed clams and mussels, white wine, garlic, olive oil and clam broth
Gamberetti al Pompodori$16.00
Sautéed prawns, basil, garlic, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and pancetta
Crab Cakes$15.00
Port wine Tamarindo sauce and mixed greens
Calamari$16.00
Lightly fried, lemon aioli and house made cocktail sauce
Carpaccio Renaissance$15.00
Thinly sliced raw Filet Mignon, arugula, capers, EVOO and lemon
Artichoke$15.00
Charbroiled with garlic lemon aioli
Burrata Prosciutto$16.00
Tomato, burrata cheese, prosciutto, basil and balsamic vinaigrette
Mediterranean Meatballs
Ground beef meatballs marinated in southern Mediterranean spices
- (5)$12.00
- (10)$24.00

Salads

Grandma's Insalatina Greca$11.00
Cucumber, diced tomatoes, red onion, dried cranberries, olives, feta and our secret dressing
Caesar Salad$11.00
Romaine, dressing, croutons and fresh parmesan
Insalatina Vergine$10.00
Mixed greens with Bleu cheese, dried cranberries, almonds and raspberry vinaigrette
Bistro Salad$9.00
Mixed greens and romaine with cucumber, tomatoes and red wine vinaigrette

Flatbread

Pollo Pesto$18.00
Chicken and mozzarella
- Gluten Free$20.00
Giovanni$18.00
Tuscan sausage, caramelized onions and mozzarella
- Gluten Free$20.00
Margarita$18.00
A Classic! Vine ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil
- Gluten Free$20.00

Raviolis

Lobster$33.00
Spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes in a truffle cream sauce
Crab$33.00
Champagne cream sauce and spinach
Grilled Vegetable$23.00
Pesto cream sauce and spinach
Braised Beef$29.00
Brandy tarragon cream sauce
Goat Cheese$24.00
Goat cheese and roasted vegetable ravioli in a brown butter basil sauce, topped with toasted almonds and balsamic glaze
Butternut Squash$25.00
Marsala cream sauce with spinach and prosciutto

Main Entrees

Osso Bucco
Braised veal with sweet anise, red wine, carrots, onions, celery and tomatoes, served with mushroom risotto and vegetables
- Mkt Price
Lamb Shank
Braised lamb shank with red wine sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Mkt Price
Papa's Cioppino$35.00
A bit of everything from the sea. Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and fish seasoned with our Italian spices in a hearty tomato broth, served with garlic bread
Salmon Dijon
Dijon crusted salmon lightly breaded in a creamy lemon caper sauce, served with linguini pasta and vegetables
- Mkt Price
Sand Dabs$29.00
Lightly breaded sautéed in a lemon piccata sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables
Paella (For One)$36.00
Mussels, clams, prawns, scallops, chicken, sausage and salmon in saffron, served with Spanish rice
Filet Mignon
8 oz. topped with brandy-peppercorn sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach
- Mkt Price
Ribeye Steak
14 oz. topped with Maître d'butter and Bleu cheese with truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach
- Mkt Price
Chicken or Veal Piccata
Chicken breast or veal in a lemon, white wine, garlic and caper sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Chicken$29.00
- Veal$34.00
Chicken or Veal Marsala
Sautéed chicken breast or veal with marsala and mushrooms, served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Chicken$29.00
- Veal$34.00
Chicken, Veal or Eggplant Parmesan
Breaded, baked with mozzarella, fresh basil and tomato sauce, served with linguini and vegetables
- Chicken$29.00
- Veal$34.00
- Eggplant$27.00

Pastas

Gluten free pasta available

Papa's Pasta Pescatore$35.00
Clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and salmon in white wine, garlic and tomatoes sauce, served over linguini
Linguini and Clams$29.00
Fresh clams with olive oil, garlic, parsley and lemon zest, served over linguini
Misto di Mare$29.00
Prawns, scallops and artichoke hearts in a light garlic cream sauce, served over linguini
Linguini Gamberi$28.00
Prawns, white wine, garlic, chili flakes and parsley, served over linguini
Scampi$29.00
Prawns and baby shrimp with puréed sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic and white wine, served over linguini
Pasta Piccata$23.00
Linguini in a white wine lemon sauce with puréed sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and capers. With Salmon Medallions - Mkt Price
- With Chicken$27.00
Pasta Mamma Mia$27.00
Bistro style meatballs marinated in Mediterranean spices, served over rigatoni
Mama's Bolognese$27.00
A classic dish with a handed down recipe. Ground beef with a homemade sauce, served over fettuccine
Pasta Palermo$26.00
Italian sausage, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese and chili marinara, served over rigatoni
Cannelloni$29.00
Homemade pasta stuffed with ground beef, light ricotta and spinach with marinara sauce and Béchamel
Lasagna$29.00
Fresh pasta layered with ground Italian sausage, marinara, light Béchamel, ricotta and parmesan cheese
Carbonara$24.00
Pancetta, shallots and peas in a cream sauce, tossed with linguini
Grandma's Gnocchi$23.00
Gorgonzola, Béchamel and parmesan
Pasta Puttanesca$24.00
Olives, capers, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in a spicy tomato sauce, tossed with penne pasta
Cauliflower Gnocchi$23.00
Pomodoro style with tomato, basil, garlic and white wine

What 1,450 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
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

AS
AdamS
San Francisco
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was great, service was good, not busy so only reason for ambience not being higher score
ES
ErnestS
London
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
All of my food items were excellent. --Garlic Bread, Cesar Salad and pasta carbonara. Complimentary port at the end was a very nice touch. By the glass wine list could have been much better.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was wonderful. We had a great table in the front near the window. The servers were pleasant.
F
Fritz
Chicago
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent meal, the Sand Dab was cooked perfectly and the Bolognese was Rich and creamy. They surprised us with a complementary piece of cake for my birthday!
CE
CarolE
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat. Food, Service, Wine & Ambience was excellent! Definitely coming back.
HG
HeatherG
Las Vegas
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great first time! Will be back for sure! The gnocchi was amazing!
PR
PRMAVEN
San Francisco
72 reviews
vip
5.0
72 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb food, wine, service, ambiance - genuine Italian experience. On my go-to list whenever I'm in Carmel
CB
CarolynB
San Francisco
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Overall average. Expected food to be much better given the reviews.
MP
MikeP
Central Coast
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent, reasonably priced restaurant. Staff is very friendly and competent. Highly recommended. Retired owner, a true gentleman, showed up and came to each table to greet the diners. Charming.
KL
KokL
Denver
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food is just ok. Other than that nothing special. The food came very quickly and we were in and out in less than an hour
KB
KarenB
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time at the Bistro. The staff was amazing! They were very attentive! I had the grilled artichoke and the lasagna. Both were delicious! I will definitely come back!
GA
GAnne
Dallas
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We got a recommendation from a friend whose been frequenting this restaurant for 20 years. The family who owns this restaurant is so personable and friendly. It felt like home and the food was very tasty. We loved our "date night" at Giovanni! We'll be back:)))
AK
AKKCalifornia
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Junior was very professional and courteous. He was very knowledgeable of the menus and gluten free items. We sat outside with our puppy which was fantastic. We will definitely be back.
t
thedream
San Francisco
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
All of the staff including the owner want to ensure that they provide you with a proper dining experience. Everything is what My wife and I hope for in a restaurant. It’s Great!
DS
DianeS
San Diego
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Staff was very nice and efficient. Very fast service. Nice wine list.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
When we go to Carmel-by-the-sea, this is the only place we have dinner, and sometimes lunch too!! We’ve tried many restaurants in Carmel and Giovanni’s is by FAR our favorite! Best hint: bypass other wine brands and order their Block 57!!! We’ll be back ASAP !!
HI
HeleneInTheGoldenGate
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this charming place! Good is terrific! It’s family owned & run. You’ll love it too!
RL
RichardL
San Antonio
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice ambiance. Not stuffy and very attentive wait staff
MD
MikeD
Dallas
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful dinner including wine, great service!
c
cjoan
Calgary
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time in Carmel and by far the most excellent dining experience at this beautiful Bistro. The service was absolutely exceptional! The cuisine was supreme. We can’t say enough good things about this place. Also if you are celiac they have an abundance of delicious choices!
AT
AnnetteT
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything we ordered was wonderfully prepared and tasted delicious. It’s now in our must return list!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service and food was amazing! I would totally come here for a date next time because it was so romantic!
MM
MaryM
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great - quick seating and the food was delicious!
DW
DennisW
Los Angeles
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had gluten free carbonara which was outstanding and good martini's. Always great service and outstanding food.
K
Keith
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
We have been wanting to go there for years and went last night for our 25th Anniversary. The Restaurant is cute and cozy with that wonderful Italian feeling and great murals. They seated us in a great table and were wonderful to us, including a decadent Anniversary Dessert. Excellent Cocktail selection and a large but manageable menu. We very much enjoyed our meal and will head back again.
CP
ChristinaP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was wonderful once again.
SK
StevenK
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and service, never miss an opportunity to come here
SJ
StJohnHalfpenny
London
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, great wine, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
MI
MICHAELQ
Seattle
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were at Bistro Giovanni, for the first time, Thursday evening for our anniversary . Absolutely warm, friendly and charming. Our table was ready on time and perfect. The staff was superb, personable, and efficient. Drinks and wine was as good as any I've had. The best was yet to come, the food. In my opinion, the best meal that I have ever tasted in Carmel over the last many decades we have been coming here. Fresh and crisp salads, dressed perfectly, pastas fresh and perfectly cooked, but it was the veal marsala that put it over the top! Best ever. Deserts, yes ,and yum. The owner was there circulating among the tables to make sure everyone's meals were exactly to their taste. Can't wait to return!
CM
ConnieM
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really delicious food — reasonably priced — nice atmosphere
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant! Fabulous food (including gluten free!) wonderful service and cosy elegant old world elegance! Every night here is special.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A spiritual awakening!!! Get down on it!
MD
MariannaD
Sacramento
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
This place has a great selection on their menus which is so nice to have! We have been here twice and the food has been amazing each time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are “snow birds” and this restaurant is always on the tip of our list for eating in Carmel. The food, service and atmosphere is always “on point”.
KD
KDarling
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Firok has done an amazing job with his restaurant. From the moment I walked in, it felt as if I was part of the family. Everyone in the restaurant had a smile on their face as they thoroughly enjoyed their food. It was probably one of the best meals I've ever had. Both the food and the ambiance are truly incredible.
MC
MikeC
Orange County
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent Italian cuisine very consistent quality.
JD
JDD108
Tampa
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, cozy, quiet atmosphere, great service! We will definitely be returning.
DC
DevC
Central Coast
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience great, colorful place. Food was great. Service was good too with many wine choices.
r
richardv
San Francisco
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food at an established restaurant. Wonderfull ambience. Could eat there often or a special occasion
ND
NancyD
Orange County
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another wonderful dining experience at Biatro Giovanni! We has salads, halibut, seafood pasta, chicken Marsala, and crab filled ravioli. Martinis and wine. Great service. We love this restaurant. It’s charming.

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
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

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 1450 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(831) 626-6003

Other options

Order online

San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Carmel
Hours of operation
Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 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

Website
https://carmelbistro.com/
Phone number
(831) 626-6003
Private party facilities
Come celebrate a birthday, anniversary, corporate event or other occasion with mouth-watering Italian food using the Monterey Peninsula's freshest ingredients.
Private party contact
Jennifer Mendoza: (831) 238-4188

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Lasagna

Artichoke

Chicken or Veal Marsala

Appetizers

Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade$5.00

Garlic Dip$6.00

Garlic Bread$8.00

Frito Misto Combo$17.00

Steamers$18.00

Gamberetti al Pompodori$16.00

Crab Cakes$15.00

Calamari$16.00

Carpaccio Renaissance$15.00

Artichoke$15.00

Burrata Prosciutto$16.00

Mediterranean Meatballs

Salads

Grandma's Insalatina Greca$11.00

Caesar Salad$11.00

Insalatina Vergine$10.00

Bistro Salad$9.00

Flatbread

Pollo Pesto$18.00

Giovanni$18.00

Margarita$18.00

Raviolis

Lobster$33.00

Crab$33.00

Grilled Vegetable$23.00

Braised Beef$29.00

Goat Cheese$24.00

Butternut Squash$25.00

Main Entrees

Osso Bucco

Lamb Shank

Papa's Cioppino$35.00

Salmon Dijon

Sand Dabs$29.00

Paella (For One)$36.00

Filet Mignon

Ribeye Steak

Chicken or Veal Piccata

Chicken or Veal Marsala

Chicken, Veal or Eggplant Parmesan

Pastas

Papa's Pasta Pescatore$35.00

Linguini and Clams$29.00

Misto di Mare$29.00

Linguini Gamberi$28.00

Scampi$29.00

Pasta Piccata$23.00

Pasta Mamma Mia$27.00

Mama's Bolognese$27.00

Pasta Palermo$26.00

Cannelloni$29.00

Lasagna$29.00

Carbonara$24.00

Grandma's Gnocchi$23.00

Pasta Puttanesca$24.00

Cauliflower Gnocchi$23.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Carmel's Bistro Giovanni offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Carmel's Bistro Giovanni restaurant rated?

Is Carmel's Bistro Giovanni currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout