Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

4.6

1938 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

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 Bucco, Lamb Shank, 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.

*Patio availability depending on weather. We do have plenty of heat lamps but do not have covered tables outdoors. Please understand this when booking.

* For parties of 6 or more we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $25 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows.

*We have a $30 corkage fee for a standard size bottle (750 ml.) 2 bottle maximum per table.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 4:00 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
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

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

Popular dishes

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade
Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade with bread
Garlic Dip
With bread
Garlic Bread
Bruschetta
Tomato, basil, garlic and parmesan, served on crostini
Frito Misto Combo
Deep fried prawns, calamari & artichoke hearts, cocktail sauce & lemon aioli
Steamers
Steamed clams & mussels, white wine, garlic olive oil & tomatoes
Gamberetti
Sautéed prawns, basil, garlic tomatoes, artichoke hearts & pancetta
Crab Cakes
Port wine Tamarindo sauce and mixed greens
Calamari
Lightly fried, lemon aioli & house made cocktail sauce
Carpaccio
Thinly sliced raw Filet Mignon, arugula, capers, EVOO & lemon
Artichoke
Charbroiled with garlic lemon aioli
Burrata Prosciutto
Tomato, burrata cheese, prosciutto, basil & balsamic vinaigrette, crostini

Salad

Grandma’s Insalatina Greca
Cucumber, diced tomatoes, red onion, dried cranberries, olives, feta & our secret dressing
Caesar Salad
Romaine, dressing, croutons & parmesan
Insalatina Vergine
Mixed greens, Blue Cheese, dried cranberries, almonds & raspberry vinaigrette
Bistro Salad
Mixed greens, romaine, cucumber, tomato & red wine vinaigrette

Ravioli

Lobster Ravioli
Spinach, mushrooms & tomato, truffle cream sauce
Crab Ravioli
Champagne cream sauce & spinach
Grilled Vegetable Ravioli
Pesto cream sauce & spinach
Braised Beef Ravioli
Brandy tarragon cream sauce
Goat Cheese Ravioli
Goat cheese & roasted vegetable Brown butter basil sauce, toasted almonds & balsamic glaze
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Marsala cream sauce, spinach & prosciutto

Entrees

Osso Bucco
Braised veal, sweet anise, red wine, carrots, onions, celery, tomato, mushroom risotto & vegetables
Lamb Shank
Braised, red wine sauce, garlic mashed potato & vegetables
Papa’s Cioppino
Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, & fish, Italian spices, hearty tomato broth & garlic bread
Salmon Dijon
Dijon crusted salmon lightly breaded, creamy lemon caper sauce linguini pasta & vegetables
Sand Dabs
Lightly breaded & sautéed in a lemon piccata sauce with garlic mashed potato & vegetables
Paella (for one)
Mussels, clams, prawns, scallops, chicken, sausage & fish in saffron Spanish rice
Filet Mignon
8 oz, brandy peppercorn sauce, garlic mashed potatoes & sautéed spinach
Ribeye Steak
14 oz, Maître d’ blue cheese butter, truffle mashed potato & sautéed spinach
Chicken or Veal Piccata
Chicken breast or veal in a lemon, white wine, garlic & caper sauce, garlic mashed potato & vegetables
Chicken or Veal Marsala
Sautéed chicken breast or veal with marsala & mushrooms, garlic mashed potato & vegetables
Chicken or Veal Parmesan
Breaded & baked, mozzarella, fresh basil & tomato sauce, linguini & vegetables

Pasta

Papa’s Pasta Pescatore
Clams, mussels, prawns, scallops & fish, white wine, garlic & tomato sauce, linguini
Linguini & Clams
Fresh clams, olive oil, garlic, parsley & lemon zest, linguini
Misto di Mare
Prawns, scallops & artichoke hearts, garlic cream sauce, linguini
Linguini Gamberi
Prawns, white wine, garlic, chili flakes & parsley, linguini
Scampi
Prawns, baby shrimp, pureed sun-dried tomato, basil, garlic & white wine, linguini
Pasta Piccata
White wine lemon sauce with pureed sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts & capers, linguini +salmon medallions or +chicken
Pasta Mamma Mia
Bistro style meatballs marinated in Mediterranean spices, rigatoni
Mama’s Bolognese
A classic dish with a handed down recipe. Ground beef with a homemade sauce, fettuccine
Pasta Palermo
Italian sausage, roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese & chili marinara, rigatoni
Cannelloni
Fresh pasta stuffed with ground beef, light ricotta & spinach with marinara & béchamel sauce
Lasagna
Fresh pasta layered with ground Italian sausage, marinara, light béchamel, ricotta & parmesan cheese
Carbonara
Pancetta, shallots & peas, cream sauce, linguini
Grandma’s Gnocchi
Gorgonzola cheese, béchamel, parmesan & grapes
Pasta Puttanesca
Olives, capers, anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic spicy tomato sauce, penne
Cauliflower Gnocchi
Pomodoro. Tomato, basil garlic & white wine

What 1,938 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
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni is a delightful Italian gem in Carmel, offering "authentic Italian" cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. With attentive service and "excellent food," it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant boasts a "great wine selection" and "delicious gluten-free options," making every visit a memorable experience.

1,938 Reviews

M
Madrid
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As Carmel locals, Bistro Giovanni is always a favorite go to! Massive compliments to the staff, adorable owner, chef and kitchen crew. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
F
Franco
San Francisco
49 reviews
3.0
49 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great off the beaten spot. I’ll definitely be back again.
Is this helpful?
g
grtfood
Sacramento
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
THE BEST MEAL WE HAVE EVER HAD!! My husband had lobster ravioli that was terrific & I had a seafood dish that had with 7 different seafoods .. crab, mussels. Clams,white fish, shrimp, prawns. All in a yummy ragu sauce with linguine! BOTH OUTSTANDINGLY DELICIOUS! Also shared a great Caesar salad with slices of homemade sourdough with olive oil & balsamic for dipping '!' This is our new go to When we visit Carmel!' The hand painted murals on the walls & background Italian music added to the mood! We had a great server who topped off our amazing experience ‼️👍🌈
Is this helpful?
S
Sherrill
Los Angeles
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated my husband's birthday at this restaurant, and it was a fabulous choice. He loved his osso buco and the garlic bread, and the staff was so attentive to him. We'll return next time we're in Carmel!
Is this helpful?
D
David
Louisville
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding food and great ambience!! Highly recommend!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jerry
Nashville
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A wonderful surprise! AWESOME food and many options plus a very affordable tab at the end. Thank you for a great business dinner of 10
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Richmond
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Nothing wrong with the place, just way higher rated than deserved so I’m putting in a lower score. It’s pricey for the quality of food and service. Feels like a chain run for profit over quality. Bathroom was terrible. Much better alternatives.
Is this helpful?
MN
MaryNell
Memphis/West TN
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
With a big menu, it’s easy to find something everyone will like. The service was fast but not particularly good or welcoming. The food was good but not great. They do have a full bar. The noise inside was overwhelming and next to impossible to talk. An average experience and a slight let down from expectations.
Is this helpful?
M
Maria
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Farouk and his team always aim to please and their recipients are a huge WIN!
Is this helpful?
c
christine
Seattle
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were greeted by Giovanni himself. We were seated promptly and served ice cold Martinis. Our appetizer was the carpaccio and it was exceptional. Dinner and wine followed. Mine was veal piccata. Delicious!! My husband had the cannelloni. He didn’t share. And he usually does. We were going dancing so we took dessert home after. The flourless chocolate cake was the best ever. Moist and creamy. Thank you Giovanni. We’ll be back soon!!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 626-6003.

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni is rated 4.6 stars by 1938 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

Additional information

Cross street
San Carlos between 5th & 6th
Neighborhood
Carmel
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
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
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

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Garlic Bread

Carbonara

Mama's Bolognese

Appetizers

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade

Garlic Dip

Garlic Bread

Bruschetta

Frito Misto Combo

Steamers

Gamberetti

Crab Cakes

Calamari

Carpaccio

Artichoke

Burrata Prosciutto

Salad

Grandma’s Insalatina Greca

Caesar Salad

Insalatina Vergine

Bistro Salad

Ravioli

Lobster Ravioli

Crab Ravioli

Grilled Vegetable Ravioli

Braised Beef Ravioli

Goat Cheese Ravioli

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Entrees

Osso Bucco

Lamb Shank

Papa’s Cioppino

Salmon Dijon

Sand Dabs

Paella (for one)

Filet Mignon

Ribeye Steak

Chicken or Veal Piccata

Chicken or Veal Marsala

Chicken or Veal Parmesan

Pasta

Papa’s Pasta Pescatore

Linguini & Clams

Misto di Mare

Linguini Gamberi

Scampi

Pasta Piccata

Pasta Mamma Mia

Mama’s Bolognese

Pasta Palermo

Cannelloni

Lasagna

Carbonara

Grandma’s Gnocchi

Pasta Puttanesca

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

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

Additional information