Giovanni's Wine Bar

Food was bland, far too expensive and the waiters' attitude toward us was appalling. We ordered a variety of things; the pizza was large but didn't taste of much (despite being promised fresh and flavoursome ingredients); the ravioli was an inadequately sized portion; the pasta with clams contained a mere five clams. Would never go back. Especially because the of the pretentious and vulgar attitude of the waiters. Genuinely disappointed.

I ate at Giovanni's last night, if you can call it eating. It's a rip-off. The food is over-priced, badly cooked and poorly presented. The vegetables cost £4.50 and there was nothing to them. The bread was stale. I was really hungry afterwards. The waiters stood laughing with each other loudly and failing to attend to their customers even though the restaurant was only quarter full. Don't be taken in by the old-fashioned slightly glamorous look of the place, it's terrible. It purports to present Sicilian food but this cooking gives Sicily a bad name. Give it a miss!

This is a well run friendly place - just along from our London flat - the staff there have taken good care of my husband when I've been out of town - providing good quality informal meals- our children enjoy all the dishes and especially like the outside section and watching the world go by. For them going to London means going to Giovannis. Good people and a good business.


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we visited this restaurant 3 times in one week when we recently stayed in London. The food was delicious every single time and we couldn't get enough of the place!! Service was flawless, the staff there were lovely and as another person said- they were willing to give their advice on food. The prices were very reasonable for the high standard of food. I'd say to anyone who rates it poorly has either no taste buds or are writing about the wrong restaurant!!

Working Close to Giovannis its ideal for Birthday lunches and After work get togethers. All my colleagues enjoy dining here whether it be lunchtime or evening. The service is always polite and fast, the food is full of flavour and there is a good range to choose from, i'm a fussy eater with a nut allergy but always find something differnet to eat each time. We always find the waiters to be pleasant willing to offer advice on food choices, specials and wines to enjoy with the meal. Also we have to say its always a pleasure to partake in a shot of grappa.

Overall our experience over the years has been extremely good and we haven't had any bad experiences while dining at Giovannis.

I go to Giovanni's alot and that's testament in itself. Lot's of other people I know go there and they say the same too.

They have a good menu and always a few twist on the usual italian dishes.

It's not that expensive and not much cheaper in the city unless you go to a pizza express etc.

Many of my firms clients are taken there for lunch - maybe a bit of a personality lcash with the last guy?

I would avoid this place. It's not so much the mediocre food, as the arrogant and aggressive attitude of staff. I went during lunchtime. They were clearly overwhelmed. When I chased up a fourth waiter to place an order, the Maitre d' decided to tick me off rather than apologise! I think these days one can expect decent service in the City, and lots of other places will give it to you at £30 per head.

This place is fantastic- as can be seen from the fact that its always packed. They serve good italian food- made the proper way- nothing here is out of catering packs. They have a wide menu but will make anything you want if you have long enough- or you could order the day before- if you fancy something a bit more complex! 10/10 for the food. The only downside is the price- as its mainly a venue for working lunches- you'll find yourself looking at your bill twice- its not a place to go every day unless you're minted. Pizza are a tenner, pastas £8-£15, others upto £20- so expensive for a lunch. Wine also quite pricey- so two stars lost for value.

In a word delicious! Truly a talented chef. My taste buds were in a frenzy. Service was also exceptional and the atmosphere was refreshing. Definitely on my top 5 list of places to dine.