Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

4.7

1978 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

24 Jan 2025

23:00

Booked 22 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
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
Area
Carmel
Cross Street
San Carlos between 5th & 6th
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 1,978 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Monterey / Carmel
Best Food

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni is a beloved dining destination in Carmel, known for its "phenomenal" food, including homemade pastas, and "excellent" service. The cozy, family-owned restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, with gluten-free options and an attentive owner who ensures a memorable experience. Guests rave about the "great ambiance" and "delicious" Italian dishes.

1,978 Reviews

D
David
VIP
Des Moines
14 reviews
3.0
14 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant had an off night, our appetizer (fritto Misto) calamari was over cooked and tough and our entrees were bland and flavorless. The Canneloni entree was filled with gritty hamburger and the a red sauce on the gnocchi as stated had no seasoning or flavor. We didn’t ask for refunds and the restaurant removed the charges for the food we left uneaten. Service was good but we left disappointed that neither the chef or manager stopped by the table to ask us how the food was
1 person found this helpful
D
Daniel
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was incredibly tasty. I would recommend “grandma’s gnocchi “
Is this helpful?
J
John
VIP
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 17 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorite restaurants in Carmel. Can’t wait to go back during our next trip to Carmel.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
VIP
San Francisco
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on 17 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent dinner, wonderful service. A touch of family makes you feel just right at home at this lovely establishment.
Is this helpful?
R
Ronald
VIP
Sacramento
91 reviews
5.0
91 reviews
Dined on 16 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place! Great food excellent host! A real Italian restaurant!
Is this helpful?
L
Lucinda
VIP
Sacramento
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 12 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was our first time there! We went with friends that go fairly often. It was outstanding. The service, the food, the ambiance. It was just perfect for a nice, fun, delicious dinner out. I had the clam linguine, my husband had the paella, both were so good. We will definitely be back soon.
Is this helpful?
DF
DonaldF
New York City
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on 10 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We have eaten at Bistro Giovanni from time to time over the years when we visit Carmel. It has been one of our favorite Carmel places to dine. But our most recent experience was a disappointment. I was excited to order the paella, but it came out looking like the whole dish was a bit overcooked. It lacked distinctive paella flavor with no saffron detected. While some of the shellfish was tender, the chicken was dry. The linguini piccata with salmon medallions dish was good but uninspiring. The service was competent.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
VIP
Monterrey
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 8 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Carmel Bistro Giovanni has been our go to place in Carmel. Preparation of food has always been consistent and recipes never change. Service is one of the best in town.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
VIP
San Francisco
29 reviews
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Food was quite good but the service was disinterested and slow. Pretty expensive for what we got but that is typical for Carmel
Is this helpful?
D
Dean
VIP
San Francisco
73 reviews
4.0
73 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We always look forward to another dining experience at Bistro Giovanni. Have been going for years now and the whole experience is always great. Friendly accommodating staff take good care of you and serve you a meal to be remembered. Very nice!
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 4.7 stars by 1978 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

24 Jan 2025

23:00

Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

Additional information

Cross Street
San Carlos between 5th & 6th
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

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

Diners' Choice Awards

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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information