  Rjk Member Username: Rjk Post Number: 621 Registered: 11-2003 |
Motivated by some of the threads I've seen on this forum, I decided to spend a few hours yesterday exploring the SW Detroit area. We drove by Giovanni's and I was hoping I could get some reviews from people who have eaten there recently. How does it compare to other Italian restaurants? Also their site mentions that the area was an Italian neighborhood. Was that area the largest, or one of the largest Italian neighborhoods in Detroit? Thanks for any help. (Message edited by rjk on February 18, 2007) | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1958 Registered: 10-2003 |
We've only eaten there once, but it was the best meal of my life!!! The food was divine. And the atmosphere and service were terrific. Better than Roma Cafe and Mario's and Lelli's, IMO. Be prepared to spend $$$ for two. | ||
Homer Member Username: Homer Post Number: 84 Registered: 08-2004 |
THE best,IMHO, from the valet parking, the appetizers (calamari), wine selection, featured items, desserts, service, atmosphere etc. All excellent. The cost makes it a place for special occasions in this household, but well worth it. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 452 Registered: 06-2005 |
I ate there most recently last month. The place was quite crowded with people who were going to a preview for the Auto Show. The latest redecorating is elegant rather than "family"; after several fires, I guess all the old family photos are long gone. The food and service, as always IMO, were first-rate. It is pricey; but for special occasions, well worth the money. | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 805 Registered: 06-2005 |
Giovanni's is by far the BEST Italian (or any type for that matter)food in the Metro area. They seriously know service and food. It is our absolute favorite place to go. Enjoy!!! | ||
Rugbyman Member Username: Rugbyman Post Number: 79 Registered: 06-2005 |
Excellent food, almost unparalleled service. I went there a few years ago with my girlfriend at the time for our anniversary and the owner (don't remember her name, but she's the short older Italian lady walking around, hob-nobbing with the patrons) came over to chat. Upon finding out why we were there she sent over tiramisu on the house. She wanted to add some champagne, but we weren't 21 at the time. Where else can you get service like that? | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2066 Registered: 07-2004 |
So, where exactly is this place? | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 4803 Registered: 10-2003 |
Oakwood, not too far from the Fort St. bridge over the Rouge. It was an Italian community, but not aware of what area in Italy the population was from. | ||
Jman Member Username: Jman Post Number: 24 Registered: 10-2006 |
If I remember correctly, that was a favorite place for Frank Sinatra when he was in town. | ||
Korridorkid Member Username: Korridorkid Post Number: 45 Registered: 01-2005 |
I thought Frank's favorite place to go was Sibley Gardens on Jefferson north of Kind Rd? At least that's what they tell me--Hell, he probably went to them all with him being as big he was in his old age. (j/k Frankie!) The Sib's is nice though but pricey. Could anyone compare Gio's to Sib's? | ||
Rjk Member Username: Rjk Post Number: 622 Registered: 11-2003 |
There's a picture of Frank on their site. http://www.giovannisristorante .com/history.php | ||
Long_in_the_tooth Member Username: Long_in_the_tooth Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2007 |
Go quick before it catches fire again. | ||
Detroitrulez Member Username: Detroitrulez Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2006 |
for what it's worth, fran truant is the madre-domo in questione.....she is great....a true detroit institution to be sure..... | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2085 Registered: 07-2004 |
Thanks, Jams. | ||
Checkered_past Member Username: Checkered_past Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2007 |
Took wifey there for anniversary,must say best filet mignon ever. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 1371 Registered: 10-2003 |
Filet mignon is a legendary Italian dish... I like to order PB&J sandwiches in Chinese restaurants, myself. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 1372 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rjk, to answer one of your questions, the vast majority of Italian immigrants settled on the eastside (Gratiot and Harper area), but there were "pocket" Italian communities in other parts of Detroit, including that southwest area. | ||
Zulu_warrior Member Username: Zulu_warrior Post Number: 3150 Registered: 10-2003 |
Best, Best Quality.... You must try the calamari... | ||
Detroitbill Member Username: Detroitbill Post Number: 161 Registered: 09-2006 |
Giovannis is wonderful, I also really frequent Vinces over the freeway off Springwells. A little more casual, but great food also,,It to has been there forever. Great Picatta (chicken and veal) and a plain fresh mozzarella cheese pizza for a appetizer is the best. | ||
Pgn421 Member Username: Pgn421 Post Number: 34 Registered: 02-2005 |
Gios! The best! Excellent food and atmosphere. Caio! | ||
Billybbrew Member Username: Billybbrew Post Number: 247 Registered: 07-2005 |
My favorite SW Detroit restaraunt is Roman Village on Dix near Vernor. I used to go to Vince's until I witnesses a very harried waitress berated (in front of me) for "spending too much time with the customers" when all I ever saw her doing was running her ass off because they appeared to be short staffed. This occured because I was pressed for time and took my own check up to the register to pay. I like the food better at Roman Village and one day I got there about a half hour early without realizing they didn't open until 4 pm on Sundays. They took us in, seated us and the manager waited on us until the server got there just before 4pm. Any other place would say "sorry, come back at 4pm" Good family restaraunt since 1962 and good value. | ||
Valeenmur Member Username: Valeenmur Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2005 |
Have to agree with Billybbrew. Roman Village has best service/food and value for money. We go there about once a month.Love the place | ||
1st_sgt Member Username: 1st_sgt Post Number: 31 Registered: 11-2006 |
Roman Village has the best hamburger pizza anywhere and they do treat you like family! I eat there every time I get home. Vince's was the place for our bowling banquets. They had a good chicken dish. Haven't been there in years. | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 666 Registered: 06-2006 |
Since when is $11-14 for pasta pricey? | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11336 Registered: 10-2003 |
Roman Village....HA! Was trying to remember who I talked to recently about a place down there. Couldn't remember the name of the place, I could only recall that it was in that little Arab Village down there off Vernor. Thanks Billybbrew! | ||
Valeenmur Member Username: Valeenmur Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2005 |
Thejesus, I think you were looking at the lunch menu as opposed to the dinner menu | ||
Enduro Member Username: Enduro Post Number: 61 Registered: 11-2006 |
I was gonna say the same, theJesus. Still, the dinner menu isn't insane considering the quality and service you all are talking about. ...and I'm still a relatively poor boy. |
