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Carmel's Bistro Giovanni, Carmel, CA

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

4.7 (2055)
$31 to $50
Italian
San Carlos & 5th Ave, Carmel, CA 93923

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
11:30 PM
Booked 25 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
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 and special events we require a credit card to hold your table with a 24 hour cancellation policy, $40 per person will be applied to your credit card for late cancellations and no shows. We will hold your table for 10 minutes.

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

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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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

Menu

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni's menu was last updated on 3/13/2024.

Availability subject to change. Quite a few menu items can be modified to be made allergen friendly. Please visit website for details. www.carmelbistro.com

Appetizers

  • 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

                                                                                                  Last updated: March 13, 2024

                                                                                                  What 2,055 people are saying

                                                                                                  Carmel's Bistro Giovanni reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                  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
                                                                                                  • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                  • 4.6Value

                                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                  Loved For

                                                                                                  • Monterey / Carmel

                                                                                                    Best Ambiance

                                                                                                  • Monterey / Carmel

                                                                                                    Best Value

                                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                  Carmel's Bistro Giovanni is a charming Italian gem in Carmel, offering "fantastic food" and "excellent service" in a cozy setting. With a wide variety of gluten-free options, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive staff for a memorable dining experience.
                                                                                                  2,055 Reviews

                                                                                                  1. Natalie VIP

                                                                                                    Tahoe / Reno Area8 reviews

                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    We’ve been to this restaurant several times and always have a positive experience. Good food and good service.

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  2. Rick VIP

                                                                                                    San Francisco47 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    Great food, decent portions, in a comfortable little bistro environment with great Italian ambience Food is very good and consistent. The cocktails are ample and nice, and the atmosphere is energetic yet Won does not feel rushed during the meal.

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                                                                                                  3. John VIP

                                                                                                    Los Angeles158 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Wow… What an outstanding Italian restaurant that we happened into last evening! The selections were substantial, the quality of food, excellent, and the preparation just right for an Italian and even a Sicilian! The Putanesca was rich and tasty with the correct touch of spice and anchovies while the bolinaze with its gravy was especially delicious. Sorry about my spelling! This trip to Carmel was one of many, but our stop at the Bistro was our first! A very lucky stop, indeed! Service was wonderful and the host was very informative Grazia!

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                                                                                                  4. Jennifer VIP

                                                                                                    San Diego20 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    The Chicken Marsala and their signature salad were both delicious. Thankful that they had plenty of gluten free options. Service was very good. We will definitely be back!

                                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                                  5. Phillip

                                                                                                    Portland3 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Best Italian Gluten Free I’ve ever had. Bruschetta, garlic bread, pasta…and dessert. Amazing.

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                                                                                                  6. Peter

                                                                                                    Kent6 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    We picked purely by chance as we were just staying in Carmel for a few days what a find. The food was sublime served piping hot which is rare these days and the wine delicious. The service was friendly and professional plus the owner came over to thank us for coming a lovely touch. I would recommend Giovanni’s unreservedly you won’t be disappointed.

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                                                                                                  7. Jim

                                                                                                    Portland9 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    I’m always looking for a “real” Italian restaurant and this place hit the spot. Like any good restaurant in Italy it all starts with a passion for the food and a passion for those they are serving that was clearly evident at Giovanni‘s The ambience was warm and easy, and I look forward to returning

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                                                                                                  8. Angela VIP

                                                                                                    San Francisco22 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    We always have an amazing dinner at Bistro Giovanni. Charming atmosphere with great food and service. The gluten free pasta is the best we've found.

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                                                                                                  9. Ami

                                                                                                    Naples5 reviews

                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                    Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                    Our most favorite restaurant while visiting Carmel. The service was wonderful, ambience was perfect and the food was outstanding!

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                                                                                                  10. Richard

                                                                                                    California Central Coast2 reviews

                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                    Dined on May 14, 2025

                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                    Always a nice meal, Mrs had chicken piccata, I had Osso Bucco, the risotto was excellent, the osso bucco was good.

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                                                                                                  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 2055 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                                  1. Home
                                                                                                  2. United States
                                                                                                  3. California Central Coast
                                                                                                  4. Monterey / Carmel
                                                                                                  5. Carmel

                                                                                                  Make a reservation

                                                                                                  Booked 25 times today
                                                                                                  Google Map for Carmel's Bistro Giovanni

                                                                                                  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
                                                                                                  • Delivery & takeout
                                                                                                    Order direct
                                                                                                  • 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
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