Giovanni’s, previously known as Don Giovanni’s, is set to reopen on November 2nd, entering a new phase of its 40-year history. After a three-month renovation closure, Manchester’s oldest independent Italian restaurant is returning with a new name, modern decor, and an exciting menu, while still honoring the traditions that have made it beloved over the years.
As one of Manchester’s longest-running dining spots, Giovanni’s has been a vital part of the community, known for its authentic Italian cuisine that offers a warm and charming atmosphere, drawing guests back time after time. With the rebranding, Giovanni’s aims to usher in a new era by blending traditional Italian dining with a fresh, contemporary appeal.
An All-Day Italian Dining Experience
Giovanni’s is dedicated to providing an exceptional Italian dining experience throughout the day, with menus carefully designed to cater to a variety of tastes and occasions, showcasing both authenticity and innovation in each dish.
Each culinary experience at Giovanni’s is crafted to engage the senses from breakfast to dinner, with a menu that emphasizes the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
Breakfast
Giovanni’s breakfast menu embraces Italy’s passion for simple yet satisfying dishes, offering a range of options for a leisurely morning start. Highlights include:
- The Works: A hearty plate of eggs cooked your way, spicy nduja sausage on sourdough, smoked pancetta, baked beans, roasted flat mushrooms, tomatoes, and a crispy potato rosti.
- Cheese & Truffle Baked Cornetto: A decadent dish of confit eggs, rocket, and parmesan, baked to perfection.
- Eggs ala Amatriciana: A unique twist featuring confit eggs, mother sauce, crispy guanciale, and pecorino romano.
Lunch
Giovanni’s express lunch menu caters to professionals in need of a quick, quality meal or those wanting a casual and flavorful break with friends. Signature dishes include:
- Rigatoni al Ragu: Slow-braised beef ragu with San Marzano tomatoes, aged parmesan, and crispy pangrattato.
- Bucatini a la Puttanesca: A vibrant medley of Kalamata olives, anchovies, capers, and San Marzano tomatoes.
- Minute Steak & Fries: A tender steak with a selection of flavored butters, including garlic & pistachio or black truffle.
- Parmigiana di Pollo Fritto: Crispy fried chicken topped with mozzarella and mother sauce, served with a fresh rocket salad.
The pizza selection features double-fermented dough for the ideal texture, offering options like the classic Margherita and the earthy Forestier, topped with woodland mushrooms and black truffle.
Dinner
As night approaches, Giovanni’s will present an elevated dining experience that merges tradition with contemporary style. The A La Carte menu celebrates Italian culinary heritage, featuring dishes crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients.
Hand-made pasta, prepared fresh daily, takes center stage, including dishes such as Bucatini Carbonara with guanciale and pecorino, and Spaghetti alle Vongole with fresh clams, chili, and parsley. The menu also showcases expertly cooked meat and fish, like Saltimbocca ala Romana (tender veal with prosciutto and sage) and Josper-roasted monkfish accompanied by a rich cannellini bean and fennel ragu.
For dessert, Giovanni’s offers indulgences like the classic Tiramisu with layers of espresso-soaked savoiardi and mascarpone mousse, alongside a creative twist on comfort food with Polenta & Treacle Pudding, served with orange caramel and mascarpone.
40 Years of Tradition, Reimagined for Today
As Giovanni’s commemorates its 40th anniversary, the restaurant’s transformation reflects its commitment to staying a key part of Manchester’s dining landscape. The rebranding, along with modern interiors and an updated menu, balances honoring Italian culinary traditions with contemporary influences.
The decor features warm, earthy tones paired with soft neutrals to create a relaxed and inviting space. Elegant gold accents reflect the quality of the ingredients and the cherished moments throughout the years.
“Our reopening signifies more than just a return; it’s a celebration of our legacy and an exciting new chapter…” says Adam Karim, owner of Giovanni’s. “The decision to remove ‘Don’ was significant. ‘Don’ is a term of respect in Italian culture, but after 40 years of hospitality, we felt it was time for a new chapter. We eagerly await welcoming our loyal guests back to enjoy our updated menu and enhanced dining experience while remaining true to the Italian soul of Giovanni’s.”
Giovanni’s will officially reopen on November 2nd. For more information or to make a reservation, visit giovannis.co.uk.
