Giovanni

- 192 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223

For New Yorkers seeking the authentic heart of Brooklyn’s Italian dining tradition, look no further than Giovanni on Avenue U. This is not just another neighborhood restaurant; it is a culinary institution, a keeper of recipes and a legacy that spans over five decades in the borough. Giovanni represents the seamless continuation of a rich, local food history, carrying forward the beloved dishes and experienced staff from celebrated predecessors, ensuring that the genuine, comforting taste of traditional Italian-American cuisine lives on.

Giovanni is celebrated by loyal patrons for providing a dining experience that is both high-quality and remarkably affordable, a rare find in today's demanding New York culinary scene. It’s a place where the focus is firmly on traditional, well-executed comfort food, serving up plates that are rich in flavor and history. Whether you are planning a small group celebration or simply craving a classic, dependable dinner, Giovanni’s commitment to excellent table service, fantastic food, and a storied heritage makes it a standout choice in the Brooklyn community.

The atmosphere is generally inviting, offering a classic setting for a satisfying evening out. While some may find the space slightly narrow, the outstanding staff and the proven quality of the menu more than compensate, creating a beloved local spot where the staff are known to be great, ensuring a pleasant and memorable dining experience for every guest.

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## Location and Accessibility

Giovanni is perfectly situated in the heart of the community at 192 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA. Avenue U is a central and well-known artery in this part of Brooklyn, making the restaurant easily reachable for local residents and visitors alike. Its location is ideal for dinner and dessert, serving as a convenient destination for an evening meal.

While specific detailed information regarding physical accessibility is limited, the primary focus is on providing a traditional, full-service dining environment. Patrons planning to visit should note that the restaurant is focused on a classic dine-in experience, offering dedicated table service for all dining options.

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## Services Offered

Giovanni is dedicated to providing classic Italian hospitality through core dining services. The experience is centered around full table service, ensuring guests can relax and enjoy their meal without haste. For those requiring a quicker option, convenient alternatives are available.

• Table Service Dining: The primary offering is a complete, full-service dining experience, perfect for enjoying a leisurely dinner or celebration.
• Takeout: Recognizing the busy pace of New York life, Giovanni provides convenient takeout service, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite Italian dishes at home.
• Dinner Service: Focused on evening dining, the restaurant provides a full dinner menu.
• Dessert: Available as a dedicated dining option to complete your meal, offering a sweet conclusion to the Italian experience.
• Bar Onsite: The amenity of an onsite bar enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, to pair with their comfort food.

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## Features / Highlights

What makes Giovanni a deeply cherished part of the Brooklyn dining scene are the specific elements that highlight its dedication to tradition, quality, and community focus. These features are the reason this establishment has earned the high praise it receives from long-time patrons.

• A Rich 50-Year Culinary Legacy: The restaurant proudly continues a food tradition dating back over five decades, incorporating the recipes and experience from two former highly-regarded Italian restaurants, Carolina's in Coney Island and Fiorintino's on Avenue U. This heritage guarantees a consistency and authenticity rarely found.
• Staff and Chef Continuity: The current restaurant was opened by a former waiter, Charlie, who hired the original chefs and several waiters from Fiorintino's, ensuring the "great tasting good experience lives on" through familiar faces and proven expertise.
• Menu Offerings: The menu centers on timeless Italian-American classics, proudly offering Comfort food, Alcohol, Wine, and Coffee.
• Affordable Quality: A key promotional point is that this high-quality Italian experience is offered at affordable prices, making it accessible for regular dining and family outings.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is noted as being Good for kids, making it an ideal destination for family dinners and celebrations.
• Bar Amenity: The presence of an onsite bar allows for beverage service and adds to the full-service appeal for adult diners.

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## Contact Information

To experience the long-standing Brooklyn Italian tradition at Giovanni, please note the location:

Address: 192 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA

For inquiries, please note that a public phone number was not provided in the primary available information. It is recommended to visit the location directly or search for updated contact information.

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## What is Worth Choosing at Giovanni

When dining at Giovanni, you are choosing more than just a meal; you are choosing a piece of Brooklyn culinary history. The menu is a celebration of Southern Italian-American staples, executed with the confidence and care of chefs who have been perfecting these dishes for decades. The loyalty of the staff and the continuity of the recipes are the pillars upon which this restaurant’s reputation is built.

Patrons consistently highlight specific dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s mastery of classic Italian cooking, making these items the absolute must-tries for any New Yorker visiting Giovanni. Foremost among the praised items are the signature appetizers. The Baked Clams are described as the “very best,” an acknowledgment of the perfect combination of tender clams, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a garlic-herb preparation—a quintessential Italian starter. Based on comparable Brooklyn restaurants, an appetizer portion of baked clams typically ranges between $19 and $24, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to quality at a reasonable value.

Another highly recommended appetizer is the Mozzarella in Carrozza. This classic dish of battered, deep-fried mozzarella is a perfect example of rich, comforting Italian preparation, traditionally served with a side of marinara sauce. The mention of this dish alongside the clams confirms Giovanni’s excellence in preparing traditional antipasti.

The Zuppa di Red Clams is also a standout, a robust dish of clams simmered in a rich, red tomato sauce that is flavorful enough to require an extra piece of fresh bread for dipping. This seafood preparation speaks to the kitchen’s ability to handle fresh ingredients with expertise.

Moving to the main course, the dish that receives the most fervent praise is the Veal Parmigiana. One dedicated customer declared it the “very best veal parm every.” In Brooklyn, a high-quality Veal Parmigiana entree typically costs between $29 and $32, and Giovanni is lauded for delivering this superior experience while maintaining an overall promise of affordable prices. The veal is expected to be tender, perfectly breaded, smothered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, showcasing the kitchen’s expertise in time-honored entrees.

Overall, what is truly worth choosing at Giovanni is the feeling of being part of a long-standing tradition. The staff’s dedication, stemming from their previous experience at Fiorintino's, ensures that the service is professional, friendly, and truly focused on the dining experience. It's a place where you can bring a small group for a celebration and know that the comfort food will be top-tier, the wine will flow, and the experience will evoke the best of classic, beloved Brooklyn Italian dining. The combination of exceptional, heritage-rich food and affordable prices solidifies Giovanni's status as a foundational element of Brooklyn's culinary community.

Giovanni

192 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA