Givanni's Iowa City

[mtvernonfoodie]

My wife and I lived in the Iowa City/CR area for around 10 years now and have never tried Givanni's. I checked out their website and their menu looks really nice, just wondering what peoples' experiences were with this restaurant. Is it a place I should try? and what is recommended to order? Thanks!

[corneygirl]

I've always had good meals a Givannis's. In my opinion the only Italian around worth going out for. That said the decor needs updating (it was really hip in 1984 or something), and the menu hasn't changed over the 7 or so years I've gone there. It's a Mondenero joint (like Mickeys, Joseph, Saloon, Mondos etc) so the food is consistent. I really like the gnochi with sweet pepper sauce.

[ctscorp]

I think Givanni's is the kind of place you have to try, primarily because there's such disparate opinion about it. I have never had a good meal there, ever, and I've eaten there a lot (as I had many friends who worked there). It's passable at best and gut-wrenchingly awful at worst, in my opinion. But like I said, some love it. There's a reason nearly every language has a way of saying "There's no accounting for taste."