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Giovanni’s, formerly known as Don Giovanni’s, will reopen its doors on November 2nd, marking a new chapter in its 40-year legacy.

After a brief closure for a three-month renovation, Manchester’s oldest independent Italian restaurant returns with a refreshed name, modern interiors and an exciting menu — all while preserving the timeless traditions that have made it a beloved institution for generations.

As one of the city’s longest-standing dining establishments, Giovanni’s has been an integral part of Manchester’s community, offering authentic Italian cuisine with a warmth and charm that keeps guests coming back year after year.

With the rebranding, Giovanni’s hopes to embrace a new era; blending the rich heritage of traditional Italian dining with a fresh, contemporary experience.

An All-Day Italian Dining Experience

Dedicated to offering an exceptional Italian dining experience throughout the day, Giovanni’s menus are thoughtfully crafted to cater to every occasion and taste, with authenticity and innovation reflected in each dish.

At Giovanni’s, each culinary experience is designed to engage all the senses, from breakfast through to dinner. The menu celebrates the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients, many sourced from local, trusted suppliers.

Breakfast

Giovanni’s morning offerings reflect Italy’s love of simple, yet satisfying fare, offering a variety of options for those looking for a leisurely start to the day. Highlights include:

• The Works – A flavourful combination of eggs ‘your way’, spicy nduja sausage on sourdough, smoked pancetta, baked beans, roasted flat mushroom, tomato and a crispy potato rosti.
• Cheese & Truffle Baked Cornetto – A luxurious dish featuring confit eggs, rocket and parmesan, baked to perfection.
• Eggs ala Amatriciana – A bold twist on a classic, with confit eggs, mother sauce, crispy guanciale and pecorino romano.

Lunch

Giovanni’s express lunch menu is perfect for professionals seeking a quick, high-quality meal or for those looking to enjoy a casual, flavourful break with friends.

Highlights include:

• Rigatoni al Ragu  – Slow-braised beef ragu with San Marzano tomatoes, aged parmesan and crispy pangrattato for a rich and comforting dish.
• Bucatini a la Puttanesca  – A flavourful combination of Kalamata olives, anchovies, capers and San Marzano tomatoes.
• Minute Steak & Fries – A succulent steak served with a choice of flavoured butters, including garlic & pistachio, black truffle or spicy lobster turf.
• Parmigiana di Pollo Fritto  – Crispy fried chicken topped with mozzarella and mother sauce, served with a fresh rocket salad.

Giovanni’s pizza selection reflects the same commitment to quality, with double-fermented dough that achieves the perfect texture. Choices include the classic Margherita or the earthy Forestier, topped with woodland mushrooms and black truffle.

Dinner

As evening falls, Giovanni’s will offer an elevated dining experience where tradition meets contemporary flair. The carefully curated A La Carte menu is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage, featuring dishes crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, each one a reflection of the artistry behind Italian cuisine.

The hand-made pastas, prepared fresh daily, take centre stage. Dishes include the Bucatini Carbonara, with guanciale, black pepper and pecorino, or the exquisite Spaghetti alle Vongole, with fresh clams, chilli and parsley, offering a taste of coastal Italy.

The menu extends its expertise to perfectly cooked meat and fish. The Saltimbocca ala Romana offers tender veal escalope paired with prosciutto, sage and a Marsala emulsion, while the Rana Pescatrice features Josper-roasted monkfish, complemented by a rich cannellini bean and fennel ragu.

For a sweet finale, Giovanni’s dessert menu is a testament to Italian indulgence. The classic Tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked savoiardi and mascarpone mousse, offers a familiar favourite, while the warming Polenta & Treacle Pudding served with orange caramel and mascarpone, brings a creative twist to a comforting dessert.

40 Years of Tradition, Reimagined for Today

As Giovanni’s celebrates its 40th anniversary, the restaurant’s evolution reflects its commitment to remaining a firm fixture in Manchester’s dining scene. The rebrand, modern interiors and updated menu demonstrate a harmonious balance between honouring Italian culinary traditions, and embracing contemporary influences.

Throughout the decor, warm and earthy colours will complement soft neutral tones, creating a laid-back and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and unwind. Elegant touches of gold will feature throughout, reflecting the high-quality ingredients and celebratory moments to be cherished throughout the years.

“Our reopening is 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 drop ‘Don’ was not taken lightly. ‘Don’ is a term of respect and endearment, traditionally used to honour individuals in Italian culture, however, we felt that after 40 years of hospitality, Don would be ready to hand the baton to his heirs. And with that in mind, we’re delighted to unveil our new look, and cannot wait to welcome our loyal guests back to enjoy our updated menu and improved dining experience. As we continue to honour our rich history, the one thing we promise will remain the same is the true 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.