Wife stopped on the way home from work and picked up my order. Very good, loved it all

I was in the mood for some pizza that wasn't from a chain, I thought Giovanni's would satisfy that craving. First, I have to mention that Giovanni's is, literally, a mom and pop operation. The couple that run this restaurant are extremely sweet and kind. When we arrived at the restaurant, they were a bit busy and the food was coming out a bit slow because there was a large party ahead of us. The waitress/owner was very apologetic and kept our drinks full and the baskets full of delicious bread rolls while we waited. When our pizzas came out, both owners brought them to us and were very sincerely sorry about the delay. The pizza itself was not very good. It reminded me of pizza you'd get at a buffet or cafeteria. We tried both the pepperoni and combination pizza, they were both lacking in flavor. The middling pizza aside, everything else was fantastic! Their pineapple fried rice was a delicious treat with all the flavors mixing together and elevating the dish. Their carrot cake is still delicious as well. Parking was ample and the restaurant was immaculately clean and well maintained. This place still has that charm that would make for a great date night. I went the other route and took a bunch of noisy kids... still charming! The only thing keeping this place from being perfect is their pizza, everything else is fantastic. read more

Welcoming warm friendly service. Food was very good. Loved all of it. Comfortable atmosphere, not stuffy at all. Dinner rolls are huge and very yummy! Chicken Alfredo with broccoli tasty and large portion . Meatball lasagna also tasty and filling. No room for dessert!!! read more

Their food is always fresh and authentic! Large portions! We order their calzons. We order to go.

Food is very flavorful, service was great kept checking if we needed anything, atmosphere was nice will be coming back

A diamond in the rough. That's what comes to mind when I pulled up to this hidden gem in the city of Shafter. I've heard of Giovanni's from coworkers who stopped by when they were in town. Told me it was a fantastic Italian joint. But, you get a two-fer here. Not only does Giovanni's specialize in Italian food, but Thai food, as well! And no, it's not a fusion-type grill. They sell each type of food separately. When you walk inside, it's still got all the Italian-esque decor. It's got lots of seating. The lighting is not too bright, so it could provide some level of intimacy for dates. Today, I tried the Pineapple Fried Rice to go. Drove all the way back to Bakersfield and it was still piping hot! So delicious! It was a good portion that saved me some for tomorrow's lunch. It came with several shrimps, sliced carrots, chicken, pineapple, and fried egg. The next time I visit Shafter, I'm thinking of trying the Baked Mostaccioli! read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Pineapple Fried Rice - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

The food was so delicious and fresh! I loved it the service was absolutely amazing, the place was also very clean and nice! 10/10! read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

Giovanni's is always a great choice for lunch in the area. The menu is an interesting combination of Italian and Thai food. Whatever you choose, it is tasty and enjoyable. Highly recommend. read more

His personal pizzas and his Baked Turkey sandwiches are amazing!! Love this little hidden gem of Shafter!!

Had Giovanni's last night and it was delicious. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious. We had the garlic chicken fettuccine alfredo with broccoli, lasagna and the tortellini alfredo. Everything was served hot and delicious. Noy and Angel are great. Angel was waiting by himself and the service was great. read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Stuffed mushrooms. - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

See all

I've been eating here since I was a little kid. They do not disappoint! Great food, great service, great place! I love going and getting the breadsticks and the meat sauce for a quick lunch! Can't go wrong with what you choose there, everything is great! read more

I had the chicken and fettuccine. The pasta was cooked perfect. The chicken was fresh, firm and had great texture. Giovanni's Alfredo Sauce was rich, creamy and packed a punch. I definitely Giovanni's. I tasted my wife's spaghetti sauce and it was perfect, I cannot wait to go back and try their pizzas. read more

This place was okay but I wouldn't write home to mom about it. Everything was just meh. I didn't find the atmosphere appealing and the staff did the bare minimum. None of the food was memorable and I wouldn't come back or recommend it to anyone. read more

One of the great gems of Shafter! I did not expect such good service and food from this place. It just shows that the owner really does care about their customer base. I was on a travel assignment from Los Angeles to the Bakersfield area for work and came across this small Italian restaurant on Yelp. It had the best reviews and everyone was chiming on how amazing the owner and the Thai food was. So naturally, I had to give it a chance! I arrived a few minutes before opening and saw multiple cars waiting outside too. Unlike me, they already knew to call in and place the order as he is very attentive to the phone. I walked in and was greeted by the owner, a local man originally from LA area too, he explained the menu and his best seller and offered the local Thai menu too, as many stated that this is the best Thai food in town. I ended up ordering the shrimp pad thai with tiramisu as he seemed very proud of it. He told me to wait in my car as he would hand-deliver each order to their individual while making small talk about their day. I can genuinely see the connection that he made with the locals thoroughly. The Thai food was very good but not great compared to some of the places I visited in Thai Town in Los Angeles, but it fills a niche in Shafter which people needed, a real authentic Thai location which has the best service hands down of any place I visited in Shafter during my week stay. The price was very reasonable at $12ish for the pad thai and $4ish for my slice of tiramisu. I would come back just for the service and to actually try their Italian cuisine haha! tl:dr Great personalized service with good food at a little small town. A gem of Shafter indeed! read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Dinner time is from 4-8pm! - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

Great food at Giovanni's here in Shafter, Ca love their baked sub sandwiches and fettuccine as well. Never had a bad experience here! Highly recommend read more

If you have cravings for Italian and Thai food then you have to travel to Shafter! A gem down the street from the DMV on walker street. Celebrated a birthday with family and the food was great! The bread rolls were excellent with just a little butter dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. My son ate two of them and I wanted to save my stomach for other things but I still ate 3/4 of the bread! We started with stuffed mushrooms and pepperoni cheese bread. Couldn't get a picture of the stuffed mushrooms because it was devoured before I could get my phone out. The pepperoni garlic cheese bread was delicious (the French bread was light and airy). I was told the pizzas and calzone was great. I didn't get a picture of the already devoured tortellini in alfredo sauce because I was eating the delicious fried pineapple rice and panaeng chicken curry! The best pineapple fried rice I had so far. The panaeng chicken curry was on point! read more

See all

Atmosphere and quickness of food delivery were great!!! However, would not recommend the combo cocktail-not enough meat for the price. Bread bowl was on point, fish and chips we couldn't finish, combo fish and chips was ok in size for the price, burger was huge, poke bowl was huge!! Would recommend but know the menu. read more

It's been a really long time since I walked into this place. When we arrived the place was empty and our service was great. Our drinks were always being filled. When our dinner bread came out, I was in awe, I don't think I have ever seen more prettier looking bread. It was hot and buttery. My only negative was that we were given country crock instead of real butter. But we did get some olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip our bread into. The menu was decent but looked like it could use a few more pasta choices. Maybe like some linguini and clams or eggplant parmesan. We finally decided on what we wanted. I ordered the mushroom and olive lasagna, he got the Portabello mushroom ravioli with their pink sauce and our daughter got a pizza. We weren't disappointed when our plates arrived. I was a little shocked to see my lasagna in a bowl but once I paid attention to my dish I understood why. It was hot and oh that cheese was smothering my dish. The sauce was poured on generously and I had a generous amount of olives and mushrooms. There were more than eight - ten ravioli on that plate. It was a real dinner serving and that sauce looked delicious. The pizza, you could tell that was hand made. The crust was a pretty golden brown, the pepperoni was a gorgeous looking brick red and black olives to top it off. Again, oh that cheese. One thing I always wondered was why doesn't anyone ever season the dough. That's just me. Service was great and so was our meal. I'm glad no one cooked today since it gave us the chance to dine out. I'd say this was a successful dine outing. read more

See all

Gio does it again fantastic service and great hospitality. The marinara sauce was amazing! I brought a different colleague and he fell in love with the chicken parmigiana. I'm not from Wasco but that restaurant is worth visiting for dinner whenever you're in town. The atmosphere is relaxing and beautiful. I send my regards to the owner great establishment and great work. read more

Was a bit hesistant to order from here but a friend said that their thai food was good so i gave it a go and im glad i did. The pad thai was tasty just a slight salty but other then that it jad good flavor. I believe they do free delivery if u live within 3 miles of the restaurant so thats a plus all in all ive only had the thai food so i can only recommend that at the moment read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - The Pad Thai - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

Food was absolutely amazing. Ribeye's, shrimp scampi, calzone, took a pizza to go. Small town gem. Jacob the server is very personable and attentive. Love this place. Thank you for a wonderful meal. Don't forget to grab a piece of carrot cake before you leave! read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Ribeyes, shrimp scampi, fresh roll, portobello mushroom ravioli. - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

We went here for dinner last night after several of our friends had recommended it. I have to day it was very good and service was on point. I ordered the lasagna and my husband had the ribeye. The lasagna came out in a huge bowl that had melted cheese all over it and it was one of the best lasagnas i have ever had. The ribeye was cooked perfect to order and had the garlic butter with it. We also ordered the mozzarella bread with a side of sauce and there was enough bread for 6 people!! Everything was great and we will be back. Next time we are trying the Pizza's!! read more

Pretty good for a convenient Italian meal in shafter. There isn't much variety here so having an option of getting Italian with out having to drive over 20 mins was a plus. I hadn't had Giovanni's in over 10 years but would rate it a solid 6/10. The calzones were pretty big and I ordered a small garlic chicken. The chicken had the frozen taste but it had good flavor over all the Pepperoni calzone was better. I ordered to go and it took 35 mins for my food to be ready so the service was decent. They are open for lunch then close, then open again for dinner. read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Chicken calzone - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

See all

Love the Thai food not a huge fan of the pasta nah more though! Over all it was a nice experience with the grandkids

The place was great for a local Italian place. We were looking for something that wasn't a long drive of 20+ mins and this was just what we were looking for. The food was good and the service was great very friendly staff. The food was quick and hot which was great. Would be back read more

I love the food here. The lasagna is great. Every time we go the food is good and they are always consistent. The customer service is great also. I had the carrot cake for desert last time and it was good. The chocolate cake is a must try also. read more

Good food, great customer service and family owned. Thai & Italian food, I recommend it.

Ordered the lasagna and there is so much taste to it!!! I was kind of worried because it was empty inside, but the food was delicious read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

Wow! Seriously wow. Where have you guys been hiding?! I somehow ended up in Shafter when a wave of hunger enveloped me in its angry fist of rage. I yelped "restaurants" and found this place. I can't believe something this good is hidden here. I love food. I love good food (I'm actually surprised why I'm not morbidly obese by now). I really love italian food and will actually travel distances for a good plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Back in NYC, my wife and I would travel to the South Bronx (a very, very scary place) to hit up Arthur Ave. Arthur Ave in the Bronx is the *real* Little Italy. The Little Italy you probably heard of in NYC off Mulberry St is a tourist trap. This, along with Times Square, is the romanticized, disneyfied NYC that the city uses to corral tourists away while us locals eat the good stuff. Maybe I just like the idea of a restaurant good enough to travel to, but Giovanni's reminds me of this. Yes, I know... this place is owned by Thai people and is technically not "authentic." I've read reviews on Yelp about how disappointed people get when some pizza place isn't ran by some dude named Mario and his brother Luigi and was passed down to them by their father, Geppetto. Meh... One of my favorite pizza places in NYC is own and ran by Dominicans. Also, Bobby Flay is Irish, but can make an eggplant parmisan better than Vinny's (Jersey Shore) mother. To me, good is good. When I try new Italian places, I have to try three things: Meatballs & Marinara, alfredo, and some form of pizza. Meatballs with marinara sauce, because it shows if they have an understanding of the basics of ameritalian food; Alfredo, because who doesn't like that; and pizza, because why not. Today, I ordered their meatball sub, fettuccine alfredo w/chicken, and a calzone with pepperoni, green peppers, & tomatoes. The Meatball sub is one of the best i've ever had, and I've had a lot of meatball subs; I mean, look at my pics! It was beautiful! The alfredo was also great, although it needed some salt, but whatever. The calzone was much much larger than I expected ... which, in this case, was a great thing. I was very happy with my food here and had enough for leftovers. Now to try their Thai food.... read more

See all

Outstanding service and food, we waited a bit but it was a busy night of valentine, wait was worth the food we got. The flavor of the spinach raviolis was amazingly delicious, the stuffed mushrooms as well where perfect ! Would definitely would come again soon. Prices where better than a lot of places. read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Red velvet cake was so delicious! - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

See all

Was looking for chocolate cake and tiramisu and stumbled upon this wonderful gem in shafter amazing pasta calzones and desserts

Today I ordered a calzone, 25 minutes ahead of time as suggested by the restaurant. And when I showed up 30 minutes later a beautiful warm slightly greasy folded pizza awaited me with open arms. And there sat my ticket, about 12 bucks for a pepperoni sausage and bell pepper calzone. My first bite, overwhelming. The food is god damn delicious. However I only received 2 of my aforementioned 3 toppings. Which hurt because I love bell peppers, regardless. The calzone was great, and a small could feed the average person twice. Or an average bear cub once. All in all, great meal great restaurant. Great California mandated lunch hour read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

This place has been here "forever"! I love this place! The food hasn't changed... I appreciate this Italian eatery. You must come and try! I highly recommend it. read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

See all

I love the Giovanni's special sandwich and cheesecake! I always order to go so I'll have to try the dine in one of these days.

I have so much to say about this place, but the bottom line is that it's good. The owners are such nice and caring people. They do their best to attend to everyone and you can tell they care about their business. 10/10 recommend! read more

The food here is hands-down phenomenal. I love the spicy fried rice, baked turkey sandwich, and the mushroom ravioli. I've never had anything that wasn't delicious! The Thai menu is as extensive as the Italian menu, and both styles are done so well. This is my favorite place to stop for lunch when I'm in the area. Do yourself a favor and try it! read more

Giovanni's Italian Eatery - Spicy fried rice with chicken. Medium spicy has some heat, but it was delicious!! - Italian Near Me - Shafter, California

Not bad italian food. There's much better in Bakersfield. But when you're starving and in Shafter, this place will do. However, it's the Thai food that is a surprise! While, my BF wasn't quite sold on the idea we tried it anyways. It definitely exceeded my expectations. Don't you love it when that happens? We ordered the Spring Rolls, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and the Pineapple Fried Rice. It was an enormous amount of food for two people. It could have fed 4, maybe even 5 people easily. All were fantastic, with the exception of the Pad Thai. It wasn't bad, just a little dry for our tastes. But I won't ding them too much for that since we are Pad Thai whores. All in all, pretty great. I'm happy this place is still around. Although, I'm not so sure how Ralph thinks about his old restaurant becoming I-Thai-lian. read more

The Italian fare is fairly standard, if generous, but the real surprise is that Giovanni's serves Thai food! The current owners are Laotian/Thai, and they offer a decent selection of southeast Asian food in addition to the pizza, calzones, etc. On the bad side, the Asian food can be a bit inconsistent, and they have a heavy hand with salt. On the good side, the portions are generous and it's far better, far more interesting, than any other Asian (Chinese) restaurant in Shafter or Wasco. My favorite dishes are the pineapple fried rice, potstickers, and larb (Laotian minced chicken salad w/herbs). Pad thai and spring rolls also aren't bad, though the peanut sauce for the latter isn't very good. The vermicelli noodle soup (pho) hits the spot if you're craving pho, but it can be salty and a bit inconsistent. read more

I miss the Fruguglietti ownership. The peanut butter pizza, the taco salad pizza.. Even the dough seems different now. It's a good place to stop for lunch, but I don't see people driving out from Bakersfield anymore like they did in the 90's. I feel a little ripped off, maybe the new owners should change the name. I mean, Giovanni is Ralph's middle name... It's not even appropriate anymore... read more

41/2 stars good service good food. I have eaten at the eatery for the past 2 decades and intend to continue. I happily recommend.