Don't have much to say. Eat here. Support local small biz and have the best pizza in town. Now in the gas station, still good. read more

Giovanni's Pizza Stand - Pie - Pizza Near Me - Austin, Texas

Just delicious. I'd say this is more accurately at 4.5 stars, but its closer to 5 than 4, so i will keep it there. This pizza is damn good. Greasy? A little. Delicious? A LOT. I think it tastes better cold, personally, but its great warm too :) read more

service: 4 stars food: 1 star (Based on the fact that both my boyfriend and I were in writhing agony for the next 36 hours.) I was super excited about this Yelp find. The thought of pizza and pasta teased me all day... so we headed here right after work to beat the dinner crowd. Great vibes from the moment we arrived: we bumped into a friend we hadn't seen in a while (what's up dude?, where have you been?, outta the country...), his veggie pizza looked and smelled awesome, the owner (with warm smile) offered us a sample of cream of artichoke soup while we waited (wow, such nice service.) (You know what looks good, the risotto. Dude, I think I ordered the last one. Really? Awwww.) Darn, I really wanted the risotto special! Umm, the Linguine Scampi with shrimp, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes sounds good... (come'on shrimp, cream, from a trailer by a gas station?!... is that smart?... no, it'll be fine... seems to be a very confident happy chef... yes, you'll be fine.) The boyfriend had cravings for Alfredo before we arrived, so he ordered the Linguine Alfredo. We took it to-go. Got home 10 minutes later, everything still piping hot, tasted good... Then... couple hours later, the nightmare began. I DO want to try the pizza (which typically has much more stable ingredients.) But I will NEVER ever be able to convince my boyfriend to give it one more try. read more

Giovanni's Pizza Stand - pic from Austin Chronicle - Pizza Near Me - Austin, Texas

A taco trailer with a difference - NO tacos! Just great Italian food. Giovanni's isn't going to win any awards for its 'utilitarian' decor (i.e., small trailer parked in the corner of a defunct gas station). The pasta arriabiata (penne with chicken, chipotle cream sauce, mushrooms and pepper) was very good. Came with garlic bread which could have been a bit fresher. Minus one star for no diet coke (hey an addict has to have his fix...). Low key, casual place. Probably better for takeout than eating there (although there are some tables). I'll be back. PS: Went back again this evening - the penne with sausage was great. read more

Owned by Julio Rangel, Giovanni used to be made in a trailer in an empty parking lot. Now, it is served in the back of the new Valero gas station. Word is he settled on calling his little pizza and pasta stand by an Italian name to avoid people driving up and asking for tacos. Julio and his wife make all of the food at Giovanni, and his cooking experience includes years at local Italian restaurants including Mezzaluna and Brick Oven. The first time we went, we ordered the large Margarita Pizza. The pizza was crisp but still bready, with the right amount of sauce, cheese, and fragrant topping. I shook crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese on top and took a bite. It was delicious. I stopped by today and ordered two large pizzas with various toppings and the total came out to just under $26. Pretty cheap compared with other spots in town. We called ahead and I went to pick it up. My only complaint is that they don't take credit cards -- it's cash only which I hope they change soon. I gotta get my air miles! read more

GET YOU SOME. I've bought pizza from this guy for a while now so I thought I'd throw him some Pizza Pie Love! They are UBER-FRIENDLY. Quite possibly my favorite pizza in Austin. You can really taste the love that they put into their product. The secret is in the sauce. It has layers of flava. Perfectly savory with a pinch of sweet. Oh DAMN. I only tell people that I like about Giovanni's. Not just anyone can jump into my inner circle of trust. They aren't the kind of people who would pass judgment on a joint that slings pies from inside a Valero gas station. If you would, You are NO FRIEND OF MINE. The most recent pie that I ordered was the Steak and Pepper. It was DIVINE. LEGIT. No joke. Most people salivate before eating? Well, I was drooling before, during, and after consumption.But you can't go wrong with steak, peppers and onion can you? P.S. Penne Arrabiata is a must. Try his soups. Cash Only. The gas station has a beer/wine aisle that goes on for miles :) Jack pot! read more

I love pizza, and am always looking for a better pizza in Austin. So far the best pizza I had found living up north had been Saccone's Pizza. While I can't definitively say that Giovanni's is better, I can most definitely say it is a contender. Ever since I had seen the reviews about this little pizza stand I had been curious, and after being down south all week, I finally gave in and gave it a try. My expectations were very high, a tiny pizza place with amazing reviews located in a gas station? While I can't say I was blown away, I was definitely pleasantly surprised, and most certainly not let down. The sauce was just sweet enough, and the cheese was great, of course the best part was the thin crust, which unlike Saccone's was nice and crispy. As soon as I saw the pizza oven I knew I was going to be getting an amazing pizza, it is clearly a well used vintage oven, and the smell just made me crave my pizza more. The worst part of the entire night was driving to my friends house with the pizza in my car. I so badly wanted to just pull over and taste it. Another great little benefit, at least for me, is that the Valero where this pizza place is located, also happens to have an excellent selection of beers, the best I have EVER seen in a gas station, and not only that, but they sell a good number of them as 12oz singles, or as choose your own 6 pack. The only real downside for me is that it is so far south, but even despite that, I will gladly drive there to have this excellent pizza again. read more

Great, reasonably priced pizzas inside a Chevron gas station/convenience store. Owner is always there. Convenience store has good selection of wine n beer to go with the pizza. Small outdoor patio if u want to eat there read more

I'm pretty impressed with this pizza joint. Yes, it felt sketch going into a Valero to buy pizza, but this place is no joke. I bought their pizza by the slice: $3.50 for a HUGE slice with 2 toppings included, so I got mushrooms and basil. It came out quickly since their pizza by the slice is premade; they reheat the pizza with your requested toppings and put fresh cheese. The pizza was tasty and I absolutelyyyyy love the thin crust. My only gripe is that the pizza is, in fact, premade so it does not taste extremely fresh. But for the price, you get very good tasting pizza that is still many steps above other pizzas in Austin. And if you have objections with the premade, I suggest you still go and try a pie (which is freshly made but takes longer, naturally). In summary: go here if you want awesome pizza at an EXCELLENT price! read more

Pizzas made in a Valero gas station? Fantastic pizza. Top five in Austin, easy. It's one of those delightful little things that you can stumble across, every once in a while. You may try gas station food over and over and be terribly disappointed each time but hold out hope that one day, somehow, you will come across a little gem. And because you believed, because you are not a cynic, you will be rewarded. read more

Oh Giovanni's, you are a good friend to have. You live in a Valero gas station, and this may be deceiving to other people, not to me. I know the real you. Your pizza is fantastic, especially the white pizza with sausage. It's thin-crust, and is in my opinion superior to the Rockin Tomato and Home Slice, two other spots I enjoy. And your pasta, oh my. Try the spinach ravioli in basil sauce or the spicy and robust sausage and rigatoni in tomato cream sauce. Both are loaded with fresh veggies and cheese, just the way pasta should be. The salads are nice too- I prefer the spicy ceasar. It's not quite spicy, but it is crisp and yummy. The house salad has a nice variety of produce. Everything is made to order, and if you show up a couple minutes early you can see right in to the tiny kitchen and watch them prepare your food. The three people back there (two fellas and a lady) are very friendly, the sort of people who insist on giving you a large hunk of garlic bread to wash down that enormous pizza or pasta dish. My kind of folks. Call you order in ahead, and prepare to pay with cash. (There's an atm in the gas station if you need it, conveniently). You can't eat there, so consider this your new favorite take-out joint. Ogle the incredibly hideous "art" that's next to the parking lot-- it looks like abandoned construction barriers. Only in Austin. read more

Pizza's are perfectly cooked and well priced! It's a small little pizza shop with pasta and salads. They make them fresh to order and are super friendly. They owners of the Valero gas station, where they are located on Barton skyway and Lamar, completely remodeled and have awesome choices. Highly recommend for great pizza and great service for under $15! read more

Love the fresh ingredients and fresh taste! It's hard for me to not eat the entire pie in one setting. I haven't tried the pasta yet but if it's anything like the pizza it must be amazing! read more

I foresee a stand alone in their future! The pizza was warm, I saw them add shrimp fresh off the grill to my spicy Caesar salad, and the staff was very friendly! If you haven't tried Giovanni's, you're seriously missing out on great Italian food! Great job you guys!! read more

Ok so I saw the reviews and how they were all saying how awesome this place was. I refused to believe it since it was a pizza place in a gas station. I finally broke down and went for it. This pizza was one of the most amazing pizzas I have had in Austin. This goes with places I think fat kids should eat at. The pizza crust is amazing, the sauce, cheese and topping are high quality. For $8.00 a large pizza its well worth the money. I will be eating again here real soon! read more

This place is a true gem. We went on a whim, after reading the excellent reviews here, and were not disappointed. The Pasta Arrabiatta was wonderful, and the pizza was among the best we've had in Austin. I look forward to trying more combinations of toppings, and I am itching to go back to try their Yelp-famous daily soups. I only wish they offered broccoli and sundried tomatoes, as they are my favorite toppings at other joints- random but delicious. I will highly recommend this to friends and clients based on our speedy, lovely and unique experience. Who would have thought- pizza stand in a gas station! read more

OMG This is the best pizza I have had in Austin. The White Pizza is to die for. When Julio pours the Alfredo sauce, that I just watched him make from scratch, onto my pizza I feel as though he shouldn't be bothering to close the box. I just want to eat it now. You defiantly want to try one of the speciality pizzas, they are, well, special. If you get a normal pizza, like just pepperoni, you can expect, well, a normal pizza. His soups are the best soups I have ever had, anywhere. I'm not knocking The Soup Peddler who's across the street; they have good soup. However the soups at Giovanni's put The Soup Peddler to shame. The pasta dishes are straight up out of a 5 star sit down restaurant plopped into a to-go container. Actually, I've spent $30 on a dish at a 5 start establishment who couldn't hold a candle to Giovanni's. Did I mention the White Pizza? You'd slap your own Mother if she tried to get between you and your White Pizza, so just order two ;) I like mine with chicken and jalapenos. read more

So say you want to get gas at a Valero. If you walk into the Valero at Lamar and Skyway, you will be received with a great pizza/pasta/taco to-go spot. The pizza that comes out of this little stand is pretty solid. It's a thin crust with a nice tart tomato sauce. The crust is on the overly crispy side, but it allows for good folding. A variety of ingredients are offered, and a nice dose of cheese rounds out a solid slice of goodness. A bit on the lighter side, these slices won't make you want to wash you face afterwards. But hey, some people like their arteries clogged when they eat pie. The man behind the whole operation is pretty awesome too. read more

Best pizza in South Austin hands down! Order inside of the Valero and wait an even 15 minutes for your food. Does not get better than this. I'm a bit of a foodie and I just can't get over their margarita pizza with basil and a spicy caesar salad. read more

Giovanni's Pizza Stand - The outdoor seating where the pickup window is. - Pizza Near Me - Austin, Texas

Banging. Understated as heck. The restaurant front is in a convenience store which was surprising but kinda fun. Seating is at wood tables outside, shaded, with music, and I think fans. I think it's got a good environment, especially after a day of doing outdoor things. The staff was cool & kind and friendly. The pizza was super good and had great vegetarian options. Highly recommend. read more

Great little place Pizza it so delicious and crispy! Balcony areas is nice to hang out with your family to enjoy your slice of pizza

After reading the reviews here, I guess I just had too high of expectations. I looked at the menu linked from yelp, but apparently the prices are old/outdated. It says a large cheese is $9, and toppings are $1.50. I ordered a basic 1 topping pizza and it cost $15. Not unreasonable, but I thought it was going to be $11. It's a one-man shop, and he was very busy, so it took a while to get our food, which we called ahead for. The pizza was fine, but nothing special. read more

It's the little things like FINALLY HAVING A KICK ASS PIZZA PLACE IN YOUR TOWN that make you feel special. Giovanni has figured it out! The crust is perfect. The cheese pizza is spectacular. I want to kiss Giovanni on the mouth but I'm married and that would be inappropriate. This place is like a little gift from Jesus. read more

Best Pizza I've had in Austin for a price comparable to fast food pizza. Do not know why there is so much hype over Home Slice, but this place beats it out of the park. Julio hand makes his dough every day, is a one-man shop, and still finishes making his pizza in 15 minutes. Haven't tried the pasta or salad but the pizzas I've had are amazing. Hawaiian, Margarita, Meat Lovers and White Pizza are the best I've had of each flavor. Thin crust with plenty of flavor. Not overly greasy and definitely satisfying. read more

hmmmmmm....Pizzzza! I was amazed that food made in a trailer could be so damn tasty. I eat here at least once a week and try to limit myself to one item...but always walk away with at least two. My favorites are the Margarita pizza and the Penne Arrabbiatta. I do wish they could swipe a credit card but there is a ATM at 7-11. You can also BYOB which is another plus. read more

IMO the best pizza in Austin. I always get either the margarita pizza or the white pizza with spinach and chicken (with homemade alfredo sauce). their soups are really good too. Used to be a trailer next to the gas station but now they are actually inside the gas station. seems like a win-win for everybody read more

I will make this easy for you. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!! I dont care that it is in a gas station. Ive paid way over to sit in a nice resturant and eat over priced nasty italian! I would rather revisist this place get a pizza or some pasta and hang out with the family at home! Go try it out! read more

I've gone to this gas station, I don't know how many times, since it's on my way home from work. I always wondered what the pizza was like so, FINALLY, I read some of these Yelp reviews and knew I had been missing out! My favorite pizza is New York style. You know, thin, crispy, light on the sauce, and a perfect layer of cheese. I don't know why it's so hard to find..or make..or whatever. My dad's from Long Island so having the best pizza in the world (in my humble opinion) at an early age, pretty much ruined my pizza experience growing up in VT and Austin. Until now!! (Ok, I lie. The place on 6th street is really good and so is Southside Flying pizza BUT they are waaaaaay more expensive. I'm so glad this place has those places beat in quality and price. Yaaaaaaay!) So, anyway, last Friday night I picked up a large half cheese, half sausage and mushroom, on my way home. I was worried that Friday night would be a bad time to try it for the 1st time...they were super busy...he had I don't know how many pizzas in how many ovens..A LOT..but mine was perfecto. Thank you Giovannis! The owner is hispanic and I have no idea what his name is but he is my pizza hero (and a nice dude)!! Now, as my Grandma Barbini would say...MANGIA! Oh, oh!!! Their soup is amazing too. I tried the Minestrone..good but had .. TONS of sausage...I would have preferred more veggies..very tasty though...and the tomato basil...really good...not so heavy that you're wondering how much butter and cream your ingesting...light and delicious. dueces! read more

I'm not sure which I love more: - That this is the best pizza in Austin OR - That the best pizza in Austin is in a gas station As ATX gets less weird and more overrated by the day, I think the latter makes me happier. But I'm from Chicago, and I know pizza. And not that deep dish shit, the real stuff. This is not only the best pizza in Austin but it also is one of the cheapest. And the folks that run this are super awesome and so nice. Go, go, go, tell your friends and make this guy a millionaire, he deserves it. Call ahead so you don't have to wait. read more

This is another weekly staple and my favorite pizza in the area. I always get the margarita, so can't speak to the rest, but it's a nice and crispy, fairly thin crust. It is indeed in the Valero station, so call ahead and plan to take it home. If the weather is nice, there are some picnic tables outside. As an added bonus, this Valero has a fairly robust wine selection, so it's a one stop shop! read more

The owner is really nice if you get to know him. Apparently this place started in the back of some trailer before upgrading to the gas station. Somehow pizza out of a gas station sounds less appealing than the trailer, but don't be fooled by that. All I know is it works: the pies are pretty good. They smell divine hot out of the oven and are priced reasonably well. We tried several pies: white pie with chicken, meat lovers, peppers and steak, Hawaiian and margarita. All feature a crisp buttery crust with great ingredients. I really liked the white pie: large chunks of chicken drizzled with hot off the stove alfredo sauce...mmmmm...All the sausage on the meat lovers is fantastic as well. All offer different pops of flavor and if I was in the neighborhood, I'd definitely recommend a pie to go. read more

I got to try some takeout from here which was very good. The salad was fresh and refreshing. The thin crust margarita pizza and the the veggie pizza were great. I had to exercise quite a bit of self control to not over eat. read more

We've all heard about the awesome pizza in a gas station at Giovanni's, but did you know that what he really kicks ass at is soup? Yes, you read that right. Forget the King of Soup across the street in the little box and head over to Giovanni's for a cup that will knock your socks off. He has one type a day, and it never fails to be delicious. For $4 you get a 12oz cup and a piece of thick, chewy, buttery garlic bread to dip in it. Some of the stars I've had include minestrone, tomato basil, cream of mushroom and red pepper. He told me about a new lentil and clam chowder the last time I was in too. Seriously, you can get the pizza, but don't forget to bring home a cup of soup as well. read more

The best dang pizza in all of Austin!!!!! Always fast. Always hot. The crust is AMAZING! No joke. Sometimes ordering over the phone can be difficult, but totally worth it. Keep up the good work. Thanks a bunch!!! read more

Best I have had in Austin. Pizza is thin crust and after living here for 5 years: The BEST. All fresh ingredients and made to order. They have moved out of the trailer and into the new gas station store in the same parking lot. I know, it sounds dodgy from the start but trust me, this is Austin, it's all good. This allowed him to expand his oven space and now he provides breakfast and lunch options too. Try the Penne Arrabbiatta with shrimp! We love this place and he is such a nice guy! read more

So I thought Spartan pizza rocked my world, and believe you me, it did. Then I met Giovanni and I must say I am very impressed. Had the family over so we ordered 3 large pizzas: four seasons, Hawaiian, and margherita + sausage added on. The dough is made and cooked perfectly and gives an airy crunchy texture at the crust. The combo of ingredients, sauce and dough was perfect. Don't let the fact that it's located inside the Valero gas station throw you off. They have a full operation tucked in the back. They've got a connected covered patio area. I must say Giovanni's Pizza is where it's at and is now my favorite pizza spot in Austin!! read more

Initially we couldn't find this place because we weren't looking for a trailer in the gas station parking lot, but with the help of some nearby walkers we finally made it and it was soooooo worth the trouble. This place has some of the best food I've eaten both in a restaurant and on the street. It took a little while since they don't start cooking it until you order it, but the pasta was definitely the way to go. My husband got delicious pizza, but I could tell he had entree envy. Calling your order ahead seems to be the way to go. We keep trying to get back here, but we always seem to catch it when it's closed. Better ours would boost this to a five-star rating for sure. read more

Yum! Everyone was right about the shrimp linguine dish. I gotta go back and try the pizza before I can give five stars though. Julio, the owner is very nice and serious about his food. He told me he always uses fresh ingredients when he can. read more

A great place to give your business to. The staff is friendly, the man I assume is the owner is super nice, and his pizzas are consistently fabulous. I'm a fan of the margarita, and I appreciate that the crust is crisp, even in the center (which I find can be a challenge with this style pizza), and the flavors are nicely balanced. I think he runs a cash-only place, but there is an ATm in the gas station. read more

I've lived a block away from this place for a year now. I go to this Valero all the time. Yet I only finally tried the pizza after I read the reviews saying it was good!! This whole time, I thought "surely a pizza stand in a gas station is no good". But I was WRONG. It's now tied for my favorite pizza place in town, the other being East Side Pies. This place is cheap and delicious. Not just the pizzas, either! Their pastas are great too. I'm still a little scared of trying their breakfast tacos, though. read more