First time visit and in short, we loved it. We had the 'lunch special' lasagna, very nice size portion and very tasty. I also included small salad that was very fresh. They give you courtesy garlic bread, and it was replenished upon request. We will be back for dinner soon as I was out with my neighbor, and I'm sure my wife would love it. The waiter was great. read more

This is a nice little gem of a place. Good family feel inside and friendly. We have had dinner here now with our family three times. 5-8 people. Definitely make a reservation on weekends. We have always had great service and the food has been outstanding. They have a good fair priced wine list. The entree portions are big, they include a salad and unlimited cheese bread. Because of the size my wife and I share a meal and it is plenty for the two of us. We have never had pizza here but you see a lot ordered. Because of our family size and the number of visits, we have had most things on the menu. No one has voiced disappointment and most times "to go" boxes are needed for leftovers. We plan to continue to be regulars here. read more

Service is good and the food is fantastic. Make sure you call and make an appointment. They are always very busy.

This place is one of the best places for real Italian food in our area. I eat there once a month and it's always great more food than I can eat. read more

Took the Elves last night and as always the service and food was terrific! Spaghetti with meat sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, Meat Ravioli with meat sauce and Meat Ravioli with Alfredo sauce. read more

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What a hidden gem! I am familiarizing myself with the eating establishments in Cameron Park area since the BF moved here recently. This popped up on the radar so thought I would give it a try. Even on a Wednesday evening, the place was busy! One wall has a large mural, with an Italian scene reminiscent of the Cinque Terre. There are booths along the side and tables in the center. Our server seemed very busy and rushed but still made sure to get our orders taken and food served efficiently. Loved the calamari ($22)! A very generous portion with, I am assuming, house-made cocktail sauce. I also ordered the Michelangelo ($23) which was fettuccini pasta topped with chicken breast and sun-dried tomatoes served with a creamy marinara sauce. The pasta was done just right, chicken was tender. Pleasantly surprised to find this gem in a strip mall right in Cameron Park. I am looking forward to coming back to try out their other menu items! read more

Papa Gianni's Ristorante - Calamari - Italian Near Me - Cameron Park, California

The food here is just okay. Way too much food on the plate, makes it look unappealing and way too sauce on the pastas. Their fried calamari were the only great thing. Service was good. Not sure if we'll be back. read more

If you want great Italian in Cameron Park this is your go to place. The tiramisu is absolutely fabulous and I love the linguini in clam sauce. read more

It's bomb! Love the garlic bread, and the linguine with clams was so good. My husband loved the Alfredo - he added chicken to it - and our little one had the spaghetti. Yummm! Can't wait to order again. We ordered for pickup, and the place was packed when I went in... I can totally see why! read more

my family and i have been going to papa gianni's for over two decades, and this place continues to provide excellent service and incredible food every single time! let's dive in: FOOD i mean if the pictures don't make you drool, tasting them in person will. you cannot go wrong with a dang thing here. everything tastes from scratch, and the pasta always tastes freshly made! also for the salad that comes with your meal, the creamy italian is THE move. so yummy. great selection of menu items too -- from chicken, to pasta, veal, to pizza. you can't go wrong with anything! also, the portions are ginormous, so you definitely feel like you're getting your monies worth! SERVICE always a 10/10. we had Melissa as our server and she was friendly, attentive, took the time to run through a few menu items with us and made sure to check on us throughout our meal. make sure to ask to sit in her section, you won't be disappointed! PARKING lots of parking as the restaurant is in a shopping center. plenty of close spots! AMBIANCE just transports you to italy, and you feel like you're in nonna's kitchen. you just instantly feel like family, and they even have their own family pictures on the wall. so very cool to see! i always look forward to my next meal at Papa Gianni's. highly recommend stopping by on your way to tahoe or leaving tahoe. it's a little gem in cameron park, and you won't be disappointed stuffing your belly here! read more

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Dear foodies everywhere, here is your one-stop place to go for all things Italian dishes. Be it pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, or pizza...Papa Gianni's has it all! Their staff and service is always top notch. I would recommend making reservations so no waiting is needed. There is plenty of parking in the unassuming strip mall it is situated in. Inside you are greeted with tantalizing aromas and it is filled with booths and tables to accommodate both small and larger parties. This is a perfect place for an intimate date night, or even a birthday celebration like we had for my MIL tonight. We've been here too many times for me to make a single recommendation, because everything I have tried is seriously delicious. The hubster's fave is their gnocchi, made slightly different from traditional-style recipes, but he orders it every visit. Go and enjoy Papa Gianni's as soon as you can! You can thank me later!! read more

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Strong 4.5 stars. Papa Gianni's has become a monthly dinner rotation for our family. Honestly probably bi-weekly! The food from appetizers, entree options are all pretty good! We've been here a couple times a month and always leave stuffed. My family has our staple favorites now which I'll get into below... For starters - We've had the calamari fritta appetizer - as expected The Steamed Mussels which is sautéed with white wine, onions, garlic, lemon and parsley - yummy The Bruschetta - Tomatoes, onions, garlic and basil dressed with olive oil, topped with parmesan and fresh basil, served on toasted bread. It's ok. My fave is the Pollo Rosamarina - Chicken breast and potatoes, sautéed in a light rosemary cream sauce. This is hands down my go to dish and I've had a few other dishes but only get this now. Hubby's so predictable and his fav is the Frutta di Mare - Mussels, shrimp and scallops, sautéed in a light cream sauce. Served over linguini. Sometimes it comes out too saucy My oldest has ordered the Michelangelo dish on repeat the last few visits - Chicken breast and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed in a creamy marinara sauce Served over fettuccini My youngest has started to really like my chicken fav but his go to entrees have been linguine with clams, shrimp scampi or shrimp Alfredo. He loves his seafood. We all love the spumoni ice cream before departing. Service is always on point. It's definitely family dining spot and gives you that family atmosphere. Oh and weekends, make reservations. They get packed! :) If you haven't tried them, you definitely should give em a shot! read more

Papa Gianni's Ristorante - Calamari - Italian Near Me - Cameron Park, California

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Very tasty offerings of many appetizers, pastas and pizzas, wines and beers, Italian sodas as well. Have always received excellent and knowledgeable service from all the wait staff, pretty intimate setting, but does get loud when filled up. The vodka sauce on pasta is our go to dish, great flavor! Definitely worth a visit for some good Italian delicacies. read more

I don't want to put down other restaurants in Cameron Park but, I often tell people that this is really the only good restaurant in town. I usually go down the hill for everything else. The food is wonderful and the service has always been great. I have eaten here at least a dozen times. They have a selection of local foothills wine which helped me discover a local favorite. It's often quite busy so reservations are recommended. All of my friends and family each have their favorite dishes, you'll find the classics and a few things that I don't often see elsewhere on their menu. I enjoy it as much as I did the most authentic North End (Little Italy) establishment in Boston. I recommend the creamy Italian dressing. Honestly, I haven't had anything there I haven't loved. read more

Best Italian food ever. The waitress, Melissa, was outstanding!!! You have to come for the soup and bread. We had the lasagna and the Michalagelo. MAKE RESERVATIONS!! read more

This place is our favorite Italian restaurant! We love that the entrees come with salad and a basket of baked garlic bread. All dishes were sooo delish and portions are generous. My fave is the Ravioli, Mmmmm good!! Customer service is always on point and consistent. It's always busy so reservations are recommended. It's also one of the few places that you can get a mudpie done right! read more

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Indeed the best Italian food restaurant in Sacramentobor or else Dedorado Hill area. The food is definitely superb and service is good The restaurant was busy, servers were all hustling and busting away. Despite being busy, we had the nicest, kind and patient server by the name of KC.He was efficient and attentive as well!KC was also very courteous,always saying a thank you or you're welcome!! Yes,it is a little noisy that's becos the restaurant is not hugh space wise...but we are there for the food and service. Both rank 5 stars for us. I would highly recommend Papa Gianini to anyone looking for excellent Italian food and service!! We are goingvto give the "sister's italian restaurant "Visconti" a try too!! I am sure it won't disappoint. Thank you Papa Gianini for a great meal and thank you KC for your wonderful service!!!We will definitely be back and bringing our friendstoo!!!!!!!multo grazie PG read more

Yes I recommend! We did take out tonight and were very happy with everything! What a gem hidden in Cameron Park. Authentic Italian flavours and nice side servings. Heat level was as described. Skip the bruschetta to go cause it's pretty simple and dies t measures to the authentic flavors of the entrees. read more

Papa Gianni's Ristorante - Shrimp with garlic and " light" sauce - Italian Near Me - Cameron Park, California

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Food tastes terrible last time we went. Both meals were VERY salty we won't be back...

Really tasty eggplant parmigiana and good size portions. I ate the side salad and a couple of pieces of garlic bread and I took the rest home. read more

Papa Gianni's worked with us to make our special occasion a real success. We told them our situation and they designed a menu around it. I can't say enough about how perfectly the catered food fit the day. The garlic bread was also a big hit. We will definitely be making dining in a regular thing. It feels like you're in Italy at a romantic spot in the dining room. Thank you sincerely. read more

Amazing food and service! I've never had a bad experience. I particular like the seafood dishes. read more

Loved the garlic bread. They were very accommodating with customizing our entrees. It was busy when we ordered takeout, but everything was handled well and the pasta was good. read more

I LOVE Papa Gianni's Italian food. Especially their paste sauce. It is so delicious I always ask for extra sauce, I love to dip garlic bread in it. No matter what you choose it will be delicious, not greasy or salty. I feel like every time we go we get a wonderful service from KC. He is very knowledgeable, professional and welcoming. Over all you can't go wrong going to this amazing restaurant, where you feel like home. Thank you Papa Gianni's Ps. Here is my favorite dish read more

Papa Gianni's Ristorante - My favorite dish - Italian Near Me - Cameron Park, California

Great food, good service, local wine selection and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a nice Italian date night.

Been there a few times and the food and service have been exemplary. Their desserts are great also. The best Italian restaurant in the foothills. read more

Rudest hostess . We are new to the area and had been here once before with our large family . Good service then and great food . This time my wife and I decided to go on a date for a delicious Italian . A young hostess without a smile made us sit and wait so that "our server could get caught up " . The restaurant was NOT BUSY with many empty tables . We politely asked after a long wait if we could be seated . She told us not yet and as we questioned, she wished us "good night " as if to dismiss us. She rolled her eyes as she turned away. Amazing how the face of a reputable restaurant has no courtesy or respect for new senior customers . I guess this restaurant has enough old patrons that new customers do not matter. read more

Food was good but getting seated ans service was slow. They seated regulars over people with reservations. It took an hour to get our food after being seated. read more

OMG!! Delicious. My picky husband is in love with the pasta!! Pizza is amazing. Go see Casey and enjoy the flavors of Italy. Thank you. We will be returning very soon. This will be a regular stop. Ridiculously awesome food!!! Everyone in this FULL restaurant on a Thursday is happy with their food. Feeling blessed read more

Papa Gianni's Ristorante - Pizza. Spaghetti and meatballs - Italian Near Me - Cameron Park, California

Food was outstanding, they accommodate a special jalapeño substitution for the excellent chicken cacciatore. The service was of the highest quality, very attentive but not intrusive read more

We have gone here every year for Valentine's Day since we moved to the area (and a few times in between). We now have two small kiddos and have kept the tradition alive. Always the best food, and service. Love the friendly staff and the kiddos love having a fancy dinner . read more

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EXCELLENT SERVICE! EXCELLENT FOOD!!! My plate of Clam lugunni looked so tasty I didn't even take a photo! But I can assure everyone it was probably the BEST ive had! GREAT JOB PAPA Giannis!!!! read more

Papa Gianni's is a small family owned restaurant serving up comfort Southern Italian cuisine for over 30 years. Saucy, cheesy, hearty filling dishes. Stick to your ribs kinda food. They're located in the Goldorado shopping plaza in Cameron Park, CA. Boun Appettito! About the food... The menu is pretty hefty with options. Last time I was here, hubs and I ordered a small pepperoni and sausage pizza and pasta puttanesca. The pizza had a thick pan crust. Fluffy bready inside crust with a cracker like exterior. The puttanesca had a strong salty, briny flavor which I was not expecting. It was loaded with capers and kalamata olives. It was my first ever time eating this dish, so I have no comparisons to what it should actually taste like. The pasta came with a side garden salad, it was fresh and I choose the Italian vinaigrette dressing. The complimentary bread was yummy. It was slightly toasted with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and served warm. Yum. Save room for dessert. Cheesecake, cannoli, and tiramisu! Also to note, the dining room can get packed. Especially the tables in the middle of the room. I was in a party of eight. We were seated in the middle of the dining room which was packed with tables. So much so that the person sitting behind me had his chair pressed against mine. It was quite a feat to walk about through the dining room without bumping into something... a chair, table, another human. Plus the noise level was off the charts loud. read more

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Food was amazing!! Lasagna is baked fabulously. the tortellini is also amazing!! Great prices for great food. The ambiance is nice, with paintings lining the walls and warm lighting, its makes for a cozy family feel. The service is great as well. If you stay late enough sometimes the family (owners) come out and chat with people. Frank Sr also walks around and chats to tables too! Love this place, love the family feel. Visconti's has nothing on Gianni's. read more

Best Italian in Cameron Park. Haven't had a bad meal here. Can't go wrong with any of the pastas.

This was my third time here and it just gets better and better. Absolutely phenomenal, make sure to make a reservation. I got the fettuccine quattro formaggi this time and wow, it blew my mind. The servers I've had every time have been amazing as well. The artwork is very beautiful and especially after the sun goes down, the ambiance is perfect. read more

No doubt the best Italian in El Dorado county. Had the spaghetti and meatballs and it was not only delicious but authentic as well.? Great value for the price paid. read more

This was the best pizza I have eaten in years the crust was amazing had the right amount of crunch but still soft the sauce was something that my grandma use to make I haven't tasted anything like it the in years , our waiter was fantastic, prompt , friendly and very attentive but not to much, the restroom has beautiful murals on the walls looks like southern Italy I just wished I lived closer I would definitely be a regular you just don't fine Italian food like that any more my wife had pasta sauce was amazing. This is definitely a great fined anytime I going to be within 30 miles it will be worth the drive. And I'm definitely telling all my friends and family who live in the area. Thank you for an amazing experience. Bob read more

For anyone who loves Italian food . I Surely recommend Papa Gianni's! Delicious, Every thing.!!A family of friends and I went, June 24 to celebrate our friend Daniel for his 60th birthday . Our server Stephanie and her supporter Jack were totally EXCELLENT..this restaurant here in Cameron Park is genuinely Amazing at creating the Best food and Service.. Love, Love it and them!! Another, added gift is when we sang Happy Birthday to Daniel, several other tables joined in that didn't know him. It was a joyous celebration. A Best Ever of Fun and Food...and love filled people... read more

First time at Papa Gianni's and absolutely loved it! Excellent service and scrumptious, traditional food! Relaxed and casual vibe. Great wine selection. We definitely will be back! read more