Ottawa Eats | Timeless Flavors Hidden in Little Italy 🍝🇮🇹

Local foodies in Ottawa—don’t miss out on the delicious gems along Little Italy’s streets! After your meal, take a leisurely stroll to Dow’s Lake to admire the beautiful tulips 🌸—the perfect end to a tasty day. Today, we’re highlighting: 🍝🍝 Giovanni's Restaurant 🍝🍝 Nestled in the heart of Little Italy since 1983, this spot has stood the test of time, all thanks to its unwavering commitment to serving authentic, home-style Italian flavors. The decor is elegant and cozy, making it perfect for a romantic date night or a special gathering—think soft lighting, warm wood accents, and a charming vibe that feels like stepping into a beloved family trattoria. ✨ From the moment you glance at the menu, you can tell this place means business when it comes to authenticity! 🫣 They offer nearly 20 varieties of pasta alone—each one a nod to classic Italian recipes. And the drink list? 🍷🥂🥃 It’s extensive, with a fantastic selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits—ideal for anyone who loves a little sip with their meal. Cheers to that! 🥂 The pre-meal bread is simple but satisfying—warm, fresh, and paired with smooth, spreadable butter that’s just right for getting your appetite going. It’s a nice little starter that sets the tone for the meal ahead! For our appetizer, we tried the Polipo: tender grilled octopus served with a crisp green lentil salad. 🐙🥗 The restaurant thoughtfully split it into two portions, making sharing a breeze. The octopus was perfectly charred on the edges, tender in the center, and the lentils added a lovely earthy crunch—such a refreshing way to start! Risotto Alla Pescatora 💰65 🦞🍚 This dish is a seafood lover’s dream! The portion is massive, with a generous pile of fresh seafood that’s impossible to miss: plump crab claws, seared scallops, juicy shrimp, plump mussels, and briny clams. It’s so loaded, you might even pause to decide where to dig in first! Underneath, the creamy risotto is coated in a rich, savory sauce that soaks into every grain—classic, comforting, and packed with that bright, ocean-fresh flavor you crave in a seafood risotto. Costolette D‘agnello 💰65 🐑🍋 Rosemary-marinated lamb chops are a standout here! The fragrant rosemary infuses the meat with warm, herbal notes, while a squeeze of fresh lemon cuts through any richness, leaving a bright, zesty finish. Drizzled with a glossy lamb jus, each bite is juicy, flavorful, and never greasy—just pure, tender deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you appreciate how simple, quality ingredients shine. Pro tip: Their classic Linguine Frutti Di Mare is also a must-try! 🍝🦐 It’s loaded with the same lavish spread of seafood as the risotto—think shrimp, scallops, and clams—tossed in a light, flavorful sauce with al dente linguine. Pure perfection for pasta lovers! Poached Peach Sabayon 💰15 🍑🍰 We ordered this dessert mostly to linger a little longer, but it turned out to be a delightful surprise! 😋 A traditional Italian treat, it features a velvety chocolate mousse on top, with a layer of crunchy almond bits and walnut pieces beneath, all brought together by a creamy sabayon. The best part? It’s not overly sweet—just the right amount of indulgence to cap off the meal. If you’re craving authentic Italian flavors, this spot is a must-visit. And let’s talk about the service—absolutely worth every penny of the tip! The staff are super attentive, warm, and friendly, and the servers are quite charming too—they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. 😊👍 Address: 362 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M7 Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or just to savor classic Italian cuisine, Giovanni's delivers on flavor, ambiance, and heart. It’s no wonder it’s been a Little Italy staple for decades—we’ll definitely be back! 🌟 #OttawaFoodie #OttawaEats #LittleItalyOttawa #CanadianLife #OttawaTravel #ItalianRestaurant #OttawaHotspots #Ottawa#FoodieAdventures #ClassicItalian #DateNightOttawa 🍴✨🥂