Giannfranco's Trattoria — Restaurant in Carpinteria

Went with a group, including children. 1.It was a warm night and we were seated inside. Over time, the heat was so unbearable that we were actually sweating. We were told that there was no AC, just two ceiling fans for the whole restaurant. Noticed that there was a portable AC on the bar counter, pointing directly toward an employee (whom we later found out was the owner) and asked that it be faced towards us so that we could cool off a bit and enjoy the meal. Waiter said OK, but the owner refused. Later confronted the owner telling him that it was like being in a "hell hole". His only response was that there was nothing he could do because he needed the portable AC to cool the kitchen (which was about 20 ft away).

An empty glass was knocked over by my wife, breaking on the floor. Owner's wife assumed it was one of the children and threw a "hissy fit", clearing the table of the glasses and rudely saying, it's "not the cost of the glass, but the difficulty in sweeping the glass pieces off the floor". Truly a real class act to have the table cleared without our permission and making us feel that we were unwanted patrons.

There is minimal walking space in the aisle that leads from the front of the restaurant to the back patio. To access the patio, guests must squeeze between the chairs of our table and the chairs of the bar. The owner's wife/hostess, in an attempt to create more space, without notice, pushed my wife's chair (with my wife seated in it) abruptly, forcing her into the table. Without apology, she just said that they needed to pass by.

We are Carpinteria residents but they probably thought that we were just tourists that they would never see again and that they could get away with this unacceptable behavior.

We have been there before and the food is quite good but unfortunately their uncaring and less than courteous attitude ruined the meal and the...

Hubs and I dropped into Giannfranco's Trattoria about a hour before closing time on a weeknight. The front dining area was empty except for a table of four. The owner advised us that we can sit in the front dining area but kitchen and wait service might be slow due to the back patio being full of customers. I appreciated that she told us and we decided to stay. She had a lighthearted sense of humor as well. Luv her wit and authenticity.

We told the waiter it was our first time here. Hubs ordered a drink and the meatball appetizer (meatballs with crostini) but asked to be brought out for dinner with my spaghetti and palette (meatballs). The waiter asked if we wanted bread. We said yes. He didn't suggest this as an added appetizer. He just asked if we wanted bread knowing it was our first time here. But we found out later when the bill came that it cost $15, priced more than the meatball appetizer. So for first timers, if you are asked if you would like some bread, it's $15.

The meatball appetizer crostini looked similar to the bread in the other appetizer, and I believe the same marinara. My dish was tasty. The marina had a subtle flavor along with the meatballs and spaghetti. Housemade authentic flavors. The menu centers on authentic Tuscan Italian cuisine. Simple fresh ingredients.

I'm totally apt to come back and try other menu items. They are located on Linden Avenue in downtown Carpinteria, a few blocks from the beach. The parking is free...

Giannfranco’s Trattoria is a family run restaurant with Anna and Franco welcoming you. Anna is very personable and was our waitress. The service was excellent and the food was also excellent. There were 4 of us for lunch. We ordered Polpette: meatballs and marinara over linguini was superb. Homemade meatballs were so good. A Meatball Panini: meatballs, provolone & marinara with a salad. Also very good. Galleto Panini: grilled chicken breast, bacon, avocado, provolone, lettuce and basil aioli, with a salad - again very good. Positano: clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and tomatoes in a white wine lemon cream over hand rolled pasta. The seafood was very fresh and the white lemon cream sauce was excellent. We had the tiramisu and chocolate cake for dessert and were out of this world. The ambiance of the restaurant is very welcoming and it is very clean & fresh with white linen table cloths. Anna & Franco & Giovanni (the chef, son, & co owner) was truly happy to see the 4 of us and treated us like family....