Giovanna's Cafe — Restaurant in Ramsey

I don’t write reviews lightly, but I’ve thought a lot about this one because this restaurant has meant a lot to me over the years. It was one of the first places my now-husband took me, so it’s held sentimental value — but after my experience on Thursday, 6/19, I sadly won’t be coming back.

I arrived at 8:45 AM with my parents and my licensed service animal, who was clearly wearing her certified vest and tags. There was open seating inside and outside, but from the moment we arrived, the host, Steven, demeanor made it clear our presence was a bother. I went out of my way to be accommodating, even offering to split our group between two outdoor tables, but he insisted it wouldn’t work and made no effort to help us figure out a solution.

When I explained that my service animal must stay with me and tried to show the appropriate paperwork, he responded, “Oh, I’ve never seen a dog with a license before,” which made me feel embarrassed and unwelcome for needing an accommodation I don’t have a choice about. It was a really disheartening start to what was meant to be a special morning with my parents, who I rarely get to see since I live in CT.

Thankfully, our server was kind, attentive, and made the rest of the visit a bit more bearable. Unfortunately, when the food arrived, the potatoes tasted off — almost spoiled — and we couldn’t finish our meals.

I’m not sure what’s changed here recently, but this visit left me disappointed and uncomfortable. What was once a meaningful spot for me now feels tarnished by one person’s dismissive, unprofessional attitude. I will not be returning and neither...

Have been wanting to try this place for some time now. Finally got around to it this morning. Very disappointing to say the least. The service was poor. Not sure what happened to our order (nothing special, only omelettes) but tables all around us were getting their food well before us and they came in well after us. Finally one of the waiters (not ours) noticed we did not have our food and said he would check. No one came back to tell us what happened or apologize for the delay but about five minutes later we were finally served. The omelettes were hot so clearly just cooked but the bread was hard as a rock and not just toasted. The potatoes were also not very hot and they had a chemical taste to them as if there was something on the grill when they were cooked. Simply couldn't eat them. The omelettes were ok but over cooked and a little burned on the outside. One of them was described as having mozzarella cheese which it did but it also had cheddar cheese in it which was not listed as an ingredient. When pointed out to the waiter he looked at it and said it does look like cheddar, I'll let the kitchen know. There was no offer to redo the the dish. I know this place has many five star reviews but our experience does not justify anything close to that. It's a one and done place for us. There are many other much...

Update, Dec. 2024 I came back again and was shocked by the careless thought of the busboys carrying a bunch of dirty plates in a dish pan over my head.

Not only did they do it once but twice with my glass of water on the table. It was no regards to my personal space or the chance of the crumbs from the half eaten food in the dirty plates into my glass or plate of food.

Then I noticed that they reuse left over butter tubs from another customers left over meal. I am posting the pictures here people can know they are not clean.

A owner brags about things being cooked with love but you giving customers left over butter tubs from another order to use for another customer isn't sanitary.

I won't be coming back especially that an employee doesn't acknowledge God's blessing but acknowledge a pagan holiday greeting. I had the avocado toast with sausages. It was delicious! The scrambled eggs were cooked perfectly fluffy and it wasn't too greasy. All the ingredients were fresh and the sausage links were delicious too!

It wasn't overly salty and the freshly squeezed orange juice was so pure and delicious. The waiter was very nice and the cashier lady was kind as well as accommodating. The prices are reasonable and the portion of food is a good size.

I will definitely be...