Giovanni's in Park Place is a family-run Italian restaurant in Cardiff, established in 1983. Located at 8 Park Place, CF10 3DP, it offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including custom pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and fish plates. The restaurant is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, adorned with floral decorations both inside and outside. It has been a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking genuine Italian cuisine in the city center.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.0 912
- Google 4.3 550
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated opposite the New Theatre, the restaurant is ideally located for pre-theatre meals. It is also close to the city center, making it easily accessible.
- Delicious, Authentic Food The food is consistently praised as delicious, authentic Italian, with generous portion sizes. Many reviewers highlight specific dishes such as the lasagna, lamb shank, and seafood pasta.
- Excellent Service Staff are frequently described as friendly, attentive, and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Many reviewers specifically mention staff going out of their way for birthdays and special occasions.
- Good Value for Lunch Specials The restaurant offers excellent value, particularly with its lunch specials. Reviewers have commented on the plentiful portions and reasonable prices for the set menus.
- Great Ambiance The restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, often described as lovely and relaxing. The decor and music contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.
Criticised
- Inconsistent Allergy Provisions The restaurant may not adequately cater to all allergies and dietary restrictions. One reviewer noted limited options for dairy intolerance despite gluten-free availability.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While generally praised, some reviewers have experienced food that was just okay or not as hot as expected. A few dishes have been described as lacking depth of flavor or being too rich.
- Optional Service Charge An optional service charge is added to the bill, which some customers may prefer to be included in the menu prices. This can come as an unwelcome surprise if not noticed.
- Prices on the High Side While some find the lunch specials good value, overall pricing is considered on the higher side compared to other local Italian restaurants. Drinks, particularly wine, can be expensive.
- Service Can Be Slow Some reviewers have noted that the service can be slow, especially when the restaurant is busy. This can lead to long wait times for food.
The longer read
Giovanni's in Cardiff receives high praise for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and authentic Italian cuisine, making it a popular choice for both special occasions and pre-theater dining, given its proximity to the New Theatre. Many reviewers highlight the attentive and personable service, with staff going the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience, including accommodating dietary needs and engaging with customers in Italian. The restaurant is noted for its traditional Italian ambiance, often described as cozy and inviting, enhanced by music and decor. The menu features a wide variety of classic Italian dishes, with the lasagna, pasta dishes (especially those with seafood and lamb ragu), and pizzas frequently mentioned as standouts. Portion sizes are generally generous. Many reviewers appreciate the value, especially when ordering from the lunch or pre-theater menus. Several reviewers specifically commend staff members by name, noting their exceptional service. While the majority of reviews are positive, some mention that prices can be on the higher side. A few reviewers reported slow service at peak times, or occasional inconsistencies in food quality, but these appear to be exceptions. The restaurant is family-friendly, with reviewers noting that children are made to feel welcome. Giovanni's is often chosen for birthday celebrations and anniversaries. It's worth noting that the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends and before theater performances, so booking in advance is recommended. Many patrons express their intention to return, citing the consistent quality of food and service as reasons for their loyalty.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What is the best way to make a reservation at Giovanni's and do they accept online bookings?
- Which menu items at Giovanni's are considered the most authentic or popular, such as specific pizzas or pastas?
- Does Giovanni's provide nearby parking options or public transport links for guests visiting the restaurant?
- Can you describe the atmosphere and décor of Giovanni's, including the floral decorations and overall dining experience?
- How does the family‑run nature of Giovanni's, established in 1983, influence its service and menu choices?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.