Giovanni's In The Bay is an Italian restaurant located at 339 Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff CF10 4QH, United Kingdom. It is part of the Giovanni's family of restaurants in Cardiff, which includes Giovanni's On The Hayes and Giovanni's In Park Place. The restaurant is situated opposite the Wales Millennium Centre in the Cardiff Bay area.
What each source says
- Google 4.1 458
- Tripadvisor 4.0 226
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
- Accommodating for special occasions The restaurant excels at making special occasions memorable, offering surprises like birthday desserts and creating a joyful atmosphere with singing and attentive service.
- Delicious, authentic Italian cuisine The food is frequently praised for its fresh flavors, generous portions, and high quality ingredients, particularly the pizza and pasta dishes, offering a true taste of Italy.
- Excellent, friendly service The staff are consistently described as welcoming, attentive, and going the extra mile for customers, creating a warm and special dining experience.
- Great atmosphere and ambience The restaurant boasts a lovely atmosphere, often described as warm and inviting, with a pleasant vibe that is suitable for various occasions from family celebrations to date nights.
- Perfect location near Millennium Centre Conveniently located near the Wales Millennium Centre, it's an ideal spot for pre-theatre dining or a meal after a show, offering easy access and a great view of Cardiff Bay.
Criticised
- Dated interior decor Some reviewers feel the interior could use updating, particularly mentioning the abundance of plastic flowers which detract from the overall ambiance.
- Inconsistent portion sizes Some customers have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes for the same dish ordered by multiple people at the same table.
- Menu inconsistencies The online menu may not always match the menu available at the restaurant, leading to disappointment when certain desired items are not available.
- Service speed can vary While generally friendly, the service can be slow at times, especially when the restaurant is busy, leading to delays in getting attention or receiving orders.
- Vegan options are limited Vegan diners may find limited choices, as some pasta dishes contain egg, potentially restricting options to sides like chips and bread.
The longer read
Giovanni's In The Bay receives high praise for its atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and delicious food, making it a popular choice for celebrations, pre-theatre dining, and casual meals. Many reviewers specifically commend the warm and welcoming service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Several reviewers mentioned specific staff members like Darren, Bleddyn, Sandra, Marvin, Jae, Emily, Liv, Roger, Salvatore, Michela, and Filippo by name, highlighting their exceptional service and personal touch. The restaurant is particularly noted for being family-friendly, with staff being accommodating to children. The location, across from the Wales Millennium Centre, is ideal for pre-theatre dining. Many reviewers appreciate the ambiance and the views, especially when seated near the fountains. The interior decor contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, although some reviewers suggest that some aspects, like the plastic flowers, could use updating. The food is consistently described as delicious, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The pizza and pasta dishes, especially the carbonara, lobster tortellini, and vegan pizza, are frequently mentioned as standouts. Portion sizes are generally generous, offering good value for money. The restaurant also receives positive feedback for its cocktail and wine selections, with staff offering helpful recommendations. The profiteroles are a particularly popular dessert. For special occasions like birthdays, Giovanni's is known for creating a joyful atmosphere, with staff often surprising guests with complimentary desserts and singing "Happy Birthday". Many reviewers express their intention to return, making Giovanni's In The Bay a highly recommended dining destination.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2049 5480
- Website
- giovanniscardiff.co.uk
| Mon | 11:30 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 11:45 - 0:00 |
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?
- Which signature dishes at Giovanni's In The Bay are most recommended for first‑time visitors?
- What variety of pizzas, pastas, and main courses does Giovanni's In The Bay offer and are there options for dietary restrictions?
- How would you describe the atmosphere at Giovanni's In The Bay and is it suitable for special occasions?
- What types of wines are included on the wine list at Giovanni's In The Bay and how are they paired with the menu?
- Is Giovanni's In The Bay easily accessible in Cardiff and what parking or public transport options are nearby?
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.