arizona key magazine - cover story

Giovanni Pizza Bistro is set in a warm, classy environment and serves authentic Italian recipes that have been in the family for over 95 years. Giovanni offers traditional gourmet pizzas, Panini, sandwiches, salads and pastas made with the highest quality, freshest ingredients along with a fine selection of over 60 wines and several draft beers.

Giovanni (“Johnny” in Italian) has been a local restaurant owner for over 10 years and has worked in the industry for 22 years. His Nana Iannaconni came to the United States on a boat from Naples, Italy docking at Ellis Island in 1912 with nothing more than a few personal belongings and many very precious recipes. His family has cooked the same recipes served in the restaurant for over 95 years. Giovanni’s mother Mary Rose Collura was taught to cook by his grandmother and after years of practice and perfection she began documenting every family recipe brought to this country by their ancestors. He grew up enjoying and preparing these recipes, and now proudly serves them to his guests.

Not your typical Italian restaurant, Giovanni is a bistro featuring a warm elegant dining room and a cozy patio. There are no red-checkered tablecloths, tomato cans or photos of New York memorabilia. The Italian is in the food - all the recipes come from years of passion to perfection.

While at Giovanni Pizza Bistro enjoy one of the traditional Italian appetizers such as the homemade Rice Balls or Olive Tepenada. Giovanni serves freshly chopped salads, perfect for the warmer weather. Giovanni also offers homemade baked rolls made from freshly tossed dough...baked to perfection - the pepperoni and spinach rolls are a must have...perfect for an appetizer or a meal in itself.

The award winning gourmet pizza’s are made with care and creativity. With over 20 specialty gourmet pizzas, the recognized combinations are sure to please. Try the Pop’s Lasagna Pizza, one of the best sellers, or the Shrimp Alfredo pizza, prepared with jumbo shrimp and fresh basil. Soy cheese is served upon request. Giovanni dishes up generous pasta dishes, from traditional Baked Ziti to the Asiago Cream Sauce over jumbo blackened scallops with portabello mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes made fresh daily.

Giovanni Pizza Bistro is at 37 West Baseline Road, in Tempe on the Southwest corner of Mill Avenue and Baseline Road. Open daily from 11am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Giovanni offers a great happy hour with specials on beer and wine Monday – Thursday from 3-6pm & 9pm till close, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Giovanni Pizza Bistro - the Italian is in the food.

Giovanni Pizza Bistro
37 West Baseline Road • Tempe
480-838-0200 (reservations & catering)
www.giovannipizzabistro.com

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