Cosy, romantic and charming. These are the words I'd use to describe Giovanni's of Covent Garden - where Mario and I had Valentine's dinner. A few months ago, when his mom was visiting London, we stumbled across this gem on a quiet street behind Covent Garden after dinner. But once we read the menu outside the door, we vowed that we'd try out this restaurant as soon as possible. And it was well worth the wait.
The entrance of the restaurant is tucked away in an historic alley that dates back to 1690. The passageway is reminiscent of Diagon Alley, but according it their website, it was also used for a scene in Mary Poppins Returns. Seeing it for ourselves, we could just already feel the magic.
Once we stepped inside, we were greeted by Sicilian chef and owner, Mr. Pino Ragono. Most of the tables were already full since it was Valentine's Day, but he still allowed us to choose our seat in the back corner booth. After seated, we were handed our special V-Day menus - with a recommendation from the chef to order the heart-shaped ravioli. I was sold immediately. Then, I learned of the framed photo of Stanley Tucci hanging on the wall right behind, and I wanted to stay there forever.
Fresh, high quality foods were on display throughout the dining room. We knew because we watched our server take bread and pour olive oil from the center table. On the table beside us, fresh herbs and marinated mozzarella sat in their bowls waiting to be plated. The ravioli were incredibly fresh and we loved every bite. And a meal isn't complete with dessert, so we took the best cannoli I've ever eaten. Even Mario, who doesn't like cannoli, couldn't get enough of the perfectly sweet ricotta filling.
Sitting across from the love of my life as Ennio Morricone's Cinema Paradiso played, I couldn't believe how perfect everything was. Giovanni's was such an incredible atmosphere to spend our first engaged Valentine's Day and we hope to make frequent visits while we're living here in London.
To Giovanni's, grazie mille for the beautiful experience.
