Giovanni's Fish Market

02/24/09

Over Promise, Under Deliver

by maxcoyote

The problem with great expectations are great disappointments. We recently moved to the central coast from SLC Utah, and were morning the loss of the Market Street Grill. You could buy great fresh seafood (from Utah-go figure), and prime cuts of beef. When we moved here, my wife needed to get her fresh seafood fix, so we started searching for local markets. After going to their website, we were sold and anticipated greatness from Giovannis. What we found was sub-par. Frozen fries? C'mon, shame on you guys! My wife was disappointed as to the skimpy portions of the fish and chips, as well as to the blandness of everything. I think they probably were on top at one point in the game, but are now probably resting lazily on past glory. On the bright side, great location, views and service.

• Pros: Views, Ambience, Service, and Speed
• Cons: Food is only par. Frozen fries- tasted frost burn

02/23/09

Are We All Talking About The Same Restaurant?

by melsamel

Since, there is only one review that is even fairly recent I'm thinking things have changed at Giovanni's. One thing that HAS changed seem to be the wait. We didn't wait at all. But it was 3pm on Monday so that probably is a factor. However, if we HAD waited for this food I would have little else positive to say as the service was prompt and friendly. The food was so below average. Especially for a place that is on prime water front property on the Central Coast of California! My fish and chips were hot nothing. Everything was bland and had little flavor. The few things that did have flavor had BAD flavor. The tartar sauce tasted like something from a jar and I could have sworn there was cinnamon in the cocktail sauce. The fish was fresh but was completely bland. The shrimp and scallops were overcooked. The fries are a joke--more hot nothing and freeze dried to boot. All for 10 bucks and the portions were skimpy. My husband said his burger was ok but Carl's Jr. was better-not a rave review. We did buy some shrimp from the store which is very nice and had a great selection but the shrimp smelled "shrimpy" and not so fresh but tasted fine....still. This was such a disappointment! We had heard such great things--even the glass of wine I had was bad and we ended up spending almost $30. Completely uninspired food. Go for the atmosphere and view but this wasn't just a chef's "bad day"--I think Giovanni's has gone downhill.

• Pros: Beautiful view, great patio, good ambience.
• Cons: Below average food, uninspired and overpriced.

02/18/09

Fresh Fish

by scottjohnson24

Excellent fish dinner and the service was very good especially since it was real busy. they were extra nice to my kids.