Top 7 Must-Try Dishes at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen This Summer

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy, Giovanni’s Restaurant offers an elevated summer dining experience where every bite carries the soul of Italy. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by the aroma of simmering sauces, the soft clink of glasses, and the inviting glow of candlelight reflecting off polished wood and white linen. The atmosphere blends timeless elegance with the warmth of true Italian hospitality, where refined service meets heartfelt care.

Each dish at Giovanni’s is a tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage, crafted with passion, precision, and the finest seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s a delicate seafood pasta or a slow-simmered veal reduction, you’ll taste generations of tradition in every forkful. Your table awaits beneath warm lighting and the gentle hum of Italian conversation, creating a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting. The menu reads like a love letter to Italy, from the simplest bruschetta to the richest tiramisu, all served with attentive, family-style hospitality.

Bruschetta – A Classic Italian Antipasto

Start your meal the Italian way with bruschetta, Italy’s beloved toasted bread appetizer. Giovanni’s version is simplicity itself: grilled country-style bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, then crowned with juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and a shower of Parmigiano.

This authentic bruschetta al pomodoro recalls its humble origins in the Italian countryside, “toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes dressed with garlic, basil, olive oil, and salt”,  and it shines in summer. The flavors are bright and rustic, offering a perfect first taste of Italy. Pair it with an Aperol Spritz or a crisp Prosecco from Giovanni’s bar to awaken your palate for the courses ahead.

Burrata e Prosciutto – Decadently Creamy Cheese

Next, indulge in burrata e prosciutto, a dish that epitomizes indulgence. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese, originally from Puglia in Southern Italy with a velvety mozzarella shell and an oozy cream filling – so rich that its name literally means “buttery”.

At Giovanni’s Restaurant, a plump burrata ball is plated with ribbons of Parma prosciutto and garden-fresh salad, accented by fruity olive oil. When you cut into it, the creamy interior spills onto crunchy bread or greens. The effect is unforgettable: a harmony of creamy, savory, and tangy notes in every bite. This is a dish best enjoyed slowly, perhaps with a twist of lemon and a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio to balance the richness.

Risotto ai Funghi – Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto

Comforting yet elegant, the risotto ai funghi is a true Northern Italian classic. Giovanni’s cooks Carnaroli rice low and slow in fragrant veal broth until each grain is luxuriously creamy. House-made porcini mushrooms and other wild mushrooms, when in season infuse the rice with earthy depth. In the spirit of Milanese risottos, a pat of butter and a grating of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano finish the dish, yielding a silky texture that melts on the tongue. 

Risotto itself is defined as “an Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency,” often with butter, onion, wine, and cheese. The warm, savory aroma of this risotto makes it feel like home; it’s a year-round favorite that’s especially satisfying in cooler summer evenings. Enjoy it with a citrusy white wine – a Soave or Verdicchio – so each sip refreshes your palate between creamy bites. 

Spaghetti alla Carbonara – Roman Pasta Perfection

Giovanni’s spaghetti alla carbonara is an homage to Rome’s most famous pasta. The kitchen tosses al dente spaghetti with crispy guanciale and a silky sauce made from egg yolks and Pecorino Romano cheese. The result is a luxuriously creamy coating without a drop of cream – true to tradition.

The dish is finished with cracked black pepper for a gentle heat. Carbonara is, by definition, “a pasta dish made with fatty cured pork, hard cheese, eggs, salt, and black pepper”, and at Giovanni’s it arrives just as it should: rich, indulgent, and utterly comforting. This timeless dish is perfect on a summer night, especially when paired with a chilled glass of Verdicchio or a young Chianti to cut through the richness.

Linguine alle Vongole – Coastal Italian Seafood Pasta

For a taste of Italy’s coastline, try the linguine alle vongole (clams in garlic and white wine sauce). This dish dates back to the Amalfi Coast and Naples, where fishermen combined fresh clams with simple flavors. Giovanni’s Restaurant version uses plump local clams quickly sautéed in golden olive oil with garlic, parsley, and just a splash of white wine.

Tossed with tender linguine, the briny clam juices create a light, aromatic broth that clings to each strand of pasta. As one source notes, “spaghetti cooked with fresh clams”, and by extension linguine, typically involves garlic, parsley, olive oil, and occasionally white wine. The result is bright and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the shellfish. It’s a perfect summer plate: vivid flavors and a touch of the sea. Sip it slowly with a dry Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to highlight the dish’s seafood notes. 

Filetto di Manzo – Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Giovanni’s filetto di manzo is a taste of Italian luxury on a plate. A prime 7-ounce beef tenderloin is expertly grilled to your liking, then finished with a glossy Chianti wine reduction and seasonal vegetables. Each tender bite showcases the chef’s attention to detail – from the smoky char on the meat to the fragrant herb jus. The dish captures Giovanni’s promise of “luxurious and aspirational” dining, emphasizing top-quality ingredients and expert technique.

The steak’s richness makes it an ideal companion for one of Giovanni’s fine red wines. In fact, the sommeliers suggest pairing robust dishes like this with a velvety Chianti Classico, letting the wine’s tannins enhance the meat’s flavor. Whether you call it Filetto di Manzo or Beef Tenderloin, this entrée is sure to impress at a special summer dinner. 

Tiramisu – Classic Italian Dessert Finale

No Italian meal is complete without a dolce, and Giovanni’s tiramisu is a must-have finale. This celebrated Italian dessert layers espresso-soaked ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi) with fluffy mascarpone cream, then is dusted with cocoa powder on top. As described in culinary guides, “Tiramisu is an Italian dessert made of ladyfinger pastries dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and mascarpone, and topped with cocoa powder”.

Giovanni’s rendition is velvety and light – the coffee flavor is bold but not bitter, and the mascarpone filling is sweet and airy. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of creaminess and coffee aroma, just as tradition intends. It’s the ideal note to end on as you linger over a late-summer dinner, perhaps accompanied by an après-dessert cocktail. 

Sip and Savor: Cocktails and Wine Pairings

Throughout your meal, the Italian kitchen bar at Giovanni’s Restaurant is ready with creative drinks that complement the cuisine. Their cocktail menu transforms classic flavors into summer sips – for example, try the Spiced Pear Mule (Tito’s Vodka, ginger beer and pear liqueur) or a tangy Blood Orange Cosmo. Don’t miss the house-made Italian Margarita (reposado tequila and Luxardo amaretto) or the smoky Barrel-Aged Negroni (aged gin and Carpano Antica) – each cocktail is crafted with Italian style in mind. And of course, Giovanni’s award-winning wine list is thoughtfully curated.

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Soave pairs beautifully with seafood pastas, while a full-bodied Chianti Classico or Brunello is perfect alongside rich meats and cheeses. As one suggestion from Giovanni’s expert notes, a velvety Chianti Classico brings out the best in slow-braised osso buco and we’d say in a grilled beef tenderloin too, while a zesty white wine highlights delicate seafood dishes. Each glass you sip enhances the flavors on your plate, completing the Italian-inspired experience.

Your Summer Table Awaits at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen Bar

There’s something timeless about a summer evening spent over good food and wine, especially when it captures the heart of Italy. At Giovanni’s Italian kitchen bar, every dish tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep love for Italian cuisine. Whether you're joining us for a quiet midweek dinner or celebrating life’s finest moments, these seven must-try dishes are only the beginning of what awaits on our summer menu.

From the first sip of a carefully paired cocktail to the last bite of tiramisu, our kitchen and bar work in harmony to create an unforgettable experience. This is Italian dining at its finest, where quality ingredients, expert technique, and genuine hospitality come together in every detail.

We invite you to take your place at the table. Discover the flavors of Italy, reimagined for the season, right here in Ottawa’s Little Italy. Reserve your summer evening at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen Bar and experience the artistry, warmth, and elegance that define every meal we serve. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some signature dishes to try at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen this summer?

Giovanni’s features a variety of signature dishes perfect for summer, including their fresh Caprese salad, handmade pasta, and mouth-watering seafood options.

2. Are the ingredients used in the dishes locally sourced?

Yes, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, ensuring fresh flavors and supporting local farmers.

3. Can I find vegetarian or vegan options on the menu?

Absolutely! Giovanni’s offers several vegetarian and vegan dishes, so everyone can enjoy a tasty meal regardless of dietary preferences.

4. What makes the summer dishes at Giovanni’s unique?

The summer dishes at Giovanni’s feature seasonal ingredients, vibrant flavors, and refreshing pairings that highlight the essence of Italian cuisine during the warmer months.

5. Is there a special summer menu or seasonal offerings?

Yes, Giovanni’s often has a special summer menu that highlights seasonal dishes and unique flavors, providing guests with a delightful dining experience.