G'Vannis, Boston

We went to G'vannis for dinner for a bachelorette party- there were 11 of us and we split into 2 tables. They were very accommodating- we did go very early to make sure we could get a table. (When we left there was a long line!) Prices were okay- the wine was too pricey (My mother spent $10 for a glass of cheap Beringer White Zin!) I had pumpkin ravioli, which was good (nothing mind blowing)- but next time I would have gotten the veal. The calamari and stuffed mushrooms were great!!! Dessert looked delicious! I would go back again if the prices dropped. (We had a http://restaurant.com coupon which helped!) My only suggestion would be to lower food and wine prices, but I'd go back again. The staff was great!

We've gone to G'vannis a couple of times because when we were disappointed the first time we figured they might just be having an off night and before writing a review we wanted to make sure we were being fair. Unfortunately, our subsequent visits haven't been great either so we're not going back. We found the food to be OK, not great, and at the prices they charge the food should have been spectacular. Small portions. Certainly enough for dinner, but we're used to going to other North End restaurants where we pay 2/3 the price and get double the food and take half home. Also, the waitstaff were surly and unhelpful. They made mistakes on our bill both times. Too much hassle and definitely not worth it for the mediocore food. Just go down the street and you'll find half a dozen other restaurants that are way better.

My family and I eat here as often as possible. The pasta dishes are extraordinary as good as anything I've had while traveling through Italy. Quaint atmosphere with lovely, attentive service. Their $29.95 early dinner is one of the best values in Boston. Highly recommended.

My friends and I made an 8pm reservation at G'Vannis and were told when we arrived that the table was not quite ready. They asked us to wait next door in the bar and explained that they would call us when our table was ready. A half hour later we went to inquire and they assured us the table was being cleared. Fifteen minutes later we asked again and were told it would be five more minutes. By 9pm we were livid, standing outside the restaurant still waiting for our table with several other parties who had 8pm reservations. There was clearly a party of 15-20 people inside still dining that should have closed the restaurant. Instead, they just kept telling us it would be any minute. We were not compensated in any way, nor was there so much as an apology from the maitre'd after she had clearly lied to us twice. Finally, while I don't mind paying a lot for an extraordinary meal, the food was no better than any of the other places in the North End, but the bill was significantly higher. I have warned my friends to stay away from this place.

We come from Providence, Rhode Island, where there are plenty of great little neighborhood Italian restaurants. Our dinner at G'vanni's had everything we love about that low-key, classic, neighborhood experience. From the guy greeting us at the door (I assumed it was the owner) to the eclectic decor and the fresh, delicious food, there was nothing corporate or prefab about our meal. Wonderful tomato sauce. Our French visitor couldn't stop munching on the bread. Our service was excellent, but it doesn't surprise me to hear from other reviewers that there have been off nights. It's a tiny place, and like I said, it doesn't feel like a machine cranking out a meal. So I guess sometimes things could be off. But for us, everything worked very smoothly. Good price, too. We'll be back.

My husband and I stumbled upon it, and LOVED it- the food was excellent, and the service was good- We are definitley going back!!!

My wife and I stumbled upon G'vanni's and couldn't have been more pleased. We were lucky enough to be on time for the two dinners and wine for $19.95 special (offered until 5pm). We had our choice of about 15 entres and 3 wines, and were very happy with our choices. Chicken marsala, shrimp diavolo, a bottle of chardonnay, and 2 house salads ($2.99 each) and the bill came to $27. Wait staff was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was comfortable and relaxed. we will definately go there again.

I won't deny the food was delicious but the service stunk. Had to keep reminding the waitress about drinks. The worst came in the end of my evening with a friend. We had just paid and were sitting around maybe for about less than 5 mins. just finishing up our conversation when we were asked to leave because other patrons needed the table. NEVER in my life have I had this happen to me. If the restaurant wants patrons to come back and eat, they need to respect their time there and be more courteous. I saw others just sitting, talking but not eating or ordering. Very dissappointed and definitely not going back. Restaurants need to remember that a bad experience is more likely to be remembered and told to other future customers than a good time.