When asking yourself about something to do near me in Mountain View with a group of friends or family, consider
Don Giovanni
Why Don Giovanni is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Don Giovanni is a beloved family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving the Chelsea and Theater Districts of New York City since 1990. Passed down from mother to daughter, this traditional Neapolitan eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting friends and enjoying authentic Italian cuisine. With both indoor seating and a lovely outdoor cafe, Don Giovanni creates a relaxed and informal dining experience that stands out from more pretentious options in the city. The restaurant is particularly famous for its specialty pizzas baked in an old-fashioned coal-fired brick oven, featuring thin, crisp dough and a variety of flavorful toppings such as Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Pizza Pomodori, and White Clam Pizza. Don Giovanni also accommodates large parties and caters events, making it ideal for any occasion. Its long-standing presence in the community and commitment to quality food and service has made it a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, combining affordability with excellent taste and a welcoming vibe.
Here's what people think of Don Giovanni
As of recent, Don Giovanni holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1218 reviews.
Reviews of Don Giovanni highlight its consistent delivery of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices. Positive reviews frequently praise the quality and variety of pizzas, especially those cooked in the signature coal-fired brick oven, noting the perfect thin crust and flavorful toppings. Guests appreciate the warm, family-run atmosphere and friendly, smooth service that enhances the dining experience. The restaurant's location in the Chelsea and Theater Districts is also seen as convenient and adds to its appeal. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues with wait times and inconsistencies in service during busy periods. A few diners have commented on the limited indoor seating, especially during COVID-19 adjustments when outdoor dining was emphasized. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, with many customers returning regularly. In conclusion, Don Giovanni maintains a solid reputation as a top-notch neighborhood Italian restaurant known for its quality food, friendly staff, and welcoming ambiance, making it a top choice for both everyday dining and special gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erik
Don Giovanni on Castro Avenue is an absolute gem in Mountain View! I've eaten at so many Italian restaurants, and this one is by far the best I've ever been to. The food quality is out of this world, the service is incredible, and the atmosphere is just perfect. If you're looking for authentic Italian food with a great vibe for a date night or a family dinner, this is definitely the place. We actually just stumbled upon Don Giovanni while looking for a place to eat on Castro. The manager was standing at the door, and as a customer walked out, he said, "This is the best Italian food I've ever had!" We weren't sure if we had enough time to eat, but the manager was so incredibly nice, and with his charming Italian accent, he just invited us right in and told us to grab a table. What a welcome! The menu has such a wonderful selection of authentic Italian dishes. Our waiter was a fantastic guy, so courteous and super attentive. We started with a fresh salad and some warm bread, which came with this amazing authentic olive oil, garlic, and pesto dip. For our main courses, we ordered the fettuccine, the fettuccine with prawns, and the penne pasta with Italian sausage and bell peppers in a red sauce. Let me tell you, this was the best quality Italian food I've ever been served in a restaurant. The pastas tasted so fresh. The fettuccine sauces were genuinely creamy and seasoned just perfectly, clearly made with real ingredients. The prawns were generous and super fresh. And that penne pasta with the Italian sausage and bell peppers? It had such a delicious, fresh tomato flavor! I honestly can't explain how fresh and how much care went into making these perfect plates of food. The restaurant's atmosphere is just wonderful. It has this charming, old-world feel that's really comfortable and pleasant. Everything was spotless, the tables, the silverware. And the service? It was truly the best we've ever received, with so much attention to detail. The manager himself was a wonderful guy; he made sure we were comfortable and enjoying our meal and was great to chat with. Overall, this place gets 10 out of 5 stars from me! This is some of the best Italian food I've enjoyed in a very long time. This is hands down the best Italian food in the Bay Area. We are absolutely coming back here again!
Akash Rasal
Veggie Pizza was light and tasty. The alredo pasta was delicious. The restaurant had antique vibes but felt great.
Joseph Boccuzzi
I really like the outside environment where the street was closed and well decorated for the holidays. First the waitress placed some bread and oil based dipping on the table - I really liked it and had to stop my self a few times from filling up. I tried their calamari as an appetizer, it was fresh and very tasty. The breaded veal was fresh and delicious. It was cooked just right and came with vegetable and mashed potatoes. The whole dish was absolutely amazing. The night ended with a chocolate cake - very tasty and what an awesome presentation. The staff was very nice and very attentive - what a customer experience !!!
lilac C
The food exceeded our expectations! The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. The service was attentive, and the vibrant, colorful atmosphere made the dining experience even more enjoyable.
周锋锁Zhou Fengsuo
Amazing place for quality Italian cuisine in Mountain View. 3 course lunch is my favorite. Highly recommended
How to reach Don Giovanni
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Website: None
Why rally at Don Giovanni with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for a memorable time often hinges on choosing a venue that combines delightful cuisine, comfortable ambiance, and accommodating service, all of which Don Giovanni delivers superbly. This Italian eatery shines with a commendable rating of 4.2 from over 1,200 reviews, reflecting a consistent record of satisfying its patrons. Whether you’re craving hearty Italian classics like pasta drenched in flavorful vodka sauce or perfectly baked Margherita pizzas, Don Giovanni offers a menu that delights a variety of tastes. The portion sizes are generous, allowing group members to enjoy shared plates or individual dishes without worry of leaving hungry. Complemented by attentive and friendly staff, the service enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like part of a warm community. The restaurant’s friendly vibe encourages lively conversation and relaxed enjoyment, ideal for intimate or larger groups. This blend of genuine hospitality, scrumptious food, and an inviting setting ensures your meetup at Don Giovanni transforms into a delightful, shared experience filled with great flavors and wonderful company.
What types of activities can you enjoy at Don Giovanni?
Don Giovanni is not just about dining; it’s a hub for social engagement that suits diverse group activities. Primarily, it serves as a cozy spot where friends and family can come together to enjoy authentic Italian dishes crafted from fresh ingredients. Beyond sharing a meal, groups can engage in celebrating special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or casual reunions in a space that feels comfortably intimate yet lively. The restaurant's layout fosters conversation and connection, making it ideal for catching up or planning fun group activities around the meal. While Don Giovanni doesn’t offer formal entertainment, the vibrant energy and satisfying food create a natural backdrop for enjoying music, storytelling, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Many guests have highlighted the restaurant's peaceful environment amidst busier times, offering a comfortable setting to relax and recharge. Additionally, with locations in Port Orange and Ormond Beach, it offers flexibility for group meetups both locally and visitors seeking a trusted Italian dining option. The attentive servers also play a role in facilitating a smooth, enjoyable experience, ensuring timely service even for larger parties. This focus on group comfort and social atmosphere makes Don Giovanni a perfect choice for those seeking quality time around a shared love for Italian cuisine.
Why is Don Giovanni perfect for a group meetup?
Don Giovanni’s suitability for group meetups is rooted in its combination of accommodating service, space, and diverse menu options tailored to satisfy multiple palates. Groups often struggle to find a place where everyone feels catered to, but Don Giovanni excels here with its extensive offerings — from classic eggplant Parmesan to specials like lobster ravioli and uniquely prepared pastas. The variety ensures that even picky eaters or those with dietary preferences find appealing choices. Moreover, the generous portion sizes allow for sharing plates, which encourages a communal dining experience that strengthens bonds. The staff at Don Giovanni have been praised for their attentive, friendly service, anticipating the needs of large groups and providing a seamless dining flow without rush, allowing guests to linger and enjoy. The ambiance, described as peaceful and convivial, provides an ideal backdrop for meaningful conversation or celebratory toasts. Also, the restaurant successfully balances a welcoming atmosphere and efficient service even during busy times, displaying professionalism that groups appreciate for stress-free meetups. Coupled with reasonable pricing, this makes Don Giovanni not only a delicious but also a practical choice for those organizing group outings looking for a place that feels like a home away from home.
How does the food at Don Giovanni enhance the group dining experience?
The food at Don Giovanni is the cornerstone of its appeal, delivering an authentic Italian culinary experience that elevates any group gathering. With rave reviews praising the freshness and flavor, diners repeatedly mention favorites like the perfectly baked Margherita pizza, sumptuous vodka penne, and the expertly prepared eggplant Parmesan. These carefully prepared dishes use traditional recipes but with a contemporary touch, ensuring classic satisfaction with unique flair. The diversity of the menu means groups can enjoy a range of tastes — from seafood pasta to vegetarian specialties like linguini with eggplant and mozzarella — which enhances shared dining as everyone finds something to relish. Generous portions mean there’s plenty to go around, encouraging sharing and sampling, a great way to interact and discover new favorites together. The presence of specials and house favorites, such as garlic knots and lobster ravioli, adds to the excitement and variety on the table. The quality of ingredients combined with skilled preparation sustains the restaurant's reputation as a top Italian choice and makes the meal a highlight of any meetup, fostering a sense of celebration in the simple pleasure of dining well among friends or family.
What makes the atmosphere and service at Don Giovanni stand out for meetups?
Atmosphere and service are critical when choosing a meetup spot, and Don Giovanni excels in both, creating an environment conducive to relaxed, meaningful interactions. Customers often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and inviting despite the restaurant's busy nature, allowing groups to feel at ease whether sitting for casual meals or more formal gatherings. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness contribute significantly to this ambiance; servers go out of their way to ensure guests have everything they need, from timely drink refills to accommodating special requests. This high level of customer care helps groups focus on enjoying their time without distraction or inconvenience, a crucial element for successful meetups. The staff’s local knowledge and genuine warmth make visitors feel welcome and valued, enhancing the personalized dining experience. The decor and layout further support conversation and shared moments, with tables arranged to foster intimate or lively group dynamics. This combination of ambiance and attentive service ensures that Don Giovanni is more than a restaurant — it’s a place where relationships can be nurtured over great food and thoughtful hospitality.
Where is Don Giovanni located and what are the practical details for planning a group meetup there?
Don Giovanni operates in two convenient Florida locations, offering flexible options for meetups: one on Taylor Road in Port Orange and another on Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach. Both locations welcome guests during generous hours, making it easy to plan gatherings at times that suit varied schedules, from lunch through early evening on all week days and weekends. The restaurant’s accessibility and local popularity ease logistics for any group, whether locals or visitors organizing pre- or post-event dinners. Reservations are advisable, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating arrangements that allow comfortable interaction. Pricing is noted as very reasonable, providing excellent value for the quality and portions served, which is an essential factor when hosting a group event. Additionally, the presence of social media and online platforms facilitates easy communication and updates about specials or openings. The cohesive branding across locations confirms a consistent standard of quality and service. Choosing Don Giovanni means selecting a well-established local favorite that balances excellent Italian cuisine with a welcoming, practical environment optimized for group meetups, making planning straightforward and the experience rewarding.
How do customer reviews reflect on Don Giovanni as a meetup venue?
Reviews from thousands of diners portray Don Giovanni as a dependable, crowd-pleasing venue ideal for social gatherings. Many highlight the consistently delicious food and generous portions, often noting their meals as "fantastic" or "the best Italian" they’ve encountered locally. Patrons often praise the staff's remarkable attentiveness and friendliness, which reinforces the sense of being cared for and welcomed as part of a community. People appreciate the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere that encourages longer visits without feeling hurried. The positive testimonials about group experiences—whether family reunions, casual hangouts, or celebration dinners—underline the restaurant’s ability to accommodate and please diverse groups. While individual tastes differ, the overall consensus ideals Don Giovanni as a place where quality Italian cuisine meets attentive service in a warm setting, making it a dependable choice for hosting enjoyable gatherings with friends and family. These authentic user experiences build confidence for new visitors seeking a trusted, well-loved venue for their next meetup.