Transportation/Location

Surrounded by a variety of other restaurants and Asian markets, Don Giovanni is located on Castro Street in the heart of downtown Mountain View. Although parking right on Castro Street is pretty limited, there is a large free public parking lot located directly behind the restaurant and a back entrance allows you to walk in on that side as well.

Greeting/Initial Impressions

Walking in from behind, where a cute outdoor seating area is available for warm summer evenings, we passed the open kitchen at the back of the restaurant; if one enters from the front, there is a similar eating area along the street. The restaurant’s small bar runs along the left wall by the front entrance, and features an ample wine and alcohol selection.

We had called ahead to make reservations, but these were clearly not necessary, as the large restaurant was nearly empty (in all fairness, however, it was a Sunday). We were seated immediately at one of the booths lining the edges of the room and, as there were only three other tables with patrons, the servers were very attentive. Our particular table was uniquely shaped and, being set for three, made it easy to talk to one another. There is ample space in the room to accommodate larger groups, in addition to a separate banquet room available for particularly large groups.

Food/Wine

Gli antipasti: The bruschetta al pomodoro, a quintessential Italian appetizer, was generously heaped with fresh tomatoes and plenty of garlic, though served on French rather than Italian bread. Given its size and relative cheapness, at $4.95 it was one of the best choices for the appetizer.

I primi ed I secondi: Although aesthetically pleasing and garnished with fresh sprigs of chive, the Petti di Pollo al Rosmarino was served lukewarm and, despite the accompanying balsamic vinegrette, slightly lacking in taste. However, the chicken was grilled nicely and the fresh broccoli was delicious, as were the fresh tomatoes brought upon request. At $12.50, the Petti di Pollo is one of the cheaper entrees on the menu, but its size does not differ greatly from the other second entrees (the serving size of the pasta dishes is generally larger).

The robust and flavorful sauce of the Penne al Pomodoro e Melanzane, was by far the most successful “tasty” dish we ordered. Though slightly salty, the marinara based sauce was amplified by fresh tomatoes, basil and lots of eggplant, and the pasta was perfectly al dente. The serving size was enormous (too much for me to finish), and for a hungry person, this $12.50 pasta was one of the most cost-efficient options.

I vini: The wine list was extensive and varied from glasses of red Chianti at $7 a glass to $575 bottles of reserve reds and whites from many different regions of Italy. I drank a glass of the red Ruffino di Chianti ($7), which was quite smooth and mild and very pleasant.

I dessert: After our somewhat lengthy miscommunication with the kitchen, we did not have the time or energy (or space in our stomachs) for dessert. I ordered an espresso that reminded me wistfully of long evenings after dinner with my host family in Italy.

Service

The Maitre D was warm and welcoming. The waiters overall proved helpful, yet they gave me an incorrect entrée. They were apologetic and quickly cooked the correct order. In general they were helpful and worked together well.

Ambience/Guests

The restaurant was really pretty. There was one large room with warm lighting and welcoming decorations. Though there were many tables, we did not feel crowded. The large room did not have an immediate cozy Italian feel, yet our table felt intimate. We would have preferred if more than one member of the staff had been Italian, but that may be only a personal preference.

Overall impressions

Overall, our experience was mediocre. The ambience was pleasant and quiet, but a far cry from the lively, bustling and crowded restaurants of Italy. The food, once we had obtained our correct orders, was good but not excellent, and with the exception of the pasta, not very authentic (several of their dishes combine pasta and meat on the same plate). The prices were not all unreasonable given the size of the portions, but more expensive than one would be interested in paying for an ordinary dinner. While Don Giovanni might be appropriate for a couple seeking a nice, slightly more expensive dinner, with a private, quiet atmosphere, we do not feel the need to go back soon, and would not recommend it to other Stanford students.