If you live in Menifee, you know the drill. It’s 6:00 PM on a Friday, the work week is finally over, and the inevitable question arises: “Where should we eat tonight?”
For a city that has seen explosive growth over the last decade, our culinary landscape is still finding its footing. We have the chains and the fast food, but when you are looking for something with a bit of local flavor, a place that feels like it belongs specifically to us, the list gets shorter, and the hidden gems are harder to find.
Recently, I decided to visit Giovanni’s Pizza and Pasta, which has been a staple of the Menifee restaurant scene for over three decades. Like many of you, I had driven past it on Newport Road countless times. I assumed I knew what it was about. Pizza? Check. Spaghetti? Check. Standard strip-mall Italian fare? That was my guess.
But after speaking with the owner, Tom Powers, and diving into a surprisingly eclectic menu, I realized that Giovanni’s isn’t just another pizza joint. It might just be the most surprising contender for one of the best restaurants in Menifee. Whether you are a long-time resident or a new family just unpacking boxes in one of our new developments, here is why this local gem deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
A Legacy of Community and Resilience
To understand the vibe at Giovanni’s, you have to look at its interesting history. In a city where “new” is often the default descriptor, Giovanni’s has a story. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1991. Think about what Menifee looked like in 1991. It was a different world.
Tom Powers purchased the restaurant in 2007. Taking ownership of a restaurant just before a major economic recession is no small feat, yet Giovanni’s didn’t just survive; it became a community anchor. When you walk in, you aren’t greeting a faceless manager; you’re likely running into Tom himself.
There is a small-town feeling when dining here. As you look around the dining room, you see a blend of the old and the new, reflecting Menifee itself within its decor.
It’s a place where the staff seems to know the regulars, and where the service has that “old school” hospitality that is becoming increasingly rare in the era of QR-code menus and contactless delivery.
The Menu Surprise: “Not Just Italian”
When I spoke with Tom, I asked for his recommendation. I was ready for him to point me toward the fettuccine alfredo or a signature pepperoni pizza. Instead, he threw me a curveball.
“You have to try the ribs,” he said.
I paused. BBQ ribs? At an Italian restaurant? It sounded like a culinary identity crisis waiting to happen. Usually, when a restaurant tries to do too many things, they end up doing none of them well. But Tom was convincing. He claimed they were some of the “best ribs in the Inland Empire.”
That piqued my interest as a person who takes her BBQ seriously. But, in the spirit of investigation, I ordered them.
The verdict? He wasn’t exaggerating. The ribs were tender, falling off the bone with the slightest nudge of the fork, and smothered in a sauce that struck the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. It was a humbling reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come from taking a chance on an unlikely result.
If you are planning a family dinner where no one can agree on what to eat, this versatility is a lifesaver. You can have one person enjoying a classic Chicken Parmigiana while another digs into a rack of BBQ ribs, and somehow, it all works.
Pizza, Pasta, and Gluten-Free Wins
Of course, a place called “Giovanni’s Pizza and Pasta” still needs to deliver on its namesake. If the ribs are the surprise, the Italian staples are the comfort.
The pizza here leans into a nostalgic style (generous with the cheese), a crust that holds up to the toppings, and a sauce that tastes like it was simmered, not just poured from a can.
However, one of the most significant value-adds for the modern Menifee family is their approach to dietary restrictions. In many “classic” Italian spots, asking for gluten-free options results in a sad, rubbery substitute. At Giovanni’s, the gluten-free menu is robust.
As the server pointed out to me on the menu, it states that over 85% of the choices can be made gluten-free. Tom reinforced this claim and let me know the choice stems from his wife, Caroline, who lives with celiac disease and has a difficult time finding restaurants with gluten-free options that still taste delicious.
My favorite part was the cheesecake I tried, salted caramel, gluten-free, and I enjoyed every bite! It tasted just like a decadent cheesecake should.
Saving Room for Dessert
No review would be complete without addressing the sweet finish. After ribs, salad, and pizza, you might think you have no room left. Make room!
The Salted Caramel Cheesecake is the star of the dessert menu. Here is the kicker! It’s also gluten-free. As someone who usually consumes gluten without hesitation, I honestly would never have known the difference. It was rich, creamy, and had that perfect savory-sweet interplay that makes salted caramel so addictive.
It’s another example of the kitchen’s attention to detail. Dessert is often an afterthought in family restaurants, a box of frozen treats defrosted upon request. Here, it feels like a crown jewel on top of an already colorful menu.
The “Dinner and a Show” Vibe
We often talk about the lack of nightlife or “date night” options in the suburbs. We assume we have to drive down to Temecula or up to Riverside to get a bit of atmosphere. But Giovanni’s offers something charming and personal right here on Newport Road.
If you catch Tom on the right night, you might get more than just a nice dinner, but instead you’ll get a show too! The owner is known to sing for guests, adding a layer of personality that you simply cannot manufacture in a corporate chain. It transforms a standard dinner into a memory.
Practical Details for the Menifee Local
While the food and atmosphere are the hooks, the practicalities are what keep families coming back. Living in Menifee means balancing busy schedules, school runs, and commutes. Giovanni’s restaurant fits into that lifestyle seamlessly.
The Lunch Buffet
For those working locally or looking for a quick midday break, the lunch buffet is a steal. At around $11.99 (prices subject to change, of course), it offers a spread of pizzas and salads. It’s an affordable way to support local without breaking the bank, and it’s fast.
Location
Situated at 26900 Newport Road, Suite 112, it’s central. Whether you live in the Lakes, Heritage Lake, or Sun City, it’s accessible.
Is it the Best Restaurant in Menifee?
Labeling any single place the “best” is subjective. Menifee has some great taco spots, some growing breakfast joints, and decent sushi. But Giovanni’s restaurant holds a specific title: The Best Surprise.
It challenges the notion that suburban dining has to be predictable. It proves that a restaurant can evolve. From a 1991 pizza parlor to a 2026 local institution serving killer ribs and gluten-free cheesecake.
For those of us who live here, supporting places like Giovanni’s is about so much more than just dinner. It’s about investing in the kind of community we want to live in. Do we want a Menifee filled only with drive-thrus? Or do we want a Menifee where the owner knows your name, sings a song, and serves you a meal that was made with care?
If you haven’t been in a while, or if you’ve never been, it’s time to walk through those doors. Go for the pizza, stay for the song, and definitely order the ribs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Giovanni’s take reservations?
No, Giovanni’s is walk-in only, even on Valentine’s Day. However, Tom mentioned that nearly every year he gives out long-stem roses to the first 100 women who come in for dinner on this romantic holiday.
Does Giovanni’s Menifee offer takeout and delivery?
Yes, Giovanni’s Menifee offers both takeout and delivery options. Whether you’re looking to enjoy their famous pizza at home with your family or savor their barbecue ribs during a night in, Giovanni’s has you covered.
Is the restaurant kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Between the pizza, the casual atmosphere, and the friendly staff, it’s a great spot for families. The “Bambino” cheese pizza coupons often pop up for kids under 10, making it budget-friendly too.
Do they offer catering?
Yes, Giovanni’s has a catering menu. If you are hosting a birthday party, a graduation celebration, or a community meeting, they can provide trays of pasta, salads, and pizzas. It’s a stress-free way to feed a crowd with quality food.
What are the hours?
Typically, they are open from 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Wednesday, and 11 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Sunday. However, it’s always best to check their website or give them a quick call to confirm, as hours can vary on holidays.
