Casa Giovanni&Marina in Guanajuato

"I had heard great things about Casa Giovanni Marina so I decided to treat my partner to a birthday dinner there last night. It was like going home to “our nonna’s” for Sunday dinner. Every bite was full of flavor and love—I believe flavors like theirs can only be achieved when love is the main ingredient. We started with the most delicious bruschetta I’ve ever had, followed by a ‘Casa’-made ‘bola de’ carpaccio served with fresh figs, made-in-front-of-our-eyes fresh tagliatelle with pesto, veal scallopine al limone, and finished with a chocolate lava cake. Giovanni and Marina welcomed us warmly. We ended our evening together, enjoying the cool breeze as the sun set over the mountains and their small vineyard, while sipping wine and limoncello, also made by them. Come enjoy a piece of Italy in San Miguel and feel like you are visiting your Italian family for an exquisite meal in the country side. Back on Sep. 17, once again a wonderful dinner!"

"We had the most wonderful late lunch here during our recent trip to MEXICO. Even though it is a set menu there was no problem in tweaking it a little for my husband who does not eat seafood. We highly recommend a visit here. It was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip."

"If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have a home-cooked meal in the countryside in Italy, you’ll be on the ‘I get it page’ pronto. Casa Giovanni&Marina is so authentic (both are from Rica Del Garda, Trentino) you’d swear you were in the old country. What's on my mind, ITALY with memories of my friend Umberto Menghi's “Villa Delia di Umberto Hotel & Cooking School” in the picturesque village Ripoli do Lari, in the Tuscany region. Now transport yourself to a modest house and small vineyard twenty minutes outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mx, and BAM! Here you are at Casa Giovanni&Marina - Bella Italia! The wine Morellino de Scansano not quite as refined as my personal favorite, Brunello di Montalcino, but a perfect blend of flavors for this rustic meal of warm Eggplant and vegetables, Devine fresh baked bread, mushroom-ricotta tortolini in butter and parmagano-reggiano, in- paper thin in-home cured beef carpaccio, follows by a fruit costarta and of course a little Grapa to finish. Some who have visited here chefs, and notable food critics have declared this 'The most traditional Trentino meal you will find. And the best Italian ristorante anywhere in San Miguel - molto bene! The PG happily agrees and would strongly recommend you call for a reservation velocemente. Open: 1-8pm Th,Fri,Sat&Sun. Five Silver ’s is what you’ll get in the way of vibe, tastes your mother, if she were Italian would serve, the warmth of familia Giovanni ( San Miguel Jack’s friend aka Mick Jagger, sweet Marina and handsome son Nicholas) in service and hospitality A gastronomical memory that will stay with you for a very long time. Enough said, it’s time for a siesta ~ Dolci sogni d'Italia in Messico."

"We had an absolutely amazing afternoon meal at Giovanni Y Marina! Very high quality farm to table dishes set in a charming atmosphere with tasty wines from Italy! A four course delicious seasonal meal changes every week, what more could you want? A special treat for a long leisurely lunch or special celebration while in San Miguel de Allende! Worth the drive"

"Truly a special experience being in a family run place . Very charming world traveler trio, with many a story to tell. And the food! Delicate high end cuisine ! They will WhatsApp you the available menu items earlier when you make a reservation. Memorable ! Worth driving out of town for!"

"I cannot tell you wonderful and awesome experience this place is!!! The food was ridiculously good, Giovanni and Marina are AMAZING, and the whole property is gorgeous. Watching Marina make you epic dishes while Giovanni opens you another a bottle of wine in such an intimate setting is just fabulous. JUST GO!!!!!"

"A Wonderful culinary experience in the outskirts of San Miguel. Marina (chef) and Giovanni were exceptional hosts. The food was 100% Italiano!! Worth the drive and the price. Can’t wait to go back!!!"

"A group of us had been wanting to try Giovanni & Marinas for months, but due to busy travel schedules, illness, etc. we hadn't gotten around to it. We were finally able to dine there this evening and it was absolutely fabulous. From the minute we sat down we felt like we were being welcomed into someone's home in the Italian countryside. Giovanni was the consummate host, seating us and taking our drink orders quickly, but also chatting with us and making us feel at home. While we were enjoying our drinks (mineral water, Italian red wine, and beer for me) we could see Marina making the pasta in the open kitchen--it doesn't get any fresher than that. Giovanni & Marina's has a set menu every week and reservations are required. This week's menu started with bruschetta topped with homemade ricotta, honey, and fresh herbs. It was incredible, the ricotta was light and rich and the honey blended with it perfectly. This was a perfect appetizer. The pasta dish was tagliatelle with trentino ragu. It was a rich meat sauce that went perfectly with fresh pasta. We each received a large bowl and it would have been plenty, but Marina brought out a huge bowl and placed it on the table family style. I think everyone in our party had seconds (or more). The pasta dish was accompanied by some delicious focaccia along with olive oil and a rich balsamic for dipping. The main course was Tuscan chicken. The crispy skin and moist and tender chicken was topped with a wonderful sauce and perfectly sauteed mushrooms. The chicken was accompanied by rosemary potatoes, crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked throughout. At this point we were all feeling stuffed, but I was eagerly anticipating dessert. It was a panna cotta topped with a rich caramel sauce and served with cute little umbrellas. The texture was light and creamy and and the portion size was perfect. As we enjoyed our dessert, Giovanni surprised us with some homemade limoncello. We had a group toast and it was a fantastic end to a truly amazing meal. Dining at Giovanni and Marina's is more like an intimate dinner at a friend's house than a typical restaurant experience. It truly is a magical experience and we are already planning to return soon. Casa Giovanni is located about 15-20 minutes outside SMA near the little village of Cieneguita. They are open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Reservations required."