Ristorante “Da Giovannino” In Amatrice

We tried the amatriciana and it was very good. The gricia, on the other hand, was exceptional, the best I've ever tasted. Kudos to the guanciale masters! I'll definitely be back.

Courtesy and quality of food make it a unique place

Clean and very welcoming place. The staff was very polite and efficient and the food was excellent.

Amatriciana and gricia are FABULOUS!

I come to Amatrice every year, and for me, it's the go-to restaurant in the area. Everything is always good and the prices are fantastic. My only tip: be careful with the first courses! If you order a first course, they'll bring you a Flemish dish with about 250 grams of pasta, but don't overdo it. Last time, we even ordered a first course called "Assaggio di Amatriciana e Grigia" (A taste of Amatriciana and Grigia) for 10 euros, I think, and we got two Flemish dishes full of pasta! Definitely not a taste... luckily, four of us ate it.

Ristorante Da Giovannino in Amatrice is not simply a place to eat, but a secular sanctuary of memory, rebirth, and human resilience. There are deep wounds that forever change the skin of a land, and the night of August 24, 2016, robbed these valleys of almost all their breath and their future. Yet, in the wounded heart of this land, there are places capable of transforming pain into living stone and rubble into invisible but indestructible foundations. This historic restaurant endured the hell of the earthquake, forced displacement, the sacrifices of transition, and the long, arduous wait, until finally returning to shine in its rebuilt home. The soul and engine of this miraculous resistance are perfectly embodied in the unbreakable bond between a father and his sons, owners of the restaurant and proud custodians of a legacy that transcends time. Behind the stove is Marco, the chef and owner, a silent master who guards the sacred flame of tradition; his hands bear the marks of hard work and passion, capable of translating the history of Amatrice into timeless culinary masterpieces. His son, Giovannino, also the owner, is at the helm in the dining room. He, along with his brothers and sisters, waits at the tables with a unique warmth, kindness, and professionalism. With his quick wit and sincere smile, Giovannino manages to dissolve all formalities, transforming service into an intimate and lighthearted dialogue, while maintaining an impeccable rigor and attention to detail that reveal a supreme craft. His presence is a dance of rare grace: he discreetly anticipates the guest's every wish, explains the genesis of the dishes with the devotion of one who honors his father's work, and embodies the indomitable and generous spirit of his people. Sitting at this table means performing a sacred rite of communion and savoring a legendary Amatriciana, a masterpiece of gastronomic art crafted by Marco strictly according to the original recipe. The perfectly golden guanciale offers a crispy texture on the outside and melts in the mouth; the tomato creates a thick, velvety, and enveloping sauce that balances the meat's structured flavor without ever overpowering it, while the final grating of local pecorino cheese creates a white, savory, and pungent veil that binds the long strands of pasta in a perfect embrace. Every bite is pure poetry, a symphony of ancient flavors that speaks of pastures, hearths, and traditions passed down with filial love. The portions are generous and opulent, almost as if to symbolize the infinite abundance of this land's heart, which, despite the immense hardships it has suffered, continues to give its guests everything it possesses. This family's welcome is warm, disarming, and immediate, a genuine hospitality that erases distances and makes everyone feel part of a greater story. There's no trace of rhetoric or exhibitionism, but only the profound pride of those who, between father and son, defend their culinary identity as a bastion of freedom and continuity. Eating here, guided by Marco's talent in the kitchen and the charisma of Giovannino and his brothers and sisters in the dining room, is not just a meal, but a true act of love and tangible proof that beauty, culture, and the authentic flavor of life always know how to flourish again, stronger and more tenacious than any shock. An absolutely obligatory stop, an indelible and wonderful emotional experience for the soul. Without a doubt, the best one could wish for, and it will always go far beyond the best possible expectations. That's why we are grateful for what will be and what has already been. Thank you so much 🙏🏾💙🩵 Chef Alex T. Pisapia 🙂🫂☀️

True amatriciana, congratulations on the kindness 👏

We ate very well. Both the gricia and the amatriciana were truly delicious, both served in generous portions. The sausage was also excellent! The arrosticini were a little less impressive. The staff, always courteous and efficient, ensured prompt service. In any case, it's worth it!

Delicious food. Takeout. Fast service. Generous portions.

Excellent, we had a great time, highly recommended