Giovanni’s Pizza of Santa Barbara
Consistent, Quality Pizza Since 1979
Where: 3020 State Street, 682-3621; 1905 Cliff Drive; 6583 Pardall Road; giovannispizzasb.com.
What: Locally run for more than 30 years, this trifecta of pizza locations emphasizes consistency and freshness.
How Much: Specialty pizzas, small-XL, $7.50-$23.95, hot sandwiches $5.95-$7.50, Giovanni’s homemade lasagna $7.95, à la carte.
The Dish: Consistency and quality have been the glue to solidify the Santa Barbara Giovanni’s brand pizza. Opened in 1979 by Danny Babai, the small restaurant chain remains in the family, run by Danny’s son Daniel and Daniel’s wife, Loni. The Founder’s Family Giovanni’s group has three locations, not affiliated with any other location: State St., Isla Vista, and the more recent Mesa Giovanni’s. Time-honored recipes, fresh dough made every morning, and daily topping chopping guarantee authenticity and enhanced flavors. Specialty pizzas range in size from 7” pan to 16” XL on Chicago-style thick crust (thin crust is available on request). Calzones, custom pizzas, salads, pastas, and more than 15 hot sandwiches are available, as well as baked appetizers (never fried), such as jalapeño poppers and Buffalo-style chicken wings. Signature dishes include Giovanni’s Special Pizza (Canadian bacon, pepperoni, salami, sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell pepper, onions), as well as Giovanni’s homemade lasagna (allow 20 minutes). Also enjoy beer on tap or by bottle, wine, sodas, video games for the kids, and big-screen TVs. Family-run Giovanni’s of Santa Barbara has created and maintained a signature style and flavor in the community.
