More than two decades ago, a friend visited Michael Gondevas in New York and convinced him to come south to operate an Italian restaurant in Albertville. “I came down, I liked the South and I moved down here and I took over Giovanni’s,” Gondevas said.

Co-owner Anthula Gondevas credits the Southern hospitality and friendly local support with helping the restaurant in the early days as it grew and prospered. Giovanni’s success lies in the freshness of the food, which is made to order and authentic in its preparation and flavors.