Andy Firetto has been treating Bristol residents to his unique brand of Italian cuisine for over 28 years, and it isn’t hard to see why diners keep going back for more. The unassuming Don Giovanni’s exterior opens up into a welcoming, generous space that exudes a wonderful sense of intimacy and Italian romance.
The menu is far more intriguing than at your typical Italian restaurant – there was certainly nothing average about the calamari piccante starter comprising crispy fried chilli squid served with a sweet chilli jam. Andy’s homemade root vegetable soup and cozze gratinate – steamed mussels topped with Parmesan crumbs – was similarly superb. For mains I chose risotto with butternut squash, pine nuts and wild mushrooms, while my guest devoured roasted lamb rump with Port and cranberry gravy. Later, amaretto panettone bread and butter pudding was a most indulgent dessert. With a Sicilian father and grandmother, Andy’s upbringing was evident in every mouthful of our meal and the service from his partner Jo made us feel like old friends.
Don Giovanni’s is perfectly positioned for city workers, or those staying at one of the nearby hotels. Special lunch and early evening menus are also available. I can’t recommend Don Giovanni’s highly enough – the service is warm, the ambience sparkling and the food unforgettable.
