A Family-Friendly Night Out: Dining at Giovanni in Rockwall Harbor

After valet parking, my party of five made our way to Giovanni, a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Rockwall Harbor.

Giovanni accepts reservations for parties of four or more, so it’s a good idea to book ahead to avoid a wait. We were seated in the back corner, where a long bench lined the wall, offering cozy seating for our family. The table was set with modern hardware, white dishes, and plenty of glassware, which we quickly moved out of our toddlers’ reach.

Though the high chairs provided were a bit too far from the table, making it tricky for the kids to drink from the Styrofoam cups without spills, we managed by pouring their lemonade into travel cups. Naturally, this led to a small protest from Nicolette, who was eager to explore everything within her reach.

Vibrant Atmosphere and Drinks

The restaurant’s open layout and lively atmosphere meant that no one seemed disturbed by the occasional cries from our recently awakened daughter. Thankfully, the guests around us were understanding and kind, offering smiles of sympathy as we settled in.

Once we all had drinks in hand, my husband and I toasted to our blessings. Jason enjoyed his favorite—an Old Fashioned—while I sipped on a glass of Ruffino d’Asti Moscato from Piedmont, Italy. This bubbly, sweet wine with notes of peach and orange blossoms was the perfect refreshing choice for the evening.

Appetizers and Entrees

Warm, seasoned bread arrived at our table, accompanied by a dish of virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The menu was exciting, offering a modern twist on Italian classics with an emphasis on seafood. We started with two plates of Mixed Green Salad, featuring dried cranberries, candied walnuts, goat cheese, and honey balsamic. It was plenty to share among the five of us, including our toddlers.

For his main course, Jason chose the Spicy Pork Sausage Rigatoni, a traditional dish with a flavorful kick. The combination of peppers, spinach, and a brandy cream sauce made for a satisfying meal, enhanced by the earthiness of the arugula.

Our toddlers enjoyed a shared order of Chicken Penne in a light Alfredo sauce, which was a big hit. They were so focused on the pasta that they barely noticed when we offered them bites of our vegetables, risotto, sausage, and seafood. Nicolette was particularly pleased with the chicken, while Genevieve happily sampled everything.

I opted for one of the Chef’s Specials: Glazed Lemon Halibut on a bed of Mango Risotto, topped with two scallops. Each bite was a delight, with the creamy, buttery flavors melting in my mouth. The mango in the risotto added a unique twist that I’m glad I didn’t miss.

Sweet Endings

After our meal, Jason ordered a coffee, and we discovered that Giovanni doesn’t offer cappuccinos. For dessert, we tried the Mango Mousse and a chocolate brownie with scoops of ice cream. The Mango Mousse was light, smooth, and beautifully whipped—a perfect summer treat.

Throughout the evening, the service was attentive, and the dishes were presented beautifully. We also noticed a private room near the hostess stand, ideal for smaller gatherings. The restrooms were clean and well-equipped, with two changing tables in the ladies’ room (though we didn’t check the men’s).

The comfortable seating, both indoors and on the patio, made for a pleasant dining experience. The outdoor seating area seemed like a great option for those who enjoy al fresco dining while listening to live entertainment.

For more details on their menu and to reserve your table, visit Giovanni. Be sure to check out the gallery of photos at the top of this post.