The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is a historic gem at the border of Darien and Stamford, Connecticut. GIOVANNI’S, “A Serious Steak House,” marries the subtleties of Italian cuisine with the boldness of an American steak house to create a dining experience unique in its balance and complexity. Each menu selection is made from the freshest of ingredients and designed to tantalize the palate.
A core tenet of The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is to serve only the freshest food, and this starts with the best ingredients. Vegetable dishes, such as the restaurant’s stuffed zucchini flowers, are made from homegrown and handpicked vegetables to ensure maximum freshness. Seafood is purchased live whenever possible and, in the case of the restaurant’s blue point oysters, sourced locally and brought to the restaurant directly from Norwalk. Beef, which the restaurant’s staff butchers and ages in house to produce the best possible flavor and texture, is always prime Certified Angus Beef. This commitment to quality ingredients extends not only to the restaurant’s dining customers, but also to the weddings and other events it hosts.
The space at The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s includes the main dining room as well as a beautiful bar area and an intimate private dining room known as the Cantina di Giovanni. The main dining room, with its cherry wood wall panels, curio cabinets and oak floors, resembles an old-world library where diners can retreat from the world and rest in the soothing embrace of good company and a good meal. Customers hosting private events, whether they are intimate business dinners or important family celebrations, will frequently retreat to the Cantina di Giovanni. This private dining room is carefully temperature-controlled and lined from floor to ceiling with Giovanni’s expertly curated wine collection.
The collection of more than 3,000 bottles of wine features many of Wine Spectator’s top-voted wines, including vintages from Italy, France, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Spain and, of course, the United States. Most are sourced directly from the makers who have visited The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s and hosted tasting and wine-pairing lessons for the restaurant’s patrons.
The driving force behind The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s is Giovanni Gabriele, his daughter JoAnn, and his son-in-law Sal Latorraca. Giovanni, who began his career at Manero’s restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut, opened his first restaurant in 1977 and quickly became known for always serving the best-quality steaks and seafood. His restaurant was, and remains, a place to take the family for a simple dinner or an elaborate celebration. This family-owned restaurant takes great care in giving everyone an unforgettable dining experience.
The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s, 2748 Boston Post Rd., Darien, 203-325-9979; www.watersedgeatgiovannis.com