Reviews for Giannfranco's Trattoria in Carpinteria, CA

Nice outside seating and an appetizing menu which unfortunately didn't deliver on its promise. I had a portebelo mushroom as... appetizer and its balsamic reduction was delicious. But the entrée (lobster ravioli) although recommended by the waiter wasvery disappointing: the raviolis were swimming in a quarter inch of butter and I couldn't taste the lobster: probably becausethe stuffing didnt have much lobster in the first place... or my taste buds were on strike! Service and atmosphere stillcontributed to a decent experience and forced a 4 star review when i first started with 3. Read more

Our first visit struck gold! Excellent traditional Italian restaurant with fine offerings across the entire menu and first... class service. Seating in the patio garden was quite comfortable and perfectly relaxing. We will return soon and likely makethis a regular spot for any occasion. Read more

I was visiting Carpinteria that day, and the restaurant looked nice. I had the Toscana Salad and the Parma sandwich to go. I... took my order to go because I wanted to eat on the beach. Salad portion was relatively small for the price, and they gave me thewrong sandwich. A couple hours later I returned to the restaurant because I needed a restroom and was refused by the managerbecause "Restrooms are only for paying customers". I told him I had ordered a couple hours before and he still did not let mein. He had greeted me at the entrance when I ordered. Kinda rude, food is OK. Read more

Visiting Santa Barbara and on our adventure we shared our table with a couple at a taco place. His name is Kevin. We already ate... at Convivo and he recommended trying this Italian restaurant he hosts at for his friends. So we parted ways and later that daydrove 10mins to Carpenteria. We almost drove past because it's such a small place on the outside. Kevin was there and led us tothe bustling back patio. We were greeted by the owners who also took our orders. Their son is the chef. I was absolutely blownaway. Bite after bite, it was the best Italian food I've ever had. Everything is made from scratch. Everything is made with thatcare you would take for a very special meal. Highly recommend for the tourist and locals alike. Not one boring bite! Thank youso much for sharing this beautiful diamond in the rough with us!! Read more

My husband and I had lunch for my birthday last Sunday, and it was a lovely experience. Food was delicious, service was prompt... and attentive, the setting in the garden behind the restaurant just what we wanted, and we had a chat with the owners who werevery gracious. It was our first visit to Carpinteria, but definitely will not be the last, and we?re looking forward to diningat Giannfranco?s again! Read more

I had a salami sandwich and it was good. Husband had a panini and that was good. Friendly, cozy atmosphere. Loved the owners... how they came around to greet us and offered their thought on some of the food dishes. They were so sweet and inviting. Theywarmed my heart. Will definitely return to try dinner :)). Read more

A hidden gem! On a warm afternoon, we were drawn to the ?specials? board outside the restaurant. What a pleasant surprise their... inviting shaded patio was with a water feature, umbrellas and plants. We ordered 2-gluten free pasta dishes and they were bothdelicious. We felt confident the chef understood Celiac and our Gluten Allergy after speaking with the restaurant owner whointroduced herself at our table. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this quaint Italian restaurant with greatservice and delicious food. Thank you Anna! Read more

Visiting with friends and we came across this amazing restaurant. Came in for lunch not knowing we would be totally amazed by... the food. Every bite was sensational! The staff was very warm and inviting attending to us like how your grandmother would at afamily gathering. If the lunch service was this impressive I can't wait to come back here for dinner. Read more