Giovanni was destined to become the restaurateur he is today.

The Schipani family, from left to right, daughters Sara and Anastasia with Giovanni and Anna.

Giovanni Restaurant originally opened in 1961 by Giovanni Schipani. The oldest son of seven, Giovanni was born into this business. He grew up in Gary, Indiana above a saloon, which was owned and operated by his mother and father. Biazio Schipani ran the bar while Savaria Schipani cooked up a storm with her southern Italian style dishes.

Giovanni was destined to become the restaurateur he is today. After opening a series of Italian restaurants throughout the U.S., Giovanni went all in with his open kitchen and classic old world charm concept.

Giovanni ran his flagship restaurant for 27 years until he decided it was time for a change and handed it over to his employees. They gave it a go for some number of years, making some menu alterations, but keeping the rustic interior untouched.

In 2010 Giovanni decided it was time to reclaim his masterpiece. So, with the help of his wife Anna and two daughters Anastasia and Sara, the family has re-established the origins of this beloved Berkeley gem.

Almost 100 years later, the third generation of the Schipani family has maintained the true concept of what it is to have a successful family owned and operated business.

Bravo!