Restaurant Review: Giovanni's Pizza Grill

If you plan to visit Woodstock this summer...and you should...there are some things you should not miss. You definitely have to visit Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and see all the precious rescued farmed animals who are now living lives of safety and freedom. There is lots of shopping to do in town for t-shirts, memorabilia and art. You can go to a gallery exhibit, take in a stage show and listen to the drum circle Sunday afternoons on the Green.

And while you are at the Green, you should cross the street and get something you know you've been missing: delicious vegan pizza! In my case, I have really been missing authentic, Italian, NYC pizza.  Giovanni's Pizza Grill, run by the very talented John Barbaro, is a must-stop on your Woodstock to-do list.

The menu is filled with delicious food made with local, organic ingredients and love.

There are delicious grilled pizzettas made with whole-wheat dough. Cooked over an open flame, the pizza crust gets crispy and slightly charred on the outside while the middle stays tender and chewy. The "Margherita" is made with tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella and fresh basil.

The Margherita

The "Giovanni" is made with broccoli rabe, tomato sauce and kalamata olives. I never liked broccoli rabe until I tasted Giovanni's. My favorite is the "Benedetta," named after John's beautiful wife. It has caramelized onions, tomato sauce and kalamata olives. And the "Bambino" which is a combination of the Giovanni and the Benedetta is named for John and Benedetta's expected baby :)

The Benedetta

Besides pizza, there are yummy appetizers like Spinach Poppers and Poppy's Potato Croquettes.

Poppy's Potato Croquettes

For lunch you have a choice of gluten-free Panelli (Baked Chickpea Patties), gluten-free Meatballs or Sausage with Peppers and Onions, all served in a bowl or on a hero. I love the meatballs which are made with whole grains and seeds, covered in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions.

Tom loves the Sausage with Peppers and Onions hero which is absolutely delicious. The sausage has great texture and the peppers and onions are sweet and flavorful.

After you eat your meal while sitting outdoors under the umbrellas, it's time for dessert. The dessert menu features Waffilinni, Biscotti and a delicious cup of Espresso. Savor your meal while enjoying your front-seat view of the center of town. It's also fun to watch people rave about the food and then realize it's vegan. They can't tell the difference!

Giovanni's Pizza Grill brings something that was sorely missing both to Woodstock and to our lives: authentic, nutritious, delicious vegan Italian food. So make sure when you visit Woodstock that you stop by and see how amazing cruelty-free Italian food can be.

And if you can't visit, please spread the word and support a great local vegan business. You can "like" Giovanni's Pizza Grill's Facebook page here.

Courtesy of Giovanni's Pizza Grill

Giovanni's Pizza Grill is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
Rock City Road & Mill Hill Road/Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498
(347) 218-3692

The "V" Word: Say it. Eat it. Live it.