Asaiahsen A.
Yelp
A Memorable Night at Giovedì - A Fusion Feast Worth Celebrating
We visited Giovedì for a special occasion--a 21st birthday celebration--and the experience was nothing short of outstanding. With a reservation at 7:30 PM for our party of five, we were warmly welcomed into an intimate, stylish space that bridges Italian charm with Asian inspiration. The restaurant itself is cozy and chic, nestled within rustic Chinatown buildings, with an airy patio that seamlessly connects the indoor ambiance to the surrounding character of the neighborhood.
 Cocktails That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
We kicked off the evening with several rounds of cocktails--3 to 4, to be exact--and each one was better than the last. Among our favorites:
 * Sports Mode Espresso Martini: Rich, smooth, and energizing without being too sweet. A refined twist on a classic.
 * Lychee Vodka Cocktail: Bright, floral, and incredibly refreshing.
 * Tequila Sour Peacock: This one stole the show--bold, citrusy, with a beautiful presentation that matched its vibrant flavor.
These cocktails paired perfectly with the family-style sharing experience we were aiming for.
 Appetizers That Set the Bar High
The starters at Giovedì showed their creativity and bold fusion:
 * Hokkaido Milk Rolls with Black Garlic Butter: Warm, soft, and decadently flavorful. A comforting way to ease into the meal.
 * Foie Gras Torchon: My personal favorite--smooth, rich, and complemented by caramelized onions and olive oil toast. Though one friend found it a bit unconventional served cold, it was still a standout.
 * Prosciutto San Daniele with Vietnamese Sesame Donuts: This dish brought fun and flavor. We loved the interactivity--cutting open the airy donuts and stuffing them with prosciutto, Parmigiano, and pickled toppings made for a playful, delicious bite.
 Pasta That Proves Fusion Can Be Flawless
Each pasta dish brought something unique to the table:
 * Dan Mien Vietnam-atriciana: The crowd favorite--beautifully balanced between sweet and savory with a depth of umami that lingered long after each bite.
 * Capellini Granchio: A rich, elegant dish. The Dungeness crab was lush and buttery, while the preserved lemon and kani miso added brightness and umami, and the crispy breadcrumbs added just the right crunch.
 * Gnocchi Mabolognese: Comfort food elevated. Pillow-soft gnocchi in a velvety beef cheek ragu--it melted in the mouth.
 Entrees That Kept Impressing
 * Kona Kampachi: A standout dish with a complex curry-forward sauce that was both aromatic and addictive. This was another table favorite.
 * Char Siu Pork: Perfectly cooked, tender, and finished with sweet plums that added a delicious contrast. A wonderful harmony of sweet, salty, and savory.
 Sweet Endings & Sippable Surprises
Dessert was classic and inventive all at once:
 * Tiramisu: You can't go wrong, and they certainly didn't. Light, creamy, and satisfying.
 * Limoncello Coffee Cocktail: Served in an adorable teacup, this was an unexpected highlight. Bright, zesty lemoncello met the depth of coffee in a surprising but delicious pairing--perfect for sipping post-meal.
 Final Thoughts
Giovedì delivered a vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully thought-out meal from start to finish. The blend of Italian and Asian influences isn't just a gimmick--it's executed with real finesse and creativity. The atmosphere was cozy and ideal for a celebration, and the service kept pace with our lively, food-loving group.
We left full, happy, and already planning our return. There's still so much on the menu we're eager to try. If you're looking for a spot that's equal parts elevated and fun, with flavors that surprise and satisfy--Giovedì is a must.