Born in Reggio Calabria, Italy and brought up in Grangetown, Cardiff - Giovanni is a true Welsh Italian. His career began with him travelling to America to work on luxury cruise liners touring the world.

His first business venture was in New Jersey where he purchased shares in a restaurant called The Fox and Hounds, which he successfully ran for a number of years before becoming homesick and returning to Wales.

Six months after his return, while looking for a new project, he came across a coffee shop then known as 'Planters', which is now the iconic Giovanni's Restaurant on the Hayes. Having played host to countless celebrities, appearing on various TV shows and receiving outstanding reviews - it truly can be said that Giovanni's restaurant is a Cardiff institution. 2013 marked the 30th anniversary of its trading, and Giovanni is now spreading his wealth of knowledge with his second Cardiff restaurant "Giovannis in Park Place" and his highly anticipated Italian Cookery School (www.giovanniscookeryschool.com).

And as if his year hadn't already been busy enough, he isn't stopping there. He has plans to open Giovanni's Central Kitchen, and launch his very own Italian Delivery Service alongside his restaurants.

Giovanni says "I feel that although Cardiff has expanded, we all need to focus our attention on raising our standards so we can truly compete with other major cities in Europe"

While Giovanni's first love is food, his interests and expertise doesn't stop there. Giovanni is incredibly skilled at helping others which is reflected in his work as a life coach. On top of this, he is also the founder of GIOS charity, standing for "Great Individuals Often Succeed" and generates funds to assist youths in achieving their dreams.