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Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Review
About
Best Shrimp Scampi on the North Shore since 1993
Features
CUISINES
American, Seafood, Fast food, Hawaiian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
PRICE
$
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Seating
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 10:30 AM
Sunday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Monday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Tuesday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Wednesday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Thursday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Saturday
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Contribute
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4.2
1,473 reviews
Excellent
695
Very good
467
Average
209
Poor
63
Terrible
39
sam c
Ann Arbor324 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Gave Giovanni's a try on the recommendation of a work colleague. For the most part, they lived up to the hype. The truck is located within an open air complex consisting of other food trucks, food stands, and tented stores. We got the scampi and lemon butter shrimp plates (both were good, but I personally thought that the scampi was better). The plates are filling (12 shrimp and two scoops of rice) and provided more shrimp than some of the other trucks we tried. Plates come out quickly, so stay attentive to hear your number called.
This truck can be a little touristy (it is the most well known one on the north shore apparently). When we arrived, there were already two small tour buses of people waiting for them to open. As a result, parking and seating to eat (nearby picnic tables are first come, first serve) can be a little tricky. Prices are affordable compared to the island overall, but were a little higher than some of the other shrimp trucks we tried (but understandable given that they provided more shrimp). Know that they are CASH ONLY! Overall, this is a pretty solid choice if you're looking for relatively good-quality food and convenience on the north shore (given its proximity to other stuff within the Kahuku sugar mill complex and short drive from Turtle Bay).
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian M
62 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
Nice little spot with several different options for food. Arrived in the small private parking lot. Pull in horse shoe lot. $2 to park. Here you have a choice of many different options. We came for the Gio truck. Which also had the longest line.
Seating is ample, we scoped and posted up at a table that was coming available. My wife jumped in line….7 people ahead.
The trees above offer a nice shady spot. Tables are a bit rustic as the one bench seat on our side of the table was imploding. Food was good but it’s definitely Jarlic (jarred garlic) with a lot of butter. Solid set of 2 rice scoops and abundant number of shrimp! Shrimp is cooked whole legs shell intact.
Prepare to use your fingers as there is no other way to eat shrimp with the shell. The lemon slices will definitely kick up the flavor. You’ll have a plate leftover with peeling and tails. The flavor didn’t blow our minds. But respect to the cooks and staff who keep the kitchen rolling fast. We greatly appreciate everyone who prepared our meal and gave us a one of da kine experience.
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Love to hear you enjoyed the shrimp at the location and thank you for the great review. Take care and please spread the word.
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 10 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Starving Duck
San Francisco714 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
The experience had its ups and downs. The long lines were a bit of a drawback—we waited about an hour from standing in line to finally getting our order. Parking and seating were also limited, so it’s best to arrive prepared for a bit of a wait. However, the food made up for it! The shrimp was absolutely delicious, and the garlic rice was a great addition. The multiple vendors onsite were a nice touch, offering extra food and drink options. Since we were on the island, it felt fitting to continue our usual visit, and overall, it was worth it for the food and ambiance.
Written 27 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry for the wait time at the location. It can get crazy at times and we try to speed the process. We are happy you hear you enjoyed the shrimp at the location and hope you enjoyed your time in Hawaii. Take care and please spread the word.
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Written 8 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BackinthUK
Newcastle upon Tyne293 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
Giovanni's was THE place. They had a plate of shrimp with a garlic-lemon sauce and rice which was a must for anyone visiting Oahu. You topped by a truck in a field, with a few picnic tables, queued and got something absolutely delicious and moreish.
Either the original owners have sold, or they just don't care, What you now get are tasteless shrimp, overcooked, stale clumpy rice and not special taste, while the price has skyrocketed and you're surrounded by other food trucks.
It was great - hence the hype.
It's now very poor and there are better food options around the island and North shore.
One to miss.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
May_EXL
Winnipeg1028 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
I couldn’t go home without trying Giovanni’s shrimp so I went to the Kahuku location. I asked for spicy garlic shrimp and the lady impatiently told me I will get their famous shrimp scampi with hot sauce on the side, so that’s what I got. The shrimp were overcooked and dry. The shells were hard to peel off and shrimp had a rubbery texture. The garlic rice was mushy and tasted bland. Certainly didn’t meet my expectations. My heart was set on getting shrimp at Giovanni’s because you read from travelers reviews that it’s the very best on the island. I’m sorry to disagree with the people who were raving about Giovanni’s. I have tried 3 different shrimp trucks and I would say that Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is number 3 on my list. To sum it up it appears that Giovanni is living off their reputation.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LydiaLLD
Hartford167 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
We have been to Hawaii six times previously and had never tried Giovanni's. (There was a Cajun food truck that was amazing and we ate there instead - since closed). We decided to try this location for some shrimp because getting to the trucks in Haleiwa is a nightmare. It wasn't terribly crowded and we were second in line. The woman taking our order was clearly unhappy to be there, very short with me when I asked a question and the food is basically put down and they walk off. My husband had the lemon/butter shrimp and I got the hot/spicy which came out pretty quickly. We sat at one of the tables and enjoyed our shrimp immensely. Being from Louisiana, I could criticize it for not having that flair but Giovanni's is Hawaii and I loved it.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dbrax
1 contribution
Sept 2022 • couples
Heard so many people talking about Giovanni's shrimp truck and heard It was the best in Oahu so we decided to give it a shot. The first time we went we didn't realize that it was cash only. No big deal I guess but this is 2022. No ATM available near by so we went with a different truck. That will be a whole separate review. We decided to go back a few days later with cash in hand. I ordered the scampi and my girlfriend ordered the hot n spicy. I received my plate within 5 minutes but then had to wait another 15 minutes until the hot n spicy was ready. We went to lunch together so I waited until she received her plate before I started eating so my plate was lukewarm at best by that time. As far as the flavor goes, it was good not great. Honestly I've had better shrimp in my hometown of Tucson. The hot n spicy was nothing but shrimp tossed in Tabasco sauce. Or at least that's what it tasted like. The rice served with it tasted like they dumped the water they used to boil the shrimp on top of it and it was pretty mushy. All in all I would rate the taste about 3 out of 5 stars for the scampi and 2 out of 5 for the hot n spicy. The overall experience considering all the flies and and cash only would be a 2 out of 5
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
msa23_2000
Chino Hills1525 contributions
Apr 2022 • solo
Very casual dining with a simple menu and outdoor picnic tables. The place is legendary. The garlic shrimp scampi is the popular choice. It is served with shells on and loaded with garlic and butter. I really liked it. I think some people hear the hype and expect something fancy, not a tagged up truck surrounded by kiosks and picnic tables. But I liked the super casual ambiance and thought the shrimp lived up to the hype.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightseer779040
524 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
We found this during my research on best places to eat on a drive around the island. This food truck is located in the Kahuku food trucks area. There is a large gravel lot so there was plenty of parking when we went on a Sunday afternoon. There are many many different food trucks here, but Giovanni’s was the one most recommended online. There was a decent line, but it moved very quickly. Once you order you are given a number and wait for it to be called. It took about 10-15 minutes. We got the standard shrimp scampi, the hot and spicy shrimp, and the lemon garlic shrimp. We also got a side of macaroni salad that was delicious. Each plate came with about a dozen shrimp in the order as well as rice. You do have to peel the shells, but the shells basically fell right off. The best was the shrimp scampi as it had a lot of flavor. The spicy one was good, but not that spicy, and our least favorite was the lemon garlic simply because the other two were so great! It just didn’t have as much flavor as the others. Between the two of us, we were so hungry from snorkeling earlier that we ate all of it! There is covered picnic table seating, or there are other picnic tables out and around with umbrellas on them, plenty were open and were shaded. Afterwards, there are some shops and tents set up around that we walked around and checked out. Overall we would recommend Giovanni’s to those who are shrimp lovers, as the shrimp were perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
4cookiesrwe
Bremerton79 contributions
Mar 2025 • family
Fun food truck with limited options but all one might need if you love shrimp. I had a half and half plate (Hot and Spicy and Scampi). If you love spicy food, you will be able to tolerate the Hot and Spicy (no refunds-LOL).
Written 13 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Love the fun food comment and thank you for recommending us to future customers. Enjoy the island and please spread the word
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Jorge Amorim
Written 14 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jiazi D
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
Not good at all. So disappointed to drive over and eat some overcooked shrimp. The spice was basically Tobasco. The lemon butter plate was just a plate of plane shrimp and rice with a small cup of lemon butter sauce on the side. No garlic. Definitely not worth it at all. Cute food truck stop but eat somewhere else it’s not worth it.
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MandC0218
Riverside6857 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We were very happy to try this famous shrimp truck in Oahu and it didn't disappoint. My husband loved it and he doesn’t usually eat shrimp , but he finished the whole thing. I ordered the scampi shrimp and my hubby ordered the lemon butter shrimp. Both were delicious. Long lines, but they move fast, and we got our food quickly. We were lucky to find our own table as you usually must share with other guests. There are some shops selling souvenirs and clothes next to the truck as well. We went there around 1:30pm on a weekday and found the one still available parking spot. A satisfying and tasty experience!
Written 3 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael M
San Diego998 contributions
Jan 2022 • friends
I’ve been getting my Kahuku shrimp fix at this original Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck since 1998, when I lived in Oahu for a short period, and every visit to the island thereafter! On this trip back to the island, I also tried one of their competitors, that many locals also rave about often, but they didn’t beat nor even compare to Giovanni’s! You will always see a long line at Giovanni’s and that’s because it’s worth the wait.
The Hot & Spicy Shrimp plate is my favorite and yes, it is spicy alright, so much that the menu states “No Refund” for it. It’s the perfect spicy, mouth burning goodness, that keeps you wanting more shrimp! But not to worry if you’re not a fan of spicy because the Shrimp Scampi is just as delicious - minus the spicy. And if you want something in between, ask for the spicy sauce on the side of the Scampi option. There’s also a Lemon Butter Shrimp option, but I’ve yet to try it. Perhaps next time (that’s what I usually say but end up with the same two I always get).
Although Giovanni’s doesn’t have the larger prawn option (like one of their nearby competitors), their flavors more than make up for it. Flavor is definitely more important to me than size when it comes to food, so Giovanni’s continues to be my preferred Kahuku shrimp spot.
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
Thank you for visiting the shrimp truck and happy you enjoyed the experience at the location... Take care and hope to see you again in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jazzkat
Nashville282 contributions
May 2022 • none
You know how every once in a while someone gives you the feeling that YOU'RE the lucky one to be giving THEM your money? Yeah, that's the feeling we had here. We go up to order and get two gruff words: "No garlic."
So, you have none of the garlic options?
"No garlic," he snarls back.
No macaroni salad either.
And no taste for the poorly deveined TOUGH lemon butter shrimp we got instead of the garlic shrimp. Honestly, it was gross. I had to buy a churro waffle on a stick at the next truck to get the taste out of my mouth.
Take my advice, and keep driving. They've apparently gotten too big for their britches.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LangTuSJ
San Jose5 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Overrated, over-hyped and over-priced. We visited the island in July 2021 and wanted to try the famous Giovanni but the line was too long so we tried Jenni The Shrimp instead. This time around, we determined to try it. We came to the place around 4:20 and they charged us $2 for parking! OK fine! We ordered 5 scampi, 3 hot and spicy and they were just meh! So disappointed and I wished I had gone to Jenni instead. Do yourselves a favor and skip this the next time around
Written 23 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorge Amorim
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience at the shrimp truck.. I will forward your review to the owner and hope you give us another chance in the future..
Jorge Amorim
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
808-293-1839
Written 27 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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