Giovanni Lavorato is the Owner and Executive Chef of III Amici Ristorante in Linden, New Jersey. Established since 1990, III Amici is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant. Mario Lavorato, Giovanni's brother, is the Head Chef and was formerly executive head chef of many cruise lines including Norwegian and Princess. Giovanni's son Dante and his daughter Teresa also help manage the restaurant.

Mr. Giovanni Lavorato began his culinary studies at the age of fourteen at the Scuola Alberghiera at Senigallia, near the capital city of Ancona in the Marche region of Italy by the Adriatic Sea and then in the city of Jesolo near Venice, where he received his diploma.

After graduation, he traveled and cooked throughout Italy, France, Switzerland, and Germany. In 1967, Mr. Lavorato immegrated to Montreal, Canada, and began working in one of the most famous Italian restaurants in Canada, the Bianca Franco.

When Mr. Lavorato came to the United States in 1968, he continued to work in the restaurant business and, in 1975, established the Appian Way Restaurant in Orange, New Jersey. There he received acclaim and recognition in magazines and newspapers such as The New York Times, The Star Ledger, and Gourmet Magazine.

After eight years at The Appian Way, Mr. Lavorato bought the Bel'Vedere Ristorante in Clifton, New Jersey. This very successful business also received recognition and awards, such as one awarded by II Messaggero Economico Mondiale. Mr. Lavorato was also awarded the title of II Cavaliere on the order of St. George, a prestigious honor in the Italian society.

In 1990, he opened III Amici Ristorante and, in 1995, was awarded the Man of the Year award by II Ponte Italo-Americano International Cultural magazine. This award commended Mr. Lavorato's achievements and leadership in the food service industry.

Mr. Lavorato also received an award from the Italian Council of New York and another from Senator Scott from the State of New Jersey. In 2006 Giovanni was honored with the Business of the Year Award by the Union County Chamber of Commerce. III Amici Ristorante offers an extensive menu with authentic dishes from both the Northern and Southern regions of Italy.

The restaurant boasts a spacious and newly remodeled dining room with a classic Italian decor, a Venetian style lounge, and a recently renovated private banquet facility for all your special occasions.