Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.5

1098 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 10, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.

Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Vegetarian, Pizza Bar
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 825-7112
Website
http://www.giardinosd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We offer spaces to gather from intimate dinners to large soirees. No matter the occasion, we've got a table for your guests.
Private party contact
Karina Kravalis: (619) 825-7112

Location
8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Neighborhood
Lemon Grove
Cross street
Washington
Parking details
Street parking is also available
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

Cheese Wheel Pasta Mondays
Multiple dates available
Mon - 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Rotating pastas served table side from a giant parmesan cheese wheel. Every Monday night.
Half Off Wine Wednesdays
Multiple dates available
Mon - Tue - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM,Wed - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM,Thu - Fri - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Every Wednesday, get half off select bottles of wine all day.
Pizza Tuesdays
Multiple dates available
Mon - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM,Tue - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM,Wed - Fri - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Every Tuesday, get any pizza from the menu plus a carafe of house wine or sangria for only $25.

Popular dishes

Garlic Bread$5.00
balsamic / pomodoro sauce
Garlic Knots$10.00
pomodoro sauce
Parmesan Truffle Fries$8.00
Cheese and Charcuterie Board$28.00
chef's daily selection of 3 cheeses & 3 meats / fig jam / grain mustard / olives / crostini
Bruschetta$12.00
tomato / garlic / red onion / oregano / basil / shaved parmesan
Meatballs$15.00
beef / pork / garlic / pomodoro sauce
Stuffed Mushrooms$17.00
white mushroom / crab meat / roasted bell pepper / onion / bread crumbs / parmesan / baked in herb and butter sauce
Mussels, Clams & Chorizo$23.00
steamed / garlic / tomato / white wine / crostini
Eggplant Rolls$13.00
ricotta / parmesan / tomato sauce / mozzarella
Crispy Gorgonzola Brussels Sprouts$15.00
bacon / gorgonzola cheese / bread crumbs
Arancini$15.00
arborio rice / bolognese sauce / peas / mozzarella / pesto aioli
Calamari Fritti$19.00
calamari / lightly breaded / pomodoro sauce / chipotle aioli

Insalate & Soups

Add a Protein: chicken $7, shrimp $10, salmon $15

Soup of the Day
- MP
Lobster Bisque$12.00
Mixed Greens Salad$9.00
cherry tomatoes / italian dressing / balsamic
Classic Caesar$10.00
romaine / caesar dressing / parmesan
Roasted Pear Salad$13.00
roasted pear / mixed greens / shaved parmesan / roasted almonds / champagne vinaigrette / balsamic
Wedge Salad$14.00
romaine / gorgonzola crumbles / bacon / cherry tomatoes / bleu cheese dressing
Burrata & Prosciutto Salad$19.00
burrata / tomato / arugula / prosciutto / balsamic

From the Oven

Gluten Free crust +$2, cauliflower crust +$4

The Queen$13.00
classic margherita pizza
Americana Pizza$19.00
sausage / bacon / salami / pepperoni / mozzarella
Roasted Pear Pizza$18.00
roasted pear / caramelized onions / crispy arugula / gorgonzola / balsamic reduction
San Danielle Pizza$20.00
prosciutto / burrata / arugula / parmesan / tomato sauce / mozzarella
Pepperoni Pizza$15.00
pepperoni / mozzarella / parmesan
The Chef Flatbread$19.00
mascarpone / pancetta / spinach / fig jam / parmesan
Truffle Bianca Flatbread$19.00
mushrooms / white sauce / mozzarella / truffle burrata / truffle oil

Pasta

split a plate fee: $5; gluten free penne available: +$2

Spaghetti Meatballs$19.00
homemade meatballs / garlic / pomodoro / parmesan
Lasagna Rosa$21.00
bolognese / mozzarella / parmesan / béchamel
Fettuccine Carbonara$23.00
pancetta / onion / egg yolk / brandy cream sauce
Penne Salsicia$24.00
sausage / peas / diced tomato / vodka cream sauce
Spaghetti di Mare$43.00
lobster tail / mussels / clams / baby shrimp / calamari / spicy marinara
Truffle Risotto$27.00
wild mushrooms / truffle cream sauce / truffle oil marscapone
Crab & Shrimp Ravioli$27.00
vodka cream sauce / baby shrimp
Fettuccine Alfredo
alfredo cream sauce / parmesan
- Chicken$19.00
- Shrimp$23.00
Pappardelle Ragu$26.00
beef & pork bolognese / mushroom / parmesan
Fettuccine Maremonte$29.00
baby scallops & shrimp / mushrooms / truffle brandy cream
Gnocchi Caprese$21.00
burrata / pomodoro / pesto
Cheese Ravioli$19.00
ricotta / parmesan / fontina / pesto cream

Meat

Chicken Parmesan$28.00
mozzarella / basil / spaghetti pomodoro
Steak Siciliano$45.00
16 oz. boneless ribeye / bread crusted / vegetables
Osso Buco$39.00
bone-in braised lamb shank / saffron risotto
Short Rib$36.00
creamy polenta / red wine reduction
Pork Roll$34.00
stuffed with spinach / mozzarella / bacon / mushroom cream sauce / mashed potato

Seafood

Chilean Seabass$39.00
pan seared / asparagus risotto / mustard-chardonnay cream sauce
Cioppino$37.00
mussels / mixed fish / baby shrimp / calamari / lobster tomato broth
Grilled Salmon$31.00
spinach / garlic / sun-dried tomato / cream fingerling potatoes

Sides

Lobster Mac & Cheese$19.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00
Creamy Polenta$8.00
Seasonal Vegetables$9.00
Broccoli Origanati$9.00

What 1,098 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East County
Best Food
East County
Great for brunch
East County
Kid-friendly
East County
Good for groups
East County
Healthy
East County
Hot spot
East County
Neighborhood gem
East County
Great for outdoor dining
East County
Romantic
East County
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina offers a "hidden gem" dining experience with friendly, attentive service and "fantastic food," including popular dishes like the "cheese wheel pasta" and "Chilean sea bass." The warm ambiance features a lovely patio setting, perfect for gatherings. Wine Wednesdays and special menu options enhance the experience, making it a "must-visit" spot.

1,098 Reviews

C
Cielo
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service. They accommodate our party if 15. Food was amazing.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
San Diego6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service every time. Good value restaurant.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was fantastic Staff was so friendly and kind Great service Great experience
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Last-minute dinner plans turned out to be a great evening and date night
Is this helpful?
J
Jesse
San Diego1 review
3.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Everything was okay. However the valentine package they offered for 89 was not reasonable to the food menu they gave. The appetizer were not something out of the common. The entree was good but not impressive. Also they only had one dessert per table. Only one option as well. We also had to wait another 20 min although we had a reservation and when you arrived, they would tell you that although you have a reservation, you still had to wait for a table to free up. Oh and on top of that, drinks were not included on the package. Honestly if they had included 2 drinks with the package I would’ve been more satisfied.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeannine
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food. Took a long time between appetizers and main course but it was Valentine's Day and they were slammed. They offered us a free drink while we waited and everything was delicious. Best calamari in town, sea bass cooked to perfection, and the wild mushroom truffle cream sauce pasta was well balanced with act wild mushrooms. Great service as well. Beautiful atmosphere with tasteful decoration and ambient lighting.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer VIP
San Diego11 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always enjoy this Restaurant. Food is great every time.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Chicago7 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was marvelous Giordanos is my go to restaurant for all my celebrations! I love the food plus it is close to my home! The only drawback that night was the noise level! It was a bit loud in the restaurant. They might want to invest in some solutions for that! Other than that, the evening was great. Another suggestion would be to have a piano bar for occasions such as Valentines Day or maybe weekends! We had the 14 oz ribeye and the seafood food ravioli!!)
Is this helpful?
A
Ana
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice restaurant, outdoor option is great. Food and service were great too! Recommend making reservations!
1 person found this helpful
p
pedro VIP
San Diego57 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 2, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was excellent as always. Great food and fantastic service.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 825-7112.

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina is rated 4.5 stars by 1098 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 10, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Washington
Neighborhood
Lemon Grove
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Vegetarian, Pizza Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking is also available
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.giardinosd.com/
Phone number
(619) 825-7112
Private party facilities
We offer spaces to gather from intimate dinners to large soirees. No matter the occasion, we've got a table for your guests.
Private party contact
Karina Kravalis: (619) 825-7112

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Cheese Wheel Pasta Mondays

Half Off Wine Wednesdays

Pizza Tuesdays

Calamari Fritti

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Parmesan

Antipasti

Garlic Bread$5.00

Garlic Knots$10.00

Parmesan Truffle Fries$8.00

Cheese and Charcuterie Board$28.00

Bruschetta$12.00

Meatballs$15.00

Stuffed Mushrooms$17.00

Mussels, Clams & Chorizo$23.00

Eggplant Rolls$13.00

Crispy Gorgonzola Brussels Sprouts$15.00

Arancini$15.00

Calamari Fritti$19.00

Insalate & Soups

Soup of the Day

Lobster Bisque$12.00

Mixed Greens Salad$9.00

Classic Caesar$10.00

Roasted Pear Salad$13.00

Wedge Salad$14.00

Burrata & Prosciutto Salad$19.00

From the Oven

The Queen$13.00

Americana Pizza$19.00

Roasted Pear Pizza$18.00

San Danielle Pizza$20.00

Pepperoni Pizza$15.00

The Chef Flatbread$19.00

Truffle Bianca Flatbread$19.00

Pasta

Spaghetti Meatballs$19.00

Lasagna Rosa$21.00

Fettuccine Carbonara$23.00

Penne Salsicia$24.00

Spaghetti di Mare$43.00

Truffle Risotto$27.00

Crab & Shrimp Ravioli$27.00

Fettuccine Alfredo

Pappardelle Ragu$26.00

Fettuccine Maremonte$29.00

Gnocchi Caprese$21.00

Cheese Ravioli$19.00

Meat

Chicken Parmesan$28.00

Steak Siciliano$45.00

Osso Buco$39.00

Short Rib$36.00

Pork Roll$34.00

Seafood

Chilean Seabass$39.00

Cioppino$37.00

Grilled Salmon$31.00

Sides

Lobster Mac & Cheese$19.00

Garlic Mashed Potatoes$8.00

Creamy Polenta$8.00

Seasonal Vegetables$9.00

Broccoli Origanati$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Giardino Neighborhood Cucina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant rated?

Is Giardino Neighborhood Cucina currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas