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Cardellino, San Diego, CA

Cardellino

4.7 (43)
$50 and over
Contemporary Italian
4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103-1871

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 30 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Cardellino Italian Chophouse is a story steeped in fire, char, steak—and red sauce, parmesan, and truffles. A blend of Midwest chophouse and Italian trattoria, the restaurant reflects Chef Brad Wise’s culinary ethos and TRUST Restaurant Group’s signature style. Live-fire cooking anchors the menu, melding a Tuscan stone hearth with an all-American Big Green Egg.

Drawing inspiration from northern Italy - Umbria, Piedmont - Cardellino offers housemade pastas and traditional antipasti, but the spotlight is on the meat. The signature Bistecca Fiorentina, a 38 oz charcoal-grilled steak, arrives sliced and reassembled on a custom mahogany board. Pork Osso Bucco and Salt-Baked Branzino round out the chophouse-style offerings. Pastas are bold, sides are built for sharing, and the experience is best with Barolo. For a deeper dive, the Tuscan Experience invites guests to enjoy a four-course, chef-curated journey inspired by what Brad’s loving in the moment.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Steakhouse
  • Hours of operation
    Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Brad Wise
  • Private party facilities
    Enjoy one big table for all your guests with a custom menu, wine pairings, cocktails, even dessert. This tucked-away dining room boasts one, long communal table to enjoy an enchanting evening or leisurely lunch sharing delightful apertivis, thoughtful conversation, or a presentation utilizing a full suite of audio / visual equipment.

What 43 people are saying

Cardellino reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cardellino offers a vibrant dining experience with "excellent service and food." Known for its outstanding steaks and creative pasta dishes, guests appreciate the "amazing environment" and "energetic vibe." The restaurant excels in hosting special occasions with thoughtful details and attentive service. While some find it pricey, the memorable culinary delights keep patrons returning.
43 Reviews
  1. Darin VIP

    San Diego16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is just so yummy and consistent. This is a restaurant that you can rely on over and over. Whether you sit at a table or at the bar you're destined to have an engaging server/bartender who just add to the experience of the delicious food. Great vibe, great peeps and great process.

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  2. Kathy VIP

    San Diego40 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the most fabulous RibEye and potatoes and the only reason that I did not give it a 5 star is that we ordered our steak Medium pink and it was served almost alive! Not once but twice! But it was so delicious and we ate it anyway! Service was terrific and the Aperol Spritz's and the dessert were superb! Kathy

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  3. Alexander VIP

    San Diego9 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on June 26, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Horrible, unbelievable rude and pretentious place, I’ll never go back!

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  4. Zanyar

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was amazing envoriment, service and energy. Every single item we ordered which was a lot lol taste 10/10 so I highly recommend and will definitely go back

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  5. Judith VIP

    San Diego15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service and food as always. The NY steak was outstanding. Tender and flavor.

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  6. kathleen VIP

    San Diego15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SAN DIEGO. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED, EXCELLENT SERVICE AND FOOD

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  7. lori

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We recently celebrated my husband’s retirement at Cardellino, and everything about the experience was truly fantastic. Dan called me personally the afternoon before our reservation to graciously offer their private dining room—it was such a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the entire evening. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed. The private dining room was spacious, beautifully set up for family-style dining, and provided a quiet, intimate space that allowed us to really enjoy each other’s company away from the main dining area. We chose the Tuscan Experience menu, and every single course was absolutely delicious—thoughtfully prepared and perfectly paced. But what truly made the night stand out was the exceptional service. Every member of the team was attentive, kind, and went out of their way to make us feel special. Cardellino helped turn an important milestone into a night we’ll never forget. I can’t thank the team enough for their care and hospitality. Highly recommend for any special occasion—or any time you want an outstanding meal and experience.

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  8. ashley VIP

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely love this place every single time. The best food, the best service and the best vibe!!

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  9. Lawrence VIP

    San Diego27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Cardellino--it is our "go to" for excellent service and food. We love the manager Chris Wood and all of the staff. The chef and kitchen staff make delicious dishes that are perfect for sharing. The vibe is energetic and "alive" as everyone is having a great time. Thank you!

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  10. Bruce

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    OMG why did we wait so long to eat here?? LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

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FAQs

Cardellino is rated 4.7 stars by 43 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Mission Hills

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 30 times today
Google Map for Cardellino

4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103-1871

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Fort Stockon Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Mission Hills
  • Hours of operation
    Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Steakhouse
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brad Wise
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Enjoy one big table for all your guests with a custom menu, wine pairings, cocktails, even dessert. This tucked-away dining room boasts one, long communal table to enjoy an enchanting evening or leisurely lunch sharing delightful apertivis, thoughtful conversation, or a presentation utilizing a full suite of audio / visual equipment.
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