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  5. Lemon Grove
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina, Lemon Grove, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8
4.8
921 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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 Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 825-7112
  • 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: (855) 831-2911
  • Neighborhood
    Lemon Grove
  • Cross street
    Columbus Pl
  • 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

Experiences

  • Thursday Date Night

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy a 3 course meal for two people (shared app, 2 entrees and a shared dessert) for $55 every Thursday night.
  • Christmas Brunch Buffet

    $49.00 per person

    Dec 25, 2022 - Dec 25, 2023
    Join us for a Christmas Day brunch, featuring breakfast classics and Italian creations served buffet style. $49 for adults, $25 for kids under 12.
  • Christmas Day Dinner

    $55.00 per person

    Dec 25, 2023 only
    Join us for a special 3-course preset menu for $55 per person. Kids 2-course menu available for $20.

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
    Wed - 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM
    Every Wednesday, get half off select bottles of wine all day.

  • Pizza Tuesdays

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM
    Every Tuesday night, get any pizza from the menu plus a carafe of house wine or sangria for only $25.

What 921 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East County

    Best Overall

  • East County

    Best Food

  • East County

    Best Service

  • East County

    Best Ambiance

  • East County

    Best Value

  • East County

    Good for business meals

  • East County

    Good for groups

  • East County

    Hot spot

  • East County

    Neighborhood gem

  • East County

    Great for fine wines

  • East County

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East County

    Romantic

  • East County

    Good for special occasions

  • East County

    Lively

921 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tuesday night special of flatbread or pizza and a half carafe of house wine for $25 was a wonderful treat. Loved the chefs flatbread, absolutely filled us up. We will be back for Tuesday night special.

    Is this helpful?

  2. CharlieR

    Palm Springs

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience and great food. It was busy for a Saturday night at 6:30 in the evening. Service was a little bit slow but nothing to complain about. Food was awesome.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Giardino’s lunch was fabulous! We shared the Burrata and Prosciutto Salad to start-great combo. We could not choose between 2 flatbreads-we ordered both! The Chef flatbread was a fantastic combo of flavors, on the beautiful flat bread. The Truffle Bianca flatbread was over the top great! The two were a great combo-we finished the last of the flatbreads for dinner-another treat! The Oregon Chardonnay Adriana recommended was a great addition to our perfect lunch! We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took my New Jersey relatives out to dinner & they were blown away.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and the service is always perfect. I would highly recommend Giardino for a great time out.

    Is this helpful?

  6. LindaO

    San Diego

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Giardino’s has been a favorite of mine for a few years. Excellent food and service at any time of year. Love their holiday special meals! I’m glad they are thriving!

    Is this helpful?

  7. JsTake

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time visiting this restaurant. We took advantage of the Thanksgiving Day three-course meal. The food was absolutely excellent. It tasted fresh and the portions were generous. The servers were very kind and attentive. I would recommend giving it a try.

    Is this helpful?

  8. StacyC

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience!!! Everything was great!

    Is this helpful?

  9. JCBEAR

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is warm and inviting; we enjoyed being there. The wait staff was attentive without being overbearing. We had the Linguine with scallops and shrimp; also the Chicken Marsala. Both were sooo tasty and plentiful. Noise level acceptable; parking - hey, they're kind of landlocked. We got the final slot. We will return!

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the food & ambiance, good wine selection. The service is always great

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an amazing time at Giardino, service was great and our waiter Alex was so kind and very attentive. He gave great recommendations. Food was excellent, I highly recommend chicken picante flatbread. Truffle risotto was excellent and there lasagna. We ordered truffle fries and garlic knots. Ambience and environment is so good too. Very nice selection of drinks as well. Steak and vegetables are delicious

    Is this helpful?

  12. PaulaM

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun 6 year anniversary celebration with live music and great wine specials!

    Is this helpful?

  13. SusanS

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    As always the food and service were amazing. I will remember next time to sit outside far from the very loud jazz live music that was playing inside. I’m sure it was good jazz but we were there with friends and never had to struggle for a conversation across the table. I vote for some softer less intrusive music. Still my favorite local place. Karina has and continues to give you an amazing restaurant experience.

    Is this helpful?

  14. RebecaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love going to Giardino's always great food, their wine selection is outstanding. We are wine lovers. Service is always friendly . Yesterday for their 6th Anniversary went with our friends and had such a fab time, the jazz ensamble was just perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and outstanding food. Will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  16. AmyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was absolutely magnificent! Went out for my birthday! Dinner did not disappoint! Everything was top notch!

    Is this helpful?

  17. AnnetteB

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience, looking forward to our next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Giardino did not disappoint! Brussels sprouts were delicious & perfectly cooked. The Short rib was tender and very flavorful! My husband enjoyed the wedge salad and friends ordered the chicken parmigiana-I snuck a bite- it was excellent with the marinara sauce. The Bolgonese Paperdelle was delicious& great for lunch the next day too! So enjoy this hidden gem in Lemon Grove!

    Is this helpful?

  19. Marcy

    San Diego

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a small but cute place. Love the outdoor seating. The food was wonderful and our server was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  20. joanie

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    alex my tall king you slayed so much and made our bday/engagement celebration amazing! ily

    Is this helpful?

  21. DLyn

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Love this place, the food, the service, everything. However, I do wish they could figure out a way to mitigate the noise level inside. It just too hard to communicate with companions because of the noise level. Maybe some noise dampening baffles in the ceiling? If you want good food in a nice neighborhood restaurant, this is your spot!

    Is this helpful?

  22. Adriana

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite spots. The food never disappoints and they have the best customer service.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Melissa

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance was wonderful and everyone from the wonderful Hostess who greeted us on our arrival to every Server, the Bartender and the Owner were welcoming and made for a delightful birthday celebration....and the food was scrumptious!!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice and attentive service and beautiful ambiance. We had brunch on the patio and the food was phenomenal. So good. Fresh ingredients and very flavorful. We had the short rib Benedict, crab cake Benedict and the shrimp with polenta and poached eggs. All delicious. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Libby

    San Francisco

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice Happy Hour and lunch was delicious. Chicken Marsala over mashed potatoes, Caesar salad - Great value and very tasty

    Is this helpful?

  26. BonnieR

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    I ordered the Chilean sea bass with risotto and asparagus. I didn’t care for the fish. It was very bland. The asparagus was perfect, and I didn’t care for the risotto. We went during Restaurant Week, which advertised as $50/person for starter, entree and dessert. They upcharged for the fish. No bueno. The ambience was nice, particularly for a neighborhood establishment.

    Is this helpful?

  27. BruceC

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for Restsurant Week. Excellent experience. Meals were tasty and service by Jaime and the rest of the staff exceptional. A very enjoyable evening. Will return.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Tree

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Expensive for what got compared to last year. Tasty but Calamari slightly overcooked and same for chicken (marsela) - still good but could be better

    Is this helpful?

  29. MarcoinSD

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and amazing service. One of my favorite places to eat in San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  30. SeleneC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service1ambience4
    The food was amazing. Their meatballs are so good. I would definitely go back. It very upsetting to refer co-workers and friends to your restaurant, and have them come back and say they were not treated the best way by your server. Her visit with her family was on 9/27. My visit over the weekend was so good and the food was good. But to hear this from people recommended is very disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Adriana

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place! It never disappoints. Great service and amazing food.

    Is this helpful?

  32. ScottyF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    First time here for a date night. Great food and atmosphere. Alex is a badass server!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent everything. Some of the most unexpectedly well prepared dishes in a long time.

    Is this helpful?

  34. LindaM

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Giardino's is always wonderful. Great food. Great staff.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Kini

    San Diego

    59 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience1
    Really GREAT food! Very good and attentive service (Alex)! The noise level on Friday night, 6pm, was truly intolerable. It was torture. Parking, difficult. Indoor temperature, miserable. Ambient noise made conversation impossible. In spite of all the hard work and skill of the owner and chef, the total experience was just short of torture. We choose to dine with people with whom we enjoy conversing. IMPOSSIBLE! Might consider "ordering out," but...there are many fine Italian restaurants in San Diego County where we can park a car, dine in a comfortable ambience, and visit. Unlikely we'll (party of 4) return here.

    Is this helpful?

  36. EllenB

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, wine and service were top-notch! Delicious authentic Italian.....yum!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Alex the server was great food was good. Will be returning

    Is this helpful?

  38. Desiree

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nothing but good things to say about our dinner last night. It was their Thursday date night experience, which we could choose from the pre fixe or regular menu. We chose the pre fixe, which was a choice of 1 appetizer, 2 entrees and 1 dessert for $55 (currently). We ordered the fried calamari, grilled salmon and tiramisu, and were not disappointed. The grilled salmon was served with roasted fingerling potatos and spinach lightly covered with a sundried tomato cream sauce. Portion was more than enough; salmon was grilled very well, flavorful and tender. This is not our first time at Giardino's, so will undoubtedly return fairly regularly.

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  39. susuan

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food1service5ambience5
    I did not find the food met my expectations. Subpar at best.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chilean Bass to live for!!! Melts in your mouth😋😋😋😋

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Giardino Neighborhood Cucina using the Order Online button. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina also 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 4.8 stars by 921 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Columbus Pl
  • Neighborhood
    Lemon Grove
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 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
  • 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: (855) 831-2911
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