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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

4.6
4.6
842 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 p.m.


Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.
Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

  • Neighbourhood

    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.

Offers

  • Cheese Wheel Pasta Mondays

    Multiple dates available
    Mon - 4:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
    Rotating pastas served table side from a giant parmesan cheese wheel. Every Monday night.

  • Half Off Wine Wednesdays

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - 4:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
    Every Wednesday, get half off select bottles of wine all day.

  • Pizza Tuesdays

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

Popular dishes

What 842 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • East County

    Best Overall

  • East County

    Best Food

  • East County

    Best Service

  • East County

    Best Ambience

  • East County

    Best Value

  • East County

    Good for groups

  • East County

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East County

    Great for fine wines

  • East County

    Good for special occasions

  • East County

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. LizR

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were celebrating our wedding Anniversary. Our waitress was amazing, the salmon was delicious, my pear salad 🥗 was excellent. It was my first time at this restaurant and had a wonderful experience. Definitely coming back to try new dishes. I recommend the calamari❤️
  2. foodietwo

    San Diego

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This is a neighborhood gem! Parking can be a challenge, but the great food and service is worth a bit of a walk.
  3. Gabby

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was amazing and it was very lively and loud. However, the food takes a long time to come out. We were there for over an hour before getting our food.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is consistently amazing and never disappoints
  5. StanB

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Adriana took our orders and scheduled their table delivery just as we requested, checking on us regularly.
  6. RitaB

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    We have been here several times and loved the food. This time the flavor was lacking and the macaroni and cheese had a sour aftertaste.
  7. LT77

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food quality and availability was good. Got crowded when many people at buffet area. Service was good and had a great attitude.
  8. Robin

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    I love Giordino Neighborhood Cucina for dinner, but the brunch buffet for Mother's Day was disappointing. I'll be back for dinner.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mother’s Day it was perfect. I will be attending again.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    We went to dine here on Wednesday for Mexican Mother’s Day, and overall have a negative experience. We had made a reservation for indoor dining but they had told us they run out of space. So we had to eat outside; once we ordered the gap of time from the appetizer to the main dishes was well over an hour. When we tried asking both the waiter and the manager, they had only made excuses. In the end, we didn’t have a pleasant experience.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything we ordered taste great! Good food, ambience, and service! The only thing we did not like about the place is their restroom. There is only one working, the other restroom is clogged. Overall, not a big deal.
  12. JohnGalt

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Our first experience at this restaurant. All four of us were underwhelmed and agreed we would not return given so many other options in San Diego. The dishes were either undercooked, small portion, slightly bland, or average. Service was pleasant and attentive. The experience was simply "Okay."
  13. Monty

    San Diego

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Although the location is not great, the food is very good. The service is decent and the prices are reasonable. We will go back again.
  14. Delush

    New England

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Third time dining here and once again, the staff and food was wonderful. I’m a very big person in a wheelchair and they make me feel comfortable and welcome. Theresa was our server this evening and she’s awesome! We had the meatballs, pear salad, stuffed sole, and carbonara. Not one complaint! We even took home a flatbread and a meal for my dad, we just love this place!
  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food!!!!!!!!!!
  16. ValerieZ

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food!! Food came out piping hot which is really important to me. The desserts AMAZING! They have a special each day of the week! It’s a must go to restaurant. Truly a hidden gem! We’ll be back!
  17. DLyn

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We have been customers at Giardino since the first month it opened. We LOVE the restaurant and want to support the the owner, Karina, as much as possible, which included regular to-go orders during COVID. The only “complaint” we would have is that it tends to be very noisy inside. One part of the restaurant has corks attracted to the ceiling, which is a great decor touch and May actually reduce the noise levels. We wish they would be able to do something similar across the whole ceiling. So, we encourage everyone to visit the restaurant, but know you may not be able to engage in conversation if you’re sitting indoors. Otherwise, you will find it to be a really nice dining experience!
  18. LexySolovij

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, service and setting!! We are definitely coming back! I ordered the San Daniele pizza and my friends got the chicken parm and lasagna. All were amazing.
  19. JenniferM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and service, a neighborhood gem. Amazing
  20. JoelleO

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is a cute as can be and the service you receive from the staff is top notch. The food is always exceptional. We sat inside for dinner this time because it was a little chilly outside. We sat on the left side of the restaurant close to the kitchen which was totally fine. The only criticism is about the booths. The booths need to be replaced asap. When I sat down I could feel the springs and I sunk down a good 2-3 inches. I could have basically scooped my food from the table into my mouth. I of course moved to the chair across from my husband. We love it here so of course we'll be back. Just replace the booths and all will be great!
  21. Delush

    New England

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience yet again. This time we did brunch/lunch. My husband had the dirty fries and said they were perfection. I had the short ribs and they were like butter. The staff, just as last time, were so kind and accommodating to my handicap special needs. This place is aces all around!
  22. GustavoP

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner.. love date night menu.. one shared app, two entrées and one dessert for 55 dllrs. Overall perfect customer service
  23. GingerB

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Food was ok. Adriana was an amazing server. Her response time and checking in on us was great!
  24. SerenaU

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful time. Shannon, our waitress is the best!
  25. LeilahK

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice and spacious - excluding menu and the garlic knots are delicious!
  26. CindyinCa

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Our server was fabulous! She was very attentive and helpful. The food was excellent. Our party of three all enjoyed our orders. The portions were perfect. Our only issue was, as the restaurant got busier, the noise level made conversation difficult. Not enough to keep us from coming back, we would probably sit outside next time. Overall, we were all super happy.
  27. ChristinaP

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Charming restaurant! Loved the decor. Modern and fresh. Food and wine were excellent as well. Service was slow. Very slow. Only one server for the entire dining room. She took our drink order then got distracted with groups of new tables coming in and taking their orders. So, our drinks were forgotten. (Ended up being an upsell for her, because after a very long thirsty wait, we switched from ice teas to wine! Lol!) And, also guests that were seated after us got their food before us. I would still recommend the restaurant, and it was clear our server was doing her best. They were just understaffed which is frustrating when you’re hungry, thirsty and on limited time.
  28. NoeB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Always amazing food, great staff, love home made sauces.
  29. Delush

    New England

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’m handicapped and the staff was super accommodating and kind. Service was amazing, Alex was knowledgeable of the menu and made great recommendations. Our meal was delicious without one complaint. We even ordered takeaway to eat today for a meal. We will definitely be back!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice restaurant. Lots of space. Make reservations. Parking is limited, street parking.
  31. JeffF

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very good food, especially the, Eggplant Rolls, Shrimp and Crab Ravioli and Pappardelle Ragu and wine in a relaxed, casual environment. Kind of a hidden gem in a part of town you wouldn't expect to find such a great little Italian Trattoria. Service was friendly and prompt, despite the crowds for Restaurant Week. Thanks for a nice night out!
  32. AngelicaS

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time coming here and it will not be the last! Food was delicious, staff were friendly and did not have to wait a long time for our food!
  33. MiguelE

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice local restaurant. Good quality food. Will definitely return to sample other dishes.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never been to this restaurant but will definitely be added to our list of new go to italian spot. Everything was good about this place. The ambiance, the food, the service. Definitely will come back
  35. AmberA

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was great, we went for our anniversary and the host even wished us a happy anniversary when we were leaving, will go back!
  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Our first time here and it was a good experience. Our waitress was awesome and the decor in the place was great too. We thought the food was good, but not quite great. We had the wedge (2/5), the truffle fries (3/5), and the bruschetta (2/5) as apps. Then for entrees we had the fettuccine maramonte (4/5), the gnocchi bolognese (specially made for us, wasn’t on the menu-4/5) and truffle risotto (3/5). The portions on the entrees were nice and generous. Would go back, but would definitely try different apps, and likely different entrees. The menu has a lot of good looking options.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, atmosphere and service were all phenomenal. We will absolutely be returning!
  38. JayJay

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My birthday dinner was delicious!! Great service :) I even got a special bday treat after my meal! Giardino made my night very special. Thank You!
  39. Kash

    Baja California Sur

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    This is my second time eating here. My first experience was great, but sadly, I did not find this visit as enjoyable. There was a number of issues with the food. Most noticeable was the fried calamari app. The breading was very hard. My guest actually cut the roof of her mouth trying to eat it. Also, I order the lobster mac/cheese side dish as my main course. There were only 4 very small pieces of lobster in the bowl. The restaurant is beautiful and the staff is great, but I left dissatisfied.
  40. AnaC

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the food! Teresa was great! Very nice restaurant with a melo atmosphere! Will be coming back!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser 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 4.6 stars by 842 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 p.m.


Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Columbus Pl

  • Neighbourhood

    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

  • 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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  • Cookie Preferences
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