Excellent food excellent service!!! I had the quinoa salmon salad today. So delicious!!

Our go to Italian restaurant in Ventura County. Never dissappointed. Excellent food quality (especially eggplant), large portions ...easily split Great wines, appetizers and beautiful servers. Giovanni (owner) always a delight, charmer read more

My husband and I went to a charity night for $50 each for dinner and drinks. When we were seated the hostess said we could go to the bar or stay in our seats for a drink. It was supposed to be an open bar meaning FREE DRINKS. At the end of our meal the waiter gave us a bill for our wine. How greedy. When you have a business you should never cheat your customers. read more

I loved this place! It reminded me of the time I went to Italy. They have very delicious food and the service is great! Since there is a pandemic going on we had to eat on the grass outside and it was very please take. read more

Did a girls night here. Atmosphere is great if you actually want to hear your girls! No frills; which is perfect because the food takes center stage and is well deserving of it. Real Italian owner who greets his guests and the wait staff knew their stuff as well. Will definitely return. read more

Simple. Understated. Fantastic food. Warm, personal service. Full bar. Fantastic food (worth mentioning twice.) Always go with the special.

Not impress at all. Food was not that good. I would rather spend my $ at Maria's at the collection. The place is too dark and the waitress was not that good. read more

Had a nice dinner with family. The only downside was the room we were seated in had a TV on and tuned to a news station. Don't enjoy eating out when the news is scrolling across while you are trying to relax at dinner. Would not dine in that room again under those circumstances. read more

By far the BEST Italian food in Ventura County!! Giovanni is a true Italian and it's real Italian food! I should know. I'm Italian! I Highly recommend it! read more

Best gnocchi quattro formaggi anywhere! My husband and I have been coming here for over 5 years, my now father-in-law introduced us to Giovanni and this gem. For our honeymoon this summer we went to Italy for 2-weeks and no one had the gnocchi as good as Bistro 13's!!! read more

We had our rehearsal dinner here in July on a Friday night. They have a great private room with separate entrance right off the main dining room with its own bar. We had about 35 guests. They asked us to submit about 4 or 5 entree choices and then we offered the limited menu to our guests. They served appetizers and desserts to each table family style and guests covered their own drinks. They handled everything very professionally and the service was great, especially for a Friday night. Parking was easy and convenient for the out of town guests and our party was well-fed. I was very happy that they did not charge an extra fee for the private room, only the cost of the food. And of course we paid a small deposit to reserve the room. Overall a great experience and one less headache to deal with while stressing about our wedding the next day. read more

Giovani is back and the food and service are great. We eat here nearly weekly and its really good again. Love the scallops with rossoto.

Good food!! We started with the soup of the day--pink clam chowder was amazing. I had the special --linguini with clams and shrimp. It was tasty but a little spicy. My date had the Novello which had chicken, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and capers tossed in olive oil and butter. It was DELICIOUS!! The bread seemed homemade and warm. Overall great food. It was romantic and quiet with low light and there's Italian music on the speakers in the ceiling. Cute place. Service was also very good. I'll be back read more

My husband and I have been going to this place since 1994 when it was called Pastabilities. It is very good food and service. If you want something that is not on the menu, one can ask and if possible they will do it. The will bend over backwards to ensure you have a good experience. As will all things, times change. There was a time when the chef that was hired seemed to use no salt but it seems that has been remedied. I encourage you to speak up and let Giovanni know what is on your mind. So if you want anchovies, ask for them. If you want shaved parmesan, ask for it. We love the ceasar salad, chicken limon, salmon, oso bucco, and so much more! We are always too full for desserts. read more

Very nice, very romantic restaurant with great quality food. It is really nice to go out to eat and find really great quality of food. My friend invited us to join he and his wife. He highly recommended the spot and he was right. Everything was fantastic. We enjoyed passing around our plates and sampling everyone's. I enjoyed one plate as much as the next. The waiter also made an excellent wine suggestion. Amazing the difference between good wine and fabulous wine. Everything tastes different when the wine is superior. read more

Service is excellent and food is amazing We feel like a member Of the familia here Be sure to have the gelato read more

Wonderful! The food was awesome -- the wine was awesome -- the service was beyond awesome! Will definitely visit here next time we are in this location and would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

I have been wanting to write this review and its been a while since I have been here in fairness to the place. However, my experience is probably the scariest I have ever experienced. I still think about it, and its been at least 3 years. We had lived across the street at the apartments and we decided to walk over. I was pretty excited because they have outdoor seating and it looked like it was pretty busy when we would walk by. Well, finally we made it in, server was great, he brought us some baked bread and as we were chatting I took a bite of bread and thankfully I fully chewed it before swallowing because as I pressed down my teeth hit something that didn't feel like bread. I froze because I wasn't sure what was going on. I went to pull out what my teeth had hit and it was a needle. YES it was like a tailored needle the ones that have the little round ball on the top. I still shriek thinking about what would have happened if i had swallowed that needle. The server was beyond upset, I dont blame him, the only thing we could think about was that somehow when the bread was being made a needle made in there??? It was def. baked inside. This place will always be needle 13 to me. read more

Finding a restaurant in the Camarillo area is darn near impossible. We were hungry, we wanted Italian, and so this place popped up on Yelp so we gave it a shot. First things first... the restaurant is in a strip mall. But not a lot of choices anywhere anyway. It's a cute place. outdoor and indoor seating (although outdoors you're basically staring at the parking lot). Lots of menu options. Service.... well? We sat outside and although initially the hostess/waitress came right away, we said we needed more time. Then after that, she never came back.... for a while anyway. We tried in vain to get her attention through the glass (since we were sitting outside), but to no avail. Finally, she came back. She was nice and all but perhaps they can step it up on the service. Food was okay. read more

Should be entitled Beast-ro. Had I known it was going to be this bad, I would have borrowed a can of Alpo from my dog. It would have been better than the low grade dog food they served. To call this Italian food is insulting to the Italians. read more

Had dinner there for the 1st time this week. What I liked: Bread: warm, fluffy, fresh and tasty, has some garlic-infused oil in the crust, which is nice. Service: aside from the wine faux pas (see below), waiter and bus help was responsive. Extra bread was brought, dishes were cleared promptly, when wine ran low we were immediately asked if we wanted another glass. Pistachio gelato: was toasty and brown (not green!), tasted less pistachio-y as you'd expect and more like the toasty pistachio skins. Was very different from other pistachio ice creams I've tasted, so it was a good thing. Problems I had: Wine service: I ordered a prosecco split from the by the glass menu, and waiter brought a split of Francois de Lyon "California Champagne". Happy I looked at the bottle, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to tell. The waiter came back and when I mentioned the subsitution (not what I ordered), he explained that they were out and this was a substitute. He asked "you don't like it?" and I responded "I haven't tried it yet." He said "you can try it", so I tasted it (while he was standing there) and it was cloyingly sweet, fairly unlike a prosecco, and generally pretty lousy, and so I sadly had to tell him that I'd like a glass of Chianti instead, a little uncomfortable. At least he was nice about it and promptly brought a replacement. However, had he just mentioned that they were out of prosecco when I ordered instead of trying a "fast one" to sub for the champagne, he wouldn't have wasted the split bottle. Oh well. We only got charged for the Chianti, which was minerally and acid but fitting for the food. Caesar salad: very bland; no real anchovy or garlic, more lemony, and very lightly dressed. Parm cheese on top was like gritty snow; shreds are so much nicer! Butternut squash ravioli: menu says "brown butter sage sauce with a touch of cream". It was drowning in a thick cream sauce, with some sage but no brown butter to be seen. The squash filling is infused with amaretto, and my girl who ate those said that some of them tasted very strongly of amaretto and were too sweet, and some had very little amaretto. If you like really sweet filling, then maybe you'll like these ravioli, but we've had much, much better. Butternut squash doesn't need a whole lot to make it a delicious filling! Risotto Calabria: good but underseasoned (more salt). NEVER do I add salt to a dish, and I had to here, because it tasted so bland. Did the chef bother to taste the food? Risotto is always notoriously difficult to prepare in a restaurant environment because of the timings, and this one was just OK. At least the shrimps in the risotto were really cooked well, and tasted fresh and moist. I ate the whole thing because I was hungry, but underwhelmed. Overall: OK, what I would expect from most Camarillo restaurants, which are generally pretty mediocre and don't compare to what's available in LA or even Ventura. Nothing at all interesting. We had a coupon, but we won't be coming back. With coupon, 1 glass of wine each and a split gelato for dessert, with tax + tip was $66. I'd rather spend $66 on very good sushi in Camarillo, or drive up to Ojai for really good Italian food. read more

Dined here for the first time Thursday evening. The place was busy and we were seated in the very back, which was very nice and quiet (my son made reservations). The restaurant is a little dark but we had more light at our table. I got a good vibe walking in. The place is not really big and seems cozy, which I prefer. The owner was present and seemed very attentive to his customers. We shared an appetizer and a nice bottle of wine with our meal. Our meals looked very nice on the plate and all of us liked our choices. I must add the service was probably the best I have ever experienced. I will definitely return and highly recommend. read more

Absolutely fantastic! Great food, excellent wine and service was perfect. I would recommend this quiet and comfortable spot to all. I had a excellent seafood pasta and Caesar Salad. read more

Food was bland and not worth the price, and my friends and I received unacceptable service. Long story short, 20 minutes after we were seated we were not asked what we would like to drink or if we were ready to order, so one of my friends had to GET UP to find someone to help us (mind you its 7pm on a weekday and there were 3 other parties in the restaurant, so it wasn't busy). STRIKE 1. We order, get our salads, and when our entrees came the waitress squeezed them in front of us without having the decency to remove our salad dishes. STRIKE 2. we did not enjoy our food (we got the primavera w/pink sauce), and our waitress did not come and check on us. STRIKE 3. Then when the bill came there was an extra charge for splitting a dish and for getting salads, so we asked our waitress about it and she told us it 'should' say there is a charge in the menu. so i asked it should or it does? and then she abruptly left to get the menu and plainly pointed it out (ok, we did not initially read that, but why do you have to be so rude??). STRIKE 4. So I asked to speak to the manager, and she goes to get him..or so I thought. She comes back and said that her manager said that they can take off one of the charges. Ok, but that not what we asked for....why couldn't the manager come and speak to us?? STRIKE 5. So before I caused a scene I told my friends let just pay the bill and get out of here because I did not have time for this nonsense. 5 STRIKES too many, definitely not coming back. read more

First, let me say that my partner and I have eaten here many times and if I had rated those times it would probably have been 4 or 5 stars. But last night was a different story, and I can't help but wonder if it was because the boss (Giovanni) was away on vacation and the place was being run by the very young women and the kitchen staff. I guess I just have a bad feeling because we were there at the end of a very busy day and were looking forward to a quality, quiet dining experience. I love Eggplant Parmesan so I ordered something similar to it but with a different name which I can't recall. The eggplant was served CRUNCHY, as in UNDERCOOKED! I can't believe that any self-respecting chef would allow practically raw eggplant to leave the kitchen that way! Although the service was good, and we always enjoy the quiet, understated ambiance, the evening sort of went downhill from there. The server did ask if I would like something else, but think about the incongruity of that offer. My partner had already been served his dinner (filet mignon). What does he do, sit there and let it get cold while waiting for me? Or go ahead and eat alone while I wait . . . and then I eat alone? The whole thing was absurd. I ate the pasta side that came with the eggplant and enjoyed the bread, but I will have second thoughts about returning. read more

This place is soooooo good! I have lived in camarillo forever yet for some reason have never checked out bistro 13. Well now I'm kicking myself for all this wasted time! I had dinner with my parents and we were all totally blown away at the great food, nice atmosphere, and friendly service. I had the seared salmon which came with a creamy red pepper sauce, risotto, and spinach, and it was heaven. The salmon was perfect, moist, and flavorful. The risotto was delicious, and that sauce was to die for. My mom also had salmon prepped another way and her meal was just as incredible. My dad had a swordfish special which he raved over. The wine was reasonably priced for the glass ($8) with a small but wide selection. I'm pretty sure it was beer and wine only, but that's ok because who has room for cocktails when the food is this good. For dessert, we share the la bomba, which is three gelatos (chocolate, strawberry, pistachio) in a ball the size of a man's fist with a chocolate shell. So unique and special, and goodness was it tasty. I can't wait to enjoy that again. Our service was excellent and we really enjoyed the meal! Highly recommended! Can't wait to go back! read more

Great dinner. Excellent service. We had Lasagna, Eggplant , and a spaghetti pomodoro. All were fantastic. Even my picky eater 12 year old son ate every bite of his meal. Drinks were solid, and stiff. Desert perfect. I wish I had known of this place sooner. read more

I love this spaghetti place. Insanely good angel hair. Very good bread and butter. Make sure to go there before 8pm to beat the crowds.

It is nice to have a restaurant which has lovely service and is relaxing and nice looking in Camarillo. I had the minestrone as you get the choice of soup or salad with the meal. The broth was watery even though there were chunks of vegetables in it, a disappointment. I ordered the chicken piccata which had a nice sauce over the pasta. The chicken wasn't the highest quality as it was a little stringy but I cut around and most of it was tender. I did like the sauce. My friend had the same and her chicken was tender. She had a salad instead of soup and she liked the dressing but wished the lettuce was crisper, but at least it wasn't ice berg lettuce. I will go back as I hope the owner doesn't let his restaurant fall into mediocrity. The opportunity is there to have a fine quality restaurant with quality ingredients for the price. read more

Fine dining in a shopping plaza. There is definitely a shock from walking up to the building to entering it. Beautiful on the inside, looks like the near by UPS on the outside. The food was good. I forget thenname if what I had, but it was itallian sausage, chicken, and shrimo over risotto in a creamy "spicy" sauce. Risotto was cooked well - kudos - can't recall how many times I've eaten botched risotto. Sauce wasn't the least bit spicy, but had a good flavor. Price for quality seemed a bit out of proportion. Servers were wonderful. I would certainly come back and bring family, but its not a must. read more

Great service. Very polite and professional servers. Quality food. The soup was really good and the bread was perfectly baked. The chicken was very tender and fresh. Good experience overall. Recommend for sure. read more

If you are interested in a classy Italian restraunt for a date or party, then this is the restraunt for you! A bit low on decor, but does not matter until you have your food. I had ordered the Napal Pasta and was outstanded. It was excelent! Not to mention the bread as well. I came here with my husband and he had ordered the same thing and his expierce was the same as my own. I will definately be returning to this restraunt! read more

Best bread on the planet. Service was fantastic. Meal exemplary.

Initially went given proximity to the Marriott. Was pleasantly surprised based on both the quality of the food and the service. Heirloom tomato salad was great. Heard second hand that the Melenzane Magnfiico, eggplant layered with ricotta, spinach, and mozz was great. Almost ordered myself but was worried the eggplant would be mushy. Glad to see it wasn't. read more

We dined early on a Monday evening and were greeted warmly by the hostess and owner. The tables were all set up so pretty and the dining room was super elegant. I was a fan of the candle light around the room. The waitress was great and saw to every detail. The servers focused on providing great service, (filling waters, removing plates, delivery entrees on a timely manner and asking how everything was or if we needed anything). - Great Service - Tons of wine to select from. - Great for groups of 5 or less - Large portions came on entrees - Make sure to have dessert. The Crème Brule is outstanding. I was very impressed and will be going back. read more

LOVE this restaurant & bar... the food is incredible, staff is knowledgeable, & of course the wine is plentiful :) The filet risotto & salmon are to die for- I love the 3 different types of dining atmospheres that you can pick as well- patio, formal dining room & cozy bar... Gio, the owner, is so gracious & passionate about his customers- you will feel like you have known him for years :) read more

Staff is pleasant. Food is good and fresh. Unique salads. Homemade bread is delicious. Calm and relaxing for a nice lunch spot. Desserts are really good here! read more

I've been here once for a business lunch. The service was good, but the meal was just Ok. I'm not always in the area, but when I am I think I will go elsewhere. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place! A true hidden gem in camarillo! Delicious food, wonderful service, cozy romantic atmosphere. Really doesn't get better than this place read more

This restaurant appears to have a loyal following with locals and we considered it a great find. We will definitely come back. The menu has a lot of variety and it changes from month to month. I occasionally eat vegetarian and there were several options to choose from. The presentation was well done and the ingredients were fresh and cooked to perfection. read more