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    Cardellino

    4.3 (571 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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    CARDELLINO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Cardellino

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    Primo Marzo; the prosciutto was definitely the star of the dish
    Sarah L.

    Came here for the Mother's Day brunch; overall had a mix of hits and misses. Started with the Primo Marzo; the prosciutto was definitely the star of the dish, super tender, and all the ingredients tasted really fresh. I just felt like it needed one more element to tie everything together. The spicy rigatoni was simple but packed with great tomato and spice flavors. I actually think this dish would've been even better with a meat ragu added to it. The smoked salmon bagel chip was really good; light, fresh, and the salmon was tender and flavorful. The fried capers and thin crispy bagel gave it a fun twist on a traditional bagel and lox. The porcini & pea tortelloni wasn't my favorite. The sauce felt too thick and the pasta was a little too al dente for my taste. The more I ate it, the less I enjoyed it. I really wanted to love the steak and eggs, but the steak was overly salted and hard to enjoy because of it. Dessert was mixed too. The cannoli was delicious; light, crispy, and simple in the best way. The olive oil cake, though, tasted dry to me and the flavors didn't really work together. Not a fan of that one.

    Lamb lollipop
    Kaloni S.

    My friends and I came here for dinner on a Saturday night and it was delicious! Service was quick and staff were welcoming. The restaurant is really cute inside, but fairly small. There's both indoor and outdoor seating available. Parking was a bit tricky, but there's plenty on the street and in the residential area. I'd definitely come back! Worth a try if you're in the area. Food/drink review: Pinot Grigio: (3/5) crisp and refreshing, but I wish it was a little bit sweeter than it was. Lamb lollipops: (5/5) Extremely tender and flavorful! It didn't taste gamey at all. Spaghetti with clams: (5/5) I couldn't partake as I am allergic. My friend said it was amazing! Super flavorful and balanced. Spicy rigatoni with meatballs: (5/5) This was super rich in flavor. The sauce was creamy and noodles cooked to perfection. I really enjoyed the meatballs too, they were tender and seasoned well. Carrot cake: (5/5) BOMB. This was absolutely amazing. The cake itself was moist, the frosting with the nuts had great texture, and the caramel sauce was the perfect addition to the dessert. You have to have a bite of everything together.

    Gabriel H.

    Cardellino has some excellent food options, everything on the menu sounds so good! 14oz prime ribeye was the best, had some fatty parts but excellent flavor and cooked to perfection! Woah spaghetti vongole was also so delicious! Definitely an excellent food options when in San Diego, HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Aperol Spritz are a great drink option.

    Robert C.

    Dude. The review must start like that for anything radically delicious in San Diego. I had no idea SD could knock Italian out of the park like that. Well, I guess it does make sense given they have a Little Italy. Anyways, everything we ordered was bomb.com! Legit. Here's what we ordered. I'd recommend you follow my foot steps. Chopped salad. Quite possibly the best chopped salad I've had. Spicy rigatoni. I could not stop eating it even when I was full. The taste is addictive. Radiatori Bolognese. They should just rename this radically delicious bolognese. Fritto misto. Taste the sea baby. We sat at the bar which honestly has such a great vibe even though our reservation was for a table. I'd do it again. Shout out to our super attentive bar tender/waiter. He was suave and friendly. Cheers!

    Cocktail menu
    Cherish F.

    Had a great meal at Cardellino. The food is amazing, the drinks are ok and the service was great. Since we were a couple they sat us outside which I wasn't really a fan of, we made a reservation for our Anniversary and they said they could seat us inside if we'd sit at the bar. Thank goodness I brought a jacket.

    3 lamb chops
    Leslie C.

    We had a very nice experience at Cardellino last night. They were quite full for a Wednesday night but we had a reservation so we did not have to wait. The ambiance here is very nice though I might say it was a bit too loud to carry on a conversation and way too dark to read the menu. Just about everyone in the restaurant had to read it using their camera flashlight.Had there been a tad less noise and a bit more light it would have been perfect. Service was very good but not great. I had to ask for my water to be refilled by flagging down a busboy and the waiter didn't come back to check on my dinner until I was finished eating. He did promptly come to clean off the table after I finished. I would have happily skipped the table wipe down in favor of checking in more promptly. I got the feeling they were understaffed as my waiter was definitely busy running from table to table non stop. We ordered three lamb chops, a side of asparagus and the branzino.The branzino and asparagus were both excellent. The lamb was very good. My issue with the lamb chop is that they do not ask you how you like it. It is delivered to the table- medium. I found this to be a tad off putting for a high end restaurant. I was also not given a steak knife. I had to work a bit to cut it with the butter knife I was given. That said, once I added a bit of salt and lemon it was delicious. Frankly by the end of the meal I was just picking the chops up with my hands anyway so the lack of a proper knife didn't matter. We skipped dessert since I am a true chocoholic and there was simply nothing particularly chocolatey there. Overall this is a very nice restaurant.

    Felina V.

    Cardellino did NOT disappoint. Easily one of the best meals I've had in the past year! Highly recommend for an elevated steakhouse date night. Cocktails were immaculate. Sides, mains, and appetizers all left my jaw on the floor. And of course the service was perfect, even during that mysterious week between Christmas and the start of the new year, when time doesn't exist. So excited to go back!

    Spicy rigatoni with meatballs
    Sandra P.

    Cardellino's Italian Restaurant delivered a great experience from start to finish. The appetizers were solid--the bread alone was worth it. The steak was tender and cooked well, and the potatoes were perfectly crispy, savory, and well-seasoned. The spicy pasta was a standout--full of flavor and not overly spicy, so don't be intimidated. I had it with meatballs, but I'm already planning to try it with short rib next time. I skipped dessert because the cocktails at their speakeasy, Carlo, were my dessert. Carlo is a beautiful, intimate space with true craft cocktails made right. Must try the Toga Party. Well done Trust Group. I love going to Trust for brunch. Fort Oak for happy hour. Now, Cardellino for dinner. Great food, great drinks, and a fun overall vibe. Would absolutely return.

    Lena K.

    We sat at the full-service bar and were warmly taken care of by a fantastic bartender. We started with their sourdough. The bread was perfectly crunchy and chewy on the outside with a soft, pillowy center. Next came the chopped Italian salad, generously finished with shredded pecorino, but the standout appetizer for me was the tuna tartare. We went all in with their signature 38-oz Bistecca Fiorentina. It was beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection. When the first steak didn't meet their standards, the kitchen remade it, and the manager kindly treated us to a dessert for the wait, a gesture that truly showed their commitment to hospitality. The space was warm and inviting I will be back!

    Chop Salad
    Ryan B.

    Been meaning to come here for years now. It's a coworkers absolute favorite and she's been telling me to go forever. Definitely not disappointed. It was dimly lit and ambient inside. Staff was clearly working very hard and was super helpful all night. The cocktails were excellent and the chop salad was huge and delicious. Whatever herb butter they used for the steak was amazing and I loved the mushroom polenta. Looking forward to coming back again soon!

    Juicy lamb lollipops
    Claudia E.

    We celebrated our anniversary at Cardellino, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Even though the restaurant was fully booked for the evening, the front desk went above and beyond to make our night special. We called around 7pm and they reassured us they would try their best, and--miraculously--managed to find us seats without making us feel like an inconvenience! We were able to book a reservation for 8pm and even managed to get in earlier. Their kindness and welcoming attitude set the tone for the entire evening. The atmosphere was cozy and vibrant. All the dishes were beautifully crafted. The lamb lollipops were to die for. Each bite popped with savory flavors. Each dish had its own unique taste. I wil never forget how expeditionary the food and service was. The experience felt even more memorable because it started with genuine care. If I could, I would give Cardellino more than five stars for its outstanding service and delicious food.

    Kathleen C.

    Had a great time celebrating a friend's birthday! The vibes, service and food were excellent. We shared a few items: -SOURDOUGH BOULE -FILET MIGNON CARPACCIO -CHOP SALAD -EGGPLANT PARM LASAGNA -SPICY RIGATONI All had great flavors and enjoyed every bite!

    Carrot cake, tiramisu cheesecake, and apple strudel a la mode
    Gene L.

    Wow. The food was phenomenal! For starters, we had the sourdough - so good. The bread crust was perfect and so soft and chewy inside. The lamb lollipops were great. The ribeye was delicious, and I loved the sides of mushrooms, roasted carrots, and the bucatini cacio e pepe was the best. We also tried their desserts and the standout was the moist carrot cake!! The service was fantastic, thanks Miller! The interior ambiance was great. We sat outside and had heaters. Definitely check out the speakeasy Carlo!

    Ahi tartare

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    Cardellino Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cardellino

    Do they have a whisky list?

    Can I bring my kid to their happy hour?

    Are the steaks prime meat?

    Is the Dining Room air conditioned?

    Hello, Stephanie! Yes, our dining room at Cardellino does have air conditioning.

    Is there outdoor seating? Dog friendly?

    There is an awesome patio that is dog friendly here facing Goldfinch

    Do they allow kids for breakfast?

    Yes, they do. I saw a baby w stroller last time I was there.

    Is the brunch menu available during the week or only on weekends? Thank you.

    Why is this place listed as black owned?

    Because our owner, Chef Brad Wise, is black

    How do I make a reservation? It looks like you guys don't have a number to call or a way to do it online...…

    I was able to make a reservation on their website.

    Do you serve breakfast?

    Yes, we are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Our bakery cafe is open for breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m.

    Is there a happy hour?

    We currently offer happy hour in our bakery cafe from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring $5 draft cocktails, $5 draft wine and $5 draft beer.

    View All 15 Questions

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    4.7
    (222 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Stopped by here after dinner and had a blast. This place is a vibe…read more They had a DJ. There's plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Service was awesome from start to finish, and the drinks were reasonably priced, which is always a plus. They're dog friendly, which is awesome. Overall, it had a great crowd and an easy, laid-back atmosphere. Definitely a fun spot to hang out.

    Dope cocktail bar in Morena area. Just dropped in on a routine Saturday night for 1 cocktail and…read moreended up having many lolol They had a DJ in playing which was cool and kept the vibes right for the night (although I think the volume could have been a bit lower as I felt like I had to yell to talk or do the awkward lean in to hear). Bartenders were cool. Nick was our fave though for sure. He made some mean cocktails. Solid liquor selection plus a list of cocktails to choose from. I initially ordered the something and picante (can't remember the full name) and found it to be way too sweet. Then switched to a basic Lalo with soda and lime to cleanse my palette. After tried their version of an espresso martini which was quite good but made with nitro brew and kahlua so a bit on the sweeter side. I ended the night with my fave drink though which was a Hugo spritz and it was perfectly balanced. Definitely will be going back, especially for the love band Sundays. Parking is all street parking.

    Photos
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Happy Hour 5-8PM features specials on Martinis, Craft Beer on Tap, Wine and Wells.
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM

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    Classic Martini $10 During Happy Hour 5-8PM
    Oculto 477

    Oculto 477

    4.2
    (305 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I loved how cozy this place was. My group of 4 sat at the bar. Super fun to watch the bartender…read morecraft the drinks. Very friendly staff and gave great recommendations. My favorite was definitely the Sloth. The marshmallow was out of this world. Pride is also good. Tastes like a healthy morning juice with a hint of alcohol. Lust was unique. Love how frothy and smooth it is with the egg whites. Also the hint of cheese! Surprisingly delicious. Gluttony was super smoky and loved the presentation.

    The self-appointed king of speakeasies is back at it with another one. I stopped by Oculto 477 on a…read moreWednesday evening an hour before close. Located in Old Town San Diego, we had dinner at a restaurant within walking distance from Oculto. I parked for free on the street and made a reservation day of. It's a pretty small speakeasy so if you're going on a weekend, you're probably going to have to make a reservation in advance. Ambiance (4.5/5): Oculto has the seven deadly sins theme going which is pretty cool. I've been to a similar speakeasy in St. Pete, Florida. Once you arrive at the mezcal bar that houses Oculto, check in with the host, and he will bring you to a "confessional." There, you must confess one of the seven deadly sins before the door to the speakeasy is opened for you. Naturally, I went with "lust." Once you get inside, it's a charming speakeasy. Service (2.5/5): This is one of the areas that leaves a little to be desired. There was only one bartender working when I was there. Since speakeasies have elevated cocktails, service was quite slow. They definitely needed two bartenders there to speed up the process. They also have a two-drink minimum which I was annoyed about on principle. I often have multiple drinks at a bar, but I never feel like I'm forced to do it. Food (N/A): I'm not sure if they have food, I don't believe they do. Regardless, I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (4/5): Pretty interesting menu of craft cocktails. When I'm at a speakeasy, I look for unique drinks that have an interesting combination of ingredients and flavor profiles. In addition to a nice list, they also have a dealer's choice cocktail where you can tell the bartender what you're into and they will craft a custom cocktail for you based on your taste. Another cool thing about Oculto is that it's located next to the cemetery in Old Town. That adds to the spooky theme.

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    Seat at the bar
    Seat at the bar
    La Llorona
    La Llorona
    Oculto 477

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    The Gärten

    The Gärten

    4.6
    (79 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This biergarten is awesome. As soon as you walk in, there's a food truck immediately to your left…read moreserving wood-fired pizzas that are absolutely phenomenal. They also offer a great happy hour special Tuesday through Friday with $5 off pizzas. I don't remember the exact hours, so you'll want to check those before visiting. One of the things I love most about this place is the variety. There are three different brewery stations throughout the venue. I got a flight from the back room, where they serve mead, which is tough to find around San Diego. I ordered a flight, which came with six selections, and every single one was excellent. The staff here are fantastic. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and one of the chefs even came out to give the pups some pepperoni, which was a nice touch that definitely stood out. The space itself is huge with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a great place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy a few drinks without feeling cramped. Overall, this is a fun and unique spot with great food, excellent drinks, and outstanding service. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back.

    This is a great space! Love meeting friends here - locals and tourists are always pleasantly…read moresurprised by this literal 'hidden' gem tucked in the middle of an industrial area (parking may take a bit to find). The main food available is from Pizza Cassette, which has delicious sandwiches and wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pies. Drinks are available from a brewery, a trendy and unique wine spot, and a meadery! Truly something for everyone. It's dog friendly and great for groups to still feel intimate with standing areas, barrel table tops and picnic style tables. There's usually always something happening like trivia night or live music, but heads up, they don't stay open too late - won't be an issue for most, but in case you're looking for a spot at 8pm, double check the hours, especially for food.

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    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    VIP flight from Lost Cause Meadery
    The Gärten
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    Oddish Wine

    Oddish Wine

    4.6
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    1.9 mi
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    Great staff, cheerful and helpful with suggestions if you just aren't sure in what to get. The wine…read moreis good, the red is not your typical dark red it is very light and almost reminds me more of a rose color. Different but tasty and refreshing. Their sangria is really good I think I of my favorites. Location is great, fun to grab a glass and enjoy some live music!

    Audish wine is the coolest winery in all of San Diego because they are biodynamic wines with…read moreminimal intervention that are all organic and all grown here! Other San Diego wine clubs focus on things like Spanish and French wines, fancy bubbly wines, Santa Barbara or Santa Rita.... This is truly San Diego. Oddish also has some of the craziest wines I've ever seen. For example, they had one called the hybrid that mixed wine, Mead, and cider. If you're looking to have fun and try a wine that is not full of itself but instead full of character, this is what you want. Also, I have a lot of friends who say that drinking wine makes them feel sick and that they never feel sick when they drink Oddish wines. Must be the way that they produce it and just how natural it really is. It's inside of a space called The Garten which is also such a must-see spot. They have Mead, beer, and a pizza truck? Pizza, outdoor oven type thing haha. And a stage that sometimes has live music. You order your drinks, sit on picnic tables with others, and enjoy the beautiful San Diego Sunshine

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    Oddish Wine
    Vermouth Spritz & 1st 2pm pour of the tasting - Cosmic Dance
    Vermouth Spritz & 1st 2pm pour of the tasting - Cosmic Dance
    Oddish Wine

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    Cardellino - italian - Updated June 2026

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