Great bar and ambiance inside. - whiskey sour 5/5 - old fashioned 3/5, watery, needed bitters - chop salad 5/5, incredibly fresh and zesty, balanced - ahi tuna tartare 5/5, bright, flavorful, briny - spicy rigatoni 5/5, spicy vodka sauce, noodles were thin, not the fence chewy I was expecting. Not very spicy and is approachable - pork chop 5/5, heavy but flavorful and cooked well, smoky
Overview
Located at 4033 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States, Cardellino is a charming eatery that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, a fantastic menu, and a warm dining experience. Nestled in a prime location, it has become a go-to spot for those who appreciate good food and a welcoming vibe.
One of the standout features of Cardellino is its menu, which features a delightful mix of both classic and modern dishes. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, hearty pasta, or a refreshing salad, there’s something for everyone. The quality of the ingredients is apparent in every bite, and it’s clear that a lot of thought goes into the preparation of each dish.
What makes dining at Cardellino truly special is the experience. The cozy, intimate setting creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or that special someone, the restaurant’s ambiance makes it an ideal place for any occasion. The service is always friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well-cared for.
For those who love to try new dishes, Cardellino offers a variety of options that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Some of the most popular dishes include their signature pasta, prepared with a perfect balance of flavors and textures, as well as the perfectly seared steak that’s cooked to perfection every time. For dessert, their homemade tiramisu is a crowd favorite, offering just the right amount of sweetness to end your meal on a high note.
But it’s not just about the food-Cardellino goes the extra mile to ensure that every visit is memorable. The staff takes pride in offering personalized service, making you feel like part of the family. Whether it’s suggesting a wine pairing or accommodating dietary restrictions, they are always happy to cater to your needs.
For those who are concerned about location, Cardellino is conveniently situated in the heart of San Diego, making it a great choice for both locals and tourists. Its central location makes it easily accessible, whether you're heading to or from other attractions in the area. It’s the perfect place to stop for a relaxing meal after a day of sightseeing or a fun outing in the city.
The reviews speak for themselves. Many patrons rave about the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the overall atmosphere. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a great place to grab a meal, Cardellino consistently earns high marks for its excellent offerings. The restaurant has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the best spots in San Diego, and it’s easy to see why.
In addition to the delicious food and welcoming environment, Cardellino also offers catering services for events, making it a great choice for those looking to host a special gathering. Whether it's a corporate event, wedding, or family celebration, the restaurant provides an exceptional catering experience that will leave guests talking long after the event has ended.
Overall, Cardellino is a standout option for anyone looking to enjoy a meal in a comfortable, inviting setting. The restaurant’s focus on quality food, excellent service, and a memorable experience makes it a top choice in San Diego. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll leave satisfied and eager to return.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Black-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendlyPlanning
✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 381 reviews
The food did not disappoint!! The orecchiette con tomate was INCREDIBLE. Beautiful restaurant!! We came in to celebrate and have a nice meal, and unfortunately other guests made our meal awkward and uncomfortable. We sat on the patio, and a there was a table that treated the restaurant staff so poorly over the food wait time. The guests were very displeased and making a big stink. Absolutely no fault of the restaurants, we felt extremely bad for all members of the staff. We found the staff to be extremely professional and very hardworking. We will definitely be back!!
This place is excellent!! I went here for my 21st birthday dinner and it was delicious! the service was very good they explain to you all of the menu items and how they’re made. the vibe is also very good! great ambiance!
I want to here for my friend's birthday this past Saturday night. It is an Italian and Steakhouse blend restaurant. I wasn't really sure what to expect although they had good reviews online. This place exceeded my expectations. If I'm being frank, I think this is the best restaurant I've gone to this whole year and I dine out to fine dining restaurants ALOT! Every appetizer to remain coarse and dessert was amazing. And it didn't stop there the ambience of this place is very dark Chic elegant with a lot of character, it looks like it would be loud but actually the volume is so perfectly balanced! Are waitress was so nice, super tentative, and very informative through our whole entire dinner experience. For appetizers we started with a lamb chop lollipop per person, sourdough bread and calamari. The Lamb Chop was so amazing we said we would come back and just order a few of those for a meal! The dip they had for the calamari had a lemon zest which was so well-balanced with every bite. They also include fried green olives with a calamari which I've never experienced before and me and my husband were obsessed with! I ordered the ribeye for my main entree my husband ordered the New York strip and a few others ordered ribeye and steak as well. Somehow we found it in us to order dessert, my husband and I shared the tiramisu cheesecake which was astonishly amazing! The cheesecake itself is definitely made fresh into the traditional recipe. I was very impressed. Since we were celebrating two birthdays but they brought out a little espresso cup filled with ice cream and candles for the birthday people. I will definitely be coming back here, I was overjoyed by my experience!
Food and service was phenomenal. Tony if I remember correctly was our server. Great service. Lamb chops were pristine. The chicken i would not reorder but it was good to try. The 22 oz bone in was perfect. The meatballs were perfect. The spicy rigatoni was ok but we had ordered so much food not realizing portions were so big. It was a pleasurable experience for a birthday. And the tiramisu and coffee ice cream was sooo good
This is by far the best hospitality I’ve experienced from a SD Restaurant. Came to celebrate my birthday early due to my hubby deployment and the team went above and beyond to make our dining experience worthy! Manager Sal was so lovely and accommodating! Drake our server was also attentive and made good recommendations. Kid friendly too!! All the dishes we ordered were absolutely delicious! Highly recommend the spaghetti vongole and the steak! The tiramisu cheesecake was delightful too! Will be back for sure!
This place was fantastic. It is now one of my favorite places. We were a party of 7 & we all decided to share the Tuscan Experience & it was fabulous. The Filet Mignon Carpaccio, the Prosciutto & the Lamb Lollipops were our favorites. They all were delicious. The Spicy Rigatoni is good, but not off the charts. The NY & Filet were also very good, but the star of the show are the Carpaccio, Prosciutto & the Lamb. We went on a very busy Friday & the service was fantastic. Our water & wine glasses were never empty. They have a nice wine selection, but none of it is cheap. Highly recommend.