Cardellino — Restaurant in San Diego

Brought my mother here because we wanted to go somewhere nice while she was in town and I was craving pasta. I made the reservation online that morning and only really early or late reservation were available. We got there five minutes before they opened and we’re waiting with a group of people outside. They opened the door and seated us right away. We were a table of two so they sat us in the high booths right by the door next to the window. On the other side of the windows at another couple and kind of made us a little uncomfortable but we pushed through it. The inside of the restaurant had a green gentle ambiance that was pretty welcoming. Our waiter walked up to the table and to great us but he carried himself like he did not want to talk to us.. to be honest we saw him only three times. The manager checked on us twice and a servers who brought us our food both times (appetizer and entree) was not him. He only brought us out our drinks. I will talk later in my review why I mention this..

So we ordered the Steamed Pei Mussels for our appetizer. They had great flavor and were perfectly cooked! We enjoyed them with the two slices of bread they gave us and used the bread to soak up the tasty juices! For our entrees we ordered the Radiatori Bolognese and the Spicy Rigatoni. The Radiatori Bolignese was delicious! Exactly what we were looking for! Cooked perfectly and also great balance of sauces and cheese and pasta! The Spicy Rigatoni was also really good. The heat in it was not to bad but I felt that the dish lacked in something sk I added Parmesan to it. The pasta was also cooked perfectly. It’s hard to find decent pasta because restaurants always rush the. Pasta and undercook them which is never a good time. But these chiefs really know what they’re doing.

Now my issue.. the check comes out I look it over and did not catch the 4% Living wage charge.. yes living wage.. so not only should you tip for good service, you are made to give more so that the workers there can LIVE. It was only about $3/$4 but still it doesn’t sit right with me.. I did not catch this when the check came out so I cannot tell you if it was on their before I paid but I did notice it after I paid and it made me really upset.. I think tipping culture had gotten out of control but the face that I was made to give 4% to go towards the workers living situation did not sit right h with me. The receipt said to “let us know if you’d like this removed” but that would have been very awkward and uncomfortable to do honestly which is what I think the restaurant is hoping for.. it isn’t mine or the customer’s responsibility to make sure people can live on their homes and pay their rent.. I only came for a nice night out and some pasta.. it is the responsibility of the restaurant to make sure their workers are paid properly which they are not! And I wonder if this 4% Living wage is getting taxed.. because if so then this is a scam honestly. I enjoyed the food, the atmosphere was pretty but I honestly...

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were welcomed by an inviting atmosphere. The lighting was warm and well-balanced, accentuating the beautifully curated décor. The tables were spacious and comfortable, with enough distance between them to allow for a relaxed dining experience.

Service was impeccable from start to finish. The servers were not only knowledgeable about the menu but also incredibly attentive, offering prompt and professional responses to all our inquiries. They managed the timing of our meal flawlessly, ensuring that each course arrived at the perfect moment while discreetly cleaning our table in between.

We began our meal with a cocktail, which was crafted to perfection—neither too sweet nor diluted, just the right balance of flavors. The wine selection was solid, with enough variety to complement the meal.

For appetizers, we chose a fresh and vibrant salad featuring crisp snap peas, sweet strawberries, and finely sliced prosciutto that practically melted in our mouths. The sourdough bread that accompanied our meal was exceptional—its golden crust delivered that satisfying crunch reminiscent of a French boulangerie, while the interior remained soft and spongy, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Our main course featured a beautifully prepared New York strip, cooked to a perfect medium-rare as requested. The fried potatoes were a highlight in their own right—crispy, well-seasoned, and finished with fresh grated cheese for a rich, savory touch.

The grand finale was the lemon meringue dessert, which truly stole the show. The balance of tangy lemon and subtle sweetness was spot on. The crust was flaky and buttery, reminiscent of a classic galette des rois. It was topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and an airy, creamy meringue that tied the entire dish together. This dessert was an elevated take on the traditional lemon meringue, showcasing expert technique and thoughtful execution.

Overall, this restaurant exceeded expectations in every way. The food was outstanding, the service impeccable, and the ambiance welcoming. I highly recommend visiting with a group so you can experience more of the menu’s delights. This is a place that understands the art of fine dining and executes...

Came to Cardellino for the first time yesterday too celebrate a birthday brunch. As a long time enthusiast of parent restaurant Trust, I was eager to give this location a try. The layout, construction and decor did not disappoint. The interior design was pleasant without feeling cluttered, airy without feeling sparse and contemporary without feeling pretentious. It all worked really nicely together and I doubt it will come off as dated any time soon. The space also appears to have a private event room for 10ish people that looks like a perfect place to reserve. 5 stars on design alone.

On to the food. We ordered the Bloody Marys, Cinnamon Roll, Allium and Bacon Omelette, and the Tomato Scramble.

The Bloody Mary was a good size for the price, but the initial taste was anemic. Heavy on the tomato, no real spiciness to be found, couldn't detect the alcohol (which could be a good or bad thing). We requested the Trust hot sauce to punch it up. After adding about two tsps, the drink was much improved. Hot sauce added a nice balance of heat and vinegary tang that the drink was lacking.

The cinnamon roll, while visually arresting in presentation, was sadly a bit dry and missing the butteriness and gooey-goodness I crave in a cinnamon roll. This could possibly be due to the separate preparation/bake in the cast iron mini skillets drying out the bun. Also possible that addition of folded in cream cheese to the dough would help retain moisture in the bread. The ice cream was a delicious addition. I do wish the currants came through better in the dish, I could barely taste them.

The Allium and Bacon Omelette, was similarly gorgeous in display and my sweet baby hey-zeus it was good. The omelette was in the delicate French style, studded throughout with caramelized onions and chunks of bacon. A beautiful textural mix in the mouth. The salad was a perfect, lightly acidic accompaniment, to held cut the richness of the omelette. If I could have eaten that dish forever, I would have certainly tried. A bazillion stars.

My friends tomato scramble was also tasty, however, the omelette was the clear winner of the meal.

We will definitely be back to try...