il giardino di Lilli — Restaurant in San Diego

I actually found this place on Instagram through a fellow influencer and the vibe looked too pretty to say no to. I reached out to their representative on Instagram and they were happy to have us over for a meal.

A new cafe that is so underrated! So so much potential here!

Fresh coffee and pastries and sandwiches and salads and all of them with class. BEST PART? The service! We were served by Giuseppe (If i spelled it right), and he was just the kindest and most genuine person ever. Super nice to talk to.

We started off with the Cappuccino and it was so perfect. It didn't even need any sweetener.

I got the Tartina Avocado (Avocodo toast on Sourdough, Parmesan, Red Onion, Shaved almonds, red radishes, lemon zest, poppy seeds). It was so pretty! A sprinkle of salt and pepper on top and man this was amazing! The sourdough was so fresh and the amount of avocado was so substantial, it took a decent amount of time to eat it and that made it even better. Not one of those tiny pieces that just gets over in a second. I really enjoyed this.

I also had the Insalata Estiva (salad with shaved fennel, oranges, walnuts - they used almonds today instead of walnuts - , black olives, lemon poppy seed dressing) and it was really nice. I was hesitant about all the shaved fennel since I never had a salad based on fennel before, but this is definitely going to be happening again.. The salad is amazing. I also appreciate how they used black olives - not a lot of restaurants do. I asked for some prosciutto and an egg on the side to add to the salad and it went really well.

My husband got the Panino Prosciutto Crudo (Panini on fresh in-house Focaccia, Prosciutto, Burrata, figs, rucola, balsamic reduction) And what a beauty! That focaccia and prosciutto and burrata and fig combination was out of the world! This is a new addition to their menu and I can totally see why it's on there! Man. It's genius! He really wanted a second one after finishing it. And I'm not even surprised. I could have downed two of them as well!

He also got the Insalatta Nizzarda (Salad with green beans, anchovies, bold egg, butter lettuce, tomato, black olives, red onion; No tuna, no tomato) and was really lovely as well. Those boiled eggs somehow went really well with the whole contraption. We were also quite surprised that none of the salad had the classic bees of mixed greens and lettuce. Takes away a lot of the veggies you could get in a meal, but it somehow works out in terms of taste and flavor.

For dessert, we got one of the fresh cookies from the bakery section inside. It was kind of like a shortbread sandwich cookie with cream filling and a Nutella center and also dipped in white chocolate. I can actually tell how soft it was! Still imagining how that shortbread cookie just melted into my mouth. It was so soft and fresh. Not too sugary sweet either. Something very hard to share but we...

Il Giardino Lilli Coffee and Tea Pastry, named after the founder's grandmother Lilliano, is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of La Jolla. This charming café offers a delightful selection of coffee and pastries, accompanied by excellent service and fabulous indoor and outdoor decor.

Upon entering Il Giardino Lilli, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor creates a cozy ambiance, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, you'll be surrounded by an enchanting setting that enhances the overall dining experience.

When it comes to coffee and pastries, Il Giardino Lilli truly shines. Their coffee is of exceptional quality, offering a rich and robust flavor that satisfies even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts. The variety of croissants on offer is impressive, and they are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the menu.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying the Pain Au Chocolat and almond croissants. While they were both delicious and expertly made, I found them to be a tad bit stiffer compared to the flakiness of those I've had in Izola. Nonetheless, the flavors were delightful, and they served as a satisfying accompaniment to my coffee.

What sets Il Giardino Lilli apart from other establishments is their exceptional service. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring your visit is a memorable one. From the moment you walk in, you'll be met with warm smiles and prompt service, which adds an extra touch of hospitality to the overall experience.

While Il Giardino Lilli Coffee and Tea Pastry may still be somewhat of a hidden gem in La Jolla, it is undoubtedly worth seeking out. With its good coffee, delectable pastries, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, it provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the area, this charming café is definitely worth a visit for a peaceful moment...

Decided to try this place instead of our usual go-to bakery and unfortunately we were pretty disappointed. First, the butter croissant we received was relatively doughy and not crisp at all. Reminded me of costco croissants. Portions of the croissant were pale and undercooked on the outside. Also tried a pastry that was supposed to be custardy in the center and there was very little custard to be found. Finally tried the tuna panino and the tuna pate itself was mostly flavorless paste, really could have used significantly more salt. It was also supposed to have garlic aioli and hardly tasted of garlic at all. There were a few slices of artichoke which was nice but could have used more. Also did not find any anchovy which I would have enjoyed as listed on the menu as I imagine it would have added some much needed salt and flavor. To be honest it tasted like it was made for someone on a cardiac salt restriction diet. So if that's you then this is your cafe. But for me I'd prefer my food to be significantly more punchy than a hospital cafeteria.

Positives were the bread was pretty tasty. And the latte was delicious. Milk was naturally sweet and very well steamed by the barista.

Not sure if we were just given an old croissant that was sitting out too long because the pictures online look much better than what we got. But either way, unfortunately this beautiful location is probably one to skip if you prefer some more strongly seasoned food.

Also, when trying to order, the cashier spent 5 or so minutes just shooting the crap with another customer who was obviously her friend. Which is fine, don't care if you socialize but you can ring up the ever growing line at the same time. Also probably would care even less if the food made up...