Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, in sunny San Diego, lies a hidden Italian gem – Bernini’s Bistro. This restaurant has earned its well-deserved acclaim as one of the city’s most cherished establishments, renowned for its authentic recipes, generous portion sizes, and unrivaled ambiance. Securing a reservation on OpenTable, even on the same day, was a breeze, allowing us to effortlessly arrive and get seated. 

THE VIBE

With its brick sidewalk patio, lush foliage, vibrant flowers caressing the walls, enchanting tiki torches, and inviting fire pit tables, Bernini’s Bistro sets the stage for an idyllic romantic date night or memorable night with family and friends. While Little Italy in downtown San Diego often springs to mind when discussing Italian cuisine, and rightly so, as it boasts incredible restaurants, Bernini’s Bistro offers a more laid-back alternative away from the bustling downtown scene. From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by the warm and inviting atmosphere that transports you to the heart of Italy.

THE DRINKS

If you’re in the mood for something on the sweeter side, try the Pomtini made with Tito’s handmade vodka, lime juice, fresh pomegranate juice, and triple sec. If you’re a tequila lover, try the La Jolla Sunshine made with tequila, Briottet grapefruit liqueur, agave, lime juice, and celery apple bitters. 

THE FOOD 

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: our culinary journey. When dining out, I have an insatiable desire to sample a bit of everything from the menu. We started off with the Crab Cakes, an irresistible delight accompanied by a bed of arugula and zesty lemon pesto aioli. This particular dish quickly claimed the title of my personal favorite – a perfect blend of flavors, without an overwhelming fishiness. Next, we indulged in the Calamari. Picture a perfect crispy exterior giving way to tender, succulent squid within. And then there was the garlic bread, though it leaned more towards a pizza-like creation than the traditional fluffy counterpart. If I may offer a suggestion, you might consider exploring other menu options in place of this particular dish.

For our main course, we ordered the Cheese Ravioli which was served with butternut squash, peas, sage, and a parmesan cream sauce. We wanted to add protein to our dish so we opted for a side of Meatballs which was smothered in freshly made marinara sauce. Trust me when I say that this combination warrants a 10/10 recommendation. And of course, no evening would be complete without a sweet finale. The Mud Pie stole the show with its delicious coffee ice cream, crushed oreo cookies, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and toasted almonds.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

Bernini’s Bistro far surpassed our already high expectations and we will definitely be back soon. The staff was very friendly and welcoming which made our date night even more enjoyable. If you’re in the search for an exceptional dining experience for your next night out, look no further than Bernini’s Bistro. And the adventure doesn’t end there! Located in the heart of La Jolla Village, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant array of shops and bars, ready to offer a post-dinner drink to cap off your memorable evening.