Overview: Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
A few years after opening, the property next door became available, and Zest Wine Bistro was created. Within the wine bistro, they started wine education, a wine club, and wine tours with Karina’s husband, Roberto.
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina is celebrating eight years of bringing delicious Italian cuisine and warmth to Lemon Grove.
“I would call our cuisine Italian favorites,” said owner Karina Kravalis.
A few years after opening, the property next door became available, and Zest Wine Bistro was created. Within the wine bistro, they started wine education, a wine club, and wine tours with Karina’s husband, Roberto.
There are plenty of options when finding a drink to go with your meal.
Karina Kravalis started her career as a hostess at a restaurant in the Gaslamp District and worked her way up the ladder to the position of general manager.
Eventually, she drew on all of her experience, opening her own restaurant and later a wine bar.
“We serve lunch and dinner daily and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays,” Kravalis said.
“We offer daily specials such as Cheese Wheel Monday, where our patrons can have their pastas rolled in a giant cheese wheel and served at their table. Tuesday is Pizza Night, Wednesday is Half-Off Wine, and Thursday is Date Night.
“We make our food in-house, such as lasagna, tiramisu, and arancini with bolognese. We also have gluten-free penne pasta, pizza, and cauliflower crust pizza,” Kravalis added.
On the menu are antipasti, with many options such as crispy gorgonzola Brussels sprouts or lamb chop “lollipops,” as well as pizza and flatbreads such as “The Chef Flatbread,” which comes piled high with Mascarpone cheese, bacon, spinach, fig jam, and Parmesan.
Pastas, such as our lasagna Rosa with Bolognese sauce, sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and béchamel are options too.
Our brunch specialties are unique and will definitely make your mouth water. Nutella pancakes, brûléed banana French toast, Italian chilaquiles, or our new sensation – fried chicken and waffles – will go well with the bottomless mimosas.
If you prefer eggs for breakfast, try a Benedict or an omelet.
Zest Wine Bistro
Across the driveway is the Zest Wine Bistro, with both indoor seating and a casual outdoor patio.
Karina’s husband, Roberto Avila, splits his time as a waiter in the restaurant and as a wine sommelier and wine tour guide. Together, they have amassed a large wine club.
“We have special wine tastings on the last Thursday of the month. We typically will focus on a region of the world or a varietal of wine,” Avila said.
“We offer a flight of three white wines and three red wines. You can purchase a glass of wine or a bottle and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the patio with friends.”
Look for upcoming tours to Ramona wine country and through the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California. Tours include transportation, meals, snacks, and tastings. Current tours can be found here.
Private event space
If you are looking for a private event space, the restaurant has an event room with a capacity of 14 people, as well as a back patio that can hold 30. The bistro offers a 40-50 person patio to host a gathering.
They are located at 8131 Broadway in Lemon Grove.
Their phone number is (619) 825-7112. Reservations are recommended and available on OpenTable.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dining and Cooking