Reviews

Very nice atmosphere with a very friendly attentive staff. Food was good and delivered in timely manner. Ate in bar area and felt very welcoming and relaxed. Restaurant was full of couples and groups and would bring my family next time their in town.

Nice local eatery in the La Jolla neighbourhood. We had the pizza and tuna and both were good. Service was good and our waiter was really nice giving us recommendations on what to do and see during our stay in San Diego. Nice atmosphere with indoor or outdoor seating options.

On a trip to San Diego with friends, we were told to have dinner in La Jolla while visiting the mall. We chose Bernini's Bistro. I am so glad we made this choice. Let's start with the service, it was exceptional. Now, let's talk about the food. What is better than exceptional? That is how I felt about the food. Steaks: cooked to perfection, baked potato: never had one better, drinks: lovely. Did I mention I got Tiramisu for my birthday? Yum!! All I can say is this is the best restaurant in La Jolla, it would be a shame if I you don't experience the wonder that is Bernini's Bistro.

Came for lunch and they gave us bread with some kind of olive oil dip with Olives, pine nuts, garlic and I don't know what else but it was amazing and I ate way too much bread. We didn't have any wine but sat in the back room where they keep the wine and it looks like they have an extensive wine list. The kids ravioli was fantastic. Kids gobbled it up! All the food was made with thoughtfulness and detail. Great service too.

We've eaten at Bernini's for over 10 years I'd guess, even since it opened. Have NEVER been disappointed. The food is plentiful, delicious, imaginative and reasonably priced. The owners are often on site, and often change the decor (always improving) when you think there's nothing left to improve. The food is served he by friendly staff who'll make sure you're fully satisfied with both the food and their own service. What's more, Bernini's is a bit of a secret in La Jolla, offering you ambiance and good food with rarely a wait...a combination hard to beat.

We were on holiday from the UK and were shopping at Vons and noticed this place. We booked a table for our first evening in San Diego and were not disappointed. Lovely bread and dipping oils. Great cocktails and beers and lovely tasty food. Pizza, spaghetti meatballs, lasagna and home made soup all went down really well. Good value for money and excellent service. We returned again for our final night. Totally recommend this place

A long day of travel, flights delays, arrived at our La Jolla house to find that we'd missed our grocery delivery! So we had to trek out to find something to eat. Like zombies we wandered up to a nearby eatery...and were promptly ignored! So we staggered to the next nearest restaurant and fell into the welcoming hands of Bernini's. The Mediterranean platter was outstanding, the ravioli wonderful. Sat outside on the charming patio and revived ourselves. Thank you Bernini's for renewing spirits.

On our first night in LaJolla, we went to Bernini’s for dinner. Although it is not on The Bay and does not sport great views, the sidewalk seating is fun and the food and service were excellent! In addition, they had a nice wine list with good variety. Would definitely recommend Bernini’s!

Casual, but very good Italian home cooking. Happy Hour affords reduced wine prices. Can't beat the homemade pasta and meatballs! Dining inside, outside patio, or at the bar.

We visited 6 people and tried most of the items. Great food. From the amazing bread at the opening to good dishes. Nice italian atmosphere. enjoyable.

My waiter, Sam, was amazing! I went their for breakfast and he recommended my entire meal, and it was all to die for. The lemon ricotta pancake and the Fra Diavolo eggs were phenomenal!

My wife and I had dinner with a dear friend at Bernini's and I the food and service was excellent! We'll be back!

The salmon was tasty and the salad was good. The fact that three parties got seated after me, but managed to get their dinners before me sort of pissed me off. So I notified the staff of the slight and they credited back the dinner. The salmon was excellent. The trout looked good. But there are many places to choose from.

My husband and I decided to try this place during restaurant week in san diego and we didnt regret it. We asked for an outside table because the weather was nice. The menu was good it was a 3 course meal and we enjoyed every bit of it. I had the raw fish as the first course and for seconds the pistacho crusted salmon and for dessert I had the Tiramisu and it was delicious !

Bernini's is an easy go to. Food is all very nice, have never had a bad meal here. The bar is comfortable for a drink or a meal by yourself or with friends.

This is my new favorite place in the village of La Jolla to meet friends for a healthy, delicious meal. It's perfect for either a birthday lunch or quiet upscale place to enjoy a casual meal. It's never been super busy the last few times I was there, so I didn't make a reservation, and they have a second room with more tables which is nice. Service has always been excellent too.

I went with a friend for her birthday after spending the day at the beach and had a lovely afternoon. The food wasn't incredible, but it was still quite good and then prices were average. They had plenty of options (including lots of vegetarian/pescetarian choices which made me happy). The service was excellent; a waitress was always waiting by the front of the restaurant to greet guests and my glass was never less than half full. We got to choose our own seats and they had heaters for us outside so we could enjoy the breeze without getting chilly (although there's almost always excellent weather in San Diego).

La Jolla is a very upscale part of San Diego. It is nice to find a cozy neighborhood restaurant there. The food and service is good. You can comfortably sit inside or outside.

We went to Bernini’s for dinner on our family trip to San Diego and we loved it! The atmosphere was great, the food was delicious and our waiter, Trevor, was excellent. The pizza was delicious and my family also loved their meals - salmon and filet. Great stop, would definitely return & I’m very excited to eat my leftover pizza!

We stopped here to grab a bite after we were at La Jolla Cove. The food was amazing and the presentation was perfect. A bit expensive but worth every dollar!

Ate here with my husband on our first night of vacation in San Diego. Picked it because they said they could do gluten free (for me, have Celiac) and was a bit concerned from that perspective when we arrived (no GF menu officially), but the ambiance and setting was quite lovely. Then we got our meal and it was incredibly delicious. I had the chicken piccata and cleared my plate. Very good and reasonably priced. Definitely a great choice for a wonderful meal.

Been there more than once, love the calamari, the service is great. Love the outdoor seating! The menu is nice as well and the prices are great!

During our stay in La Jolla we had dinner at the restaurant a couple of times (we had been there on our last visit) and enjoyed the ambience, the food and the drink. We always have a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar before moving into the restaurant, it sets the tone for the evening. We went for the pappardelle shrimp - absolutely delicious and a bottle of Pinot Griogo to wash it down. We had a great evening except for a rather pushy intrusive server, a guy probably in his fifties with glasses who just was too much. He needs to rebalance his relationship with customers so as to be attentive but not overdo it. Apart from that we would highly recommend the place for dinner.

Came here for a meal and were given a warm welcome as we were shown to our table. A very confident waiter by the name of Sam introduced himself before going through the selection of specials on offer and then taking a drinks order. Whilst this was occurring another gentleman brought complimentary bread and water to the table. Next up our drinks were brought to the table and our waiter came over to apologise and confirm he was leaving as his shift was over and that another waiter by the name of Hendi would look after us. However, a couple of minutes later the original waiter is dealing with a table to our right. Our main course was next and my partner enjoyed the lamb shank and I enjoyed the Bernini's Signature Burger. Both went down very well. (original waiter watch) The original waiter Sam was still serving various tables to our right hand side. Believing he was going home, we started to feel a touch paranoid. Anyway to finish we had the Peach Cobbler and Tiramisu. Again both excellent and yes our original waiter was still in the restaurant and still serving other tables. All in all a great dining experience and the food was wonderful.

We had just 1 day in San Diego and after spending most of it at the zoo, we decided to drive to La Jolla under recommendation from a colleague. Came across Bernini's when looking through Tripadvisor and decided to give it ago. We were super happy with the food! The welcome bread with dip was delicious and we went on to order 2 main fish dishes and i had the cioppino(LOVE). The vibe and ambience of the place at night was great and I was glad to have spent my evening there with Bernini's

Dining out with a 2-year-old is never easy, but we had an amazing meal on a Saturday night at Bernini's. We chose to sat outside on the heated patio and our server was helpful and friendly. Our meal was delicious! We split the sweet walnut salad and salmon penne; both were fresh and imaginatively prepared. We can't wait to return.

We ate here on our first night in La Jolla. Excellent friendly service. Between us we had salad, pizza and their dinner special pasta all were very good. The restaurant is well established and whilst it is not on the bay it is well worth a visit.

We visited this restaurant twice during our 10 days day in La Jolla. We loved the outdoor dining area. There were heaters for each table. The evenings were cool but the heaters were sufficient. They seem to do everything right. The tables had fresh flowers each day. We ordered lasagna both times because it was so good. They serve a nice sweet bread as you sit down. Friendly servers, great service, great food!

Bernini’s is our favorite place in La Jolla! After over 50 visits, I can’t remember one that wasn’t pleasant, memorable and satisfying. The atmosphere, food and friendly service are all outstanding and we especially LOVE the people, pizza and artwork. So much so, that we had to purchase one of Humdi’s wonderful paintings. Amit, Trevor and Humdi always make us feel like family and we always leave satisfied and with a smile on our faces. We truly love Bernini’s Special thanks to Amit and the crew! Art and Carrie

Finally a restaurant in the area that makes great food! We were losing hope in the west coast restaurants until we found this place. Varied menu something for everyone, friendly staff and great ambiance (ate outside with heater above us since marine layer refuses to budge)

We saw this restaurant the first night we were in town and the last night decided to give it a try... We did not regret it! Friendly, efficient staff. The food was great! We sat outside and it was quite romantic! The menu was quite varied. If we are ever in town again we would go back!

The salad was great, but the pepperoni pizza was soggy and flavorless. We have eaten here years ago, and we liked the pasta, which we hope is still good.

Always enjoy this family style Italian..atmosphere and food are both good. Comfy.. with good service and good prices.

At least for us... We tried a few others in La Jolla that were listed a bit higher on tripadvisor. Bernini wins it for us with very welcoming staff, good food whenever you show up: dinner, lunch or dinner. High quality products are well prepared and properly cooked for delicious dishes. Salads are very fresh and nicely presented, Italian dishes very tasty... And the best burger I had for quite a long time. Look forward to be back

I came here with my wife and parents after spending some time at the beach in the AM. The skillet dishes are second to none! Service is impeccable!

I loved this restaurant, was in La Jolla for 3 days and went there twice because it was just SO GOOD! The pizza's amazing and the chicken wrap in great too. Fries were awesome, not too greasy, great texture, just perfect.

Bernini's is a favorite hangout for local La Jollans at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes for a delightful start to the day! Homemade soups, salads, and Mediterranean-influenced dinners are all delightful! The outdoor patio seating lets one enjoy the enviable weather or move indoors for a warm familial feel. Don't leave without noticing the art, the owner is an extremely talented painter!

Very special meals. We had meat as dinner and it was really good. The service was perfect. If you have time to visit la jolla, try this place

Great cheap place to eat with alfresco or indoor Italian resturant. I had the signature lasagna and it was good, not sure though about the bread on the plate adds to it. The Syrah Burgess Cellars, Napa red wine was average.

Our late dinner, outdoor, was with seared tuna and a woodfire pizza. The tuna was excellent as the pizza could have been larger, and the dough seemed to be pre prepared. The service was rushed, the pizza being ready before we finished our first dishes, and the waiter trying to make more space available by removing our unfinished dishes. Prices rather high.

My wife and I have eaten at Bernini's before and had a nice dining experience. We were in La Jolla again and decided to make a repeat visit. They didn't disappoint. The evening air had a slight chill to it but we decided to dine outside. A heater turned to a lower setting kept us very comfortable. We shared their Walnut Salad. It was wonderful with just the right amount of Balsamic vinaigrette. For entrees my wife ordered the Farfalle Gorgonzola and I had the Spaghetti Bolognese. Both were very tasty and filling. My wife's dish had great flavor. Spaghetti Bolognese may seem very ordinary but has a very appetizing sauce, made with ground beef, onions, celery, carrots & pear tomatoes. One slight negative is that the complimentary bread is very ordinary. We were full and passed on desserts. When in La Jolla again next year, we'll likely return for another meal here.

At the end of our stay in La Jolla we dined in Bernie's for our last meal. It was a busy Saturday and I called in in the morning to reserve a table. When we arrived they had given us the best table in the house in an alcove. The amazing atmosphere in this restaurant is created by the staff who all seem to enjoy working here and talking to the customers. The menus has so many choices that there is something for every taste. There is also an extensive wine list at very sensible prices. Next time we are in La Jolla this is the first restaurant that we will head for!

Casual bistro in La Jolla ! Very pleasant atmosphere and décor ! Parking is a little crazy - as everywhere in La Jolla but we are glad that we went to enjoy a great dinner ! A special mention to Trevor for his outstanding service and attitude !

Three of our party had fish entrees and one had a chicken pasta. They were all OK. The highlights for us were their salads. The portions were very generous, even if you ordered the half/smaller size salad. I very much enjoyed the Farmers Vegetables salad. Other salads we had were the Kale Caesar and the Sweet Walnut. Skip the butter and stick with the house-made tapenade that comes with the bread. I added it to my salad and to my salmon entree. There is also a selection of wood-fired pizzas on their menu, which we did not try.

We had coffee and dessert. We recommend the Budino. It was perfect. The service was impeccable. The waitstaff were very polite and accomodating. The customer around us were raving about the food and service as well. We highly recommend this restaurant.

We had the coconut crusted Halibut special and could not have been happier! It was really delicious. The service was great and we can't wait to go back. Everyone with us loved their meals also .

This place was within walking distance from our Airbnb so we thought we would give it a try. They were so welcoming and friendly, tending to our every need. It was a Monday night, but there will was a steady stream of folks coming in. The staff was knowledgeable and willing to accommodate my dietary needs. The lasagne was exceptional. My salmon and veggies was delish. I can see why they have been around as long as they have.

Really nice local place. Good food and service. Grest Brussel Sprouts and pizza. Try Fettucini Nero. Nice Tiramasu. Just an excellent place to go.

Had a lovely dinner at this restaurant. Food was very good and our server, Trevor, was very attentive. Loved the short ribs and the pollo picatta. Wonderful ambiance.

My cousin brought me here and we had a delicious meal. My salad was delicious with the added grilled chicken making it a complete meal and very satisfying. The bread and dipping oil were fresh and yummy. It would have been nice to try one of the delicious looking desserts, but I was too full. Cute decor and cozy neighborhood feeling. Prices at high end of mid-range.

We ended up at Bernini's Bistro by accident and were very happy we did. It was cool enough that we wanted to sit inside. Nice atmosphere, interesting assortment of paintings of famous people. All 4 meals were good, the 2 salmon dishes were very different from each other, both good. The hit was the tirimisu, best we've had. Many dishes under $20 which is a great value for the La Jolla area.

Stopped in on our first day in La Jolla, just by chance it was happy hour which had wonderful specials. The food was superb, the patio dining was excellent, and the staff was very attentive.

We were out walking around La Jolla and walked by Bernini's and saw the TripAdvisor Certification of Excellence. We had been to the beach all day and really needed to clean up, so we went back to our hotel, made a reservation on Open Table, dressed for dinner and walked back. We sat inside and the decor was fantastic with old exposed brick walls and lots of artistry. They had an excellent wine list and my husband selected an Italian Red he had not found in other restaurants, but had in Italy. - it was wonderful! Their menu was excellent with both pastas, and lighter dishes. I had the crab cakes and their sweet walnut salad. Both excellent, and we shared the Creme Brulee which was done to perfection. Service was very good, and it was a wonderful evening - I loved this restaurant! Highly recommend! I selected the fine dining category because of the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere; but of course it is California and everyone was dressed pretty casual.

I ate here just now. I ordered a Marguerite pizza. And a good glass of Merlot Pepperwood. The pizza was thin, crunchy and excellent with some fresh basil on top. A thé wine was a good companion.

Delicious bolognese sauce. Offers gluten free pasta. No gluten free bread. Outside seating available. Street parking. Happy hour and drink specials. Pizza oven doesn’t start until dinner. Disappointed couldn’t have pizza for lunch. Gluten free pizza available.

I was strolling around my first day in La Jolla and found this very cute bistro called Bernini's. I decided to sit on the very comfy patio to enjoy the late afternoon sun. The waiter, Hamdi, confirmed my choices of Lasagna in Bechamel sauce and the Ahi sesame encrusted Tuna were the right ones. To be succinct, the Lasagna was the best I've had this year whether in LA or SD. The Ahi Tuna starter was superb. I decided on Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak(Napa Valley) and Sam Smith beer from England which were both outstanding with the Starter and Entree. The restaurant walls are adorned with paintings of stars like Brando and Pacino(two of my favorites) by the Owner himself. i was also impressed with the stained glass Bernini's window as you walk in. The service and atmosphere is relaxed, casual yet with a nice refined upscale feel and look.

Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner... good food and nice service. The atmosphere is warm and has something on the menu for the whole family. A good place for kids and parents alike!

We had a very nice dinner. The restaurant is a bit noisy, but it is a good place to come with kids. The pizzas are tasty and they propose kids menu.

We love going to Berninis for dinner after seeing a movie at The Lot or any time. The place is cozy and the food is very good. Service is always good too.

Bernini's is a place you can always meet up with friends for coffee or tea, breakfast, lunch, or dinner any time of day. We often have small school committee meetings there since they have some nice large booths and tables. The service is great and always friendly. The food is really delicious and any type of eater can find great selections (carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, or vegans).

Bernini's is a classic Italian restaurant with great food and attentive service. It accommodates small or large groups. Serving portions are fairly generous so taking home leftovers lets you continue the enjoyment at a later time. Considering the restaurant is in downtown La Jolla, their prices are quite reasonable.

This is probably the most reliable restaurant in La Jolla for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I typically eat breakfast here when I have friends in town visiting who like egg dishes. Great food and value.

From fist to steak to salads & great pizza & pasta. Bernini is a nice local restaurant for a casual dinner out with friends. My favorite dish is their pizza!

We just moved to La Jolla and saw this Bistro which is situated on Fey Avenue. It looked cozy and inviting, so we made it a point to walk there for dinner. We made reservations ahead and we were glad that we did because the place was quite bustling. We observed that several of our neighbors were at dinner on this Thursday evening. Our server was Lane, and he was a big reason that we enjoyed the place so much. He was a great server, pleasant, competent, and not overbearingly attentive, but just right. When asked, he had helpful suggestions. I ordered the salmon special which was delicious! My husband ordered the chicken parmesan, our daughter ordered the chicken piccata, and our grandson ordered the pepperoni pizza. Everyone enjoyed the amply sized meals and were happy with the quality of the food. The cocktails were good sized, as was the wine. Best of all, the prices were mid range and reasonable. I suggest eating outdoors as we did, which was a perfect choice for this warm August evening.

Yes, this is our latest Discovery in our Food Adventure!!! we go a lot to The Lot😄and we always see the sing of this restaurant and said we have to try it, well we did and is the Best Italian place we try so far in San Diego!!!! we have a crab cake made with real crab meat(not very Italian dish) very good, the bread and tapenade we have is amazing; we order the trout and the Pasta Nero unforgettable!!!! and the bread pudding To died for!!!! you have to go. Prices are so affordable and service is Great!!!

Walked by, checked the menu and got a table. Uniquely yummy food in La Jolla at very reasonable prices. A welcome alternative to other trendy high priced spots. Very very good lunch menu with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and egg dishes more like frittatas than omelet. Very nice sidewalk outside dining in addition to inside tables. It was a rewarding choice to stop and grab lunch

My family and I didn't know where to eat because we aren't locals, just on vacation. So we walked into Bernini's not knowing what to expect but before we could start assuming we where happily greeted by a waitress and told we could sit anywhere we like. The place is beautiful, no doubt about that. There are tables indoors and outdoors so we sat indoors. It was very hot that day, however, the full window frame was securely fastened to the ceiling with hinges on the top of the frame and metal hooks so we received a lovely breeze from outside. The staff where very welcoming and friendly and the service as well as the food was great! I would definitely eat here again.

I LOVE this place - it is like no other when it comes to creating the perfect blend of delicious, pretty and plentiful brunch plates with stylish, yet casual European ambiance. You feel like you're sitting on a sidewalk cafe with all the time in the world, thanks to attentive, relaxed servers who get every detail just right. A huge menu offers breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner...and I've enjoyed many dishes (all 4-star) at all three seatings! It always feels like a special occasion whenever our family visits Bernini's, just wished I lived closer!

Berninis has a few different dining areas, a me u with a wide array of choices for appetizers and entrees. Very generous portions. The Brussels sprouts appetizer is delish and great for sharing. The mussels are generous in quantity, enough to work as an entree. My husband keeps ordering their chicken parmigiana.... loves it! The servers are so friendly and attentive. The ambiance is casual and inviting, whether for couples or groups. Parking is on the street and can be tight so just go to nearby side streets if needed.

A thoroughly ordinary, bland meal. Staff were courteous but the food was plain, ho-hum. The house specialty lasagne had just a plain tomato sauce, no herbs, little flavor. Pizzas were simple but very light on herbs. No pepper grinder to be seen. We won't be back.

Went to Berini's in for dinner to celebrate a friends birthday. Great food, big portions, good atmosphere. Very good wine selection. The service was excellent the restaurant is lively not stuffy.

Have had great meals here with both small and large parties. Always fresh ingredients well-prepared, tasty and never disappointing. Good food, whether pizzas or multi-course meals, and with good wine selections. Very friendly wait staff.

Visiting LJ for the week and we seem to be mainly trying Italian restaurants. This place had possibly the best server ever... anticipated every need without being overbearing. And really...suggested that they would sell me a 1/2 glass of wine since I did not want another whole glass...this makes so much sense and yet I have not seen it elsewhere. Food was fantastic, husband and I split the large beet salad and the gorgonzola/farfalle pasta dish. More than enough food for two, so much that we could not eat dessert. And looked like they had some great desserts. Oh well, next time! Their tag line seemed to be that the locals eat there. I believe it!

On a whim my family and I stopped into Bernini's Bistro for lunch. Needless to say we were extremely pleased. One of the main problems I had with restaurants throughout La Jolla was that I found the menus to be too small with maybe only 1 or 2 options that I really cared for. This was not the case here. I found the menu to be the perfect size and containing a multitude of attractive options. I ultimately settled on the Meatball Sandwich which as many people have noted here was outstanding. We also had a nice seat in warm outdoor air and were pleased with the service. We were very close to going back later for dinner!

Nice evening for four at Bernini's in La Jolla. The food was generally very good with the exception of the ciopinno which needs some work spice wise. It was much too bland. Good menu and friendly wait staff in a nice atmosphere. We will return.

I had the short ribs and my girlfriend had the cioppino. Both were very good. I had read about the bread they serve up, but this night it was nothing to write home about. Had some good wine. Service was also good. Worth a visit for sure...

We went to Bernini's for lunch - brunch , greeted with a smile and sat on the patio . I had the curry chicken soup and tuna salad . The soup was really one of the best I've had . My sister had blueberry pancakes and they were yummy . Our servers were excellent . We will return ...

The service, food and the atmosphere was super good, we sat at the bar and Lane was helping us he defines customer services and represents the bar very well, we had a brick fired pizza and it tasted super light and fresh, this place is worth trying out.

No complaints, food was solid, wait staff pleasant and accommodating. Nice patio. Overall a very solid choice but nothing I’d write home about. Some may thing 3* to be negative, but I don’t mean it that way. I mean that it is a solid choice and you likely won’t go wrong by eating here. I’d skip the blue cheese dressing though. It’s basically ranch with hints if blue if your lucky.

Bernini's Bistro is a great little find. Excellent food - Wonderful presentation - great atmosphere - Very friendly staff. We highly recommend a visit to this restaurant!

We visited La Jolla last year in Oct. and loved our dinner experience here and couldn't wait to go back! We stayed at the Empress Hotel and it was just a walk down the street. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. The staff is polite and knowledgeable. The first night my husband had the fillet and I had the Trout Almondine, the filet was done to perfection and the trout was delicious. We liked it so much we went back a few days later, (sat in the alcove) very romantic. I had spagetti bolognese and he had Ahi tuna, which again were both very good. We will always visit Bernini's when we come to La Jolla.

First day in La Jolla and was just randomly walking the streets. When I got tired and hungry I stopped into the first cafe that caught my eye which happened to be Bernini's. So glad I did! Sat outside, gorgeous day, and although the scenery is not great(across the street is a grocery store) they made up for it with really friendly service and great food. I had a salad with grilled shrimp- big portion and large chunks of feta cheese, lightly drizzled with dressing. Perfect. I ordered a glass of house Chardonnay- being in CA I figured it would be relatively good - and it was. Only $8 as well. I was by myself, so was listening to a few conversations. Everyone seemed to be locals who were familiar with the place. Another great sign. Hope I get a chance to go back again!

We have been taking visitors to Bernini's Bistro in La Jolla for years. Friendly, great service, very good food and terrific location. Seating indoor and out is comfortable and not as close together as many others in town, so can have (more or less) private conversations - especially if you can snag one of the booths. Restrooms are very "old La Jolla" but space/land is at a premium here.

There were 4 of us: two ordered the spaghetti and meatballs while 2 ordered the farfalle gorgonzola. The farfalle gorgonzola was delicious but the spaghetti sauce and the meatballs were tasteless. Our waiter told us that they were homemade but tasted pretty blah. The service was impeccable and we enjoyed the atmosphere.

We went for lunch one day, we seated outside and ordered calamari and two Cobb salads. The food was ok, the service a little bit confusing. Three different waiters came in less than 5 minutes to ask if we were ready to order. Anyway, the salads were good and tasty. We ordered two espresso and it was the worst coffee I have had during this holiday. It didn't even look like expresso, but like regular american coffee, but it was not even a good american one. I could not drink it.

Casual atmosphere offering a choice of seating in or out with a menu that offers tried and true dishes and specials of the day. Two of us had the very fresh sweet walnut salad which I thought needed a little more zip in the dressing which was very light and did not overwhelm the ingredients. They thoughtfully split the large salad into two for my husband and I. The Lamb shank under a light pastry was different, but enjoyable served with enough Brussel Sprouts that three of us enjoyed. The sea bass special was well prepared and presented with risotto. The Farfalle Gorgonzola was full of flavor. Pepperoni pizza was also very good. Reasonably priced menu and all of us would return and try other dishes. Sidenote on first impressions; the pre dinner Focaccia type bread was very hard and charred, but was replaced. An herb oil was alongside the bread with a small amount of butter. However, the chunks of bread were so huge that dipping in the teeny oil dish was impossible and scooping it out with your fork was silly. Think about the presentation for a better patron experience. Crispy thinly sliced rosemary bread would be well received.

We stopped by this place late night after the beach. It was amazing. The pasta was yummy and so was my husbands steak. The kids sauce on the pasta wasn't very good compared to my gnocchi and its sauce. My son didn't even want it and only ate mine. The service was actually a big part we will be coming back. Elchim, our server, was super sweet and patient with us. We took our two young children in there and she was awesome the whole time. We really appreciated that. Thanks!

We had dinner here after a long day of sightseeing and found it delightful. Meals are served with soft Italian bread with a unique dipping sauce, making it hard to resist! All meals were excellent with tasty sauces and large portions. We were told the paintings displayed were done by the owner. A great Italian bistro!

We arrived too late at the Cottage Restaurant and they recommended Bernini's up the street. We sat outside and the waiter appeared right away. He took our order for trout and then brought our water. We sat for over 1/2 an hour and the waiter came out twice to apologize for the delay. We don't know why it was taking so long because there was only one other table occupied outside where they were just having drinks, and no customers were seated inside. When the dinner finally arrived it was very delicious and we were glad to have waited as we had lots of time. When the waiter brought the bill we were really surprised that he only charged us for one dinner! We would certainly go there again and hope to hear the piano next time.

Our 11-year-old daughter is a very picky eater, and one of the few adult foods she eats is steak. On vacation in La Jolla, we tried to find someplace for dinner that not only had steak but also a variety of other foods for the refs us to choose from. Bernini's Bistro was great. My daughter ordered the 12-ounce filet mignon prepared rare. It must have been two inches thick, a tower of beef on her plate, and it was prepared the perfect rare. Our son ordered a pizza which he loved. My wife enjoyed her flavorful shrimp skewer. And I fell totally in love with the salmon alla griglia, which is a moist and perfectly seasoned salmon filet drizzled with a honey Dijon glaze and served on no bed of butternut squash risotto. Yum! We sat outside, which was nice. My son thought he'd be cool outside so they lit up the nearest heat lamp for him. Service was very good. Parking is an issue in the area but it's worth the walk of a few blocks if necessary. There are fancier restaurants in other parts of La Jolla. There are certainly more expensive restaurants in other parts of La Jolla. But we were very happy we ate at Bernini's Bistro.

Family of four went for evening dinner. Was a beautiful evening and we were able to dine on the outdoor patio. We had the calamari appetizer which was very good. For entrees my husband had the lamb shank which he said was good but a little to rich. I had the special which was the steak and was excellent. Two others had Italian entrees (lasagna & cheese ravioli) both of which were very good. Overall the meal was very good and we would recommend this establishment.

My husband and I dined here for a date night in La Jolla. The food was good but not amazing. So why am I giving it 5 stars? The prices! My dinner was $13 and my husband’s steak was $25… in LA JOLLA. You won’t find better prices in this part of town. The wine prices were reasonable and it’s close enough to downtown La Jolla that you can easily walk around after dinner. There’s lots of free parking out front. It’s a great low cost date in a beautiful part of San Diego. Beware - service was SLOW. Not sure if that was an intentional Italian thing or if they were short staffed.

I called in here for a late lunch. Wanted something light so settled on soup and sandwich. The food was very good and just right size serving, fresh and tasty. Service was very good. Outside seating in nice garden setting.

Bernini's is our constant choice for great value, good food, hometown experience. Good vibes, good service, all around LJ Village feeling.

Came here with my wife for breakfast before leaving La Jolla. This place is a nice off the beaten path place away from the main huddle and bustle of the tourists. The service was great and the servers were very friendly and attentive. Breakfast was really good. I got the southwest skillet with fruit and my wife got the artichoke and spinach omelette with goat cheese. Needless to say they were both really good. We could not complain about anything we ate. Only downside was the coffee was a little to bitter and strong for my liking but everyone has a different taste for coffee. If your in town and feel like a short miring stroll up the street from the main streets of La Jolla Cove I would recommend checking this place out for breakfast and maybe lunch or dinner. Their menu seemed to be pretty good and if the rest of their food is like their breakfast its probably really good.

Read about this on trip advisor. When we arrived at our La Jolla hotel, we asked the hotel clerks, valet, and concierge about this restaurant. No one had heard of it. Shame on them. Just a few blocks from the main village, on a very nice street, is where you can find this wonderful restaurant. Pretty indoor and outdoor seating. Excellent food, large portions, wonderful service, and very reasonably priced. Would definitely go back, and high,y recommend this restaurant.

This is a Mediterranean style bistro that is frequented by locals. It has nice outdoor seating. Food and service is consistently excellent. The restaurant is owned by a lovely couple who are frequently present. The prices are very reasonable and the servers have very little turnover. We frequently eat there for breakfast and lunch. The grilled shrimp salad and salmon salad as well as the eggs with holondaise are notable.

My husband and I met our nephew for dinner. My nephew lives near by and he really enjoys the food. I had the pasta with salmon and the salmon was so tender. My husband actually ordered the hamburger and said it was great. The bread they offer is good and they gave us complimentary shrimp cerviche to try and it was delicious. We love to come her when we visit LaJolla.

Would be 5 star if they had avocado toast!. Food was pretty good. they didnt time it right so the two orders of chiliquilies were getting cold while we waited for crab omelette Good location. Relaxed spot. Not crowded and peaceful.

We had breakfast here twice although I believe they serve other meals. The service was excellent as was the food be sure to have the lemon ricotta pancakes!

Quick lunch after golf, food and drinks great Service was so -so, we wanted another drink but since we were not asked and the bill just showed up, we paid and left

We visited Berninis for the first time thinking that it was an Italian restaraunt ,but found out that it is in fact it is a general Mediterranean restaurant. The food was very good and huge portions. I had Chicken Parmegian and it was delicious. I took half of it back in a box to my hotel to finish it off later as I could not eat it all at the Restaurant. Good attentive staff. I would certainly eat there again.

nice atmosphere, good service, reasonable prices, and variety of great food options to appeal to diverse group. they accommodated a 10 person reservation fairly last minute with excellent service. everyone in group happy with dinner experience. would definitely go again my next time in la jolla.

Caesar salad was bland - basically lettuce, about 5 croutons and very little dressing. Pizza was disappointing. Very soggy, you have no choice but to eat it with a knife and fork as it cannot be picked up. You can do a lot better.

Fairly quiet. Directly across the street from the Von's super market with an ample parking lot which is very handy.

We had an anniversary dinner recently at Bernini's and were delighted with the European atmosphere and terrific menu. Lane was our server and went above and beyond to make our experience memorable with his welcoming attitude and spot-on recommendations. The restaurant has been there for 20 years and is very established. We were there at Happy Hour, which made the already-reasonable prices even better. Lane suggested the calimari appetizer, which was a generous portion and every bit as good as he said. We also tried the crab cakes, among the best we've ever had, followed by one of their woodfired pizzas, which was big enough to share. Bernini's has outdoor tables and that portion of the neighborhood on Fay Avenue was relatively quiet in terms of car traffic, so it was perfect for early evening dining and our anniversary. Even though there is a large Von's market across the street and The Lot theater complex is down the block, we found parking right away on the street immediately across from the restaurant. We might catch a movie after Happy Hour next time. The menu is extensive with many traditional Italian favorites along with many others that caught my eye to try on future visits. (And don't forget the tiramisu) There will definitely be future visits! Bernini's in now squarely on our short list for new favorites -- it made braving the traffic to get into La Jolla worthwhile. Bravo, Bernini's and grazia, Lane - thanks for helping make our anniversary dinner memorable!

Found our way here after escaping crowds further south. Delightful weekend brunch choices, good lunch choices. One of group chose ahi crunch salad, said it was really good. Two omelets and one stuffed French toast on the order as well. All delicious. Wait staff friendly. One gentleman in particular kept our glasses full. Will come back again!

My husband and I ate here three nights out of the six while we were in La Jolla. We also told our adult children about it and they ate here for the breakfast brunch. Everything was excellent and the service was superb. Their filet mignons are delicious as well as the Pollo Boscaiola, and their gnocchi. The vegetables served with the meals are fresh and well seasoned. They also bring a crusty bread to the table with a oil based dipping sauce. They have a great wine list as well as a large beer selection. They were also good about letting me try the beer before I ordered it. We never made reservations at this restaurant and had no trouble being seated any night we went. Summer months and holidays are probably a different story though. They have great seating outside with heaters if it's a cool night.

The restaurant is an absolute jewel in a location consisting of many quality eateries. The food was very good and worth the price.

What can I say. La Jolla is breathtaking and sitting outside under a heater at Bernini's made it all the better. The service was great. The host was pleasant and acted like he wanted us there when we were at first undecided. Ran into a person I had met the year before when I was on vacation, a local who goes there all the time. So you know it's good. The bread is served with some type of garlic pesto that my family went crazy over. My husband who is not easily impressed wanted to go back there again from where we were staying in Escondido!

We stopped in for lunch before a movie and it was perfect. I had the greek chicken wrap and my wife had the chilaquiles, both were great. Its seems like new management or ownership, we will definitely be back

Sorry that we don't live in this area since we'd love to come back. Very attractive restaurant with outdoor seating. Pappardelle shrimp diavlo and salmon dishes were excellent. They cost about $18 each. There are less expensive choices on the menu, both entrees and sandwiches. Our waiter, Mark, took good care of us. We also ordered 2 meals to take away for dinner. Enjoyed our visit.

The outdoor dining area is really nice here. The food was good and the service very helpful. We got a really good wine reccomendation from our waiter.

we dined here on a Saturday night while visiting the area and chose this restaurant on the basis of other reviews. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and the staff were very welcoming. We chose to eat inside but there was outside seating available. We started with drinks and the fried calamari which was delicious. It was fresh and light. My dinner was the Ahi Tuna in a sesame crust with teriyaki sauce on a bed of risotto. The portion was generous and again the fish was fresh and very good. My companion chose the special which turned out to be disappointing. It was scallops in a pomegranate reduction and the scallops had no taste at all. In spite of the scallops, I'd recommend this restaurant for good food at reasonable prices and handy parking across the street.

My wife and daughter treated me to a wonderful breakfast at Bernini's. I had the Bernini Egg Benedicts, a cheese scone, hash browns and a Bloody Mary and everything was delicious. The atmosphere is very cozy. It felt like a neighborhood cafe in Europe somewhere. The owners have put a very nice personal touch into the restaurant by hanging paintings hand painted by the husband throughout. We will definitely be going back and bringing our dog since we found out they allow dogs on their covered patio!

It is located a couple of blocks from downtown and I saw it while shopping at the supermarket (Vons) across the street so I left my car at the parking lot. It was early evening and not too crowded but it seemed everyone was a local as the staff knew everyone by name. I had Linguine Vongole e Cozze (mussels and clams in a garlic, wine and tomato sauce) and it was very good, a large portion and not to pricey. Good wine selection. The staff was very friendly as was Carlos the manager. The deck out front was fairly large however I ate at the bar, which was open to the outside.

Walked over to have breakfast with Rob, our visiting nephew. Excellent service and food. Hadn't been for awhile so good to see that.

Charming building fabulous foodA few of us went out for my birthday in December at this beautiful Italian restaurant the food was great everyone had something different it was large enough or we could all have a bite of The others dishes we had a wonderful evening it was intimate we could talk no problem wasn't too noisy everything about it was great I go back again

Bring your appetite to this place as portions are large and delicious. This is authentic Italian cooking in my opinion especially dishes like pappardelle shrimp diavalo and pappardelle salmon with pasta strips el dente (not overcooked like too many pretend Italian eateries). Lots of wine choices from California wines to Italian ones from moderate prices to rarified prices as your wallet dictates.

The meat a balls were delicious according to my friend that had them with some tasty spaghetti. My penne pasta was okay at best, very dry. The sidewalk setting was very pleasant.