Il Giardino Ristorante

The pasta was AMAZING. I got gluten free penne with pesto, and as a gluten free person I was happily surprised at how perfectly the pasta was cooked! Finding good gluten free pasta in restaurants is a rarity and I can’t thank Giardino enough for that. I highly recommend getting the good pasta served with chicken, because the one flaw is that it is VERY buttery, and having chicken or a side bread is good for soaking some of that up.

It should also be noted how efficient the staff were- our pastas were ready within ten minutes and all of the workers had a smile on their face. Overall, I’m highly impressed!

I drive 40 mins in traffic to come here. Freshly made pasta and great prices. I get double the chicken and spend about $23 … great deal free parking too

Got spaghetti mare last time, but I don’t understand what the spaghetti is that thick. However, it comes with garlic baguettes that is over my expectations. Price is acceptable.

A great place to come in with family and friends to visit USC students.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Caprese Sandwich, Salads, Homemade Gnocchi, Chicken Milanese with Side Pasta, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Pink Sauce, Tiramisu, Add Shrimp, Gnocchi with Pink Sauce and Chicken, Penne Gambere, Chicken Sandwich

I really wanted to love this place because the food itself is good, but my experiences here have made me question the overall quality control and customer service.

The first issue I had was finding hair in my food. Mistakes happen, and I appreciated that they remade my plate without argument. However, they never offered any further accommodation or apology beyond that, which I found disappointing. A simple gesture, like a discount or even just an acknowledgment beyond remaking the food, would have gone a long way.

The second issue came when I watched an employee drag a rag through my food while cleaning another plate. Again, they remade my food without argument, which I appreciate, but the fact that I had to point it out is concerning. Proper food handling should be a priority.

On another visit, I saw fresh bread being brought out. When it was my turn to get bread, the employee tried to give me the old bread instead. When I politely asked for the fresh bread, his demeanor completely changed, and he looked at me like I was being difficult. This was frustrating because he had given me great service before, so seeing his attitude shift just because I asked for fresh bread was disappointing. Why give customers old bread when fresh bread is right there?

Then, on my most recent visit, I noticed poor management involvement. The manager stood around watching while the cashier handled a growing line of customers alone, even though there were two registers he could have helped with. If you see your staff struggling, why not assist?

Lastly, the manager’s response to the hair incident rubbed me the wrong way. Instead of taking the situation seriously, he made a joke about which cook’s hair it might have been. When a customer is already being patient about an issue like that, the last thing they need is an inappropriate joke about it.

Overall, I like the food, but I don’t trust the handling of it, and the inconsistent service and management leave a bad taste in my mouth. If they tighten up on food safety and customer care, I would love to keep coming back, but right now, I’m hesitant.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Low quality of service. The employees don’t follow proper procedures and hygiene of establishment. You can see the employees not changing their gloves when touching non food items. They touch cash registers and different surfaces and doesn’t change their gloves when touching back on food items.

One of the employees working cash register and packing food items. Touches his face with his glove and doesn’t change them and just touches the food. Which employee spreading contamination.

Owner gets upset with guests when asking different menu questions or guests dining in. He proceeds to stare them down as guests eats and creepy just stares. Extremely disgusting.

This place doesn’t have the quality of the establishment poor food preparation. And lack of taste.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very expensive for mediocre pasta served in a paper bowl. Not atmospheric at all, 0 Italian ambiance for an Italian name. I would describe this as the McDonald’s of Italian food. Kinda hard to focus on eating when every 2 minutes they’re yelling out “order # XYZ” would not come back here again, I’d rather spend my money somewhere more aesthetic with food served on real plates.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 3

Pretty good pasta and price!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The tiramisu is the worst I’ve ever had. It was soggy, tasteless, and too light and thin. Wouldn’t recommend.

Service was very friendly and I appreciate that but the bowl of pasta was unfortunately very bad. I’m glad I finally tried it but I won’t be coming back. It is pricey for what you’re getting.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 5

My used to make homemade pasta for dinner, and this Restaurant’s Pasta has my pallets approval.You, too; will not be disappointed with the selection of sauces and pastas available. A hearty meal for this time of year.Open to Please - A pleasure to eat.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The pasta is mediocre for what you're paying for. I got the gnocchi with pesto, and it was very creamy, but definitely lacked flavor. The bread on the side didn't taste like much. It's a clean establishment though, with nice staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Can’t seem to get an order correct. Employees are extremely rude even when they made a mistake.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Good pastas, recommended.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Mama miaaa that was bland

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2