Cardellino

Italian · San Diego, CA · $$$$

Cardellino Italian Chophouse is a story steeped in fire, char, steak—and red sauce, parmesan, and truffles. A blend of Midwest chophouse and Italian trattoria, the restaurant reflects Chef Brad Wise’s culinary ethos and TRUST Restaurant Group’s signature style. Live-fire cooking anchors the menu, melding a Tuscan stone hearth with an all-American Big Green Egg. Drawing inspiration from northern Italy - Umbria, Piedmont - Cardellino offers housemade pastas and traditional antipasti, but the spotlight is on the meat. The signature Bistecca Fiorentina, a 38 oz charcoal-grilled steak, arrives sliced and reassembled on a custom mahogany board. Pork Osso Bucco and Salt-Baked Branzino round out the chophouse-style offerings. Pastas are bold, sides are built for sharing, and the experience is best with Barolo. For a deeper dive, the Tuscan Experience invites guests to enjoy a four-course, chef-curated journey inspired by what Brad’s loving in the moment.