Bernini’s Bistro

Reviews

• Spencer S.

  star star star star star 7 August 2026

  Indoor and outdoor seating. Full service restaurant. Fast and friendly service. There's also a bar area. Two hour free street parking in front of the restaurant.
  
  We came for Saturday brunch. The table gets free bread with oil. Really good! I was torn between brunch and lunch. The server recommended their signature burger. Not huge by any means, but lots of bacon, which I can appreciate. Salad or fries. I went with fries for the full heart attack experience. Everything was great!

• Griselda F.

  star star star star star 22 July 2026

  This Hidden Gem in The Heart of La Jolla is an All Time Favorite!!! Even though it's in La Jolla the prices are so reasonable that it's a Favorite Go To on Date Night with The Hubby.... and a MUST when anyone comes to visit from out of town!
  
  There isn't anything we don't Love on the Menu, some Favorites though are:
  For an Appetizer, we always have to have the Brussels Sprouts with Duck Bacon, it's Devine! Crispy, fresh & the bacon just puts it over the top! The Calamari Fritti is Always a winner too; delicious & crispy. Or the Mussels are another win/win as well, literally end up wiping the bowl clean! Their Burrata is also exceptional!
  Now as for the Dinners: One of my favorites that is a MUST is the Fettuccini Nero; it's their home made squid ink pasta with shrimp & scallops, SO Deliciously Devine! The Beef Short rib penne is also very delicious! Linguini Shrimp Diavolo is a spicy finger licking dish that is also a winner... now if you are lucky enough to go on a day they have Sword Fish on the menu ORDER IT!!! So exquisite it's a must when we see it on the menu!
  Please please PLEASE do not cheat yourself out of their DEVINE Desserts! Leave room! Take a doggie bag home of your entree but do not leave without trying the desserts... The Creme Brûlée is so creamy & just heaven in your mouth! The Gelatos are DEVINE! And the Tiramisu is Exquisite! Now a recent surprise was a Mud Pie that will have me sneaking in because it was just that decadent & delicious! My little sister & Hubby we're lucky enough to enjoy it on their visit while celebrating their nine year wedding anniversary

• Kathy T.

  star star star star star 22 July 2026

  I've had a love affair with Bernini's for years. Everything I've eaten here, from their scrumptious Signature Burger to Margherita Pizza to Mussels to Pastas to Fresh Caught Fish, is unique and wonderfully-pleasing to the palate.
  
  Tonight, I was tired of cooking all week. It's getting harder to keep it up every day, and I wasn't feeling well all week. So every time that's the drill, Bernini's always comes to mind, because they haven't disappointed me yet. I also wasn't in the mood to pick up food, so Grubhub by Yelp came to the rescue.
  
  Tonight, I wanted to talk about what I ordered and, an update is in order.
  
  I had the Trout Almondine: Encrusted in Almonds, Pan-Seared with White Wine Butter Sauce, and paired with Spinach Risotto. This dish really satisfied my craving for a home-cooked meal, and that's what I love about Bernini's; that's what you'll always get. It always pleases me when the next new dish I choose from Bernini's exceeds my expectations on taste and value. That was one well made dish. And for delivery, I'd say it was outstanding.
  
  Next, I gambled with the Budino for dessert: Chocolate Ganache, Vanilla Sauce, Whipped Cream And Strawberries. Okay, it was delivery, so they wisely didn't top it with whipped cream. Luckily, I just happened to have some in the fridge.
  
  Give Bernini's a try for great Italian food and a beautiful atmosphere.
  
  Inside seating as well as an outdoor beautifully-decorated lanai.
  
  Street parking.
  
  "It's where the Locals go."

• Jane N.

  star star star star star 21 July 2026

  We arrived without a reservation and the hostess/owner was very accommodating regardless giving us a great booth that was being held for a reservation later in the evening. I ordered the swordfish special, a little worried because I don't like dry swordfish. It was served juicy and delicious On A bed of  mushroom risotto that was to die for.  My husband had the grilled salmon on the butternut squash risotto, also amazing. They serve a lovely focaccia bread with tapenade to start - so good we asked for more. Guess the subjects of the artwork and win a free tiramisu (the owners husband is the artist)!hands down one of our best dining experiences in La Jolla. We will be back.

• Cay B.

  star star star star star 17 July 2026

  Been really enjoying my meals here! I hadn't been coming for awhile but ventured back and found it fabulous! I've had the halibut special twice and enjoyed it both times. Cooked perfectly. My friends have all enjoyed their assorted meals and the service has been great!