Discover the essence of Italy at Garbatella Italiano, an Italian restaurant in Chula Vista, CA. Authentic Italian food, live music, and more. Why settle for the ordinary when you can indulge in our extraordinary offerings? From our lively Happy Hour to enchanting Wine Nights, we promise an experience you’ll cherish. Our brunch is the talk of the town, and our events with live music add that perfect touch of magic. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply looking for a memorable meal, we’re here to make it extraordinary. Visit today!
Leo G.
We came here for dinner recently and had a really solid experience overall. The service was excellent, the staff was attentive and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. As for the food, everything we ordered was good, and the portions were decent enough to leave us feeling satisfied.
The real standout for me, though, was the dessert. They offer some very unique options that you don’t typically see at other Italian spots, and they were definitely the highlight of the meal!
The only drawback was the cocktail menu. The drinks are on the pricier side compared to other restaurants right next door, and for this area, the pricing doesn’t feel very competitive. That said, the atmosphere and the quality of the food make it worth a visit. I’m already looking forward to coming back to try their pasta next time!
… moreConnie Rodriguez
I recently dined at this Italian restaurant and was thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for both a casual dinner or a special night out. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in.
The pizza was absolutely delicious — fresh ingredients and authentic flavors in every dish. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce tasted homemade. The appetizer was a great start.
Overall, a fantastic experience — great food, excellent service, and cozy ambiance. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends and family!
… moreChristian Vazquez
RECOMMENDED!! Gabatella Italiano was an excellent dining experience! The short rib with mashed potatoes was absolutely delicious tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, ideal for enjoying a nice dinner. The waiter was very attentive and friendly, making the service stand out just as much as the food. A great spot for anyone who loves great flavors and great hospitality!
… moreWandering in Paradise
Delicious Italian cuisine at Garbatella Italiana in Otay Ranch! Beautiful restaurant, perfect for a romantic night out. The food was amazing, we had the filet mignon tartare, braised short rib, and boscaiola pasta. Great wine selection. The service was excellent, very accommodating. Recommend if you love great Italian dining.
… moreBravo Molina
Love this little gem in Chula Vista. The customer service is top-notch, and the food was both delicious and beautifully presented. A truly great dinner experience
… moreDino Riggott
Let’s be honest here, the music was the best part of this restaurant on this particular night. I ordered the sausage cream pasta and apparently you pay nearly 30 dollars for mushrooms because they put about 10oz of mushrooms to 1/2 of an oz of sausage crumbles… I sent it back and ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, it comes with nearly the same ration of meatballs as well and even better when I asked what the meatballs were made from the smiling replied the freezer… nearly 30 dollars for frozen meatballs and a sauce so rendered down the grease was coating my teeth…we ordered the lobster mac, and though cheesy you need to be patient if you’re digging through it to find what would be a morsel of lobster, my wife’s shrimp pasta thankfully had 3 whole shrimp…yes 3…thankfully the calamari was plentiful and cooked well. It was pretty much my wife my dinner. I’d give this one star but the music was very good and fun. Oh, 3 stars for service because when I asked how things were going and I replied terrible, the waiter said that’s great, let me know if there’s anything else I can do and scampered off, I had to ask another server to get me another dish. Then when the other returned to check I again I explained again that the other server was taking care of my concern. As far as the bill they did offer a slight discount but by then grease was still coating my teeth and I just didn’t have the energy to voice my feelings, I tipped the music folks and thanked them for making the night better than the dinner itself. I am not sure what happened here but I don’t feel ill be returning when I have frozen meatballs and pasta at home for 2 bucks. Very disappointed.
… moreShirley Fargo
Celebrating a birthday, our group of three were impressed with the friendly service which was attentive but not overpowering. The wine steward/waiter was exceptionally knowledgeable about wine and even gave us a taste of a Caymus wine. I ordered the Cunundrum and it was outstanding. We ordered vegetarian pizza and lasagne with a shared Cesar salad and everyone was happy with their choices. We were never rushed and had a wonderful time. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a delightful afternoon/evening and great Italian food.
… moreMelissa Villarreal
We recently celebrated my daughter’s birthday, and had a wonderful experience! From the taste of the food, the service and ambience, we had a great and pleasant experience! Everyone enjoyed their meals as well as their drinks. The only downside that I would have to point out, is that the plates are a bit on the pricier side. For the price, I would have expected maybe a small side salad or small soup. Other than that, we really enjoyed our time and the live music was a plus.
… moreSilvia
From the moment we stepped into Garbatella, we were greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the tone for the entire evening. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between elegant and inviting that makes you feel both special and comfortable.
The service and food were impeccable, whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a night out, this is a place where you can expect outstanding food, attentive service, and a memorable atmosphere. Highly recommended.
… moreRodney Regala
We had a nice birthday celebration with a nice meal and excellent entertainment. Enjoyed our dishes and the live music.
… more