Todos Santos is not only an art center, but the town also has many good restaurants, including several Italian restaurants. Il Giardino is on the top of the hill with the first left turn (Calle del Huerto) entering Todos Santos. With a great view of both the Pacific Ocean and the valley all the way to Pescadero, it is a very special spot. Daniela, the chef and owner offers a great selection of Italian dishes including appetizers, salads, pasta, pizza and meat, chicken and fish entrées. There are also always a series of specials of the day.

I started off the meal with a glass of Casa Anza Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend.

Our served described the specials and offered us a basket of fresh bread with three different dipping sauces. Beth and I shared a Caesar Salad to start with a very good dressing and crusty bread croutons. For entrées we both selected pasta. Beth chose the Fettuccine with Shrimp, and I selected the Lemon Fettuccine. The portions are large, and we took about half home of each for lunch the next day. Unfortunately, as we were on our way to a concert, we didn’t have time for one of their delicious desserts.

The atmosphere is great, the food exceptional and the service very attentive. Il Giardino is dog friendly (as are most restaurants) and so we had a short visit with a cute pup. Daniela stopped by to check on our experience and say hello and to tell us of an upcoming Flamenco event. The restaurant often has live entertainment. Don’t miss Il Giardino if you visit Todos Santos.