East County Gets Italian Infusion From Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

A local couple will open Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in their neighborhood of Lemon Grove this Friday, November 17. Owners Marco Provino and Karina Kravalis are hospitality veterans; Kravalis’s experience is on the managerial side while Provino’s is in the kitchen. The Sicilian-born chef worked and attended culinary school in Italy and eventually landed in the Gaslamp, where he cooked at Osteria Panevino and Osetra.

Their intention with Giardino is to create a welcoming eatery that gives East County a fresh, affordably-priced dining option. The garden-inspired restaurant, which features two outdoor greenery-filled patios, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers both weekend brunch and daily happy hour. Its menu is rooted in classic Italian dishes, ranging from fresh seafood and salads to housemade bread, pastas and pizzas. The beverage list centers around Italian wine as well as Italian and San Diego-brewed beer on tap and in bottles.

Courtesy photo