In a city with a myriad of restaurants, we chose this for its three AAA diamonds. On the corner of Atlantic and 10th, it appears attractive on the exterior and is even more so inside. In a beach environment where many things can best be described as "tacky" (and humanely at that), Il Giardino is a step above. Upon entry, you’ll find an extremely attractive piano bar to the left. Mirrored and dark, it features a grand piano and extensive dining space; it is the one room in the restaurant in which smoking is permitted.
The main room has sky lights and trees with white Christmas lights (that doesn’t sound particularly posh, but the effect is pleasing). Further to the right is a more intimate space and beyond that there is a lean-to at street level for overflow dining. The three main spaces have great atmosphere… I suggest making reservations.
One of the reasons Il Giardino rates its three diamonds is the service. Our waiter was extraordinarily professional and dressed in the French style… formal, pleated, white shirt, black bow-tie and suspenders. The auxiliary staff were dressed in black.
The menu is extensive. Appetizers, including salads, fried mozzarella, eggplant and calamari, average about $8.00. There are the usual pasta suggestions: manicotti, rigatoni, linguine alla vongola, tortellini, and penne which average $15. The chef’s specialties include vitello saltimbocca, polla alla Sorrentina, salmone and more at about $20 and there is a pizza list at $10 average. Add to all that dishes of veal, chicken, fish, steaks and veal chops in the $15 to $37 range and you have a complete menu.
The wine list is really extensive and each selection features its Wine Spectator score, which does help, somewhat. Our meal proceeded with complementary focaccia bread, baked on-site in a brick oven, with olive oils and parmesan. I tried a Caesar salad, but it wasn’t particularly good… it hadn’t been exposed to either garlic or anchovies (disappointing). We both ordered the veal marsala (at $23) which we found very good. Accompanied by a bottle of sangiovese at $27, it was a nice dining experience.
Other information: There are early-bird specials between 5pm and 6:30pm and there is a children’s menu.