Serving the Town of Los Gatos Since 1993
Founder / Executive Chef, Tom Jillo
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Owner, Pete Jillo
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Manager, Geoffrey Flemming
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Our Story
Gardino Fresco, locally known as "Gardinos, is a family owned and operated restaurant bar located in the heart of Silicon Valley's beautiful Los Gatos, California. The establishment began serving patrons in 1993 as a small hole-the-wall style Italian bistro. Over time popularity demanded the growth of the Bistro, and In 2011 Owner Pete Jillo was granted permits by the Town Of Los Gatos, to expand the restaurant and offer a full bar menu. Since its grand re-opening in 2012 Gardinos has grown into an award winning local and destination restaurant visited by thousands of patrons each year.
Founder & Executive Chef, Tom Jillo
Executive Chef, Tom Jillo began his culinary career in Chicago under the apprenticeship of Sicilian Master Chef Al Gardino. Tom's career brought him to California and into the kitchen of many of the area's best Italian restaurants including: Nicolino's of Santa Clara, By Th Bucket, of Santa Clara, Il Nido's of Los Gatos, and Sorrentos of San Jose. After taking on the roll of Executive Chef in many of these establishments, Tom decided to go out on his own and open Gardino Fresco in 1993. He named the restaurant after Al Gardino, the culinary teacher who shared his passion for food with the young apprentice. Over his career, Tom opened multiple restaurants including: Tower Pizza and Chicago Steak and Fish. Tom, our beloved Executive Chef passed away in late 2014. Over 750 people attended the funeral. His spirit continues on today through the culinary tradition he created at Gardino Fresco.
Owner, Pete Jillo
Pete Jillo is the charismatic face of Gardino Fresco. Pete began working at the restaurant at age 18 and has commited over 20 years to his craft. He has watching and play an integral part in growing the restaurant from a small Italian bistro, into the premier award winning downtown Los Gatos restaurant and bar location. Pete loves his community and his job. "Good food takes time, so do amazing relationships. I could'nt ask for a better town, or patrons that over the past 22 years I have grown to call my friends." - Owner Gardino Fresco, Pete Jillo
