About

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.

Founder / Executive Chef, Tom Jillo

Owner, Pete Jillo

Manager, Geoffrey Flemming

Our Story

Gardino Fresco began serving patrons in 1993 as a small hole-the-wall style Italian bistro. Over the past decades, the restaurant has expanded to offer a full bar and live entertainment and grown into an award winning local restaurant visited by thousands of patrons each year.

Founder & Executive Chef, Tom Jill

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. Tom 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 committed over 20 years to his craft. He played an integral part in growing the restaurant from a small Italian bistro, into the premier award winning downtown Los Gatos restaurant and bar. Pete loves his community and his job.

"Good food takes time, so do amazing relationships. I couldn't ask for a better town, or patrons that over the years, I have grown to call my friends." - Pete Jillo, Owner Gardino Fresco