In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

il Giardino

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

There is a saying in these parts that if you want to try a new restaurant, make it there for opening week. It might not last.

Such is not the case for il Giardino, who celebrates completing their first year here in Chapala, Mexico.

Main street open-air restaurant

Located on the main street of Chapala just a quarter block from the Plaza, il Giardino is an Italian Trattoria. We heard good things about the place, so thought we would give it a try.

Indoor-outdoor seating

il Giardino has 3 and a half levels of garden-area seating that winds up the Mexican hillside. Owned by Gloria and her family members all who live in a neighboring town, work time is split so each can attend to family and other work obligations.

The restaurant is friendly, clean and the food is remarkably good.

English translations can be quirky

Menus are available in both Spanish and English, but the translations can be quirky. "Burnt" Robalo Steak is really blackened whitefish and "Smash" potatoes are herbed mashed potatoes. Both are outstanding!

Genuine wood fired oven

All food is cooked in the genuine wood fire brick oven. Whether it's your pizza, your hamburger or your blackened fish, you can enjoy the unmistakable taste of the wood fire.

Hot spiced chili and garlic olive oil for your pizza or pasta

With a wide range of pizzas from which to choose, we can also recommend their hamburgers which are huge!

Pasta Fetuccini Alfredo con Pollo Quemado

One can also choose from imported Angus beef, pastas, salads and fish dishes. The pasta above had blackened chicken cooked to perfection.

Each plate comes to your table as a piece of art. Service is quick, friendly and professional.

Robalo with Orange Sauce

We have eaten at il Giardino several times, and the fish is fresh, delicious and moist. The portions are full and everything has individual flavor.

Gloria (on the right) and her staff

Gloria is service oriented and wants your visit to be memborable. She's lively, professional, speaks perfect English and even remembered my name after only one visit! If you have any questions or need anything, ask Gloria. She's a treat.

Blackened Robalo with Pesto, Vegetables and Pasta

The Robalo white fish was so moist it did not need any sauce at all, but the pesto was a good contrast to the blackening spices. il Giardino is certainly worth a try and bring your friends. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

We were!

Open daily from 1pm to 10pm offering daily specials and 2 Margaritas for 35Pesos

Tele: 108.0350

Cell: 331. 314. 2657 or 331.256. 0502

About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

Trending on Retire Early Lifestyle

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.