Unearth The Voyage
Walking through a regular liquor store, past shelves of wine and snacks, only to discover a secret Italian restaurant hiding in the back. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Giorgio’s at Parkway in Buellton, California. This surprising spot has become a local favorite, serving authentic Italian dishes in a cozy dining room that feels like a hidden treasure. Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, or classic comfort food, this under-the-radar gem proves that amazing meals can appear in the most unexpected places.
1. It’s literally hidden in the back of a liquor store
Giorgio’s at Parkway sits inside Parkway Market, a regular liquor store off Highway 101 in Buellton. You’ll walk past aisles of chips and beverages before reaching the dining room.
The space has a speakeasy vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special. There are no windows, just warm wood tables and walls decorated with old-school Italian-American icons.
Finding a full restaurant hidden behind grocery shelves creates an experience that’s half surprise, half adventure. That unexpected discovery is part of what makes Giorgio’s so memorable for first-time visitors.
2. Run by a low-key local chef with a big menu
Local chef Giorgio Curti runs the kitchen at this tiny spot, but don’t let the size fool you. His menu is surprisingly extensive for such a compact space.
You’ll find antipasti, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, and classic Italian entrées all available. The variety means whether you want something light or a full dinner, there’s plenty to choose from.
Curti keeps things low-key and focused on quality rather than flashy presentations. His approach emphasizes traditional flavors and generous portions, which is why regulars keep coming back week after week for their favorite dishes.
3. Signature plates locals rave about
Certain dishes at Giorgio’s have earned legendary status among locals. Fried squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta and burrata arrive shatteringly crisp, with creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
The spicy shrimp rigatoni features plump shrimp swimming in a rich tomato-cream sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta tube. Meanwhile, the Margherita pizza boasts a lively, blistered crust that’s both chewy and crispy.
These three plates get mentioned again and again in local conversations and reviews. They represent the restaurant’s ability to execute simple Italian classics with impressive skill and fresh ingredients.
4. Old-school Italian comfort entrées (yes, Chicken Parm)
Giorgio’s menu reads like a greatest hits album of Italian-American comfort food. Chicken Parm, Chicken Marsala, and Chicken Piccata all make appearances, prepared the traditional way.
Seafood lovers can order Sole Piccata or the hearty Cioppino seafood stew. Each entrée delivers the kind of satisfying, familiar flavors that remind you why these dishes became classics in the first place.
Save room for tiramisu, which provides the perfect sweet ending. These aren’t trendy reinterpretations—they’re honest, well-executed versions of dishes your Italian grandmother might make, served in generous portions.
5. Grab your beverage from… the store
Here’s where things get really interesting. While Giorgio’s serves beer and wine, you can also walk into the attached market and pick your own drink from the shelves.
Just grab whatever bottle catches your eye and bring it back to your table. This unusual setup is part of the restaurant’s quirky charm that makes visitors ask, “How is this place even real?”
The freedom to browse and choose adds to the adventure of dining here. It’s one more detail that separates Giorgio’s from typical restaurant experiences and creates stories you’ll share with friends later.
6. Where to find it + how to plan
Giorgio’s at Parkway is located at 265 Avenue of the Flags in Buellton, inside Parkway Market. The restaurant operates with split service on many days, typically taking a late-lunch break.
Some sources report hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, though schedules have varied. Check the official website before visiting to confirm current hours and avoid disappointment.
The restaurant’s website also offers online ordering for takeout and delivery if you prefer to enjoy their food at home. Planning ahead ensures you won’t make the drive only to find them closed during their afternoon break.
7. Why locals keep it quiet
There’s something magical about feeling like you’ve discovered a secret, and Giorgio’s delivers that sensation perfectly. A full Italian kitchen and private dining room hiding behind fluorescent grocery aisles feels almost impossible.
The food consistently exceeds expectations, especially given the unlikely location. Friendly touches like complimentary garlic bread sent from the kitchen make guests feel like insiders.
Regulars become protective of this special spot, hesitant to broadcast it too widely. They want to preserve the intimate, undiscovered feeling that makes each visit feel like you’re in on something the rest of the world hasn’t figured out yet.
