Our Story
The Beginning
Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Leonardo “Leo” Landini grew up surrounded by the flavors, traditions, and culture that make Italian dining so special.
His passion for hospitality brought him to San Diego, where he began his journey in the restaurant industry as a server at Trattoria La Strada. What started as a hands-on introduction to the world of restaurants grew into a vision of bringing authentic Italian food and the warmth of Italian hospitality to his new home.
The Journey
In 2009, Leo and his wife, Christine, brought that vision to life with the opening of Landini’s Pizzeria in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. Built on a love for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the belief that dining should bring people together, the pizzeria became the foundation of what would grow into Landini’s Restaurant Group.
Their journey continued in 2016 with the opening of Ristorante Illando, their first full-service restaurant. Inspired by Leo’s Florentine roots and a shared appreciation for gathering around the table, Leo and Christine envisioned a neighborhood trattoria where guests could enjoy comforting Italian cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, and the feeling of being welcomed into an Italian home. The name Illando combines the Landini family name with Lando, their beloved late bulldog—a personal touch that reflects the heart and character behind the restaurant.
The Present
Today, Ristorante Illando remains a reflection of that original vision: a Tuscan-inspired dining experience in San Diego’s Little Italy, where house-made pasta, classic Italian favorites, carefully selected wines, and genuine hospitality come together.
As part of the growing Landini’s Restaurant Group, Illando carries forward the same spirit that inspired its beginnings—celebrating Italian tradition while creating meaningful experiences for the community it calls home.