The Prado at Balboa Park

The Prado at Balboa Park reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. D

   Dawson

   San Diego1 review

   2.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We booked the Mother’s Day brunch w/ bottomless champagne/mimosas at $85 per person, and unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the price tag. Thankfully our two kids (3 and 1) were free. Before making the reservation, I called to confirm that the 2:30 PM end time listed on their website referred to last seating—not when the food would be taken away. They assured me it meant last seating, so I kept the 2:30 booking confidently. We arrived about 10 minutes late due to the expected but still frustrating Balboa Park traffic and limited parking situation. We were seated promptly and walked past the buffet on our way to the table. Visually, it looked decent—not overly impressive, but we were still hopeful the quality would make up for it. The selection was eclectic, with items ranging from Asian pot stickers and sushi to loaded mashed potatoes. It wasn’t quite the type of spread I had in mind for a Mother’s Day brunch, but we stayed open-minded going in. The first big negative: I ordered the crab Benedict from their à la carte station, and it was awful. The crab was gray, cold, and entirely unappetizing. I took one bite and ended up walking it to the bussing station myself just to get it off our table. It REAKED The second big disappointment was the service. I understand we were among the last seatings, but we truly felt like an inconvenience from the start. It took about 10 minutes for our server to initially greet us, and after that, he was rarely around. The “bottomless” champagne was practically nonexistent—we only had our glasses refilled three times during the hour we were there. I spent most of the time holding an empty glass and scanning the room for staff, only to find them avoiding eye contact or keeping their distance. Overall, the experience felt rushed, the food was hit-or-miss at best, and the service made it clear they were ready for us to leave. At $85 per adult, I expected something far more enjoyable. Disappointing and not something I would return for.
   

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2. R

   Robert

   San Diego3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Food served as buffet style thus some was overcooked (prime rib). Overall the rest of the buffet food was fine.
   

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3. D

   Dave

   San Diego24 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   Front desk and servers would not help accommodate table situation. HAD to contact a manager and finally got a better table more than an hour into brunch. Too hot on the patio. They did not anticipate the weather well. Food is not as good as it used to be. Been going there for over 25 years. No more valet parking.
   

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4. J

   Joe VIP

   San Diego18 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We went to Mother's Day brunch--always hectic--and very much enjoyed the experience: plenty of good food (oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, bacon.,,,,), bottomless mimosas and truly excellent, fresh coffee. Also, the service was outstanding. Only downside--other than crowds--was the parking. It is very difficult to drop off close to the restaurant and then park (forget about finding a handicapped space!)
   

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5. S

   Samantha VIP

   San Diego32 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Maybe it's just me...maybe I don't love brunch buffets. But this was a nice experience to do maybe once a year. Our server, Ben, was kind and attentive, as were all the staff we encountered. The brunch selection was varied and looked appetizing. But almost everything I tried had that bland sitting-around-in-pans kind of taste. I found myself taking one bite of things and realizing I wasn't motivated to continue. Most things seemed like they needed more seasoning. Things I had that I wanted more than a bite of: a made-to-order mushroom omelette (well-cooked, real mushrooms, nice and hot) sliced pineapple (extra good and sweet) a cheesecake bar (nicely dense) baby beet salad (tiny whole beets in zingy dressing). Also loved the virgin mojito, but that cost extra. If you want to try a whole lot of options in one sitting, this is the way to go. I don't think it's for me.
   

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6. T

   Todd

   New York City2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent. Highly recommended. Ambiance, service and food all 5 stars.
   

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7. JC

   JuanC

   San Diego1 review

   2.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went for Mother’s Day Brunch, and food was just okay, nothing extraordinary. If I’m paying $85 a person I expect better selections. But overall the place is nice and the servers were great!
   

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8. A

   Ann

   San Francisco2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Ben was a fantastic waiter!! Food was phenomenal.
   

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9. C

   Christi

   San Diego3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   The ambience was very nice. The food was good, but overpriced and you have to pay extra for bread and butter. 
   

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10. G

    Gabriela

    San Diego5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4

    Food was ok, not really worth the price Dessert was awful, ordered the 3 leches dessert to go, when I arrived home I tried to eat it, but I was disappointed… the whole thing should not be called a 3 leches dessert!
    

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