The Prado at Balboa ParkVery good overallWe had heard so much about the Prado, that our expectations were high. I ordered the watermelon salad with feta, which is a nice, fresh salad. The Feta they chose is pretty blend, hardly any flavor. They should go to Costco and buy the Israeli brand Tnuva to see what's real Feta. The Caesar tasted good, it was once of these salads where you had to cut the leaves ourselves.
We had the fish, salmon dish was very good (a bit under-cooked for me personally), and the sea bass was great too.
We had literally just taken our last bite when the server came and told us about the delicious chocolate dessert. We weren't quite ready yet. Instead of waiting and coming back, he just brought us the check. Ans so we skipped dessert.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMNeighborhood GemWe enjoyed this restaurant, confusing decor but nice and have a great outdoor dining, the service is excellent, we love the food , we ordered the chile relleno for our appetizer, very colorful and tasty ( especially the mole), I ordered the pork rib and my partner ordered the duck and both dishes are excellent, the server is very warm and very nice, she gave us a free dessert for our 19th anniversary which is very nice . When we visit San Diego again we will make sure to stopby again6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMLove The Prado!What a great place to enjoy friends while relaxing on the terrace, enjoying the ambiance and savoring the food. Of course, choosing to have a table inside is nice, too. We come here for Easter every year where their brunch is by far the best in San Diego. But, we equally enjoy spontaneously coming for lunch anytime. The staff at The Prado is always pleasant, very competent and fun. They seem to like what they are doing which creates a nice atmosphere. It is a nice place to take out-of-town guests wanting a taste of San Diego. Its location in Balboa Park makes it is a perfect place for wandering before or after eating.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Prado is one of our favoriteThe Prado is one of our favorite restaurants in San Diego. Food is always good. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The restaurant is in Balboa Park, so you can't beat the location & ambiance. We especially enjoy sitting on the patio in warm weather. When the inside restaurant is busy, the noise level can be loud.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMTheatreGreat time before the theatre. The food is great, the server was personable. We were served efficiently and with pizzazz.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful ExperienceI took a friend to lunch for her Birthday. The food was great and she was given a free dessert; which was delicious. The patio was so beautiful. Loved it and would definately go back again.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat SettingFood is very good and service was wonderful, they did not rush us and we were really taking our time. The Park setting is beautiful and the interior decorating is fun. It was a little to cold to eat outside, but I have done so before and it is a great dining experience that possibly would be worth 5 stars alone.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOutdoor seating is the best!Our food was very good, our server was very helpful, and sitting outside before sunset provides a really great view of Balboa Park. You can't go wrong here.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGraduation night dinnerA special dinner in a lovely place for a special occasion. excellent choice!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AM29th Anniversary Hit!We lived in SD in the mid-90s and now have owned a condo here for the last two years. Have always heard about Prado but never tried it. Decided to give it a whirl for our 29th anniversary -- and it did not disappoint! Great electic vibe -- blending modern and classic Spanish motifs. The mussels were to die for. Great sea bass, too. Perfectly paired w/ the Savignon Blanc suggested by the waiter. All around, a great experience!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always a wonderful dinnerAs always a wonderful dinner before the Old Globe show!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AM3 out of the 4 of us had the3 out of the 4 of us had the lamb. it was very good and the fourth person enjoyed the mussels. one guest had the duck the previous night and said it disappointing and had little flavor.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMContinues to be niceWe've eaten many times over the years. While it may not be quite as sparkling and innovative as it was a few years ago it still is a nice place to have a good dinner.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMPrado is great but priceyThe service is very good and the menu selection quite nice, but it is a bit on the pricey side. Side vegetable are extra.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful birthday expereinceMy wife and I choose Prado at Balboa Park for celebrating our birthdays (Kris 5/28 and myself 6/3 so we choose a date in between as we usually do). The experience could not have been better. Sitting outside at sunset, it was so beautiful. Having been married for over 30 years, we wanted a quiet, intimate and peaceful dinning experience which we had. White Star/Imperial Champagne and a bottle of a wonderful Argentinian Melbec were wonderful. I had the Prime Rib Pork and Kris the Sea Bass. they deserts were to die for.
It is hard to choose between the fantastic Cohen restaurants, but this was the perfect place to celebrate our birthdays. Try it, you will like it!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMA lunch to rememberTook my wife to celebrate a significant life event... the food and wine was fabulous... and our server was delightful!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Lunch!Enjoyed a lovely lunch with my family on the patio. Fish tacos were delicious, as was the farmer salad. Good service and a gorgeous view of the park.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMBalboa park finest patio diningOur second annual visit. Close to the airport. Ample free parking in the park with a pleasant walk to the restaurant. Friendly service, food is aggressive contemporary, view from our table overlooking the lower floor gardens, all make a pleasant lunch.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the place. Always greatLove the place. Always great food with great presentation. Never disappointed5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Pre-Show DinnerMy party of four went to the Prado for dinner before our show at the Old Globe. With our reservations, we were quickly seated. Our server asked right away if we had time constraints (i.e., the show) and made sure our meal came out with plenty of time for us to relax and enjoy. He also gave us some great advice on foods to pair and share. The meal was delicious and the service was quick and friendly. We had a great time and look forward to coming back again.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAn excellent eveningThe food was outstanding and the service was prompt5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMearly dinnerThe setting in Balboa Park was delightful and on this day there were several weddings, quicineras (sp?) celebrations and prom dates, which heightened the pleasure of the occasion.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat locationMade a reservation on the patio. Great atmosphere, great food, great service. The pricing for its location and ambiance was superb. Our food was prepared perfectly and deserts hit the spot perfectly. Overall it was a great anniversary dinner. I would go back when I visit Sand Diego again.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe best in San Diego!Okay so I haven't been to every restaurant in San Diego, but it's hard to imagine better food, service, and ambience than Prado. It's a true dining experience, at the highest level each time we done here. This last time we say outside and it was even more amazing!5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMNice experienceAs a family visit, it was excellent; the food was good, the service from staffs was good. Highly recommending.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch before the GlobeIt was girls day out for me...joined my girlfriend for lunch before going to see play at the Globe. Ibbie (I hope I spelled our servers name correctly) was personable, friendly and made some great recommendations so we could enjoy our lunch. The calamari was delicious! I can't believe I've never ordered it before and I come here occasionally. This will always be my first choice! We also had the chopped chicken salad it was very tasty. To top it off we had to go for dessert and the tres leches was super yummy...I'm a chocolate nut and creme brulee type of gal...but had to try something different and glad I did! This is the place to come for lunch before the Globe or visiting the museums. Hostesses greeted us with a smile! Thanks!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTheater and DinnerI originally booked an indoor table for myself and a first time visitor to San Diego. I have been to Prado for special occassion and either before or after a theater outing. Upon arrival, a few minutes early, I remarked a new/first time dining experience for my visiting friend and I have always dined outdoors. The hostess promptly offered to see if outdoor dining was available and it was! A great meal. Thank you Prado!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat foodCelebrated our anniversary at The Prado. Food is outstanding! Worth the price. Delicious and savory. Not your run of the mill basic fare. Unique and superbly prepared. We were catered to every moment. We wanted for nothing, every need was anticipated and provided. Always a step Ahead. We will definitely recommend to everyone and can't wait to return ourselves.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it!It was my first time at The Prado at Balboa Park and I really loved the service. Our waitress was very attentitive and outgoing. She
Was really quick with our orders and made good suggestions when it came to drink selections. She also asked us the reason of occasion. She was very personable and made us feel welcomed. I think my food could have been a little better as portrayed. My rosemary chicken was a little too dry. Overall the experience was good and I would recommend my friends to come here.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAfternoon delight in Balboa ParkWe ate on the outdoor patio, under an umbrella in the sunshine, and had an ideal lunch. This is our favorite spot for lunch in the Park and a perfect place after a morning at the Zoo or in a Museum.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMDate nightThe outdoor patio was great. Service was superb & the calamari was different than anything I've ever had. It's hard to snag a cab on the way back to downtown on a weekend, but there's great places to stroll while you wait.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMHistoric and delicious!We went for a nice evening dinner while on vacation. We requested a patio table and had one with a great view of the park and patio. Despite being very busy (prom, a reception and a wedding party), service was fast and our server Claudia was great! Calamari fries are worth a try and the Mac and cheese is to die for (Brie anyone?) highly recommend for a great dinner in a beautiful and historic setting!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMReview?We have always enjoyed dining at this restaurant, whether we brought our three small children or were there for a romantic evening. We were there this past Thursday night and the four of us were very pleased with the service (the waitress was knowledgeable and friendly), the ambiance perfect, and especially the food (pappardelle, vegetarian risotto and short ribs). Our guest were from out of town and this was the first restaurant we thought of; no other was even close to being chosen.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMgood food, good servicePre-theater meals at the Prado are always pleasant. My service person, Ian, was attentive and the food was very good.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent as usualFantastic food, ambience, service! One of our favorite places to dine. A MUST TRY for those who haven't dined there before.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMClassically Great Place!So glad the Prado has continued to maintain their quality! Although it has been a few years since my last visit, there appeared to be a few new items on the menu. Keeping it fresh will attract locals and tourists alike. Happy Hour Friday 8-11! Great time!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of Balboa Park's TreasuresWe make it a point to eat at The Prado whenever we come to Balboa Park as the food is always delicious. Our most recent visit was no exception. From our beautiful salad to our incredible desert, The Prado was just perfect! Sitting outside on a glorious May day, sipping their refreshing mango iced tea, savoring every bite of my risotto (with marscapone cheese, bacon, brussels sprouts and kale - a unique and absolutely fabulous combination) - it just doesn't get any better than this!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWow! My Husband and I wereWow! My Husband and I were visiting from CO and decided to have our anniversary dinner here and we were extremely impressed. This place has the sort of stunning location that you might think that they would take for granted; and you might expect fairly standard, uninspired food, but that was not the case at all. We ate on the outdoor patio, with a lovely view of the park, the service was perfect and the food was absolutely delicious and perfectly balanced. 5 stars all round, which is rare for me.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMPrado-excellent at Balboa ParkThe Prado offers a diverse menu in a lovely setting. The wait-staff is excellent with their recommendations and was able to guide my party of 4 to suggestions with which we were each delighted. The decor is outstanding at well, and being across the street from the Old Globe is terrific for theater dates.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday Girl ReviewWe had a wonderful birthday dinner for my wife and children. Complimentary candled desert was especially nice. Overall food good and ambiance enjoyable.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMNot just any restaurantThe Prado is perfect for any family, couple, prom group, or even a pleasant solo dining experience. Situated in Balboa Park and nestled between all the museums, japanese tea garden and architecture reminiscent of an old town spanish square, it captures everything perfect about San Diego. Casual, fresh, friendly, welcoming, old but new, and culturally inclined towards a passionate relationship with SD's spectacular natural beauty and surrounding Babylon-like gardens5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat late night dining.The outdoor seating, on the terrace, is most enjoyable during the week when not so crowded.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe feel was like being inThe feel was like being in the warmth of a friends home. Our meal exquisite. The server Shannon checked back with us during our meal always smiling, very professional, ready to describe the dishes available with great suggestions. My friend Aaron was very surprised when a dessert with a candle was brought to our table celebrating his birthday4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMMarvelous! The perfect pre-showMarvelous! The perfect pre-show stop on our way to The Old Globe Theater.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI found it hard to navigateI found it hard to navigate the OpenTable registration.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways good food and friendlyAlways good food and friendly accommodating service. Wonderful location in the park. Great for dining or just relaxing in the bar with drinks and appetizers. Be sure to have reservations or it's a long wait.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great place to dine!Always a great place to dine! Our waitress was very attentive and she did not over do it.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMJoe OppHave benn at the Bar numerous times but only once for dinner previously. Still very good with a varied menus and many choices. Good food preparation and served hot. The interval between courses was too long and we had to keep asking for someone to find our waiter as he was serving elsewhere.This is the second visit where the restaurant did not seem that busy but the service was slow. Not sure if there is a staffing issue???4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary delight!Love it! Went for our anniversary. Had the salmon and short rib combo -- to die for! Great service as well -- they gave us a delicious complimentary dessert (cheesecake flan with shortbread cookie). It was my second time there and would go back again! Highly recommended!!!4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMPrado excellenceLove to have a meal here before or after an event in Balboa Park. This weekend it was Earth Day celebrations as well as the Old Globe production. The service is always top notch, the food excellently prepared, the ambiance - restrained elegance. You find families here for early dinners, couples celebrating special events, theater goers, people who have found the spot for the first time, and old timers who return again and again. A special place to share a meal, always.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AM