ARTIFACT at Mingei

Name: ARTIFACT at Mingei
Address: 1493 El Prado, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 704-7523
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

365 Reviews

$31 to $50

International

Top Tags:

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.

Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Jeff Armstrong, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project.
ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs Park
Follow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(619) 704-7523

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
International, Asian, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm
Phone number
(619) 704-7523
Website
http://www.artifactatmingei.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Tim Kolanko + Jeff Armstrong
Catering
Whether an intimate dinner party, wedding, company meeting, birthday bash or holiday celebration, Urban Kitchen Catering offers complete full service catering – from menus to tabletop design, all tailored to meet your every need. https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/catering/<br />
Private party facilities
Located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum celebrates human creativity through folk art, craft and design. Its newly transformed building, designed by architect Jennifer Luce of LUCE et studio, provides both outdoor and indoor spaces, adaptable for large or small-scale events.mingei.org/visit/event-rentals

Location
1493 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Parking details
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Journey to Korea
$75.00 per person
Feb 16, 2023 only
Journey to Korea as Chef Jeff Armstrong and Chef Tony Coito take you on a culinary exploration of cuisine of Korea with a special one-nigh-4 course prix fixe dinner. Experience ARTIFACT at Night and taste the complex reflection of natural environment and different cultural trends of Korea.
valentine's weekend at ARTIFACT
$52.00 per person
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2023
Celebrate LOVE at ARTIFACT from Thursday 2/9- Monday 2/14 Lunch Date at Balboa Park? Or dinner before the show? Enjoy a 3 course Valentine's menu + our regular a la carte menu. valentine's specials + regular menu available $52 / person + tax + gratuity full menu at artifactatmingei.com
Experience Korea
$75.00 per person
Feb 17, 2023 only
JUST ADDED Journey to Korea as Chef Jeff Armstrong and Chef Tony Coito take you on a culinary exploration of cuisine of Korea with a special one-night-4 course prix fixe dinner. Experience ARTIFACT at Night and taste the complex reflection of natural environment and different cultural trends of Korea.

What 365 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Innovative
San Diego
Innovative

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Filters

MK
MarK
San Diego
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service3ambience3
The food we ordered was tasteless; had no flavor. Think we ordered the wrong things.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful place to go in a date! It’s a very unique experience
M
Mel61
San Diego
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Interesting selection of wines and menu items. Our meals were very good. Environment is “open plan” and is composed of contemporary hard surfaces so it has the potential to be quite noisy at busy times. We visited for lunch during the week so it was quite pleasant for us. I recommend it if you are already in Balboa Park.
o
operagoer
San Diego
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
interesting and creative menu. Excellent ingredients and preparation. Service very good also. Noise level ok but at times, a bit loud. Highly recommend.
K
Keith
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service in a fun setting
CS
CSS12
San Diego
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I invited some friends who were visiting San Diego and wanted to go to Balboa Park. They had never been to ARTIFACT and absolutely loved it. The food is so unique and the flavors are amazing. We shared a lot of dishes so we could taste everything. I highly recommend this restaurant...especially for lunch when it's a great day.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday lunch
SK
ShellyK
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing flavors and beautifully presented. Our waitress was OUTSTANDING and did such a good job of describing the dishes to our table. Highly recommend!
OL
OlivierL
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for the monthly culinary exploration of cuisine, which was about Normandy this time. Awsome experience with delightful dishes and great service. Thank you all for a great experience!
CC
ChanteC
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The taste of Normandy experience was unique, tasty, and so much more than a dinner. Being nestled in the museum was so fun and the food was delish.
NH
NancyH
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Terrific food and excellent service. We were eating outside and when it started to rain, the servers carefully escorted us to inside the restaurant where a new table was set up for us. Everyone was so nice and in a very good mood. The restaurant was packed with happy people enjoying several courses of delicious Normandy food. The menu was very creative and very French. The accompanying wines were well selected.
E
jeffE
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was artfully presented, delicious, and paired beautifully with suggested beverages. The service was attentive and on point. The entire experience was one big smile. Thank you for it all!
C
Caro
Exclusive
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Normandy themed price-fixe dinner on January 19, 2023 was excellent. The menu featured foods from that region that brought back wonderful memories of meals we enjoyed when we visited that area of France. The service was excellent and the setting of the restaurant in the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park is lovely.
M
Marty
Palm Springs
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
not only is the food great, the entire staff makes it an incredible experience
PW
PatriciaW
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as always. Kendra gave us superb service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience3
Food was quite awful. We had the beef noodles and beet salad and gyoza. There were so many fish flakes in the gyoza it was not edible. Everything was not edible. Everything was over flavored The service was excellent. Our server was honest and Genuine. We Really liked her
AT
AndreaT
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic flavors, excellent quality. Best food at Balboa Park.
B
Burnie
San Diego
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience3
A fun place surrounded by great gift items. The servers were nice and friendly without being intrusive. Even the tableware was attractive. We had small plates and the presentation was attractive. We shared the scallop dish and it was outstanding. Then we shared the albacore ceviche and it was great. We look forward to sharing this gem with friends.
JW
JenniferW
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner is always delightful with great food, an exciting menu and great service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went there for our early birthday date. We really enjoyed this rich experience of food minjei. We tried almost all meals for lunch including birthday desserts. We stayed there almost two hours. We ate all dishes and no pieces left over. soo phenomenal food! His favorite dish is Pan Roasted Scallop. My favorite is Thai Green Curry.
AL
AlexanderL
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot. Comfy seating and awesome food and drinks.
M
Mimi
San Diego
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
4of us toured the exhibits at the Mingei and then had lunch at Artifact. We ordered 4 different dishes: the chicken; the lamb; the beef and the scallops and we all loved our meal. The portions are generous, and the flavoring of the food is excellent. Their menu is not the standard fare and that added to our enjoyment. We recommend Artifact!
p
pcabrales
San Diego
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent food, great service and a beautiful place
B
Ballplayersd
San Diego
64 reviews
vip
4.0
64 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Waited several minutes at entrance to be recognized and seated. Service was very slow and seemed confusion as to who was waiting on our table. Food was great.
K
Kevin
San Diego
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific as usual, food, service and space is top notch.
EN
EvaN
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall3food5service1ambience5
I’ve been here before and was pleased with all, but service this time was not good. Our server barely acknowledged us, and the food took very long to arrive. We ordered a second glass of wine which came once meal was done.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience4
Very poor service and no acknowledgement of the 75th birthday we were celebrating.
m
mamaacorn
San Diego
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fabulous lunch! Great service as always. I was sad to see that the Pork Flower Shumai was off the menu and hopefully it will re-appear someday,that is my absolute favorite menu item.
JH
JaneH
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been to ARTIFACT three times and it is always different in its offerings and always consistent in the quality of the cuisine and service. It is one of the better restaurants in San Diego yet seems to fly under the radar, perhaps because it is in a museum. Top quality. Highly recommend.
CK
ChristinaK
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful ethnic food, bit pricey but worth it. Nice, casual atmosphere. Glass of wine only 100 ml pour
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very kind and welcoming staff
SD
mySanDiegoAgent
San Diego
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
The menu was overly complex. It was difficult to order. The chicken and appetizers were excellent. We didn't like the tapioca. There were a lot of servers. It was unclear which person was our server. We would suggest more children's meals and a simpler menu. We loved the gift shop.
LH
LindaH
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Lamb Kibbe Plate was wonderful! My husband enjoyed the Pork Plate, too.
P
Pablo
San Diego
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
I made a reservation and got right in. Ambiance is great. Service was good. Prices for plates seemed a little high for lunch, however, food was very good.
F
Foodie
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
The first dish was good but very expensive for the small portion of fish we received. I am comparing this restaurant's price and quality of food to that of La Jolla and Del Mar. Unfortunately, both of us did not feel well after eating the green chicken curry. As a positive, the outdoor patio and service were wonderful.
t
traveler
San Diego
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Small portions, unusual combinations of foods unfortunately result in only average taste
B
Billnan
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outside eating at Artifact (with heating devices when needed) was delightful. The menu is unusual and one has to be adventuresome to try these dishes. You must appreciate the artfully plated and tasty choices that you won't find anywhere else in San Diego.
GB
GloriaB
San Diego
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Everyone enjoyed their lunches! My Thai curry was excellent, lots of sauce and tender veggies and chicken.
d
debbieb
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delighted to have this restaurant in Balboa Park! Had lunch there yesterday. Gorgeous artsy indoors, lovely patio. The service was perfect-- friendly but not too much, always there but not hover-y, great guidance with menu. The food was absolutely delicious. Had the potato samosa, huge serving. No room for the yummy bibb salad we ordered. No problem, had it for dinner. We sat on patio (have heaters), inside are lots of hard surfaces, might be a little noisy. Will DEFINITELY eat there again, even if not seeing something at Old Globe.
J
John
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good lamb kibbe and pear and beet salad. Excellent service too.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

FAQs

ARTIFACT at Mingei offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 704-7523.

ARTIFACT at Mingei is rated 4.7 stars by 365 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(619) 704-7523

1493 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm
Cuisines
International, Asian, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Tim Kolanko + Jeff Armstrong
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.artifactatmingei.com/
Phone number
(619) 704-7523
Catering
Whether an intimate dinner party, wedding, company meeting, birthday bash or holiday celebration, Urban Kitchen Catering offers complete full service catering – from menus to tabletop design, all tailored to meet your every need. https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/catering/<br />
Private party facilities
Located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum celebrates human creativity through folk art, craft and design. Its newly transformed building, designed by architect Jennifer Luce of LUCE et studio, provides both outdoor and indoor spaces, adaptable for large or small-scale events.mingei.org/visit/event-rentals

ARTIFACT at Mingei

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Experiences

Journey to Korea

valentine's weekend at ARTIFACT

Experience Korea

Menu

What 365 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

FAQs

Does ARTIFACT at Mingei offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant rated?

Is ARTIFACT at Mingei currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information