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  5. Kearny Mesa
Godfather Restaurant, San Diego, CA

Godfather Restaurant

4.6
4.6
1614 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 560-1747
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Isidoro Balistreri
  • Neighborhood
    Kearny Mesa
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,614 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Great for fine wines

  • San Diego

    Good for special occasions

1,614 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time dining here. White table cloth Italian dining. They had a piano player which was a nice touch. Food was good! We will be back.

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  2. JohnT

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated our anniversary here. This restaurant and hosts never disappoint. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Really authentic Italian dishes and their wine is superb!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    New owner after 50 years and we’ve been dining at the Godfather since they opened. Not the same and the scampi tastes different and was overcooked and mushrooms were raw. Service was also disappointing. Won’t be going back.

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  4. firefoxsd

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Woderful entertainment - live piano playing. Food was fantastic - complimentary breaded zuchini was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Veal parmigiana was very good and an exellent house salad with suprisingly the right amount of dressing mixed in. The espresso drink after was an excellent cap off. It's been years since I came here and Can't wait to come back. Cost is pretty reasonable for the times we are in.

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  5. SIW713

    San Diego

    124 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    124 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    What a spectacular restaurant and the food is delicious and authentic. The meatballs in sauce are amazing. The short rib ravioli exceptional.

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  6. MaryH

    San Diego

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A friend highly recommended this restaurant and it did not disappoint. It had an old world Italian ambience with red leather booths, white table cloths and waiters in coat and tie. We had a booth in the bar and enjoyed people watching. The food was fabulous, very large portions, keep that in mind when ordering. My husband and I decided that next time we would share a salad and entree.

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  7. CamifromSD

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was great! Had not been since it changed ownership! We had a table of 8. We will be back

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  8. HowardJ

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Godfather has gone downhill since was sold. Menue choices smaller and soup or salad with an entree now costs $7.50. Had chicken parm which was only Luke warm and cold after about half eaten. Marinara had strange taste, kind of bitter. Good service and ambiance. Have been eating at Godfather for more than 20 years but due to what is now coming out of the kitchen coupled with limited menue don’t think we will be going back.

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  9. Albert

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant was outstanding in every way! Food hot and excellent. Service professional and efficient. Atmosphere with Italian trattoria style energy all about the food and friends. No reason to go to Little Italy. Really. This is an Italian restaurant worthy of traveling from Little Italy to visit. We had Veal Parm and Carbonara. It's hard to find great Veal Parm. This was the best I've had in years. Don't have enough compliments. The owners of this place have it figured out.

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  10. Marce

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    I liked their menu, but the food was not very fresh. It's a beautiful restaurant though.

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  11. JohnM

    Charleston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The only thing missing was Anthony at the front to greet us😊

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  12. SandraB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was wonderful, staff was attentive and the atmosphere was great. Every table was full and yet we taken care of with grace and plenty of smiles. We were a party of four very happy, very full patrons.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food1service5ambience5
    Dessert fantastic. It tastes like they use the same sausage for everything. My mussels tasted same as my son’s New York Steak. I would have loved to give a five. Service ver good. Tiramisu one of the best I ever have eaten

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  14. TimM

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is perhaps one of the best Family-run Italian Restaurant in San Diego. There are many, but this one is our favorite.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    It was ok. Have been there other times and had better service

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  16. SJPS

    San Diego

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants in San Diego. Amazing service!

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  17. AnaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were greeted at the door, our waiter was amazing and funny. The piano player is a very classy touch and he played so many incredible songs.

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  18. GretaM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Restaurant had a weird odor upon entering. Fettuccine Alfredo was almost tasteless. Chicken on it was not good. Friend had Chicken Parmesan. His chicken was great. Red sauce tasted like it was from a can. Server brought our food and our check. Never came back to check on us during our meal at any time. The one cocktail we had was terrible. No one said thank you or said bye when we left. The only friendly staff member was the man who brought our water. 100% would NOT recommend. Not sure how it was rated so favorably on Yelp.

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  19. Oceansidefoodie

    San Diego

    57 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Stepped back in time here. Kind of expected The Godfather to appear at any moment with his security guards. He would have had a fabulous lunch with great wine!

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  20. KimL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best time, the food was delicious!!! Everyone was very friendly and the restaurant was super clean! Can’t wait to go back!

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  21. ValleyGirlFoodie

    Los Angeles

    44 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Run, don’t walk to Little Italy for authentic, delicious Italian cuisine. This place is a disaster. I wouldn’t feed my dog this trash. Rubbery, over drenched with sauce to hide the fact that this food is supposed to be edible. They also are quite effusive over their regulars, and treat new customers as if they are doing us a favor.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service as usual. Sauteed chicken livers are most unique and the flavor is fabulous. The breaded zucchini appetizer is just perfect with a cocktail. The pasta carbonara as to die for. Can’t think of a better place to dine for that special occasion.

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  23. Patrick

    San Diego

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently impeccable service and a wide variety of delicious menu options. Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this is a hidden gem with arguably the best Italian food in San Diego.

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  24. Odie

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you want superb Italian Food, excellent ambience and fantastic service, The Godfather Restaurant is the place to go.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    It has been two years and new owners the food is Dennys style no Italian love here anymore.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    60 reviews

    4.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The 3 of us ordered chicken dishes…2 chicken parmigiana & 1 chicken Marsala. I thought the menu said that soup or salad is included…our bill showed that we were charged for 3 salads. Our waiter could have been more attentive… The side of pasta that was included with our meal was rigatoni…none of us ate it or even bothered to take it home…way undercooked…but our chicken dishes were very good. I was disappointed that they didn’t have angel hair pasta on the menu…that would have been my 1st choice…capellini is lighter than spaghetti & my favorite.

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  27. TimR

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another classic “Old World” experience in the closest thing San Diego has to a traditional Midwest supper club.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice people and good food

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  29. jtwolf

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Old school ambiance and professional staff. Great, professional service. Recommended.

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  30. JackieM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect evening. Always enjoy dinner at the Godfather.

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  31. Carla

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always outstanding and the service is the best in town.

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  32. Mbar

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Godfather never disappoints. Varied menu and great service met up for a wonderful dinner out with the family. We will be back.

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  33. AdamT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time been; this was for my birthday. They had a nice deal for birthday dinner. Fantastic experience and food.

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  34. David

    San Diego

    136 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    136 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed our meal last night at the Godfather. We had an excellent waiter who knew the menu very well. Our meals were terrific, nad we enjoyed the entire dining experience.

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  35. DinoR

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was wonderful good food! Music was a little loud but went there for the food and as always food superb! Thank you see you next time

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  36. Jimk

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Godfather's never disappoints! Great food, but on the pricey side...We have been coming here for a few decades on special occasions...

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  37. JohnW

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fantastic. The food was absolutely delicious. We'll be back again very soon and we live over 80 miles away.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Godfather made us an offer we couldn’t refuse: Delicious food, a classy environment, attentive wait staff, and live piano music. Before we were 3 bites into our entrees, my wife and I were talking about who we would invite to join us for our next visit.

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  39. AlfonsoG

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent quality food for the price. Service was prompt.

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  40. Ed209

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    A nice evening but not the greatest value…quality has slipped in recent years

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Godfather Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (858) 560-1747.

Godfather Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 1614 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:30 PM


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Godfather Restaurant

7878 Clrmt Msa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111-1621

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Kearny Mesa
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Isidoro Balistreri
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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