Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

Name: Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level
Address: 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94102
Telephone: (415) 861-8150
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (648)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

About this restaurant

Healthy
Charming
Good for special occasions

A night at the opera or ballet is an elegant event, deserving of a remarkable culinary experience. Our gorgeous setting offers an ideal environment for pre-performance or intermission dining at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center.
We are located on the lower level of the War Memorial Opera House. Our menu is offered in buffet and à la carte format, keeping performance start time at the forefront for all visitors.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Continental, Californian
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 861-8150
Website
http://www.ggcatering.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Alfonso Mis
Catering
Host your next event at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, and Global Gourmet Catering will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Perfect for weddings, galas, corporate parties and pre- and post-performance events, this is San Francisco's premier choice for events of all sizes.

Location
301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Cross street
Franklin St. & Grove Street.
Parking details
Parking is available in several lots in the surrounding area. Please call lots for current hours and rates. Performing Arts Garage, *Patrons dining in the Opera House may enter through the North Carriage entrance of the Opera House (adjacent to the War Memorial courtyard) up to two hours prior to curtain.
Public transit
For transit directions, visit 511.org or call 511.Entering the Opera with a restaurant reservation? Please enter at the north side of the building at the carriage entrance.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

West Coast Artisan Cheeses$28.00
Artisan Cheeses, Fruits, Nuts, Crackers, Crostini
West Coast Artisan Charcuterie$30.00
Crafted Meats, Tomato Marmalade, Crostini
Seasonal Market Salad$16.00
County Line Baby Lettuce, Banyul's Vinaigrette
Prelude Seafood Salad$34.00
Roasted Salmon, Bay Shrimp, Chopped Romaine, Butter Lettuce, Cucumber, Fennel, Eggs, Tomato, Avocado, Micro Celery, Louie Dressing
Tofu Tartare$27.00
Marinated Tofu, Brown Rice, Cucumber, Avocado, Jalapeño, Cilantro, Coconut Milk, Sriracha Aioli
Grilled Salmon Avocado Toast$28.00
Avocado, Goat Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata, Citrus Infused Olive Oil
Harissa Marinated Grilled Prawns$44.00
Feta, Pistachio Hummus, Roasted Beets, Frisée, Orange Oil
Slow Braised Short Rib$60.00
Bomba Rice, Roasted Carrots, Demi Glaze
House-Made Dinner Rolls$6.00

Dessert

Vanilla Tres Leches$16.00
Tres Leches, Sponge Cake, Bananas Flambé, Crème Anglaise
Butterscotch Cheesecake$16.00
Pinot Noir Reduction, Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust
Triple Chocolate Tarte$16.00
Sea Salt Caramel, Blueberry Coulis, Honey Whipped Cream
Guittard Chocolate Truffles$16.00
Two Housemade Truffles with Cognac, Two Housemade Truffles with Champagne
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries$16.00
Four Strawberries, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Drizzle
Assorted Cookies$15.00
Chef's Selection of Cookies

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Still or Sparkling Water, 750 ml$13.00
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale$6.00
Iced Tea$6.00
Hot Tea$6.00
Intelligentsia Coffee or Decaf$6.00
Milk$6.00
Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple or Grapefruit Juice$6.00
Martinelli's Sparkling Cider$7.00
Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers$7.00

Fort Point Beer

KSA, Kolsch Style Ale$12.00
Westfalia, Red Ale Style$12.00
Erdinger Non-Alcoholic Beer$12.00

Perfectly Portioned Sparkling

Benvolio, Prosecco, ITL, NV, 187ml$22.00
Laurent Perrier Brut, FRA, NV, 375 ml$65.00
Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs, FRA, NV, 375 ml$98.00
Ruinart, Rose, FRA, NV, 375 ml$98.00
Krug, Grand Cuvee, FRA, 375ml$205.00

Sparkling

Pierre Chanier Brut, CA, NV$16.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Veuve Clicquot Brut, FRA, NV$37.00
- Glass$37.00
- Bottle$148.00
Veuve Clicquot Rose, FRA, NV$165.00
Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut, FRA, NV$130.00
Krug Grande Cuvee, FRA, 410$410.00

Whites / Roses

Domaine Bousquet Rose, Argentina$65.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Murphy Goode, Sauvignon Blanc, CA$64.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Cakebread, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa$85.00

Chardonnay

Dark Harvest, NV$64.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Hahn, Monterey County$88.00
- Glass$22.00
- Bottle$88.00
Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley$90.00
Mountain Winery, Santa Cruz$95.00

Pinot Noir

Tree Fort, CA$64.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Gehricke, Russian River$73.00
MacMurray, Russian River$85.00
Mountain Winery, Santa Cruz$95.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark Harvest, NV$64.00
- Glass$16.00
- Bottle$64.00
Hahn, Central Coast$88.00
- Glass$22.00
- Bottle$88.00
Textbook, Napa Valley$85.00

Classic Cocktails

Negroni$21.00
No 21 Negroni Cocktail
Espresso Martini$22.00
Ketel One, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Cold Brew, Simple Syrup
Ballet Royale$18.00
Limoncello, Black Raspberry Liqueur, House Brut
Irish Coffee$20.00
Irish Whiskey, Sugar Cube, Coffee, Whipped Cream

What 648 people are saying

Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.4Service
4.3Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Prelude at the Opera House offers a convenient dining experience before attending performances. Guests appreciate its "very attentive staff," "lovely ambiance," and the flexible buffet or à la carte menu. While some find the prices high, the "delicious" offerings, themed buffets, and thoughtful service make it a treat for opera-goers.

1,936 Reviews

K
Katy
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love going there: it’s part of my opera experience!
Is this helpful?
E
Eduardo VIP
California Central Coast10 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
They only vegan dishes they had was a green salad and another salad consisting of artichoke and hummus, but with minimal amounts. They were more like garnishes than actual portions. You wouldn't have known it by the price--in fact, the whole menu is way overpriced. They should lower their prices and add more substantial vegan items with protein included!
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T
Toni
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good, tasty, well cooked and warm. Our server, Joe was very attentive. The only bad and unfortunate thing was that I asked the host not to sit us next to noisy kitchen. He offered one table over which did not change the view of servers going in and out and same noise.
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food is delicious and very pricey! The set up is very nice, but I noticed that the chairs were dirty, wine glasses- very old fashioned Otherwise, we had an incredible experience! Very convenient
Is this helpful?
j
jeff
San Francisco Bay Area9 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a treat eating at Prelude before the Opera. The buffet, accompanied by supporting table service, was delicious. If you are going to the opera, reserve a table and enjoy!
Is this helpful?
R
Reynette VIP
San Francisco Bay Area46 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level is an extremely convenient location to have a meal before the opera. The food selection is good and flexible as you can participate in the buffet or order a la cart entrees. The wine selection is also decent. There is limited dessert menu but the chocolate dipped strawberries are a favorite. The service is usually very good as the staff is aware that all patrons are attending a show. However, every now and again we have had especially slow service and it created stress in completing our meal and getting to our seats in time. We appreciate the convenience and the food/service is usually very good.
Is this helpful?
b
barbara
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Extremely overpriced for what it is. I would avoid and go to an actual restaurant nearby for a great meal.
Is this helpful?
R
Robert
San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lamb chops were extremely tough, and the crab salad was very small. Prices were high, considering the quality of the food. Service was very good.
Is this helpful?
J
Johnny
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 19, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The tiny filet minion was delicious. But tiny. Like 1/6 of a serving of filet minion.😏 The crab salad yummy, okay portion. The salmon overcooked. Lovely ambiance. Fair service. Maybe do better? We enjoyed despite this! Thanks! Leigh
Is this helpful?
l
lani
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 18, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Classic buffet. Easy to enter early with opera tickets. Has a la carte menu as well and a good selection of beverages. Adds to the fun of going to the opera.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level is rated 4.2 stars by 648 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Google Map for Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Franklin St. & Grove Street.
Neighborhood
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Continental, Californian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Parking is available in several lots in the surrounding area. Please call lots for current hours and rates. Performing Arts Garage, *Patrons dining in the Opera House may enter through the North Carriage entrance of the Opera House (adjacent to the War Memorial courtyard) up to two hours prior to curtain.
Public transit
For transit directions, visit 511.org or call 511.Entering the Opera with a restaurant reservation? Please enter at the north side of the building at the carriage entrance.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Alfonso Mis
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ggcatering.com/
Phone number
(415) 861-8150
Catering
Host your next event at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, and Global Gourmet Catering will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Perfect for weddings, galas, corporate parties and pre- and post-performance events, this is San Francisco's premier choice for events of all sizes.

Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Savory

West Coast Artisan Cheeses$28.00

West Coast Artisan Charcuterie$30.00

Seasonal Market Salad$16.00

Prelude Seafood Salad$34.00

Tofu Tartare$27.00

Grilled Salmon Avocado Toast$28.00

Harissa Marinated Grilled Prawns$44.00

Slow Braised Short Rib$60.00

House-Made Dinner Rolls$6.00

Dessert

Vanilla Tres Leches$16.00

Butterscotch Cheesecake$16.00

Triple Chocolate Tarte$16.00

Guittard Chocolate Truffles$16.00

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries$16.00

Assorted Cookies$15.00

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Still or Sparkling Water, 750 ml$13.00

Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale$6.00

Iced Tea$6.00

Hot Tea$6.00

Intelligentsia Coffee or Decaf$6.00

Milk$6.00

Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple or Grapefruit Juice$6.00

Martinelli's Sparkling Cider$7.00

Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers$7.00

Fort Point Beer

KSA, Kolsch Style Ale$12.00

Westfalia, Red Ale Style$12.00

Erdinger Non-Alcoholic Beer$12.00

Perfectly Portioned Sparkling

Benvolio, Prosecco, ITL, NV, 187ml$22.00

Laurent Perrier Brut, FRA, NV, 375 ml$65.00

Ruinart, Blanc de Blancs, FRA, NV, 375 ml$98.00

Ruinart, Rose, FRA, NV, 375 ml$98.00

Krug, Grand Cuvee, FRA, 375ml$205.00

Sparkling

Pierre Chanier Brut, CA, NV$16.00

Veuve Clicquot Brut, FRA, NV$37.00

Veuve Clicquot Rose, FRA, NV$165.00

Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut, FRA, NV$130.00

Krug Grande Cuvee, FRA, 410$410.00

Whites / Roses

Domaine Bousquet Rose, Argentina$65.00

Murphy Goode, Sauvignon Blanc, CA$64.00

Cakebread, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa$85.00

Chardonnay

Dark Harvest, NV$64.00

Hahn, Monterey County$88.00

Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley$90.00

Mountain Winery, Santa Cruz$95.00

Pinot Noir

Tree Fort, CA$64.00

Gehricke, Russian River$73.00

MacMurray, Russian River$85.00

Mountain Winery, Santa Cruz$95.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark Harvest, NV$64.00

Hahn, Central Coast$88.00

Textbook, Napa Valley$85.00

Classic Cocktails

Negroni$21.00

Espresso Martini$22.00

Ballet Royale$18.00

Irish Coffee$20.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level restaurant rated?

Is Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information