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The Godfather Restaurant, San Diego, CA

The Godfather Restaurant

4.6 (1957)
$31 to $50
Italian
7878 Clrmt Msa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111-1621

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for fine wines
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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • 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 1,957 people are saying

The Godfather Restaurant 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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Godfather Restaurant captures the essence of classic Italian dining with "delicious food," "impeccable service," and a "wonderful atmosphere." Guests rave about the "superb live piano music" and "authentic Italian experience." While some mention high pricing, the "ambiance, generous portions, and attentive staff" make it a worthwhile culinary destination.

1,957 Reviews
  1. Chris Ronald

    Sacramento16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent experience! We ordered the ribeye, veal piccata, lobster ravioli and the gnocchi. All excellent and tasted good. The veal was a bit over cooked for my taste, delicious none the less. David was our server and he was on point alomg with the rest of the wait staff. We celebrated a birthday and the birthday lady loved it as it was her first time eating at The Godfather. Well done!

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  2. CONRAD

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I didn't care for he mixed vegetables that included seaweed.

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  3. David

    San Diego1 review

    1.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    I ordered their special that was described as trout stuffed with crab and topped with shrimp. The trout, crab and shrimp were overcooked and dry to the point of not being edible. I told the waiter and assured him I wasn’t looking for a replacement or an adjustment to the bill. I wanted him to let the kitchen know so they would not let that happen to anyone else. When the waiter came back after taking my dish to the kitchen he said that the kitchen didn’t agree. I was stunned. No apology. Since the kitchen finds dry food acceptable, I won’t be going back.

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  4. Susan VIP

    San Diego47 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We went at 5:30 pm and the place was PACKED! Unfortunately we were seated by a huge group and we couldn’t even talk to each other because they were so loud. Our server was also the large groups server, so service was very slow. Not his fault. He was extremely nice and professional when he did have time to help us. All in all…food was great. Service was slow, but understandable. But the noise ruined our conversation with my family from out of town.

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  5. Tessa

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The quality of the food and portions themselves were amazing. That alone would have me coming back, but their staff’s attention to detail and the overall ambience cannot be beat.

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  6. David VIP

    Los Angeles27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Upscale Italian food in an unlikely place (located in a strip mall). The interior is traditional with booths and tables; waiters wear suits. The food was deliciously prepared; the server was attentive, but not intrusive. Dessert was lovely. Would definitely come back.

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  7. Christopher VIP

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, attentive staff Nad the prices are reasonable. Highly recommend the Godfather.

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  8. Carol

    San Diego27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always a wonderful experience dining at The Godfather. The service is impeccable and our entrees were delicious.

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  9. Arnold

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was great! Good food and nice atmosphere!

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  10. Adrian VIP

    San Diego22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great night overall. Eric and. Staff were great and hospitable. Music selection was a bit interesting though.

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FAQs

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

The Godfather Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 1957 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Kearny Mesa

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
Google Map for The Godfather Restaurant

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

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Kearny Mesa
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 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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