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The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6
4.6
7188 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian
Top Tags:
Located in the House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm in the center of San Diego's Balboa Park.

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 56 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Unspecified, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 557-9441
  • Website
    https://www.pradobalboa.com/?y_source=1_MTU2Njg3OTgtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    John King
  • Catering
    Prado Catering<br />The Prado also offers full service catering at various museums and other locations within Balboa Park. Please contact our catering department for additional information.<br /><br />Experience our Award-Winning Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Menus<br />Professional Staff-Synchronized Service.<br />Full length table linens, gold chiavari chairs and porcelain china.
  • Private party facilities
    The Prado, located in the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is known for its world-class California cuisine, unparalleled ambiance and excellent service. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, the Prado has it all to make your event unforgettable!
  • Private party contact
    Event Manager: (619) 557-9441
  • Location
    1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    6th Avenue
  • Parking details
    Free public parking lots available throughout Balboa Park.
  • Public transit
    Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.<br /><br />Review the times for route Routes 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215 are the main bus routes through Balboa Park<br /><br />
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 7,188 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Best Ambiance

  • San Diego

    Great for outdoor dining

  • San Diego

    Californian

7,188 Reviews

  1. kellyw

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A magical evening start to finish. Sitting outside under the stars is stunning. Food and service great as always.

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  2. CBeach

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent, the food is fantastic. We were visiting San Diego for the first time in 10 years after leaving town, and this was the one restaurant my wife “had” to have while we were in town. The Prado is a perfect cap to a day or evening at Balboa Park. It’s a little spendy, but you do get what you pay for.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We greatly enjoyed our outdoor table and beautiful setting. The menu has a nice variety so something for everyone. Service was outstanding. We were warmly welcomed, seated promptly, and our waiter was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. Each person on the service team was friendly and efficient. We greatly enjoyed spending time with our friends over a wonderful meal at a place where we felt welcomed and valued.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    144 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    144 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Pre theater dinner; excellent service, short but wide choice menu. Food quality above average but pork prime rib was over cooked to medium well so came out somewhat dry and chewy. Other cons are the additional service charge and the crackers and humus now a priced starter rather than a nice free item to enjoy with cocktails before dinner.

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  5. Mrbentley

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a corner table with some privacy. Our waiter was very experienced and anticipated our needs and was very personable. The food was outstanding! The crab dip, the skirt steak and mussels were so fresh. The cocktails were also excellent.

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  6. SanDiegoGirl

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner for restaurant week. Eating outside is always a treat - the weather was stellar, great service, delicious margaritas and we even got to see a wedding! So fun!

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  7. Foodie

    San Francisco

    122 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    122 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The Prado is our favorite place for lunch while at Balboa Park. Everything on the menu is great. I had excellent black bean soup. Wife had fish tacos. Both were excellent. Blood orange margaritas were excellent.

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  8. Jeremy

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    I think it is long past your need to add the 4% to each bill.

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  9. Sandy

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the beautiful view of the distant planes and a lovely garden while sitting outside. Our table was positioned to the side, providing a sense of privacy. The server was highly knowledgeable and accommodating. All of our entrees were served hot and tasted delicious. With theater tickets in hand, we had ample time to savor our drinks and dinner.

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  10. Cinderella

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Attentive waitress. Best meal we have had at the Prado.

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  11. StephanieL

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is the place to eat when visiting Balboa Park. I would recommend sitting outside however I have sat inside and it is also nice. The service is outstanding. Waiters came on time, drinks arrived quickly, food came out on time and they continued to ask if there was anything they could do for us.

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  12. HeidiB

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the park. Service was great. All courses were fresh from the kitchen.

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  13. EleDoc

    St. Louis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the black bean soup and the grilled cauliflower, then shared the Verlasso salmon and shortribs. The food and wine was excellent and the service was outstanding. We especially enjoyed having our anniversary dinner overlooking the beautiful gardens during a lovely San Diego fall evening.

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  14. Talehta

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fabulous. Service had a relaxed and attentive flow. I’ve been wanting to go here for years but live in Washington. Was excited and was not disappointed.

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  15. 2DELMAR

    San Diego

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance always special ,we always dine outside it is an amazing setting.The food superb always creative and delicious.This year we had the pleasure of having Leslie as our amazing hostess,she absolutely made our special evening of celebrating our 34 th anniversary superb.Our thank you for her wonderful service .

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  16. RoyC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, great service and great location. Ordered the sea bass which was cooked well (still moist) but bland. My plate had obviously been sitting under the heat lamp for awhile evidenced by the skin that had formed on the sauce the sea bass was sitting on. I expect better preparation and presentation for a $37 menu item. My wife enjoyed her salad. Cocktails were great too.

    Is this helpful?

  17. SharonP

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Charming and romantic, in the midst of Balboa park, it was lovely. Ask for an outside table as it made the perfect setting for an afternoon date!

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  18. BrandonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant. Love the food, service, and outdoor patio.

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  19. Larry

    Philadelphia

    129 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time back in about 20 years. Just as magical as before. Excellent al fresco view. Perfect, fork tender short rib and creamy ricotta mashed potatoes. German chocolate cake and coconut crem brulee for dessert were wonderful. Excellent waiter. I'll always come back.

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  20. MissKim

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We haven’t been here in years… it was as wonderful and delicious as it always was! Perfection.

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  21. KevinL

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always a favorite for a special occasion, beautiful location, very attentive staff. We had our wedding reception their 10 yrs ago so we always go back for our anniversary, they used to recognize us every year and thank us for returning and offer us a free little dessert as a nice gesture, those days I guess are over….but it’s still a iconic San Diego local

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  22. racefan

    Central Coast

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    The location is great, but the misc upcharges are really annoying. Just put the price on the menu, not hidden surcharges on everything.

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  23. CarolH

    Palm Springs

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A totally delightful evening! Wish the bar had a blender for after dinner drinks requiring cream like brandy Alexander’s and grasshoppers !!!

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  24. RoseM

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    ALWAYS A FABULOUS EXPERIENCE....LOVE THE COHN RESTAURANT GROUP!!

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a great time and the Tuesday Date Night value was awesome!

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  26. fundiner

    San Diego

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Prado is our go-to celebration restaurant. We were celebrating our anniversary. Scott, our server, was attentive, knowledgeable, effective, and entertaining - one of the best servers we've had at any restaurant. The ambience is delightfully romantic. My wife had the Sea Bass and I had the Mustard Crusted Prime Pork Rib. Both entrees were delicious, perfectly seasoned, and attractively presented. The Tuesday Night Date Night menu is very reasonably priced. It was a fantastic experience celebrating our anniversary!

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  27. ThomasT

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great to be back at the Prado for Date Night and if anything, the food, service and ambiance was even better than last time. Some of that had to do with dining outside on the terrace, table 105, our favorite. It was a lovely evening and seemed just right for the two of us. April the manager on duty stopped by to say hello and our server, Marisa, did a great job of looking after us. The food was delicious, the pork roast and short ribs and the included bottle of wine went with both. We will be back soon. Thanks Prado for a beautiful evening.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    It was absolutely the worst experience we have ever had at a Cohen restaurant! Terrible service! Awful food quality! We will not be back!

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  29. JoeM

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Prado is absolutely beautiful. Dining room ambience is exquisite, but with air conditioning on, made it too cold. So dinner at bar, while warmer, did not have ambience of dining room. Waitress was excellent-very nice person, personable and efficient.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely evening:good food, good service and geez atmosphere

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  31. LouO

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite places for a nice meal in San Diego

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  32. TomH

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dinner before an Old globe production. Will return.

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  33. Randella

    Tucson

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My friends and I had a lovely dinner…. The staff was very friendly and attentive.

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  34. Guest1

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    The paella was much too fishy and virtually inedible. The duck and salad was good but the duck egg & sweet potato was marginal.

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  35. GlendaS

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    The menu had very few vegetarian options. The prices were very high. Only the salads were vegetarian, but were not at all filling . After my meal, I went to a different restaurant and bought a pastry.

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  36. MoniqueD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always delicious at the Prado. We had Scott as our server. He was a delight and his service was exceptional. He has been a server there for 22 years and his appreciation for the business,respect for the restaurant , and integrity of the job shows in all aspects. It was a delightful visit.

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  37. sdpoodlegirl

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Delicious drinks, caesar salad, curry mussels and cocktails! Fresh strawberry margarita - not blended was refreshing and NOT sweet!

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  38. TerryA

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    This restaurant is a very colorful venue for an early dinner. The place was pleasantly full with a good vibe. The staff was informed and attentive which allowed us to get to a play at The Old Globe.

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  39. JeffA

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    For what is charged at The Prado the food does not match the prices charged. I had the Paella and my spouse had the short ribs. The Paella was decent but the fish and the calamari and shrimp were on the chewy side. The sausage and chicken was fine. The short ribs, which I tried, were not that tender and fairly tasteless. I was rather surprised considering the cost was $37/ plate. I've had better elsewhere for much less as recent as last week. The only advantage to The Prado is its proximity to the Old Globe which is why we chose it.

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  40. Frances

    San Diego

    112 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    112 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The service was outstanding. The menu is limited and there have been few changes to the selections since before Covid.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Prado at Balboa Park is rated 4.6 stars by 7188 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 56 times today
Google Map for The Prado at Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross street
    6th Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–5:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Unspecified, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Free public parking lots available throughout Balboa Park.
  • Public transit
    Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.Review the times for route Routes 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215 are the main bus routes through Balboa Park
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    John King
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.pradobalboa.com/?y_source=1_MTU2Njg3OTgtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
  • Phone number
    (619) 557-9441
  • Catering
    Prado Catering<br />The Prado also offers full service catering at various museums and other locations within Balboa Park. Please contact our catering department for additional information.<br /><br />Experience our Award-Winning Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Menus<br />Professional Staff-Synchronized Service.<br />Full length table linens, gold chiavari chairs and porcelain china.
  • Private party facilities
    The Prado, located in the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is known for its world-class California cuisine, unparalleled ambiance and excellent service. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, the Prado has it all to make your event unforgettable!
  • Private party contact
    Event Manager: (619) 557-9441
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