Skip to Main Content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Downtown / Gaslamp

The Prado at Balboa Park

4.5
4.5
6403 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.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
9:00 PM
Booked 51 times today
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Californian, Cocktail Bar, Unspecified

  • Hours of operation

    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–7:30 pm Sun 11:30 am–4:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 557-9441

  • Website

    https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/theprado?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

    Marcy Melley: (888) 925-3023

  • Location

    1549 El Prado Suite 12 San Diego, CA 92101

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • 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

Popular dishes

Menu

A 4% surcharge will be added to all Guest checks to help cover increasing costs and in support of the recent increases to minimum wage and benefits for our dedicated Team Members.

First Taste

gf = gluten free v = vegetarian

  • Prado Crackers & Chipotle Hummus$4.95

    • Vegetarian Black Bean Soup$8.95

      chiles & spices, red onions, cumin, sour cream, lime (gf, v)

      • "Chef's Soup"$9.95

        seasonal

        • Charred Brocolini$13.95

          romesco, ricotta, grilled lemon, fine herbs, olive oil

          • Spicy Calamari Fries$15.95

            korean chili sauce (gf)

            • Crab Dip$16.95

              mascarpone, spinach, garlic crostini

              • Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll$15.95

                asparagus, wasabi cream, tobiko aioli, ponzu dipping sauce (gf)

                Farm Greens

                • Prado Caesar$12.95

                  romaine hearts, herbed croutons, cotija cheese, poblano chile caesar dressing

                  • Prado Pressed Arugula Salad$13.50

                    strawberries, figs, candied walnuts, asiago, sherry-shallot vinaigrette (gf, v)

                    Seasonal Salads

                    • Red & Gold Baby Beet Salad$13.95

                      shaved fennel, frisee, sonoma goat cheese, truffle vinaigrette (gf, v)

                      • Farmer's Mixed Greens$11.95

                        mixed berries, fromage blanc, honey chipotle pistachios, banyuls vinaigrette (gf, v)

                        • Chef's Choice Seasonal Salad$12.95

                          Sea

                          • Pan Seared Kvaroy Salmon$34.95

                            sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc (gf)

                            • Pan Roasted Sea Bass$35.95

                              corn, pancetta, asparagus, potatoes, spinach, shaved fennel, preserved lemon, white truffle corn puree (gf)

                              • Prado Paella$32.95

                                fish, mussels, shrimp, calamari, chicken, chorizo, peas, lobster saffron broth (gf)

                                Land & Sea

                                • "Chef's Cut" Steak & Marinated Shrimp

                                  cauliflower gratin, crispy layered tallow potato, borderlaise

                                  • Market Price

                                • Kvaroy Salmon & Short Ribs$38.95

                                  pan seared salmon, sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc & red wine braised short ribs, goat cheese mashed potatoes, summer squash, radish salad, bordelaise sauce

                                  Land

                                  • Mary's Chicken "Zupa Szczawiowa"$29.95

                                    sorrel, babby carrots, baby turnips, potatoes, celery, creme fraiche, hard cooked egg, chicken broth

                                    • Risotto "Peperonata Calabrese"$24.95

                                      sweet peppers, leeks, eggplant, basil, burrata cheese

                                      • Rigatoni "all'amatriciana"$26.95

                                        heirloom cherry tomatoes, garlic, peppadew peppers, braised crispy bacon, basil, pecorino cheese

                                        • Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs$32.95

                                          goat cheese mashed potatoes, summer squash, radish salad, bordelaise (gf)

                                          • Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak

                                            cauliflower gratin, crispy layered tallow potato, bordelaise

                                            • Market Price

                                          • Mustard Crusted Pork Chop$32.95

                                            parsnip mashed potato, pickled red onion, watercress, mustard sauce

                                            Sides

                                            • Summer Squash$8.95

                                              • Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes$8.95

                                                • Sesame Rice$8.95

                                                  • Cauliflower Gratin$8.95

                                                    • Parsnip Mashed Potatoes$8.95

                                                      • Sauteed Spinach$8.95

                                                        Prado Margaritas

                                                        • Watermelon Margarita$14.00

                                                          olmeca silver, pama pomegranate liqueur, watermelon, lime, agave, tajin rim

                                                          • Blood Orange Maragarita$14.00

                                                            el jimador silver tequila infused with blood orange tea blend, fruit lab jasmine liqueur, lemon, honey

                                                            • Spicy Mezcal Margarita$15.00

                                                              el tesoro reposado, los javis mezcal, serrano peppers, lime, agave

                                                              • Pradorita$15.00

                                                                hornitos tequila, triple sec, lime, agave: shaken table side

                                                                Specialty Cocktails

                                                                • Raspberry Lemondrop$14.00

                                                                  titos handmade vodka, raspberry puree, honey, lemon juice

                                                                  • Citrus Cooler$13.50

                                                                    deep eddy lemon vodka, pineapple juice, fever tree ginger beer, angostura bitters

                                                                    • Balboa Park Sangria

                                                                      red table wine, fruit liqueurs, fresh fruit

                                                                      • glass$10.00
                                                                      • pitcher$35.00

                                                                    • Apricot Sidecar$14.00

                                                                      makers mark, apricot liqueur, lemon

                                                                      • Coconut Vacation$13.50

                                                                        malibu rum, diplomatico rum, coconut, tropical juice blend, ginger ale

                                                                        • Mango Dream$14.00

                                                                          mango infused absolut peach vodka, peach liqueur, mango puree, lemon, agave

                                                                          • Sipsmith 75$14.00

                                                                            sipsmith gin, sparkling wine, cucumber, mint, lemon

                                                                            • Yuza Soda$13.50

                                                                              haku vodka, lemon, lime, fever tree yuzu & lime soda

                                                                              • Woodford Mint Julep$15.00

                                                                                woodford reserve bourbon, mint, sugar

                                                                                • Guava Ginger Martini$14.00

                                                                                  you & yours sunday gin, pink guava puree, lemon juice, fever tree ginger beer, cherry bitters

                                                                                  • Your San Diego Lemonade$13.50

                                                                                    you & yours summer citrus vodka, blueberry, lavender, sparkling lemonade

                                                                                    Specialty Non-Alcoholic Beverages

                                                                                    • Sparkling Lemonades$4.95

                                                                                      strawberry, passionfruit, pink guava, raspberry

                                                                                      Draft Beer

                                                                                      • Stone Tangerine Express San Diego$8.00

                                                                                        IPA

                                                                                        • Stone Pale Ale San Diego$8.00

                                                                                          Pale Ale

                                                                                          • Prado Blonde San Diego$8.00

                                                                                            Blonde

                                                                                            • Modern Times Orderville San Diego$8.00

                                                                                              Hazy IPA

                                                                                              • Prado West Coast IPA San Diego$8.00

                                                                                                IPA

                                                                                                • Karl Strauss San Diego$8.00

                                                                                                  Red Trolley

                                                                                                  • Stella Artois Belgium$8.00

                                                                                                    Bottles & Cans

                                                                                                    • Cali Creamin'$7.50

                                                                                                      • Coronado Orange Ave Wit$8.00

                                                                                                        • Boochcraft Chula Vista$10.00

                                                                                                          hard kombucha

                                                                                                          • Bud Light$6.00

                                                                                                            • Budweiser$6.00

                                                                                                              • Corona$7.00

                                                                                                                • Modelo Especial$7.00

                                                                                                                  Wines By The Glass

                                                                                                                    White/Pink

                                                                                                                    • Voveti Prosecco$10.50

                                                                                                                      • Grand Courtage Brut$12.00

                                                                                                                        • Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc$12.00

                                                                                                                          • CRG Marevento Pinot Grigio$10.50

                                                                                                                            • Pieropan Soave$10.50

                                                                                                                              • Landmark Chardonnay$13.00

                                                                                                                                • Windvane Chardonnay$15.00

                                                                                                                                  • CRG Revelous Rose$10.50

                                                                                                                                    • Kung Fu Girl Riesling$10.50

                                                                                                                                      • Vionta Albarino$12.00

                                                                                                                                        Red

                                                                                                                                        • Inscription Pinto Noir$14.00

                                                                                                                                          • Diora Pinot Noir$15.00

                                                                                                                                            • Benziger Merlot$11.00

                                                                                                                                              • Complicated Red Blend$14.00

                                                                                                                                                • Casa Smith Barbera$15.00

                                                                                                                                                  • Argento Reserva Malbec$11.00

                                                                                                                                                    • Faustino Crianza Tempranillo$12.00

                                                                                                                                                      • Department 66 Others Grenache$15.00

                                                                                                                                                        • Terra d' oro Zinfandel$11.00

                                                                                                                                                          • Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon$13.00

                                                                                                                                                            • Daou Cabernet Sauvignon$15.00

                                                                                                                                                              Last updated: April 2, 2022

                                                                                                                                                              What 6,403 people are saying

                                                                                                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                                                                                                              4.5
                                                                                                                                                              4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                                                              • 4.3Food
                                                                                                                                                              • 4.5Service
                                                                                                                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                                                                                                                              • 4.1Value

                                                                                                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                                                              Sort by

                                                                                                                                                              Filters

                                                                                                                                                              1. S

                                                                                                                                                                Skedgal

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Our meal was delicious, but what made the evening truly special was our friendly, attentive, engaging server Josh. We will certainly ask to be at his table on our next visit.

                                                                                                                                                              2. J

                                                                                                                                                                Jorge

                                                                                                                                                                San Francisco

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                1.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall1food1service4ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                They have increased prices too much, charge for crackers and dip and bread . The menu is smaller and nothing new added in years. Only saving grace was a wonderful waitress. Cannot recommend to anyone. Have been eating there ever since it opened, but will never go back. We had a party of 8, and no one was happy. Good bye Prado!!!!!

                                                                                                                                                              3. CL

                                                                                                                                                                CajunLeo

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Enjoyed the ambience even if it was sprinkling and a bit damp. Our waiter was very responsive to being sure we were transferred to another outside table with an umbrella. The noise level was rate moderate due to overhead planes from the airport nearby. Very much liked the sea bass dinner served to both of us!

                                                                                                                                                              4. CI

                                                                                                                                                                ChristineI

                                                                                                                                                                New England

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Needed a special dinner to start our date night and to finish at the Globe. Exceeded our expectations!

                                                                                                                                                              5. VC

                                                                                                                                                                VickyC

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food4service5ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                Always a nice place for dinner to accompany a show

                                                                                                                                                              6. OT

                                                                                                                                                                OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food4service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Love the Prado- best flan ever

                                                                                                                                                              7. LU

                                                                                                                                                                LUV2EATPRIMERIB

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                19 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                19 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                We arrived on time, we’re seated immediately outside. Our server showed up right after we were seated. It was an outstanding experience!

                                                                                                                                                              8. SL

                                                                                                                                                                ShannonL

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food4service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Great food & location, outstanding service. Love the Prado!

                                                                                                                                                              9. CT

                                                                                                                                                                ChiTownVisitor

                                                                                                                                                                Chicago

                                                                                                                                                                49 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                49 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                A must when in San Diego. Beautiful setting, good food and excellent service.

                                                                                                                                                              10. SS

                                                                                                                                                                SharonS

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                49 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                49 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Dined Wed prior to the theater and all went smoothly. Ashley was our server and did a great time taking care of us. Appreciated that she asked if we were attending the theater so she could get our entrees out in time. Food is always outstanding and the pork chop was the best ever. Only slightly negative comment - I didn't mind paying for the hummus and crackers but for 3 people 4 thin crackers was a little stingy.

                                                                                                                                                              11. h

                                                                                                                                                                hl123

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                The entrees were delicious, reasonably priced and served promptly.

                                                                                                                                                              12. J

                                                                                                                                                                Janie

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                24 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                24 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food4service2ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Setting is lovely, food was good, service was slow.

                                                                                                                                                              13. RR

                                                                                                                                                                RadioRob

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Beautiful outside venue! Heaters to ward off chill. Food great! Erica was our great waitress !

                                                                                                                                                              14. JM

                                                                                                                                                                JerryM

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food3service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Sea bass tasted like it was previously frozen. Great salad

                                                                                                                                                              15. AC

                                                                                                                                                                AnnC

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food4service3ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                The Prado has always been a favorite place to dine and enjoy Balboa Park. Our lunch was no different. Had reservations, was seated in order of lineup at a delightful upper deck table for 2. Server arrived in appropriate time, took orders, and wine served in reasonable time. BUT - the wait began for the entrees. Server kept passing and saying "your order will be right up' - but it was not 'right up". We waited pretty long to be served our food. The pressed arugula salad was excellent! But the chicken BLT was less than desirable - the sandwich is too thick to actually get your mouth around to take a bite - you have to remove some layers to eat it as a sandwich. Also, the chicken was tough and stringy - could not bite through it, needed to take it out of sandwich and cut it with a knife. Then once finished and plates cleared, waited forever to get check and had to flag server to bring check and even longer to collect our card and return for tip & signature. The server was very personable, and the restaurant was not all that busy - we wondered if our server was on break and just forgot us. Fortunately we were not in a hurry, but the delays were unacceptable for a typical dining experience. We will return and recommend The Prado for a delightful and delicious dining experience. Possibly they were short staffed the day we were there.....

                                                                                                                                                              16. T

                                                                                                                                                                Tinkerbell

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                42 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                42 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Wonderful selection after visiting the museum, excellent service, delicious food, although the Hummus and crackers used to be given out when you arrived, it is now a menu item, still delicious but to get 4 more crackers we actually had to pay $1.50 .. seems kind of cheap of the restaurant to do that.

                                                                                                                                                              17. DS

                                                                                                                                                                DavidS

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                29 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                29 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 15, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Always surprised by the post pandemic abbreviated menu, but enjoyed the food none the less

                                                                                                                                                              18. OT

                                                                                                                                                                OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 15, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Very Special Evening. Great Service!

                                                                                                                                                              19. EC

                                                                                                                                                                ElizabethC

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 15, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                I love going to the Prado. The food, staff, and ambiance are always wonderful.

                                                                                                                                                              20. L

                                                                                                                                                                Lisa

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                48 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                48 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 14, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Love the Prado!

                                                                                                                                                              21. B

                                                                                                                                                                susanB

                                                                                                                                                                Sacramento

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Lovely setting. Nicely presented food and drink. Service was excellent

                                                                                                                                                              22. OT

                                                                                                                                                                OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food3service4ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                Great server

                                                                                                                                                              23. E

                                                                                                                                                                Eastcoaster

                                                                                                                                                                Central Coast

                                                                                                                                                                77 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                                                                77 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall3food3service4ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                We visit BalboaPark frequently and go to Prado often. Vey disappointed with the food. Today Paella was not good..Small portion for over $30, clam shells were not open and sausage and chicken tough. Prado needs some competition to improve its fare.

                                                                                                                                                              24. JN

                                                                                                                                                                JessicaN

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food1service1ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                I have not been to the Prado for a long time. I was disappointed by the food and the curt service.

                                                                                                                                                              25. BL

                                                                                                                                                                BillL

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                39 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                39 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                We had another great meal at the Prado before attending a play at the Old Globe. The food was delicious and our server very nice, and attentive.

                                                                                                                                                              26. JS

                                                                                                                                                                JeannineS

                                                                                                                                                                Charleston

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                6 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 13, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Patio dining is the only way to go! Beautiful garden below the patio. Lovely to enjoy a drink / glass of wine before dining.

                                                                                                                                                              27. R

                                                                                                                                                                Rundmc

                                                                                                                                                                Columbus

                                                                                                                                                                14 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                                                                14 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 12, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall3food3service4ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                The setting was beautiful , service was excellent but the food was just average

                                                                                                                                                              28. JA

                                                                                                                                                                JohnA

                                                                                                                                                                Las Vegas

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 11, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Excellent all around! We were not rushed at all—much appreciated!

                                                                                                                                                              29. OT

                                                                                                                                                                OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 10, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Food and service was great.

                                                                                                                                                              30. b

                                                                                                                                                                bestbud

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 8, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food3service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                This was their first buffet since Covid. Food was good, tasty and varied. But some of it was cold others were warm. The mashed potatoes didn’t even melt the cheese. It might have been because nobody kept the lids closed. Pot stickers, chicken strips, fries, mashed potatoes were cold. Ribs, chicken, eggs, shrimp wraps were warm. It all had good taste but not hot. Omelette station, carving station, salads, seafood, desserts were all very good. Service was excellent as always. Would not count this a bad experience because all in the past have been great. I’m sure the buffets will improve as they do more. This Covid garbage has thrown off a lot of restaurants and they need a chance to come back to normal. Would definitely recommend.

                                                                                                                                                              31. M

                                                                                                                                                                Mary

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 8, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                we had a very good Mother's Day brunch with the family-my niece had coffee spilled on her but despite that it was very pleasant-

                                                                                                                                                              32. D

                                                                                                                                                                Dave

                                                                                                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 8, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall4food4service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                A lovely location, great service and ambiance, and the food is always great -- but the Mother's Day buffet feels like it's about 25% too expensive for what you get.

                                                                                                                                                              33. C

                                                                                                                                                                Cathy

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 8, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall3food2service4ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                The food has not been as good as it was pre-pandemic.

                                                                                                                                                              34. IN

                                                                                                                                                                IlahaN

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 6, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Went here for my brothers birthday as a big family! Loved the atmosphere, food and staff! Would totally recommend this place to everyone!!! Thank you

                                                                                                                                                              35. ML

                                                                                                                                                                MaryL

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                16 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                                                                                16 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 6, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall3food2service4ambience4

                                                                                                                                                                For what this restaurant charges, the food is sub mediocre. My sea bass was flavorless and mushy….for $40. I don’t mind paying this type of price if the food is exceptional. No bread was served with the dinner either. I know part of it is the location in Balboa Park, so tourist prices abound, but as a local resident who frequents theater/ museums in the Park, there are many better options close by. To their credit, service was very good and when I complained about my entree, the manager appeared and insisted on paying for our salad, which I told her was not my intent. She handled it very well

                                                                                                                                                              36. RF

                                                                                                                                                                RobFish

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 5, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Always a great visit. Food is fantastic esp. the fried AuGratin potato brick. Epic!!!

                                                                                                                                                              37. CW

                                                                                                                                                                CarolineW

                                                                                                                                                                Denver

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 5, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food5service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Our patio seating was perfect for the two of us. The table had enough shade so the sun wasn't overheating us. The table had plenty of space between other tables so our conversation was comfortable. We didn't have to raise our voices to compensate for loud music or other people talking at tables.

                                                                                                                                                              38. DB

                                                                                                                                                                DanielB

                                                                                                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 5, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food3service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                It was all wonderful except that my mahimahi sandwich was disappointing. It was good, but not great.

                                                                                                                                                              39. PR

                                                                                                                                                                PollyR

                                                                                                                                                                Houston

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 5, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food4service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Vacation from Texas and Wyoming

                                                                                                                                                              40. HB

                                                                                                                                                                HeidiB

                                                                                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                                                                                Dined on May 5, 2022

                                                                                                                                                                overall5food4service5ambience5

                                                                                                                                                                Service was excellent out on the patio, and the waiter made good suggestions for what we wanted. We ate before attending the theater.

                                                                                                                                                              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 4.5 stars by 6403 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                                                                                              May 2022
                                                                                                                                                              Sun
                                                                                                                                                              Mon
                                                                                                                                                              Tue
                                                                                                                                                              Wed
                                                                                                                                                              Thu
                                                                                                                                                              Fri
                                                                                                                                                              Sat
                                                                                                                                                              1
                                                                                                                                                              2
                                                                                                                                                              3
                                                                                                                                                              4
                                                                                                                                                              5
                                                                                                                                                              6
                                                                                                                                                              7
                                                                                                                                                              8
                                                                                                                                                              9
                                                                                                                                                              10
                                                                                                                                                              11
                                                                                                                                                              12
                                                                                                                                                              13
                                                                                                                                                              14
                                                                                                                                                              15
                                                                                                                                                              16
                                                                                                                                                              17
                                                                                                                                                              18
                                                                                                                                                              19
                                                                                                                                                              20
                                                                                                                                                              21
                                                                                                                                                              22
                                                                                                                                                              23
                                                                                                                                                              24
                                                                                                                                                              25
                                                                                                                                                              26
                                                                                                                                                              27
                                                                                                                                                              28
                                                                                                                                                              29
                                                                                                                                                              30
                                                                                                                                                              31
                                                                                                                                                              1
                                                                                                                                                              2
                                                                                                                                                              3
                                                                                                                                                              4
                                                                                                                                                              5
                                                                                                                                                              6
                                                                                                                                                              7
                                                                                                                                                              8
                                                                                                                                                              9
                                                                                                                                                              10
                                                                                                                                                              11
                                                                                                                                                              9:00 PM
                                                                                                                                                              Booked 51 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 / Gaslamp

                                                                                                                                                              • Hours of operation

                                                                                                                                                                Tue–Sat 11:30 am–7:30 pm Sun 11:30 am–4:30 pm

                                                                                                                                                              • Cuisines

                                                                                                                                                                Californian, Cocktail Bar, Unspecified

                                                                                                                                                              • 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.cohnrestaurants.com/theprado?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

                                                                                                                                                                Marcy Melley: (888) 925-3023

                                                                                                                                                              Discover
                                                                                                                                                              OpenTable
                                                                                                                                                              • About Us
                                                                                                                                                              • Blog
                                                                                                                                                              • Careers
                                                                                                                                                              • Press
                                                                                                                                                              More
                                                                                                                                                              Our sites
                                                                                                                                                              Businesses
                                                                                                                                                              Delight more dinersOpen for Business Blog
                                                                                                                                                              Join us on
                                                                                                                                                              Copyright © 2022 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
                                                                                                                                                              OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                                                                                                              Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo