Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
The Prado at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

The Prado at Balboa Park

Visa logo badge

Visa Dining Collection

4.6 (8157)
$30 and under
Californian
1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.

Additional information

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

Experiences

  • Tiki Thursday

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy island inspired cocktails & bites with live music and beautiful views of Balboa Park from Loggia room at the Prado.
  • Sunday Garden Brunch

    $70.00 per person

    Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
    Sunday brunch at The Prado on the Casa Rey Moro Garden Terrace with bottomless mimosas sounds like the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the day. The ambiance of the historic garden terrace paired with the refreshing taste of mimosas and delicious food sounds like an experience not to be missed. Limited experiences available book early on Open Table July 27th, and August 31st from 10 am - 2:30 pm. $70 for adults, $19.95 for children under 12 yrs. Final payment will be due at the end of the experience. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Private dining

What 8,157 people are saying

The Prado at Balboa Park reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Prado at Balboa Park offers a "wonderful experience" with its "lovely environment" and "excellent service." Guests enjoy a diverse menu with highlights like the "chicken milanesa," "short ribs," and "seared ahi appetizer." The outdoor patio is "perfect for a sunny day," providing "beautiful surroundings" and a "great spot for drinks."
8,157 Reviews
  1. BrianM VIP

    San Diego4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Been coming to The Prado for twenty plus years now. We’ve always enjoyed the staff, food, and ambiance. Feels like we’re going to go and meet up with old friends each time we make reservations.

    Is this helpful?

  2. JimH

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lisa. Our waitress was awesome. Very personable and very responsive. Great experience!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. AnnB VIP

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always the best waitstaff. Cobb salad the most delicious I’ve ever ordered.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 24, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Family brunch w visiting relatives

    Is this helpful?

  5. today25665 VIP

    San Diego24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    With the threat of rain, they contacted us in advance, assuring us that we’d stay dry throughout the meal. Rather than the outside patio, they were able to seat us comfortably in a covered lanai area that was delightful. The short ribs and salmon and sides had so many distinct and wonderful flavors. The GF mushroom risotto was one of the best we’ve ever tasted. Close in proximity to our theater destination and able to relax and enjoy being on time for the performance.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner VIP

    San Diego82 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 23, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I love the Prado lounge bar, but I miss it having Appy bar food. The whole restaurant and bar all have the same menu. It had heavy hors d'oeuvres, and more variety. We had calamari fries, which were delicious, short rib sushi could've used a little more short rib meat and always love the black bean soup. But I still like to have the option of The different bar menu, which was phenomenal . Bring it back and the hummus and flatbread !!!Please 💙

    Is this helpful?

  7. HerbertV

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was great, the food and ambience was amazing to be around and the food was delicious. 10/10

    Is this helpful?

  8. PatriciaS

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ate outside which was beautiful and also was quiet. Our server was exceptional and the risotto was superb. My request to share a meal with my husband because my appetite is reduced was graciously managed.

    Is this helpful?

  9. PamD VIP

    Philadelphia County8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful setting with lovely menu and friendly service

    Is this helpful?

  10. DonnaS

    Hawaii9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great at the Prado as usual. All the wait staff were pleasant and helpful!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Prado at Balboa Park is rated 4.6 stars by 8157 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Downtown

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Prado at Balboa Park

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

Additional information

  • Cross street
    6th Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 11:30 am–8:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–7:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Free public parking lots available throughout Balboa Park.
  • Public transit
    Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.Review the times for route Routes 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215 are the main bus routes through Balboa Park
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    John King
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Prado Catering<br />The Prado also offers full service catering at various museums and other locations within Balboa Park. Please contact our catering department for additional information.<br /><br />Experience our Award-Winning Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Menus<br />Professional Staff-Synchronized Service.<br />Full length table linens, gold chiavari chairs and porcelain china.
  • Private party facilities
    The Prado, located in the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is known for its world-class California cuisine, unparalleled ambiance and excellent service. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, the Prado has it all to make your event unforgettable!
  • Private party contact
    Event Manager: (619) 557-9441
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo