The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

7892 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 90 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for outdoor dining

Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Tue 11:30 am–2:30 pm Tue 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Wed–Sat 11:30 am–8:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–7:30 pm
Phone number
(619) 557-9441
Website
https://www.pradobalboa.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
John King
Catering
Prado Catering The Prado also offers full service catering at various museums and other locations within Balboa Park. Please contact our catering department for additional information. Experience our Award-Winning Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Menus Professional Staff-Synchronized Service. Full length table linens, gold chiavari chairs and porcelain china.
Private party facilities
The Prado, located in the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is known for its world-class California cuisine, unparalleled ambiance and excellent service. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, the Prado has it all to make your event unforgettable!
Private party contact
Event Manager: (619) 557-9441

Location
1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
6th Avenue
Parking details
Free public parking lots available throughout Balboa Park.
Public transit
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.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

Daou Wine Experience
Nov 7, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
Daou Wine Package Add a bottle of Daou Wine to your table prior to your arrival. Payment will be added onto final check.
Holiday Brunch with Santa
$79.95 per person
Dec 22, 2024 only
Enjoy some good old fashion family fun with our holiday brunch with Santa and Friends. Experience the holiday cheer at balboa park and enjoy seasonal favorites and bottomless mimosas brunch at the Prado in our historic Ballroom transformed into Santas Workshop. Come join us for a one of kind experience that will kick off the holiday season. We have limited seating availability from 10 am-2 pm inside our Ballroom *All reservations have a 2 hour time limit. We kindly ask that your experience does not exceed this time in order to seat other reservations on time. Adult $79.95 per person and children $19.95.
Christmas Day Celebration
$79.95 per person
Dec 25, 2024 only
Happy Holidays! Enjoy a special preset menu at the Prado in Balboa Park. We will be serving a 3-course meal for $79.95 per person for adults and $19.95 for children, excluding tax and gratuity. We have seating availability from 12-7 pm inside our dining rooms or outside on our heated garden terrace. All reservations are not table specific and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. Outdoor reservations have no weather back up. Standard seating is inside our dining room. *All reservations have a 2 hour time limit. We kindly ask that your experience does not exceed this time in order to seat other reservations on time.

Popular dishes

Prado Lavash Crackers & Chipotle Hummus$5.95
(v)
Vegetarian Black Bean Soup$9.95
chiles & spices, red onions, cumin, sour cream, lime (gf, v)
"Chef's Soup"$11.95
seasonal
Grilled Cauliflower$14.95
corn, crema, cilantro, berbere chili powder, grilled lime (gf, v)
Spicy Calamari Fries$17.95
korean chili sauce, radish, micro shisho, green onions (gf)
Crab Dip$18.95
mascarpone, spinach, garlic crostini
Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll$17.95
asparagus, wasabi cream, tobiko aioli, ponzu dipping sauce (gf)
Thai Mussels$22.95
black mussels, coconut curry broth, green onion, cilantro, baguette (gf*)
Aguachile Hamachi Crudo$21.95
cucumber, radish, cilantro oil, lime (gf)
Crispy Confit Potatoes$15.95
fingerling potatoes, chimichurri, chermoula, lebni cheese (gf, v)

Farm Greens

Prado Caesar$13.95
romaine hearts, herbed croutons, cotija cheese, poblano chile caesar dressing (gf*)
Prado Pressed Arugula Salad$14.50
strawberries, figs, candied walnuts, asiago, sherry-shallot vinaigrette (gf, v)
Red & Gold Baby Beet Salad$14.95
shaved fennel, frisee, sonoma goat cheese, truffle vinaigrette (gf, v)
Farmer's Mixed Greens$14.95
blueberries, point reyes toma cheese, house made almond rocca, banyuls vinaigrette (gf, v)
Chef's Choice Seasonal Salad$14.95

Sea

Pan Seared Verlasso Salmon$35.95
sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc (gf)
Pan Roasted Sea Bass$36.95
corn, pancetta, asparagus, potatoes, spinach, shaved fennel, preserved lemon, white truffle corn puree (gf)
Prado Paella$36.95
fish, mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops, chicken, chorizo, peas, lobster saffron broth (gf)

Land & Sea

"Chef's Cut" Steak & Marinated Shrimp
brocollini, bagna cauda, crispy layered tallow potato, borderlaise (gf)
- Market Price
Verlasso Salmon & Short Ribs$42.95
pan seared salmon, sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc & red wine braised short ribs, sugar snap peas, carrots, ricotta mashed potatoes, herb salad, bordelaise (gf)

Land

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs$36.95
sugar snap peas, carrots, ricotta mashed potatoes, herb salad, bordelaise (gf)
Mustard Crusted Pork Prime Rib$36.95
parsnip mashed potato, pickled red onion, watercress, mustard sauce
Mary's Chicken Caldo Rojo$32.95
potato, carrot, chayote squash, avocado relish, red chicken broth (gf)
Summer Squash Risotto$26.95
baby summer squash, pecorino, spinach, fromage blanc, squash blossom (gf, v)
Summer Bean Tagliatelle$28.95
summer beans, sofrito, burrata, braised bacon (v*)
Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak
broccolini, bagna cauda, crispy layered tallow potato, bordelaise (gf)
- Market Price
Duck Confit$36.95
confit duck leg, crispy soft poached duck egg, farmers market greens, huckleberry vinaigrette

Sides

Summer Squash$10.95
Ricotta Mashed Potatoes$10.95
Broccolini$10.95
Sugar Snap Peas & Carrots$10.95
Parsnip Mashed Potatoes$10.95
Summer Beans$10.95

What 7,892 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Prado at Balboa Park is an elegant dining gem, perfect for a special occasion or pre-theater meal. "outstanding service" and "beautiful outdoor patio" settings elevate the dining experience. Guests rave about the calamari and sea bass dishes. While some note menu repetition, the ambiance and attentive staff make it a San Diego favorite.

7,893 Reviews

A
Anne
San Diego
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The service was not great. The food was very mediocre. They sat us way on the back patio on a cold night . Our servers didn’t check on us and we didn’t have the right cutlery. Or soup was served and got cold before they brought us spoons. We were going to show and didn’t have time to wait for everything to be corrected. It all took way too much time for soup salad and an entree. No apologies on forgotten items and wait times., we won’t go back. This place used to be great. Ps the bathrooms are outside of the restaurant. The ones for the general public . It felt like a gross school bathroom.
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Chef's Steak we had, although it was tasty, was too chewy. It lacked the tenderness of a high priced piece of meat.
Is this helpful?
D
Dale
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The front desk was nice enough. They were accommodating when I arrived early, but they sat a party of three right next to a party of 6 when there were other tables available and were still in the waiters station. Then the next party of 3 were sat right next to us on the other side 15 minutes later while the party of 6 lingered on and so the business I was there to discuss was difficult. Just something to consider going forward. I know they had their reasons but a choice would have been nice.
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w
warren
VIP
San Diego
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was good but the decor for Christmas really made the dining experience extra special. Most of the guest dashed out to the theater so we had the place to ourselves. Coen group is always consistent.
Is this helpful?
LL
LindaL
VIP
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent experience today and waiter is right on 💯💯
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
VIP
San Diego
53 reviews
5.0
53 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had dinner before the theater tonight. The restaurant was fully booked and the waitstaff were awesome. Our server timed our dinner & dessert perfectly. Hanger steak & salmon dinners were both delicious. The pradoritas (their margarita) are the best!
Is this helpful?
E
Eric
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was my first time to Prado and it was a nice dining experience. We had a nice setting and excellent service. The food was excellent and all was good. I would recommend Prado for certain. Scott
Is this helpful?
S
Shea
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Server was super nice and sociable, gave great recommendations for both food and places to visit after our meal. Ambience was wonderful, not too loud but didn’t feel empty either. Great food and experience overall. Would recommended the fried layered potato.
Is this helpful?
S
Suzanne
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My Pan Roasted Sea Bass was excellent. My husband debated between seafood linguine and Prado Paella, He chose the linguine. After dinner, he said he should have chosen the paella.
Is this helpful?
D
Denise
Seattle
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food is very good, and the ambience is just lovely. Get a table out on the patio.
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FAQs

The Prado at Balboa Park is rated 4.6 stars by 7892 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 90 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross street
6th Avenue
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Tue 11:30 am–2:30 pm Tue 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Wed–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

Website
https://www.pradobalboa.com/
Phone number
(619) 557-9441
Catering
Prado Catering The Prado also offers full service catering at various museums and other locations within Balboa Park. Please contact our catering department for additional information. Experience our Award-Winning Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Menus Professional Staff-Synchronized Service. 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

The Prado at Balboa Park

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Daou Wine Experience

Holiday Brunch with Santa

Christmas Day Celebration

filet steak sandwich

Spicy Calamari Fries

spicy calamari fries

First Taste

Prado Lavash Crackers & Chipotle Hummus$5.95

Vegetarian Black Bean Soup$9.95

"Chef's Soup"$11.95

Grilled Cauliflower$14.95

Spicy Calamari Fries$17.95

Crab Dip$18.95

Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll$17.95

Thai Mussels$22.95

Aguachile Hamachi Crudo$21.95

Crispy Confit Potatoes$15.95

Farm Greens

Prado Caesar$13.95

Prado Pressed Arugula Salad$14.50

Red & Gold Baby Beet Salad$14.95

Farmer's Mixed Greens$14.95

Chef's Choice Seasonal Salad$14.95

Sea

Pan Seared Verlasso Salmon$35.95

Pan Roasted Sea Bass$36.95

Prado Paella$36.95

Land & Sea

"Chef's Cut" Steak & Marinated Shrimp

Verlasso Salmon & Short Ribs$42.95

Land

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs$36.95

Mustard Crusted Pork Prime Rib$36.95

Mary's Chicken Caldo Rojo$32.95

Summer Squash Risotto$26.95

Summer Bean Tagliatelle$28.95

Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak

Duck Confit$36.95

Sides

Summer Squash$10.95

Ricotta Mashed Potatoes$10.95

Broccolini$10.95

Sugar Snap Peas & Carrots$10.95

Parsnip Mashed Potatoes$10.95

Summer Beans$10.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant rated?

Is The Prado at Balboa Park currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information