The Prado at Balboa Park

Name: The Prado at Balboa Park
Address: 1549 El Prado Suite 12, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 557-9441
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

6989 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 23 times today

Experiences are available.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Californian, Unspecified, Cocktail Bar
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 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
Neighbourhood
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. 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

Summer Solstice Dinner
US$79.95 per person
Jun 21, 2023 only
Come kick off Summer 2023 with our Summer Solstice Dinner at the Prado in Balboa Park on Wednesday 6/21 at 6:00pm! Enjoy tray passed appetizers and a welcome cocktail upon arriving. Executive Chef John King will introduce 4 courses paired with wines from Starmont and Merryvale wineries. Seating will be at a communal table on our lower Casa del Rey Moro Garden Terrace, final payment will be due at the end of the event. tray passed appetizers welcome beverage first course avocado torchon bacon, radish, parsley, black garlic, frisée, chervil, egg yolk second course sardine escabeche onion, peppers, beets, herb salad third course lamb saddle preserved lemon, chick pea, spinach, olives, potato, apricot dessert pavlova strawberry, kiwi

Popular dishes

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

Farm Greens

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

Sea

Pan Seared Verlasso SalmonUS$35.95
sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc (gf)
Pan Roasted Sea BassUS$36.95
corn, pancetta, asparagus, potatoes, spinach, shaved fennel, preserved lemon, white truffle corn puree (gf)
Prado PaellaUS$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 RibsUS$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 RibsUS$36.95
sugar snap peas, carrots, ricotta mashed potatoes, herb salad, bordelaise (gf)
Mustard Crusted Pork Prime RibUS$36.95
parsnip mashed potato, pickled red onion, watercress, mustard sauce
Mary's Chicken Caldo RojoUS$32.95
potato, carrot, chayote squash, avocado relish, red chicken broth (gf)
Summer Squash RisottoUS$26.95
baby summer squash, pecorino, spinach, fromage blanc, squash blossom (gf, v)
Summer Bean TagliatelleUS$28.95
summer beans, sofrito, burrata, braised bacon
Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak
broccolini, bagna cauda, crispy layered tallow potato, bordelaise (gf)
- Market Price
Duck ConfitUS$36.95
confit duck leg, crispy soft poached duck egg, farmers market greens, huckleberry vinaigrette

Sides

Summer SquashUS$10.95
Ricotta Mashed PotatoesUS$10.95
BroccoliniUS$10.95
Sugar Snap Peas & CarrotsUS$10.95
Parsnip Mashed PotatoesUS$10.95
Summer BeansUS$10.95

What 6,989 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

Loved For

San Diego
Californian

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Josh was our waiter and he was professional and excellent! Received a birthday card for my girlfriend and great service and food!!!!
MK
MelK
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolute 5-Star restaurant, serving delicious food in such a beautiful setting. Dining inside is always a delight when the food is so good, and the decor is a colorful blend of designs. Patio dining is shaded and uncrowded, again with meals that bring you back again and again to The Prado.
SK
SusanK
Milwaukee
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Prada is one of our favorite restaurants we visit when we come to San Diego once a year from Wisconsin.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
It was a great place to have a date night! Our server Jenny was very nice and attentive!
CH
CarolineH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delish food, excellent service, waitress was very attentive and friendly. Only suggestion : with the higher noise level in a restaurant it would be great to teach how to pronunciate words - or to say bluntly : to have the mouth more open while speaking, so the words can be understood better.
B
Bill
Central Coast
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service was excellent. Cocktails and wine selection were very good. The crab dip was very tasty. Wife's salmon salad was very good. My filet steak sandwich was tough and under cooked.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing - very light and fresh. Will definitely go back
SD
SDTravelMom
San Diego
36 reviews
3.0
36 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience5
Food options are not what they once were. Venue is outstanding, but over the years the quality in food and service is not what it once was.
LM
LarisaM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience5
I really enjoyed it. It was a nice vibe with the workers and people.
C
Chaele
San Diego
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazingly beautiful venue and well prepared food. Salmon was excellent.
CC
CynthiaC
San Diego
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We planned a date night at the Nat and chose The Prado for dinner afterwards. We expected a busy Balboa Park and a crowd at The Prado. We were pleasantly surprised. It was buzzy, but not heaving - couples, groups of friends, families - all enjoying a really nice evening. The food and cocktails were fantastic. Our server Marisa was exceptional, as was the support staff. Her recommendations were spot on. We had the pork chop and the paella. We started with the hummus and finished with the carrot cake. From the warm welcome when we arrived to our departure, our visit to The Prado was a terrific experience. What a nice way to start the summer!
MR
MRandMRS
San Diego
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful place to have a nice outdoor birthday lunch. Looking forward to returning for dinner soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baja California
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
No me encanto, la comida no vale lo que cuesta, el lugar muy bonito El mesero que nos atendió muy poco agradable… Solo cuando nos entregó la tablet para la propina se le notó la “amabilidad”
AA
AnnA
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Salmon was delicious- buttery inside with a crunch outside- service was attentive and added to the fun !
OT
OpenTable Diner
Puerto Vallarta
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Meal was simply delicious. Service was friendly and attentive. Made for a wonderful birthday dinner. Will be coming back with friends.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came on a good night. Not that crowded Friday. Had black bean soup and steak special. They also Gad good vegan options
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated our anniversary and were totally amazed with the whole experience. They were able to seat us before our reservation on their beautiful patio. The manager came over and recognized my note that it was our anniversary and my wife has celiac. Our server Beto took great care of us and made my wife feel very safe with the food. The food was amazing, short rib and sea bass, fresh and tender.
VL
VanLo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best experience! Thank you so much for making my daughter’s birthday extra special. I can’t thank you enough, truly! The service, the food, all of it. Will continue to frequent your lovely establishment!
LH
LindaH
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sangria went with Paella. Tod was a very attentive waiter. We always enjoy dining at The Prado.
RG
RobertG
San Diego
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience4
One of the people at our table ordered the pork prime rib-he is a gourmet chef-said it was the best pork dish he had ever tasted
OT
OpenTable Diner
Portland
122 reviews
vip
4.0
122 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Beautiful and comfortable space. Service was friendly and attentive. Food was mostly good, came hot, and had decent sized portions. The only negative I would say was the paella was watery and didnt come with a traditional crispy crust to the bomba rice.
m
mcclun
San Diego
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had limited time for our dinner, and the staff was remarkably accommodating and presented our food speedily. All was greatly appreciated.
A
Annie
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service and food! Always a special treat to go to the Prado!
MA
MarkA
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service for Mother's Day Brunch were excellent.
JS
JerrySD
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a truly fabulous experience for Mother’s Day today. Our server was just fantastic and really checked in on us all through the meal without being overly pestering. The quality of the food was exceptional and compared to most other places which were extremely overpriced, this was a very reasonably priced Buffet.
M
Mike
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Michael our server was great! We had an absolute amazing time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful setting, outdoors in the shad. It was so pleasant to be able to talk without noise. Our server was fantastic, very friendly and available but not overly available, accommodating as we shared three ordered items and shared them among the three of us, and then also accommodating to split the bill two ways. The cocktails and food items were delicious! Always a favorite place and never a disappointment! Highly recommended.
LN
LindaNSD
San Diego
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The service and atmosphere were wonderful. We ordered the arugula salad with filet mignon. The steak was delicious. Unfortunately the salad only had 1/2 of one candied walnut and a couple of asiago crumbs. It was lacking flavor.
J
Judi
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Having lunch with 2 very dear friends today at Prado. Nice wine selection. Always a pleasure at Prado.
AM
AnneM
Chicago
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff at the Prado made my brothers birthday lunch truly special. Everyone was so nice from the hostess who sat us outside at a table with an amazing view, to the bus help who were very attentive and a special shout out to our server Michael P. who simply has customer service down! We enjoyed specialty mango margaritas, my brother had the mahi burger which he said was delicious and I had the field green salad with chicken, also delicious, and as a surprise to us both they comped my brothers German chocolate cake and he received birthday card from signed by the Prado staff. He was so touched and I just can’t thank you enough for making my time with my brother even more special!
J
Josie
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tuesday Date night is a great deal. Fun, delicious.
JM
JanetM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
Have been there several times; one of our favorite places. Unfortunately, this time the duck I ordered was very salty. The waiter compted us a dessert but nonetheless the experience this time was a disappointment.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We dined outside, with a beautiful view of the Japanese Garden’s. The food and drink were delicious and Scott’s service was superb!
P
Phil
San Diego
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Fantastic service from our favorite team member. Food came out with everything together, so main course was not as hot as it should be. Food was still very good.
L
Luna
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner felt relaxed and not rushed. Waitress (Nancy?) was excellent.
n
newatthis
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Early dinner on the deck with late afternoon sun for ambience. Service was efficient but not rushing us to move along. Very relaxing after several days of sightseeing. Cherry on top for a lovely visit to San Diego in spite of not “perfect” weather.
SD
SDTravelMom
San Diego
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience. Delicious food. Great service
NW
NWSkier
San Diego
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, great atmosphere with outstanding service! Highly recommend!
A
Angie
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my husband's favorite birthday he could remember. We arrived early and walked around the area and discovered the most gorgeous Rose Garden. When we arrived at the Prado they had the most beautiful spot and table ready (I had asked for "romantic":) and a birthday card. Our waiter was Scott. He was AMAZING! We had the most enjoyable time and Scott really made the evening with his professionalism, enthusiasm and impeccable service! We felt like we made a new friend. The food was absolutely delicious (steak and shrimp). There were so many entrees that we wanted to try and cannot wait to go back. Thanks for everything and making the evening so special!
SP
StephanP
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great venue! We've eaten there numerous times. Always excellent!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Prado at Balboa Park is rated 4.6 stars by 6989 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 23 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross Street
6th Avenue
Neighbourhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 11:30 am–7:30 pm Sun 11:30 am–4:30 pm
Cuisines
Californian, Unspecified, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Free public parking lots available throughout Balboa Park.
Public Transit
Visit Balboa Park using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), with easy access from the downtown and Mission Valley areas.Review the times for route Routes 120 (Fashion Valley), Route 7 (Smart Corner) and Rapid 215 are the main bus routes through Balboa Park
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
John King
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.cohnrestaurants.com/theprado?y_source=1_MTU2Njg3OTgtODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
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

Summer Solstice Dinner

Prado Paella

Mustard Crusted Pork Prime Rib

Spicy Calamari Fries

First Taste

Prado Lavash Crackers & Chipotle HummusUS$5.95

Vegetarian Black Bean SoupUS$9.95

"Chef's Soup"US$11.95

Grilled CauliflowerUS$14.95

Spicy Calamari FriesUS$17.95

Crab DipUS$18.95

Seared Prime Beef Sushi RollUS$17.95

Thai MusselsUS$22.95

Aguachile Hamachi CrudoUS$21.95

Crispy Confit PotatoesUS$15.95

Farm Greens

Prado CaesarUS$13.95

Prado Pressed Arugula SaladUS$14.50

Red & Gold Baby Beet SaladUS$14.95

Farmer's Mixed GreensUS$14.95

Chef's Choice Seasonal SaladUS$14.95

Sea

Pan Seared Verlasso SalmonUS$35.95

Pan Roasted Sea BassUS$36.95

Prado PaellaUS$36.95

Land & Sea

"Chef's Cut" Steak & Marinated Shrimp

Verlasso Salmon & Short RibsUS$42.95

Land

Red Wine Braised Beef Short RibsUS$36.95

Mustard Crusted Pork Prime RibUS$36.95

Mary's Chicken Caldo RojoUS$32.95

Summer Squash RisottoUS$26.95

Summer Bean TagliatelleUS$28.95

Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak

Duck ConfitUS$36.95

Sides

Summer SquashUS$10.95

Ricotta Mashed PotatoesUS$10.95

BroccoliniUS$10.95

Sugar Snap Peas & CarrotsUS$10.95

Parsnip Mashed PotatoesUS$10.95

Summer BeansUS$10.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant rated?

Is The Prado at Balboa Park currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information