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: 4.5

4.5

6873 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

Mar 27, 2023

11:30 p.m.

Booked 78 times today

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

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

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
Roasted Brussel SproutsUS$14.95
grilled fennel, sweet pepper, parmesan cream, bagna cauda, herb salad (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$16.95
asparagus, wasabi cream, tobiko aioli, ponzu dipping sauce (gf)
Thai MusselsUS$22.95
black mussels, coconut curry broth, green onion, cilantro, baguette (gf*)
Country PateUS$15.95
grilled tomatillo, crispy chicken skin, chicken liver, grilled sourdough (gf*)
Crispy Confit PotatoesUS$15.95
fingerling potatoes, chimichurri, romesco aioli (gf)

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)

Seasonal Salads

Red & Gold Baby Beet SaladUS$14.95
shaved fennel, frisee, sonoma goat cheese, truffle vinaigrette (gf, v)
Farmer's Mixed GreensUS$14.95
apples, honey almonds, cowgirl creamery hop along cheese, 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
cauliflower gratin, crispy layered tallow potato, borderlaise
- Market Price
Verlasso Salmon & Short RibsUS$41.95
pan seared salmon, sesame rice, baby bok choy, miso beurre blanc & red wine braised short ribs, onion mashed potatoes, mushrooms, carrot salad, bordelaise sauce (gf)

Land

Red Wine Braised Beef Short RibsUS$35.95
mushroom, onion mashed potatoes, carrot salad, bordelaise (gf)
Mustard Crusted Pork ChopUS$35.95
parsnip mashed potato, pickled red onion, watercress, mustard sauce
Mary's Chicken "Pot Pie"US$31.95
bechamel, celery, carrot, pea tendril, pate brisee crisp
"Red Beand & Rice" RisottoUS$26.95
red beans, confit sweet peppers, queso enchilado, tasso spiced hush puppies (v, gf*)
Roassted Winter Squash FettuccineUS$28.95
roasted squash, brussels sprouts, ricotta salata, braised bacon
Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak
cauliflower gratin, crispy layered tallow potato, bordelaise
- Market Price
Duck Confit "Cassoulet"US$34.95
confit duck leg, white beans, boudin blanc sausage, swiss chard, bread crumbs

Sides

Roasted SquashUS$9.95
Onion Mashed PotatoesUS$9.95
Sesame RiceUS$9.95
Cauliflower GratinUS$9.95
Parsnip Mashed PotatoesUS$9.95
Sauteed SpinachUS$9.95

What 6,873 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
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

JB
JimB
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always. Food is amazing! Our server Wendy did an excellent job.
AM
AMarie
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
I have always enjoyed eating at the Prado and the food and service is excellent, but am disappointed that a carafe of sangria is now $45 - I won’t be ordering that in the future. And the 5% extra service charge on top of the tip just isn’t being done anymore in most restaurants. I would recommend you to friends with a warning about some of the prices and add-on charges.
S
Sande
San Diego
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Prado was wonderful as always! Excellent atmosphere, service, food and beverage.
a
anonymous
New York Area
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was friendly and great at her job. The food was delicious and the room was spacious and open with lots of light. Even though our meal was near the end of the lunch service, we never felt rushed.
HC
HaroldC
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Sat outside and the setting was wonderful!
LO
LindaO
San Diego
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
For a pre-theater meal, the Prado is great. The menu is limited, but everything is good.
b
beachlover
Denver
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Prado is a retreat with friendly help and interesting meals. We had a lovely beet salad and beef sushi- who knew they could be so well designed and delicious
e
ecf3
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Convenient for us catching a 7pm play at the Old Globe. Menu was very different than the pre-COVID version, and in our opinion and taste, more to our liking.
BC
BradyC
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Prado makes reservations very easy, including a follow-up contact by the restaurant to be sure plans are in order. The menu is wonderful,with considerable flexibiliity by the chef as well. Servers are top shelf, both friendly and polite, as well as very prompt and dutiful. Ambience is exceptional, even when dining is done indoors due to rainy weather. For theater goers who then walk very short distance to the Old Globe, this is a fantastic way to accentuate a night on the town.
W
Woody
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great efficient service; pleasant and informative staff; cozy and perfect ambiance on a very rainy day
L
Lindap
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed PRODO so much! It was a great setting to entertain out-of-town guest! The server was so good, friendly, and efficient. The food was delicious and the portions better than anywhere I’ve been lately! The ambiance couldn’t have been more charming! Thank you for helping me to entertain my guests!
DL
DaisyLady
Anchorage
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday. Marissa was very professional and friendly!
HW
HansW
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Cobb salad was excellent. The view from the patio was nice. The service was excellent. The reservation procedure was easy.
DB
DebbyB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
We were very disappointed in the Prado. Definitely not the quality dining it used to be. The signature Flatbread & hummus is no longer a given, but an added "appetizer" for $6. The hummus has changed to an overly spiced tomato concoction. The Prado Mahi Mahi Taco plate advertises the original mango salsa, but there are little specks of mango among mostly finely chopped tomato. No more jicama with cilantro, just red cabbage now. Cheap, overly spiced to compensate for quality ingredients...very disappointed in the new chef. After years of knowing the Prado would be consistently good fair, it is, sadly - NOT.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasty food and delicious cocktails. Family friendly. The staff were really helpful and ensured we had everything we needed to enjoy a nice meal with two kids. Must eat here if in Balboa Park.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Service was prompt it not rushed!
G
Gina217
Baltimore
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to the Prado for Tuesday Date Night. Outstanding in every way! Great ambience and service. For $60, we shared a large salad, had a choice of 6 different entrees (1 each) and a bottle of wine! Love the Date Night Deals by Cohn!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
I’ve been before. One of my favorite places. This was an off night for them
CS
CherylS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Salads needed more dressing. Could hardly taste it.
TW
TWWT
Palm Springs
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved my waiter, wish I could remember his name but I'm old. :-)
JO
JOSEN
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience4
Very disappointing. Does not live up to the Cohn group name. Service was slow and inattentive and the food was not good. Will not go back
m
matthewr
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience5
$222 for two ppl lol damn… Food was great..atmosphere was good but expensive af You save more and you get your moneys worth at a Brazilian steakhouse lol
EG
EdithG
San Diego
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food2service5ambience4
Our reservations went well and we got a window table. Although our table was not properly set, meaning no table cloth & place setting even though lunch was well underway. The great thing is our server was very attentive & is warm & friendly. I ordered Paella but it was not as I expected it to be. The mussel is of low quality, scallop were so tiny & sausage was a bit salty. The serving was small but may be a good thing for me since I could not finish it and more would have gone to waste. My husband wanted steak but the only one they have on the menu is steak sandwich. We were told they have those on the dinner menu. The calamari appetizer was very good. It is a popular restaurant so I was expecting more from it in terms of the food quality & choices considering price was not cheap. The service was excellent though.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed the experience. Staff was attentive and courteous. Ambiance excellent. Loved the calamari fries.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Scott was amazing! He was attentive and so friendly. We ordered 3 courses and each offering came hot and we were not rushed. Our food was delicious and the ambience was absolutely perfect for a date night. We will definitely come back.
DC
DonnaC
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as usual!
S
Susiep
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
3 of us had dinner. We were all dissatisfied with our food. One person sent the food back and received another bad choice. We have been season ticket holders of all the Globe theaters for many years and come to the Prado before every play. There have virtually been no menu changes and the food has grown worse with each visit. If not for the proximity to the theater we would have stopped eating at the Prado years ago.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
We’ve been to the Prado many time in the past, but this time it was a major letdown. The service personnel were great, but the food was just so, so. The fact that they seemed to be able to print the menus with a small note at the bottom indicating a 5% sur charge is just lame at best. Just increase the prices or the employees will end paying the price, not the ownership of the restaurant nor the customers. Unless something changes drastically, we’re done with this place.
F
Frances
San Diego
110 reviews
vip
5.0
110 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Service was outstanding. The lunch menu included a number of choices. I had wanted to order the fish; however, those of us who do not like spicy, the fish was not an option. For me, marinating fish in pepper spoils the taste of the fish.
S
Stevefl112
San Diego
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Date night boasts a gourmet menu, with quite nice wine selections included. Server staff is quite attentive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Dinner for play
VR
ValR
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We did their “Tuesday date night” and was quite pleased with the quality and quantity of the meals. The meal even included a bottle of wine. The price was such a deal. Ambiance was very upscale and romantic.
BL
BruceL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We arrived for the lunch time service: Beautiful view, good service. Very relaxing to sit and eat. It is defiantly a special place. I highly recommend it.
B
Budd
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is our favorite restaurant . Our first date was there--a 4 hour lunch outside; hence, we always try to sit outside and to come for special occasions. Thank you!
LL
LisaL
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun Womens History Month Feature!
r
rachels
Cleveland
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was good, although salads were small. They were priced at entree salad prices, but were more like a side salad. Server was excellent!!
PF
PhilipF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great service I will certainly go back there
CK
CherylK
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Date night was great value with prompt service to get to a play at the Old Globe on time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Date Night. Asked for bread and was charged $2.50 for a small French baguette that was charred black on top and bread was therefore very dry. First time we have had anything other than perfect dining experience at The Prado. Waiter was not attentive as we would have liked. All other services from being seated to being served by support staff was excellent
PB
PammyB
Hawaii
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Daytime date with husband for museum month at balboa park. Prado is a beautiful restaurant at the park with good food and fabulous service. We had Erin and she was friendly and attentive. Clam chowder was yummy!! We will go back.

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 4.5 stars by 6873 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

Mar 27, 2023

11:30 p.m.

Booked 78 times today

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

Dining areas

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Spicy Calamari Fries

Pan Roasted Sea Bass

Red & Gold Baby Beet Salad

First Taste

Prado Lavash Crackers & Chipotle HummusUS$5.95

Vegetarian Black Bean SoupUS$9.95

"Chef's Soup"US$11.95

Roasted Brussel SproutsUS$14.95

Spicy Calamari FriesUS$17.95

Crab DipUS$18.95

Seared Prime Beef Sushi RollUS$16.95

Thai MusselsUS$22.95

Country PateUS$15.95

Crispy Confit PotatoesUS$15.95

Farm Greens

Prado CaesarUS$13.95

Prado Pressed Arugula SaladUS$14.50

Seasonal Salads

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$41.95

Land

Red Wine Braised Beef Short RibsUS$35.95

Mustard Crusted Pork ChopUS$35.95

Mary's Chicken "Pot Pie"US$31.95

"Red Beand & Rice" RisottoUS$26.95

Roassted Winter Squash FettuccineUS$28.95

Grilled "Chef's Cut" Steak

Duck Confit "Cassoulet"US$34.95

Sides

Roasted SquashUS$9.95

Onion Mashed PotatoesUS$9.95

Sesame RiceUS$9.95

Cauliflower GratinUS$9.95

Parsnip Mashed PotatoesUS$9.95

Sauteed SpinachUS$9.95

Overall ratings and reviews

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Filters

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

Dining areas

Additional information