Probably the best lasagna I ever had. I live near Torrance & I drove her twice to eat the lasagna specifically! Must try!

Food is exceptional. Good variety. Atmosphere is chill, with an old school vibe. Service is cold and not engaging. Expensive but we enjoyed the experience. read more

Found this place on groupon and it was incredible! Operacaffe has a quaint and comfortable feel in the midst of the craziness that is downtown SD. The restaurant offers delicious and most importantly, AUTHENTIC Italian cuisine. Everything was absolutely mouthwatering. I had the carbonara and the BF tried the gnocchi. Perfection. I have nothing more to say. It was just absolutely delicious and everything about the meal was perfect. I highly recommend this place if you're in search of an authentic Italian meal. read more

Operacaffe - Carbonara and pepperoni pizza - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Such good food! The atmosphere was peaceful. Every worker was welcoming. The hostess greeted us and gave us a card for a free bruschetta or dessert. We enjoyed chose the bruschetta first fresh tomatoes and herbs the perfect amount of oil. My husband commented on the fact that it was just the right amount of toppings on each piece. It didn't fall off all messy like many places. Even their ice tea was yummy and fresh! We both had spaghetti Pomodor & meatballs. The food was hot and delicious. The sauce was tasty and the 3 meatballs were just right. The portions were generous and I took half of mine to go. We both agreed it was one of the best Italian meals we've had. Love finding places like this! We highly recommend. Pleasant,peaceful and clean atmosphere. Plus a Free appetizer or dessert! read more

My friend and I were wondering around the Gaslamp district when we came upon this place for dinner. We both wanted Italian but were too tired too walk to Little Italy, so we just decide to have dinner here. Overall we had a great experience here. We decided to both get a glass of red wine. She got the house red Chianti Classico, 2012 and I got Sasyr, Syrah Sangiovese 2012. I loved the wine so much that I had to get two glasses! :) After we ordered the wine we got bread right away which was super fresh and yummy! I then ordered a caesar salad for us to share which was perfect because it was so big. The salad was really good and it had a great caesar dressing on top. We then each order a pasta from the chef specials list. I got the Fettuccine Cinque Terre, and my friend got Bucatini Mare E Monti! Wow my pasta was so delicious!!!! The pasta was so fresh, the sauce wasn't too rich, there were tons of shrimps in it, and the zucchini was a great touch to the pasta. I really really liked mine!! My friend's pasta was a little salty for her taste but still good. They gave us fresh pepper and cheese on both of our pastas! Each dish came with a lot of pasta and it was very filling. We had really great service and everyone working there was very personable!!! I had such a great time and loved my experience there. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an Italian place in the Gaslamp area. read more

It's hard to find a great restaurant in the touristy San Diego Gaslamp district, so I was delighted from my Operacaffe experience. It's not a generic pasta-dominant Italian restaurant -- it's Tuscan and Florentine style with a ton of seafood on the menu and some very unique selections. Plus, portion sizes are pretty good for the price (the premium dishes with seafood are typically over $20, and the simplier dishes are under $20). Everything tasted fresh and as if it had just been cooked, definitely not "reheated" or anything. Plus it was fun sitting outdoors watching the early Saturday downtown foot traffic. Service was great too -- personal and there at all the right times without bugging us constantly throughout the meal. My partner and I dined on some delicious dishes: * Salad: Oca Giuliva -- a salad topped with duck prosciutto (yes, DUCK prosciutto!). I asked the server and he let us know it's made in-house by the chef-owner. Stunning duck flavor and a good portion -- three big strips on top of spring mix (the lettuce unfortunately had little black spots -- definitely past its prime) * Wild boar shanks with saffron risotto -- the meat was sooo tender, it fell off the bone. Deliciously seasoned too, and the risotto was nice and chewy. *Tortelli di granchio-- housemade tortelloni stuffed with king crab. Looked more like oversized ravioli. Delicious creamy, herb-infused sauce * Housemade focaccia bread -- tasted freshly-baked, soft and crispy on the outside...and the olive oil and balsamic vinegar was already on the table when we sat. read more

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Our experience at the Operacaffe was great! I loved their outdoor dining patio with the heaters, lighting and decor. Some restaurants have really gone out of their way to make your outdoor dining experience just as nice as it was indoor so you're not cold and don't feel like you're just on the side on of the street. So they've done a phenomenal job! We had the fried burrata which was one of the top appetizers... after eating it, I can totally understand why! The burrata was ooey gooey and the marinara sauce was great to be soaked up and top on the breading on the burrata. We also got the Ravioli in the mushrooms truffle cream sauce... DO NOT SKIP THESE! They're amazing! Great spot for date night or a cute dinner with your friends! Thank you! read more

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I loved my time here. The food is FANTASTIC! I wanted to lick the plate after finishing my carbonara. The cocktails are also incredible. I will definitely be revisiting! The staff were kind and I felt important. Also they were attentive without being annoying. I have social anxiety, so that's very important to me. They have gender-neutral bathrooms as well, which is thoughtful. LGBT friendly ! read more

Food was good service prompt, But by Christ turn off the motion activated lights on all of the security cameras around the room. I came for a meal not a stroboscopic light show, blinding me from multiple angles throughout the whole meal each time a staff member moved in the slightest. read more

Let me begin by saying I am a "fussy" diner and my husband is a notoriously picky eater. I don't usually bother writing reviews but will do so in this case because I don't want Gaslamp visitors to miss this little gem. OperaCafee is not on the main Gaslamp street, but is just one block over. It is a charming restaurant with romantic Italian ambiance. The Hostess welcomed us,brought us to our table and explained about Opera Cafe owners' commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. The servers were wonderful without being smarmy and cheerfully answered our menu questions. We had one pre-dinner drink, a martini, and it was excellent!. Calamari appetizer, split a Caesar salad and each had an entree, Ravioli Aragosta and Pollo Limone, both amazing. Added bonus, portions are very generous. We've been hitting the Gaslamp for years but this year the main avenue (5th Street) had a noisy festival so we ventured over a block. So glad we did and will return to Opera Cafe for sure our next Gaslamp visit. Many other items on the menu we want to try, (take a look at their menu!) BTW, do not confuse OPERACAFEE on 4th Street with the Café de L'Opera on J street. Bon Appetit! read more

A friend and I tried this place while in town for work the food was amazing. It was so delicious we ordered an extra meal To-go. The owner came over and talked with us he was fantastic as well. I visit San Diego for work and family often and definitely plan to come back every time I visit San Diego read more

Somehow I got the idea that they had happy hour from 4-7pm, so we rushed to get there before 7. Let me save you from the blank awkward stares by saying...there's no happy hour. Can you say "NOOOOOO"!!! Moving on. I tried the boar shanks with saffron risotto ($25). The boar was flavorful and tender. The risotto was good and tasted like cheesy rice (ah...childhood memories). I also tried the i coccoli (fried pizza dough, cheese and prosciutto - $8), which my friend thought tasted like jalapeno poppers, and the tiramisu...also pretty good. The only thing that stood out to me was the balsamic they have on the table to eat with your bread...YUM! We contemplated stealing a bottle, but realized we were no longer in the hood and stole a picture so we could buy it later instead. That's what normal grown ups do. As a side note, if you've never tried white rice with melted Kraft cheese...not the fancy stuff...good ol' Kraft American Cheese, you have not lived! read more

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First visit here, the pizza was great homemade crust delish! Our waitress KIKA she was very much an asset to this business (friendly, quick, and attentive) we will be back. read more

Operacaffe - Inside - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was pretty good but the staff was very rude! One in our party of 10 accidentally pointed to the wrong dish and when the food came they made sure to point out that it wasn't there fault for the error. The wait even came and brought the menu to prove the point! (Which we had already agreed it was our error and was eating the dish) read more

Tasty, fun, and rustic feeling restaurant in a busy and bustling downtown neighborhood. I came for dinner on a weekend night (make sure to have reservations) and was quickly seated. Operacaffe is located in the heart of the Gaslamp, so getting there will be a test in itself. Once there though, it's a nice Italian feeling atmosphere. They have seating outside and inside... pick outside if you want to people watch on a weekend. For dinner I ordered the duck pappardelle. After a short wait, about 15 minutes the food came out and was delicious. The food was fresh, well prepared, and hit the spot. Don't forget about the tasty (and free) bread. Great dining experience. Prices are a little high, compared to some other lower cost Italian restaurants, but that's expected in the downtown area. 4 stars! read more

Operacaffe - Duck pappardelle! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

I love the food and I cook Italian and live with an Italian chef. Second time dining here in the past several years as a non-resident of California. Very authentic food and staff. I believe the waiter mentioned he was from Sicily and he spoke Italian with my husband. We should've returned a week later when we dined next door instead. Operacaffee has the best Italian food in the city. Why walk to Little Italy if there's great pasta on 4th Street near the Gaslamp District? If you're thinking about where to dine before a play at Horton Plaza or at the Balboa Theater definitely make reservations since they are small and will turn you away. The only negative review I can ever give a restaurant is to keep smokers and their own staff from smoking nearby. I'll never return if it seems to be a pattern. (FYI for the future) read more

Operacaffe - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

We were in San Diego for a conference and passed by Operacaffe on a walk in the Gaslamp. It is kind of tucked away and not a large restaurant, quaint and personal like you are really in Italy! The food was excellent, we ordered different dishes to share and everything was really delicious. The service was very good- including Warm homemade bread and olive oil/ balsamic for an authentic experience. Sadly, not sure when I will get back but you should try this place out if you are in the area. read more

One of the most amazing, delicious, Italian restaurant I've been to!! Excellent customer service, great ambiance, and fabulous food. I had the Pasta Di Mare, burrata salad, and the tiramisu which were all fantastic. Super impressed, would love to come by again. read more

Operacaffe - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Food is excellente, service is top notch, worth the money. Celebrate the real Italian way. It's really good, it really gets into your taste buds. Birthday girl loved it, portions are so big you have leftovers after. read more

Operacaffe - Farfalle Campagnola - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was phenomenal here and the service was fast and friendly. Me and my family loved the food and savored every bite.

" Nice Small Romantic Restaurant " My wife and I went to the Operacaffe Restaurant in Downtown San Diego before we went to the Balboa Theatre across the street to see the Righteous Brothers Concert. Davide our server was very nice as he explained the menu to us. Humberto the busser was so good as he hustled from table to table all over the restaurant taking care of everyone's needs. My wife had the ravioli boscaiola which is homemade ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms, sage, pine nuts and a creamy butter sauce. It was very tasty. I had the fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. For dessert we shared the baba which was traditional neapolitan soaked rum cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Very different and good. read more

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Open for outdoor dining, and honestly so cute. The currently have a pared down menu that's has all of their greatest hits. We went for a quick early dinner and we're very happy with our service. Do note they have maybe 10 tables so you'll want to reserve a spot ahead of time. Service was very prompt, and every was very nice and wore masks when at our table. Food was excellent. I really enjoyed their fresh made ravioli, and the bread the gave at the table was wonderful for dipping into the leftover pasta sauce. Overall a great experience, it's a risk to dine out right now, but I felt safe doing it here. read more

Secret gem... if you are looking for true mom and pop italian, you have just found it... fantastic pastas and pizzas and bread. The ravioli is absolutely delicious. Found my italian fix instead of having to venture into little italy read more

Decent Italian food. I have had Italian food in NYC's Little Italy and in St Louis's Italian District that floored me but this place, not so much. It was a pinch above average. Didnt hate it and was not in SD long enough to try other Italian places. I had the veal and nothing about it really jumps out to rave about. We sat outside and OH BOY do you get your money's worth there. From the people watching to the non stop sirens.....it was an experience. If you are thinking about going do you self a favor and sit inside. Our waitress was running on all cylinders. By the time i'd see her and raise my hand for a refill on water...she was there and gone in the blink of an eye. Seemed like she was spread pretty thin, not her fault. I didnt love this place but didnt hate it either. read more

We came in to eat last night and loved it! The chef is amazing and so sweet, the serve was awesome and very educated. Overall very clean, nice location, and it even looked like desserts were made in house or from a local bakery. Loved it! read more

Operacaffe - Lemon Limoncello Marscarpone Cake and Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I ate here three weeks ago after stumbling across a video on Instagram of how their pasta is made and I seriously can't stop thinking about it. I've never been to Italy, but this was hands down one of the best Italian meals I have EVER had. Everything was so fresh, the atmosphere felt authentic and the service was absolutely stellar. We shared the bruschetta toscana, ravioli aragosta (lobster ravioli) and the taglierini with truffles which was incredible (I've never seen such big pieces of truffle). They have a special "truffle only" menu which I highly recommended you order from. All of the portions were huge and reasonably priced for how great the quality is. I can't wait to go back! read more

Delicious, great service and well presented dishes! Enjoyed a nice evening here on a Saturday, we were sat down almost immediately. Not sure of the exact items names but both were amazing. read more

Operacaffe - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

If you haven't eaten here....you should! The food is beyond amazing. The service is outstanding and the ambiance is perfect. Don't leave without trying the Tiramisu. Even if you are full...get the Tiramisu. read more

Amaaaaaaazing ravioli. Guys, get it all. It is so good. We had the porcini ravioli with truffle and the mushroom ravioli with sage and pine nuts. Both were excellent, but the porcini almost had me ordering another plate of it instead of dessert, it was THAT good. We also had the tuna carpaccio- delicious and light; two Negronis- excellent, and the rum baba- a lovely, light and airy dessert. The olive oil that comes with bread was also superb and we will happily eat here again next time we're in San Diego. Best ravioli since we were in Italy a few years ago. read more

I read some reviews criticizing this establishment for being slow. Some people just don't get that there is a pandemic and many restaurants are struggling with staffing. If you are willing to be patient, you will be rewarded. The food is incredible. I had the veal scaloppine. Fantastic! Best meal I've had in years. Great wine selection. Service was very good considering the staffing was stretched. Definitely eating here again the next time I am in town. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown, San Diego! The food is incredible as well as there service. I always get prosciutto and buratta here as well as there pizza this place somewhere you don't want to miss! read more

This is a Great Italian restaurant! We found out about this place when we were in Florence Italy. We had lunch at Ristorante Tre Merli. We were there with friends touring Florence. As we were ordering we met the owner, we told him we were from California and he told us about this place in San Diego. The food is delicious! She enjoyed a chicken dish and I had a pasta and spicy sausage dish. The wine is top notch. Great food and Great Service. The chef prepared delicious food! I would recommend Operacaffe to anyone that wants Great Italian food in San Diego! read more

On Friday evening I had dinner reservations at the Operacaffe. When we arrived (15 minutes before the reservation) we were told that our table would be outside, on the sidewalk of a busy street, in the cold. The hostess told me that I was the last reservation the restaurant accepted and since I was "last on the list" the only available table was outside (the restaurant was virtually empty at the time). She also said I should have been informed that the table was outside but there was nothing I can do about it." I requested to speak with a manager but there was no manager working there. I will surely pass on the horrible experience. read more

It's very very informal, like a student hang out. The service was very good, but it couldn't make up for the mediocre food. I had the chicken lemone first, and after a few bites of the tasteless, hard chicken sent it back. I got a filet mignon and a pepper cream sauce, which was OK but far from anything special or good. I felt bad because the weights staff and personnel were so good but the food is less than mediocre. read more

I came to San Diego on Teacher's Day in 2020. I went to the Safari Park during the day and went to DownTown to eat Italian food at night. The taste is great and the service industry is very good. read more

Operacaffe - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Unexpectedly excellent. From being greeted as we walked by to the beautiful table and the helpful service.m was just the start. The food is beyond expectations. The pasta was perfectly cooked and freshly made. The pizza tastes sublime and the gelato was great. Very strongly recommend. Also very good with our kiddos. read more

Honestly, the best meal out my family have had in a very long time. Came here before a show and everything. Was perfect. Attentive and friendly service, excellent recommendations, food was absolutely delicious and great value for the top, homemade quality. Ravioli was the best I've ever had. Deserts were amazing. Will definitely come here again! read more

I had the ravioli fattore and it was amazing!! Definitely want to come back here, everything was so good, the wine was inexpensive and big pours lol. They even gave our friend a free tiramisu for her birthday!! read more

Operacaffe - Ravioli Del Fattore - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Operacaffe is some of the best Italian I have ever had. It surpassed expectations with its standout Opera Pizza and delectable Fettuccine. The service was top-notch. The atmosphere was comfortable, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy the delicious dishes. It's a gem that effortlessly combines great food, service, and ambiance. Highly recommended for an authentic Italian dining experience. read more

Beautiful ambience, good food and better service. I recently dined here after being lured in by the cozy ambience and decor on a warm night. The menu is very appetizing and service is fast and especially personable. We ordered while waiting for another guest and were recommended to place our last dish order upon our guest's arrival to ensure the freshest and warmest food. The chef certainly delivered on our waiter's promise and wait staff presented all of our dishes quickly and beautifully. I tried the penne with spicy sausage, fresh mint and mascarpone. It was very satisfying and followed nicely by the decadent chocolate lava cake! The dessert menu is worth shouting out as well for the appetizing assortment of sweets offered. Worth a visit when visiting downtown SD! read more

Operacaffe - Penne with spicy sausage, mint and mascarpone - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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