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Great spot for dinner before the theater. Tonight we had: Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll - we have had this several times. It is always very good. Grilled cauliflower appetizer - disappointing. I'm was barely warm when served. I would it order it again. Black Bean Soup - Good flavor but it was not hot when served. Beet and Goat Cheese salad- very good. Grilled Sea-bass - good, but not good enough to order a second time. Service was good.
We've coming to The Prado for years now; have tried their happy hour, holiday dinner and regular dinner. Overall, they don't disappoint. Some dishes have missed for us, but there are been more hits than miss. Staff have always been welcoming and despite having to manage a lot of tables, they stay attentive. We've paid anywhere between $220-330 (tip included) depending on what was ordered. We're definitely making our way through the menu. The Food: Seared ahi - tasted good, but we felt the dish was "too busy." Fish got a bit lost in the other components Mexican cocktail shrimp - tasted bright and complex. Unfortunately, it lacked heat and they didn't have Tapatio Spicy calamari fries - calamari was tender and flavorful. I liked the crunch of the batter, but some of the crunch was lost in the sauce Prado sea cake - bland and we thought the sauce clashed with the cake Pan roasted sea bass - absolute perfection; moist fish with nice crispy skin. Fresh ingredients that perfectly paired with the protein Prado paella - good depth of flavor, but a little more salt would have enhanced the dish Red wine short ribs - short ribs were tender and the dish felt homey Chefs cut steak & marinated shrimp - not the best cut of steak but it was cooked to desired temp. The shrimp were large and flavorful Duck breast - cooked well and seasoned Kids chicken tenders with fries - one of the only places that gets this dish right. Chicken was actually flavored and crispy while still moist. The fries were salty and crunchy Carrot cake - shareable piece and best to enjoy right away German chocolate cake - chocolatey and decadent Piloncillo flan - good consistency Crème brûlée - my favorite dessert but I've ordered less and less in general. For me, the brûlée was a little undercooked; consistency wasn't the right firmness
Easily made reservations online and we were seated immediately upon arrival. We sat outside and it was a beautiful day the music in the background from the Organ was wonderful. The raspberry lemon drop was fantastic as well as the mango margarita. The mustard crusted pork chop was phenomenal and the short ribs were scrumptious. Staff was attentive and service was excellent. I would love to come back and try something else on the menu, everything sounded so good.
I don't know why this restaurant doesn't have a higher rating. I'm willing to give it a five-star because the food is excellent even though it's on the casual side, the quality of the dishes and attention to details are to be commended! Besides, it's located inside a beautiful Spanish courtyard with large inside dining space and a beautiful outdoor dining patio. What's not to like? Again, the food is fantastic, it's a polished, made from scratch type of comfort food that is really satisfying. The service is standard. I would definitely come back next time I'm in the area.
Stopped into the Cantina for dinner, ordered the Carne Asada Tacos, price was reasonable, tacos tasted good and two tacos were filling. Staff was friendly but not very attentive, several servers walked by with out greeting me, finally after about 10 minutes my server showed up and took my order, food came quickly. That was the last I saw of him until my meal was done, he came and took the plate away and said he would be right back with the bill, he disappeared into the back for another 10 minutes before he came back with the bill. This seemed to be typical as none of the servers seemed to pay much attention to the customers. Overall food was good but I expected better service.
Excellent service!!! So accommodating too I brought a cake right away Caroline took it for later We sat in the patio and we enjoy this beautiful afternoon I even ran into a friend here too. It's so nice here we had 6 of us to celebrate a birthday Everyone enjoyed their food it was delicious And service was excellent I will be come back here Soon
Our group attended a show at the Old Globe. We made dinner reservations here afterwards. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE! We ordered: 3 Short Rib Dinners, and they were FANTASTIC! The servers were amazing and they each had a great personality to offer us as we dined. I highly recommend The Prado before or after attending The Old Globe performances. You will not be disappointed.
This is a great location in the middle of Balboa park. Really a great place to have a leisurely drink in on the shade of the patio on a warm day. The food is a solid choice and they have a good selection. Something for everyone. They get pretty busy so if you are grabbing dinner before a show at the Old Globe, leave yourself some time. We had to rush things a bit even though the waiter was aware we had a show to catch.
This place is nice. An art gallery and restaurant all rolled up into one. We ordered: Mushroom Risotto (asked to split it into two plates) Shrimp Cocktail Squid Fries We asked for all the food to come out at once, since we only had one entree. This was a good move, because risotto can be rich in flavor on its own. The MUSHROOM RISOTTO was really good. I would definitely order it again. The SQUID FRIES was our favorite dish, I would ask for the sauce on the side to keep its crispiness. The flavors were great. The SHRIMP COCKTAIL was good (more of a ceviche), I would recommend that you ask for some tobacco or even horseradish fresh or creamy, to add a bit more of a kick. I look forward to visiting this restaurant again if I am ever back in San Diego. Wendy was our server, she was great. Count yourself lucky if you find yourself in her section.
The restaurant has such a nice atmosphere! Our waitress, Zorka, was amazing -- super quick, very nice, and had a great sense of humor, which made the whole experience even better. We really enjoyed our drinks, appetizers and dessert! Definitely a great spot for a nice meal and drinks!
I came here for lunch and had the Chicken BLT with fries and it was yummy! The restaurant is nice inside and out with seating in both areas. Service was good as well. I would recommend!
Make your way to this spot whether you just came from the zoo, the rose garden or a museum close by. I stopped in the Cantina for a beverage and a bite after spending a couple hours walking through the Zoo and the park. In the Food and Beverage, I went this way: for drinks I got the Guava Ginger Martini and followed it up with a Carajillo. Both were delicious. For a bite, I settled on the ceviche. My only note of improvement was the chips. Chips were stale. Like the bag was left open stale, I didn't want to bother the staff because they were so busy to ask for fresh ones. It made the dish dull and took away from the overall bite which is a shame. The atmosphere was colorful and lively. The wait staff was a well oiled machine of efficiency. Winston was incredibly kind and knowledgeable while covering quite a few tables all at once. Definitely enjoy this place if you are in the neighborhood.
3/14/26: Stacking up the reviews, so buckle up! *so much has happened recently* My curly haired cutie loves her some Cherry Blossoms! So much so, that she has a beautiful tattoo of them on her arm! Obviously, we're hitting the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden! It was whelming. Not quite a full bloom this year. (we'll see a better one in a few reviews...stay tuned). And what better way to satiate your appetite after a brisk walk around the Cherry Blossom trees? The staple. The spot. The Prado! Only here for some morsels, as other plans have been made. Luckily, the Cantina Menu works perfectly! Guac and chips are a perfect pairing for the margaritas that are about to be ordered. Eating light, because like Remo Williams, the adventure beings! (nobody's going to get this) However, how can you say no to this intoxicating enchantress who guides you on a savory side quest? And it paid off! The food was delicious! We shall return to explore more of the menu. The drinks are here! Blood Orange Margarita for your amigo, because you can't say "tajin on the rim" & me NOT want it. My lovely lady doesn't miss a beat with her Spicy Mezcal Margarita. She likes her drinks like her man, strong & spicy. *flattery will get you anywhere* I cannot complete my review without saying how nice everyone is here. Our server was delightful & so ready to suggest any alternative as we were about to ask. "Gl..." Yes, we have a gluten free option. "Um..." Yes, we can put this on the side. Mind readers, I say! Lovely pitstop when you're on the go. Or if you have time, come check out the happy hour. TL:DR - The right one makes anywhere the right place.
29 days ago
If you visit The Prado at Balboa Park, do yourself a favor and request Michael G. as your waiter! He was absolutely amazing and made our entire dining experience unforgettable. Michael was incredibly attentive without ever being intrusive. He was practically a mind reader--he knew exactly what we were in the mood for and basically guided us to pick the perfect meal. His recommendations were spot on. Phenomenal food paired with world-class service. We will definitely be back! Thank you, Michael! David and Tammy read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
David, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled to…
2 months ago
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Tatum, thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful…
23 days ago
We had an amazing lunch at The Prado! From the moment we arrived, everyone--from the hostess to the waitstaff and bussers--was warm, welcoming, and attentive. Our waiter, Maurice, was exceptional. He made some wonderful suggestions and went out of his way to make sure our lunch was perfect. He even helped us sign up for their rewards program. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was outstanding, and the beautiful Balboa Park setting made the whole experience even more special. We couldn't have asked for a better lunch. We will definitely be back! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Melanie, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled to…
Great spot for dinner before the theater. Tonight we had: Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll - we have had this several times. It is always very good. Grilled cauliflower appetizer - disappointing. I'm was barely warm when served. I would it order it again. Black Bean Soup - Good flavor but it was not hot when served. Beet and Goat Cheese salad- very good. Grilled Sea-bass - good, but not good enough to order a second time. Service was good. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Donald, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
We've coming to The Prado for years now; have tried their happy hour, holiday dinner and regular dinner. Overall, they don't disappoint. Some dishes have missed for us, but there are been more hits than miss. Staff have always been welcoming and despite having to manage a lot of tables, they stay attentive. We've paid anywhere between $220-330 (tip included) depending on what was ordered. We're definitely making our way through the menu. The Food: Seared ahi - tasted good, but we felt the dish was "too busy." Fish got a bit lost in the other components Mexican cocktail shrimp - tasted bright and complex. Unfortunately, it lacked heat and they didn't have Tapatio Spicy calamari fries - calamari was tender and flavorful. I liked the crunch of the batter, but some of the crunch was lost in the sauce Prado sea cake - bland and we thought the sauce clashed with the cake Pan roasted sea bass - absolute perfection; moist fish with nice crispy skin. Fresh ingredients that perfectly paired with the protein Prado paella - good depth of flavor, but a little more salt would have enhanced the dish Red wine short ribs - short ribs were tender and the dish felt homey Chefs cut steak & marinated shrimp - not the best cut of steak but it was cooked to desired temp. The shrimp were large and flavorful Duck breast - cooked well and seasoned Kids chicken tenders with fries - one of the only places that gets this dish right. Chicken was actually flavored and crispy while still moist. The fries were salty and crunchy Carrot cake - shareable piece and best to enjoy right away German chocolate cake - chocolatey and decadent Piloncillo flan - good consistency Crème brûlée - my favorite dessert but I've ordered less and less in general. For me, the brûlée was a little undercooked; consistency wasn't the right firmness read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Sarah, thank you for your loyalty and this incredibly detailed…
12 days ago
Easily made reservations online and we were seated immediately upon arrival. We sat outside and it was a beautiful day the music in the background from the Organ was wonderful. The raspberry lemon drop was fantastic as well as the mango margarita. The mustard crusted pork chop was phenomenal and the short ribs were scrumptious. Staff was attentive and service was excellent. I would love to come back and try something else on the menu, everything sounded so good. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Heather, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
I don't know why this restaurant doesn't have a higher rating. I'm willing to give it a five-star because the food is excellent even though it's on the casual side, the quality of the dishes and attention to details are to be commended! Besides, it's located inside a beautiful Spanish courtyard with large inside dining space and a beautiful outdoor dining patio. What's not to like? Again, the food is fantastic, it's a polished, made from scratch type of comfort food that is really satisfying. The service is standard. I would definitely come back next time I'm in the area. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Mel, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled you…
Stopped into the Cantina for dinner, ordered the Carne Asada Tacos, price was reasonable, tacos tasted good and two tacos were filling. Staff was friendly but not very attentive, several servers walked by with out greeting me, finally after about 10 minutes my server showed up and took my order, food came quickly. That was the last I saw of him until my meal was done, he came and took the plate away and said he would be right back with the bill, he disappeared into the back for another 10 minutes before he came back with the bill. This seemed to be typical as none of the servers seemed to pay much attention to the customers. Overall food was good but I expected better service. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Jim, thank you for sharing your feedback about your visit. I'm glad…
Excellent service!!! So accommodating too I brought a cake right away Caroline took it for later We sat in the patio and we enjoy this beautiful afternoon I even ran into a friend here too. It's so nice here we had 6 of us to celebrate a birthday Everyone enjoyed their food it was delicious And service was excellent I will be come back here Soon read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Marcia, thank you for bringing your friend and sharing such a lovely…
Our group attended a show at the Old Globe. We made dinner reservations here afterwards. IT WAS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE! We ordered: 3 Short Rib Dinners, and they were FANTASTIC! The servers were amazing and they each had a great personality to offer us as we dined. I highly recommend The Prado before or after attending The Old Globe performances. You will not be disappointed. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Taura, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled to…
This is a great location in the middle of Balboa park. Really a great place to have a leisurely drink in on the shade of the patio on a warm day. The food is a solid choice and they have a good selection. Something for everyone. They get pretty busy so if you are grabbing dinner before a show at the Old Globe, leave yourself some time. We had to rush things a bit even though the waiter was aware we had a show to catch. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Paul, thank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm thrilled you…
3 months ago
This place is nice. An art gallery and restaurant all rolled up into one. We ordered: Mushroom Risotto (asked to split it into two plates) Shrimp Cocktail Squid Fries We asked for all the food to come out at once, since we only had one entree. This was a good move, because risotto can be rich in flavor on its own. The MUSHROOM RISOTTO was really good. I would definitely order it again. The SQUID FRIES was our favorite dish, I would ask for the sauce on the side to keep its crispiness. The flavors were great. The SHRIMP COCKTAIL was good (more of a ceviche), I would recommend that you ask for some tobacco or even horseradish fresh or creamy, to add a bit more of a kick. I look forward to visiting this restaurant again if I am ever back in San Diego. Wendy was our server, she was great. Count yourself lucky if you find yourself in her section. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Angelica, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled…
5 days ago
The restaurant has such a nice atmosphere! Our waitress, Zorka, was amazing -- super quick, very nice, and had a great sense of humor, which made the whole experience even better. We really enjoyed our drinks, appetizers and dessert! Definitely a great spot for a nice meal and drinks! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Krisztina, thank you so much for this wonderful feedback! I'm…
1 month ago
I came here for lunch and had the Chicken BLT with fries and it was yummy! The restaurant is nice inside and out with seating in both areas. Service was good as well. I would recommend! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Jasmine, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
3 months ago
Make your way to this spot whether you just came from the zoo, the rose garden or a museum close by. I stopped in the Cantina for a beverage and a bite after spending a couple hours walking through the Zoo and the park. In the Food and Beverage, I went this way: for drinks I got the Guava Ginger Martini and followed it up with a Carajillo. Both were delicious. For a bite, I settled on the ceviche. My only note of improvement was the chips. Chips were stale. Like the bag was left open stale, I didn't want to bother the staff because they were so busy to ask for fresh ones. It made the dish dull and took away from the overall bite which is a shame. The atmosphere was colorful and lively. The wait staff was a well oiled machine of efficiency. Winston was incredibly kind and knowledgeable while covering quite a few tables all at once. Definitely enjoy this place if you are in the neighborhood. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Monique, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
3/14/26: Stacking up the reviews, so buckle up! *so much has happened recently* My curly haired cutie loves her some Cherry Blossoms! So much so, that she has a beautiful tattoo of them on her arm! Obviously, we're hitting the Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden! It was whelming. Not quite a full bloom this year. (we'll see a better one in a few reviews...stay tuned). And what better way to satiate your appetite after a brisk walk around the Cherry Blossom trees? The staple. The spot. The Prado! Only here for some morsels, as other plans have been made. Luckily, the Cantina Menu works perfectly! Guac and chips are a perfect pairing for the margaritas that are about to be ordered. Eating light, because like Remo Williams, the adventure beings! (nobody's going to get this) However, how can you say no to this intoxicating enchantress who guides you on a savory side quest? And it paid off! The food was delicious! We shall return to explore more of the menu. The drinks are here! Blood Orange Margarita for your amigo, because you can't say "tajin on the rim" & me NOT want it. My lovely lady doesn't miss a beat with her Spicy Mezcal Margarita. She likes her drinks like her man, strong & spicy. *flattery will get you anywhere* I cannot complete my review without saying how nice everyone is here. Our server was delightful & so ready to suggest any alternative as we were about to ask. "Gl..." Yes, we have a gluten free option. "Um..." Yes, we can put this on the side. Mind readers, I say! Lovely pitstop when you're on the go. Or if you have time, come check out the happy hour. TL:DR - The right one makes anywhere the right place. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Marco, thank you for such a wonderfully creative and entertaining…
This is a really nice restaurant, the interior was beautiful. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. We only got a couple of appetizers and drinks, they were very delicious. I hope to go back again soon! Kinda pricey tho read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Ian, thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled you…
16 hours ago
This place has a great outside patio that just made a great end to our visit to the zoo and walk through the historic buildings. Server was great, they have a diverse menu. All of our lunches were great. We had the Cobb Salad, Chicken BLT, and seared beef sushi roll. A mush place to checkout. read more
I love that this place is dog friendly. The servers and hostess are nice and their food is ok. I love the atmosphere so for this they get 4 stars. I was here for happy hour, otherwise I would not pay 17$ or 23$ for fish tacos. I loved their birria queso dip and their fish tacos were very decent. The carrot cake was also pretty mild and good. I did not like the mole chicken wings, but then again I dont like mole anything. The rolled tacos lacked a good bit of meat and the happy hour prices were hardly "happy" hour prices, but again, this place was awesome to chill at and the atmosphere is quite cool. Sometimes thats all you need. An awesome vibe amd environment and good servers! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Susie T., thank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm thrilled…
My family came here for lunch this past week, and it was a great experience. Whether you're a local or not, sitting on the patio immediately transports you to vacation mode. Inside is absolutely gorgeous as well, but the patio is my personal favorite. Our waiter was wonderful. The potstickers, grilled cauliflower, and guava lemonade were all incredible. The steak tacos were yummy as well, especially with the charro beans. The Prado is a great choice if you're at Balboa Park. You can go for a fun lunch or a fancy dinner or anything in between. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Alissa, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! I'm…
2 days ago
My mom hasn't stopped talking about the Sangria. Service was great. Very attentive. We were one of the first at opening so we got a great seat outside with nice views. There was a special for $25 sangria pitchers. I ordered a steak sandwich with fries and my mom ordered a burger. She loved it and wants to go back. I have been for happy hour as well. This is a staple on Balboa park for a reason' read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Maria B., thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm thrilled…
1 month ago
The food was great! We shared the cauliflower and elote appetizer and the birria torta which came with fries. The service there was excellent and they made sure that everything was going well. Though the restaurant was a little crowded with costumers, we still got our food in no time! We had sat outside and the view was amazing and so was the weather. We are definitely coming back! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Natalie, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! I'm…
The Prado is such a San Diego classic! We love it! If you have a kiddo who loves the Grinch, this is such a fun place to take them. Both the Grinch and Santa were walking around at lunch time today and the whole restaurant was decorated beautifully for the holidays - so many pieces of Grinch decor. Everyone enjoyed their meals today. They have a great kids menu. I love that you can get the chicken tenders grilled or crispy. We shared the chips and guacamole which was delicious. There were microgreens on top with small slices of peppers. Delish! I had the vegetarian black bean soup (minus the crema on top) and the beet salad with truffle vinaigrette. So flavorful. Our server was very accommodating with multiple requests and also helped our kids with the opportunity to meet the Grinch. It looked very crowded when we arrived, but we walked right in with a party of 11. They moved two tables together for us in the bar area. So always worth a try even if it looks crowded. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Janet, thank you for this wonderful review! I'm so happy you and your…
8 months ago
Amazing! Parking isn't easy to find if you just GPS the address so make sure to locate the parking lots near it before going. Service, food, and atmosphere was awesome! The food was very good and the plating/ presenation is just beautiful and to perfection on every plate. We had a party of about 15 people and they all gave raving reviews for the appetizers, entrée, and desserts. They have vegan and vegetarian options too. It's located in Balboa Park area so plan for a nice walk after too! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Rhondie, thank you so much for this wonderful review and for bringing…
I was fully prepared for this restaurant to let me down but now, I'm actually glad that I had a good time at dinner last night. Putting aside the parking issues in Balboa Park that are certain to be exacerbated in the coming new year, the Prado actually delivered on a terrific dinner experience. No one on the staff threw a hissy fit for being a few minutes late on our dinner reservation of 5pm. I thought our waitress was a bit overenthusiastic for my taste but it's better than having one that doesn't care about anything. I ordered the paella, which from the menu description sounded tasty. The dish was actually quite good. I thought the rice should've been a bit crispier but oh well. The seafood was excellent. I didn't like the sausage but that was easy to just put to the side. The mussels were smaller than I expected but still good. I thought my raspberry lemonade was good, although I think the carbonization of the drink made it taste more sour than I would like. The French fries from the kids menu were also quite good. I also liked the short ribs. Very tender. Fair warning though: The food is pricey. My paella dish was close to $40. The dining room and our table was very spacious, even as our table was squeezed between two pillars. The music in the room wasn't too loud so people could actually have a conversation without screaming. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Henry, thank you for giving us a chance and I'm so glad your dinner…
Conveniently located in Balboa Park, The Prado is a culinary and festive gem. It's the perfect spot to have a nice dinner after or before experiencing the rest of the park or seeing a production at the Old Globe. The park itself is festive especially during the holiday season and The Prado matches the vibe. Adding to its usual eclectic but classy vibe, they added a Grinch-theme and other decor. As I've always experienced, every one of the staff from the hosts to servers were so friendly. This evening we sat in the dining area that had a nice view of the outdoor patio and our server was very knowledgeable and accommodating, especially since this was the first time for some of the group. Alas we apparently picked some of the most popular items on the menu, including the mustard crusted pork prime rib, chicken milanesa and pan roasted sea bass. I was fortunate to try all and all were great with their own distinct flavors. I'd say my favorite was the sea bass which was locally caught and could definitely taste the freshness. To top off the night, they brought a flan dessert to help us celebrate a birthday. A very nice experience and a perfect spot to celebrate. Definitely recommended if you're spending time in Balboa Park, and would suggest making a reservation since it is pretty popular. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Jana, thank you for this wonderful review! I'm so glad you enjoyed…
We had a reservation for lunch & were seated promptly. We shared a chicken dish which was huge. The patio is cute. Our server was attentive. No issues. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Kristi, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
4 months ago
Really nice place, beautiful view and respectful staff. Nothing to complain at all! The food doesn't match the appearance though, don't get me wrong, it is not bad, but it is not quite the comfort nor fancy food you expect. The paella was okay, a bit pricy though. The fish sandwich was not quite matching the bun and other things added to it. Fries insignificant! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Ehsan, thank you so much for your kind words about our atmosphere,…
2 days ago
10 days ago
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Nancy, thank you for sharing your feedback about your recent visit. I…
My cousin made reservations for our family brunch at this spot located at Balboa Park. Before entering the restaurant, you will see a Woman of Tehuantepec, also known as Aztec Woman of Tehuantepec, is an outdoor 1935 fountain and sculpture by Donal Hord, installed in the courtyard of Balboa Park's House of Hospitality. A great photo op with friends and family. As we checked in with the hostess we were seated at the patio with an umbrella. The Patio was lush and warm outside. My cousin ordered a lot of appetizers for us to try such as spicy calamari fries, and grilled cauliflower. For myself, since it was resturant week I opted the restaurant week menu price which I ordered the red and gold baby beet salad with prado sangria. I loved the salad very light and refreshing. Lastly for dessert, we all shared tres leches with white cake, pistachio meringue, and strawberry sauce! Very yummy! A great brunch spot! read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Nina, thank you for the kind review. I'm glad you enjoyed your family…
1 year ago
Although I usually dine at Artifact Restaurant just across the Prado inside the Mingei Museum, I wanted to have dinner at the Prado Restaurant last night, since I have not been there in a while. I remember many years ago there used to be a valet posted to park cars for the Prado Restaurant, but that convenience is no more. Most people will park behind the Organ Pavilion and walk up to the Prado. I arrived right at 4:30 p.m., which is when the restaurant begins serving dinner in the dining room and on the back terraced patio. I love the interior of Prado best, with the dramatic curving red velvet banquette and luminous lighting. However, yesterday there was a large group that had just been seated on the interior banquette with multiple screaming children running about, so I opted to sit on the airy enclosed interior porch. My assigned server yesterday evening was Beto. He could not have been more kind, efficient and helpful. He was a true professional, as he discussed the menu and drink options with me. I also observed Beto interact with not only other customers but with other staff memebers, which he did with the utmost graciousness. I also briefly chatted with manager April on my exit. I had earlier observed her calm a crabby man sending back his Calamari "with words to the chef". read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Charles, thank you for the kind words and for sharing your…
We were very much looking forward to the Seared Prime Beef Sushi Roll, and our Irish Coffees! We'd been here several times before, and every time my girlfriend comes to town! First, the bartender made our Irish Coffees without Jameson.... Can you make Irish Coffee without Irish whiskey?! Then, we ordered our Seared Prime Beef Sushi Rolls. They came back later to say they were out of them. We expressed our disappointment, as we had come just for that. And we said we could wait, if that was the issue. So they said they would go ahead and prepare them, but it might be a little while. When they finally brought them, it certainly didn't look like steak! It looked like lobster or some kind of fish. And what did it taste like? Just rice. Only rice. We returned them. I'm not sure we'll go back. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Nadine, thank you for sharing your feedback. I'm disappointed to hear…
2 months ago
Excellent spot for lunch after a walk through Balboa Park. We were offered a seat inside or outside, we opted for the patio. The climate was perfect and there were umbrellas to provide adequate shade. The atmosphere was relaxed, we had time to review the menu and ordered drinks, then had time to decide on our meal. There was a smell outside the perimeter of the restaurant, which when the wind shifted, would come by and was a bit sour, but I'm not sure how the Restaurant would resolve that. I opted for the passion fruit sparkling lemondae- delicious and refreshing. We split the Farmers mixed greens salad. The dressing was very light, next time I may ask for a little more on the side. I also had the grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich. I had the Chipotle tartar sauce on the side, so the fish was a little dry but flavorful. My husband had the Kobe Burger and the raspberry sparkling lemondae and enjoyed both thoroughly. Excellent service, great patio seating, delicious food. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Mary, thank you so much for the wonderful review and for choosing to…
Walked in at around 2pm on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated immediately. Service: started off rough with a server named Medi. Came once, we asked for a few minutes and he never returned. Marissa, another waitress was kind enough to help us, and ended up taking care of us. GUESS WHO SHOWED UP TO COLLECT HIS TIP THOUGH- MEDI! Unbelievable. I asked to speak to Marissa and explained to her that I would not be leaving a tip if it was for Medi who NEVER came around. Manager fixed the situation and we left happy customers. Food: my expresso martini was amazing (thank you Marissa)!! Fish tacos were a bit dry but tasty. Pot stickers- good. Ambiance- honestly, how can you beat sitting in the middle of a botanical garden with beautiful weather in San Diego. Will definitely be returning read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Silvia, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.…
Came to this spot after taking my dog for a walk at the dog park. They allow leashed dogs on their patio, which was very nice. They have a really large inside, back, and front area. Service was absolutely exceptional and very friendly. The food was ok, nothing to really reminisce about. However, the ambiance and convenience of the place is second to none in balboa park. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
David, thank you for your review and for visiting our restaurant. I'm…
23 days ago
Very friendly staff. We sat outside and had a nice view. Unfortunately the food was below average- especially for the price. It was around $40 for the paella which was one of the signature dishes. The food was bland and the chicken overcooked. We also had the rigatoni which was also bland and the sauce tasted like or was out of a can. Disappointing. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Jaclyn, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about…
3 months ago
The best thing about this restaurant is the outdoor seating. There's plenty of indoor seating too, but it's special to sit outside and overlook the Japanese garden and the food is Mexican but it's unique Mexican. read more
Business owner information
David And Lesley C.
Thank you for your wonderful review, Bill! I'm thrilled to hear you…
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More info about The Prado at Balboa Park
1549 El Prado
Ste 12
San Diego, CA 92101
Balboa Park
Directions
(619) 557-9441
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.pradobalboa.com
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Ask the Community - The Prado at Balboa Park
Are you doing a Thanksgiving Brunch this year and when we you start taking reservations?
Check the Cohn restaurants website fior specifics.
Hi! Is there a corkage fee?
Is this a good place to host a company Christmas outing for about 12 people? -- Plan to do white elephant and hangout for a few hours!
Is there handicap parking?
There is handicap parking throughout Balboa Park. However there is no immediate parking in front of the Prado. If you have someone that is handicap, I would suggest dropping them off in front of the Prado restaurant and then going to park the car.…
Where is the best place to park and walk in?
There's several parking lots just below the Prado for free parking.
Able to have space to host a private event? For a total of 40?
Yes! The Also have Different Event rooms. Some can host Upto 500 attendees.
Do they have a kids menu?
Hi Janine, Yes The Prado does have a Children's menu. It is a 2-course menu for $12.95.…
Are there tvs to watch sports in any of the dining areas?
I believe there might be one in the bar area where you can have lunch/dinner. All other areas I have not see any TVs
Do they have coffee/teas pastries to go at this place?
Hi Carly, The Prado does not offer pastries on their menu, however they do serve coffee and tea.…
Is there still any happy hour available?
Hi Sarah, The Prado is currently not offering Happy Hour at this time. The best way to keep…
At what time is Late Happy Hour?
Hi Alexys, The Prado's Happy Hour is Tues-Fri from 4-6pm. They do not currently offer a late night…
How long is the typical wait for Sunday brunch?
Wait time for Sunday brunch varies tremendously. This is a popular spot, so it's best to make a reservation.
Is this place only through reservations? Can we just dine in without reservation?
Hi Rj, The Prado does accept walk-in Guests for our main dining room depending on availability.…
Does anyone know what the mushrooms in the duck are marinaded in?
Hi Gabrielle, In Prado's Thai Style Duck Breast dish, the king trumpet mushrooms are sautéed with…
Hi Is the restaurant emotional dog friendly?thanks
Hello Anna, The Prado allows all dogs on our Lounge front patio and allows service dogs in the…
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
205 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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The Prado at Balboa Park - newamerican - Updated September 2026
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