The Prado at Balboa Park

4.4
3358 reviews

About

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

Details

  • Dine-inAvailable
  • DeliveryNot available
  • TakeoutAvailable
  • Accepts reservationsAvailable

Location

The Prado at Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA
92101, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.4
3,358 reviews
5 stars
2,117
4 stars
711
3 stars
281
2 stars
135
1 star
114

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Service Quality

Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service, highlighting specific staff members who enhanced their dining experience.

Food Quality

Feedback on food quality was mixed; while some dishes were enjoyed, many customers found the food to be overpriced and lacking in flavor.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's location and ambiance received positive remarks, particularly the outdoor seating and beautiful surroundings in Balboa Park.

Value for Money

Several reviews mentioned that the prices were high relative to the quality of food, with some feeling that the experience did not justify the cost.

Special Events

Customers appreciated special promotions like date night specials, which were seen as good value for couples.
  • SG
    Samuel Galvan
    Nov 13, 2025
    4.0
    Was good place to eat in balboa park the drink wasnt sweet but recommend the steak burger the carrot cake was really good with walnuts and pinnaple sauce the lemonade raspberry wasnt sweet to bitter taste
  • SS
    Somitra Saxena
    Nov 8, 2025
    5.0
    Went there to celebrate friends birthday. Location and ambience is wonderful. Food and menu was good. Calamari was excellent, mussels were good. Sea bass was really good, Paella was ok. The Sommelier was quite friendly and so was our server Fredo. They both tend to talk too much and should observe when not to interrupt a conversation going on in the table.
  • JM
    John Macdonald
    Nov 6, 2025
    5.0
    What fun find. Really good food in a touristy area. Server Wendy top notch and knows her stuff.
  • LC
    Lorena Collins
    Nov 4, 2025
    2.0
    Food is decent but overpriced. If you’re at the park and don’t want to go looking for a place this restaurant is fine but otherwise I don’t recommend it.
  • BU
    Bryan Umbrasas
    Oct 27, 2025
    2.0
    Our host and waiter were wonderful, really enjoyed the location and atmosphere. Shocked that this establishment has such raving reviews. The only reason I would come back is because of the front of house. My food was inedible, my girlfriend and I gave it away to a homeless fellow. I had the sea bass, it was obviously reheated and certainly not freshly pan seared. I could tell that both the short rib and sea bass was baking under a heat lamp for at least an hour. It was incredibly dry and flavorless. My girlfriend’s short rib was a tad better. Nothing impressive at all, only saving grace is the wait staff and surroundings. I had a bite of her mash potatoes, they tasted stale and flavorless once again. My espresso martini not too shabby, but very mediocre. I really hope they find a better chef. They are owned by the same company that manages Vintana, which we absolutely love. Pitty that they don’t compete on the same level, but their prices are obviously more affordable. Again, props to the front of the house for being wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Prado at Balboa Park

Does The Prado at Balboa Park accept reservations?

Yes, The Prado at Balboa Park accepts reservations. You can make one through their website or OpenTable.

What are the operating hours of The Prado at Balboa Park?

The restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.