The minute you step into The Prado you know you’ve entered into a world like no other. Located in the historic House of Hospitality in Balboa Park, the restaurant offers four main dining areas. Each has its own distinctive décor and ambiance: the Terrace features outdoor seating, the Courtyard room overlooks the courtyard and fountain, the Solarium overlooks the Terrace and features skylights, and the Lounge serves up two happy hours with several signature drinks. The California cuisine is expertly prepared, and includes Pan Roasted Sea Bass with cauliflower and truffle puree and Braised Beef Boneless Shortrib with Point Reyes blue cheese foam.
Read More ...Our scenic walk to the Prado is our first indication that we are in for an extraordinary evening. We meander through Balboa Park, passing illuminated historic monuments, lush landscapes, and romantic Spanish Colonial colonnades before arriving at our destination. It is a uniquely picturesque commencement to our dining experience: instead of pushing through throngs of people on streets crowded with competing restaurants, we are immersed in the tranquil indolence of the park after dark, sharing the wide open walkways with only a handful of evening strollers.
The dreamy ambiance is heightened by the Prado’s courtyard, which transports us to a re-imagined hacienda infused with the timeless, magical nostalgia of a Marquez novel. The trickling water from the fountain mingles with the distant chatter from the restaurant, bouncing off stuccoed walls and echoing through arched walkways. The restaurant peeks coquettishly from behind a screen of palm fronds, intensifying the sense of drama and intrigue that has been building during our slow approach. We willingly succumb to the beckoning glow of the restaurant, and enter Prado’s luscious epicurean dreamscape.
The Prado, we learn, is a multiple-roomed labyrinthine shrine dedicated to the fine arts of feasting and revelry. The restaurant has a unique mixture of private rooms, large-scale banquet facilities, and dining rooms suiting a variety of occasions and dining fantasies. The elegant banquet hall, seating 350 to 500 guests, captures the debonair style of a bygone era with its twenty-foot high hand-stenciled ceiling. Upstairs, the Loggia and El Hambra rooms, seating approximately 80 and 60 guests respectively, are slightly more intimate banquet areas, each with their own balconies and distinctive views. The main restaurant offers a variety of seating areas, including the stylish Lounge, where twice daily happy hours Tuesday through Friday make for a decidedly jubilant atmosphere. With four kitchens, an extensive underground network of catering facilities, and a highly skilled culinary team, the Prado is a well-oiled gastronomic machine.
We are led past the lively Lounge into the Courtyard Room. As we approach our table, I catch glimpses of the other seating areas through windows and doorways: the Solarium, which shares a windowed wall with the Courtyard Room, promises sun-soaked meals and lazy weekends through its wide windows with outdoor views, while the Terrace’s multi-tiered seating area near the verdant Café del Rey Moro gardens offers glimpses of the Downtown skyline through eucalyptus trees and views of the canyon below. In contrast, the Courtyard Room has more of a domestic feel, albeit with luxurious and historic overtones. Large, round tables offer a family dinner feel, while smaller, more traditional tables and cozy banquettes offer intimate atmospheres. My eyes dart around the space, attracted by various unique accents: hand-painted beams salvaged from the original 1915 building, whimsical blown glass sculptures, and baroque mirrors impart a distinctive artistry and Old World aesthetic to the space. Wrought iron lanterns and candles cast a soft glow over the dining crowd, amplifying the warm-hued décor with a faint radiance. We are seated next to the window overlooking the very courtyard that greeted us on arrival, and for which the Courtyard Room gets its name, providing voyeuristic peeks into the world beyond our cozy yet lavish niche. Still overcome by the visual smorgasbord surrounding us, we attempt to focus our attention on the culinary feast to come.
True to its name, the Study in Beets, resembles a painter’s study in Abstract Expressionism. Three large beet discs are aligned in gradations of color across a long rectangular dish, their rich jewel colors standing out against the stark white of the plate. A smaller section of a marinated beet is placed precisely on top of each larger disc, while generous chunks of soft goat cheese and dark-colored balsamic vinegar zigzags disrupt the careful order of the composition and infuse a rhythmic energy into the presentation. A smallish bundle of frisee is placed to the far right of the plate, presenting a light and airy component that is both a visual and flavor counterpoint to the rest of the study. Upon tasting the dish, the title Study in Beets is given new meaning, as the particularities of each beet are juxtaposed and compared on the palate. The earthy sweetness of the beets is punctuated by the acidic balsamic and the slightly sour goat cheese, while the frisee undercuts the puckering pungency of the dish. It is a pleasing beginning to our meal: an expression of the simple satisfaction of quality ingredients.
I am astounded by the size of the Prado Oysters Rockefeller when it arrives at the table. A panko-crusted oyster nearly the size of a salad plate unfurls like a fan from its deep-set dish. A sautéed medley of watercress, corn, pancetta, and parmesan cheese adds a colorful accent to the plate. The dish is as much an exploration in texture as it is in the subtleties of flavor: the crispy panko exterior is juxtaposed against the silkiness of the oyster, a textural interplay that is reflected in the sautéed vegetables, as whole corn kernels and crispy pancetta add crunch to the near-pureed texture of the watercress. It is as well balanced in flavor as it is in texture: the salty, slightly bitter flavor of the oyster is picked up by the salty parmesan and bitter watercress. The layered nuances of this dish leave my palate intrigued, an excellent starter for the culinary expedition that is to follow.
The Pan Roasted Sea Bass arrives floating on a “raft” of garlic potato mash and rapini within a sea of creamy white cauliflower and truffle puree. The rather minimalist presentation belies the complexity of its flavors. Leaning over the dish, my nose immediately detects the slightly musky aromas of the white truffle, which mixes with the faint charred smell of the roasted fish to impart a distinctly wintry sensibility to the dish. Despite this initial headiness, these potent flavors are treated with an expert hand, carefully maintaining the delicate, quieter flavors of the fish, and gingerly layering the more nuanced and potent tastes to create a dish that balances pungency and subtlety in a pleasing and unexpected marriage.
As soon as the Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib is placed before us , the air is filled with the rich scents of red wine, blue cheese, and beef. The vibrant red of the wine reduction blends with the cool white of the blue cheese foam pooling around the dark slab of beef, making for a visually arresting presentation. Off to one side, a mound of creamy potato mash supports two towering green asparagus spires. The Prado kitchen, again, has infused nuance into simple flavor combinations: by transforming the Point Reyes blue cheese into a foam, it manages to make a rather heavy, rich cheese very light and ethereal, while still maintaining the integrity of its pungent flavor. The red wine reduction, like an exquisite wine pairing, complements the short rib’s meatiness with a delightful full-bodied flavor, intensifying the comforting, wintry satisfaction of the dish.
Continuing in the decadent vain that has characterized the rest of our Prado experience, the Apple Tart “Jewel Box” and the Belgian Chocolate Othello arrive together. True to its name, the Apple Tart resembles a treasure chest, its buttery shortbread walls and caramelized apple interior hinting at its flavorful riches that, upon first bite, transform homey apple pie flavors into a light and subtle dessert. The Belgian Chocolate Othello, on the other hand, is anything but light. Its tower of hazelnut and chocolate mousses is a study in rapturous sweet tooth indulgence. Our spoons sink in to its silky layers and excavate hidden treasures: brandied cherries, whose alcoholic sweetness add new levels of opulence to this sophisticated dessert. Crowned by a chocolate-dipped cherry that playfully references an ice cream sundae, the Belgian Chocolate Othello is a dramatically gluttonous crescendo to our gastronomic festivities. Satiated beyond capacity, we leave behind the Prado’s delicious pampering and look forward to our slow, restorative walk through the park back to the car.
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Courtyard Dining Room
organic baby arugula, shaved asiago cheese, strawberries, candied walnuts & figs
Courtyard Dining Room
second floor private room
Sala Del Rey
second floor private room
Fresh sashimi grade ahi poke timbale, cucumber-pickled ginger salsa, avocado, sesame seaweed salad
Pan roasted seabass w/garlic sauteed rapini, crushed potatoes & cauliflower-white truffle puree
Oven roasted rack of lamb, sauteed brussel sprouts, caramelized onion & goat cheese tart
Sushi
Salad
Fountain
Rules: Get two $50 gift cards ($100 total) for only $79.99. This exclusive offer is only available online through our website while supply lasts. Only a limited number of gift cards are available at this price. No rain-checks.
The food was out of this world amazing!! We can't wait to go back.
I met a few business associates for lunch and we were very impressed. Seated quickly with our reservation and served in a timely fashion. Food was excellent and the service was great too! We'll be back for sure.
Just amazing...the food was spectacular (I ordered a goat cheese raviolli..yum!) and the service was top of the line. I'll be returning soon!
Excellent!
The Prado has amazing food, but the main reason I love bringing friends and family there is because the service is above and beyond wonderful. The wait staff is the most courteous and friendly of any restaurant in San Diego. They appear to enjoy the environment they work in, and are always very observant of the patrons' needs (e.g., shade, water, condiments) and act before being asked.
I have eaten at so many places lately that advertise chefs and menus, but the quality has been lacking. Not so with Prado--thank you!! Best Meal in San Diego!
Especially nice for out-of-town guests or special reunions; beautiful courtyard seating in a lush setting; never rushed by the staff who are quietly attentive to your every desire. Love the Prado!
The service was exceptional, yet fun. The food and ambiance would be hard to top. The Prado and the other restaurants owned by the same group are the best in San Diego, in my humble opinion.
A great restaurant that has it all. The Kobe burger is delicious, as are the vegetarian options of meals. I usually eat vegetarian meals, but this is the restaurant where I "break with tradition" because I love that burger so much!
A great restaurant that has it all. The Kobe burger is delicious, as are the vegetarian options of meals. I usually eat vegetarian meals, but this is the restaurant where I "break with tradition" because I love that burger so much!
Great ambiance, flavorful food and amazing presenations, the menu of Prado keeps you with a great taste and always wanting to come back!
I would actually go back again and also recommend to my friends who come to San Diego to visit.
My husband and I enjoyed our dinner at the Prado Restaurant. The atmosphere was relaxing,the service well paced, and the food superb. The entire experience was positive.
it was great the staff were really nice and the food was great...
They have delicious sauces for the meat dishes including some with balsamic vinagar, wine, and/or with molasses. The short ribs were soft and flavorful, and the sides were also very good. My wife enoyed the duck. The desert was outstanding--super rich chocolate soufle with expresso gelato!
Great value...used the 3 course coupon offer. Delicious meal, very nice setting, great service.
A great place to celebrate a special event or just to experience fantastic food.
I went to this place on New Years Eve and was happy I made reservations. The place is not too fancy but inviting and nice in its own right. The staff was very friendly and the food was excellent. If you are looking to take someone out, this is the place.
We recently retired to San Diego. One of our favorite restaurants is the Prado. Not only because of its location in Balboa Park but the food is delicious and the staff very caring. The menu changes gives one an opportunity to try something different.
We took our party of 8 to the Prado to celebrate our daughter's high school graduation and we couldn't have been happier! The service was amazing -- so attentive and thoughtful. It was the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion!
If you're celebrating an occasion or simply want to have an outstanding dining experience go to Prado Restaurant at Balboa Park. Great location, ambiance, and the food is great! Excellent service, and the price is right!
All around class and ambience along with fabulous dishes. My wife and I had a fantastic experience dining at The Prado and would go back anytime!
One of my fave places, but I don't get to go often enough. The food is really yummy, and the service is terrific! Don't miss the calamari -- it's unlike any you've ever had! Very flavorful! I like their happy hour specials (4-6p; 8-10p), and be sure to sit out on the patio if you can, or come to the bar between 8-10pm to enjoy the live music. You'll be glad you did!
I took my fiancé to this restaurant while we were visiting San Diego and we had a wonderful experience. The food was great, service was very friendly, and the view was spectacular. I definitely recommend the Prado as a dining choice.
I visited the Prado with my sister and daughter. We all had different meals and they were all wonderful. My sister has some dietary restrictions and our server was very mindful of her requests. A very enjoyable evening.
Best food in San Diego and best service
The Prado's "After Eight" 3 course dinner was a wonderful way to be introduced to the delicious choices on The Prado's menu! Too calorie conscious to order 3 courses most occasions we dine out, the special pricing for 3 courses was a treat in two ways: we were able to have a very special full dining experience and the price was an exceptional value!
Dinning at the Prado is ALWAYS a wonderful experience. The service and the food is always OUTSTANDING. The ambiance of the restaurant is classic and yet contemporary. It is nestled among the beautiful edifices and gardens in Balboa Park. We are proud to entertain our guests at the Prado because we know that we will not be disappointed.
Thank you for your help on my meal, Linda
Prado creates a lovely experience for diners. It was my first visit to San Diego, so I used the reviews on the site to determine that Prado would be a special date night for my husband and I. The ambience of the restaurant is spectacular. We were seated on the heated patio. It was lovely with patio tables and lights strung across the patio. The patio was full of tables of diners, but we were not overcrowded. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful with the food selections. The fish was perfectly prefared and paired with vegetables in a chile sauce. Delicious! It was delightful to enjoy the outside. The heaters kept us warm to enjoy al fresco dining even though the night was a little cool, especially knowing that our friends back East were getting hit with a blizzard! It was a lovely evening together and a great pick for our first visit to San Diego together. It won't be the last!
Amazing food with an amazing view! I took my best friend for lunch (the perfect time to visit the Prado) and it was definitely a lunch to remember. It's also a perfect place to take someone visiting from out of town. A highlight of San Diego. I WILL be going back!
Amazing food with an amazing view! I took my best friend for lunch (the perfect time to visit the Prado) and it was definitely a lunch to remember. I was shocked how good the food was (I'm a foodie) and it was such a perfect view of the park. It was relaxing to eat and hear the birds and the wind in the trees. It's also a perfect place to take someone visiting from out of town. Definitely a highlight of San Diego. I WILL be going back with others so that they can experience the food and setting too!
Took my fiance to the Prado for her birthday to get away from the loud gaslamp crowd. Enjoyed their bar and dinner was great. But, I tend to think the experience would have been better during the day having lunch on the patio. The ambiance there is nice, but it sort of feels like a hunting lodge and the guests tend to get loud celebrating. Great place, but not as romantic as I had hoped.
Fall Classic Menu an excellent selection of dishes and a great value ! 20th Wedding Anniversary a success !! Rosario
Meal was excellent. However this was my wife's birthday and a special occasion to us and when making our reservation this was noted. At the restaurant no mention was made of this special occasion and not that we expected anything else at least a happy birthday to my wife would have been nice. As I recall we had a similar experience with another Cohen restaurant and I feel that we will not use this chain for any other special events in our family. Ray Larabee, [email protected] Tel 619-281-8176.
I have lived San Diego a total of 3 weeks now and have already been to the Prado twice. The wait staff has been very good and very friendly and the ambiance is great and what you think about when you think of San Diego (key reason I went back). However, the food was average at best. This may be due a special menu promotion they were running for resturant week in San Diego. The first time I was there they ran out of the sea bass (ironically featured on their special menu. So the second time I visited, I ordered the sea bass again and they had it....... but nothing to write home about at all.
Always a great experience with different plates and wonderful service.
Ambiance of Balboa Park is nice.
It's too bad that I cannot remember the name of the waiter, he was absolutely great. The decor and ambiance was relaxing and beautiful. My porkchop was a bit bland, but the kobe sushi was to die for, flavorful and unique.
Much to say about this restaurant as having changed hands several times in the past 15 years..........however, today........it's in good hands. Not only from the cusine, presentation of the dishes, but from the management perspective. Seems to work like a well tuned machine........but with "smiles" from the staff.
Much to say about this restaurant as having changed hands several times in the past 15 years. However, today it is in good hands. Not only from the cuisine, presentation of the dishes, but from the management perspective. Seems to work like a well tuned machine........but with "smiles" from the staff.
The Prado is beautiful, and the food was good, and our server, Nick, was excellent. It is a little pricey...
Atmosphere and dinner was excellent (see food). However, I did not see lot of desert selection.
We had a wonderful dinner at Prado. The wine selection pared perfectly with our dinner. The menu was well balanced and we enjoyed our waitress and ambiance of the restaurant in Balboa Park.
I read all of the glowing reviews for this restaurant and my partner and I decided to dine there on a Friday night. The restaurant itself is very beautiful inside. However, the meal and service did not live up to the atmosphere or the reviews we had read. Our waiter acted as if he was totally bored with his job and offered only prefunctory service. There was no evening special offered and he did not offer his opinion on any of the regular menu offerings. I ordered the three skewers appetizer because it looked so good on the restaurant's internet advertisement (a skewer with layers of shrimp, beef and chicken). What I got was three seperate skewers, each with one piece of shrimp, chicken or beef plopped on top of a pile of coleslaw with three different dips on the plate. Boring and way overpriced for what was presented! My partner fared better with the calamari fries which he, thankfully, shared with me. My main course was the Tiger Prawns over a bed of squash and root vegetables with a chocolate expresso sauce on the plate. The eight "Tiger Prawns" were more like kitten prawns in size. The sauce was actually quite good. My partner had the filet which was good but, a steak is a steak hard to screw up. Our two appetizers and two entres, along with an iced tea and a Sprite, came to $96. Now I eat out frequently and understand that waiters and kitchens can have off nights but, next time I go to Prado, I'll settle for a drink in the bar and experiencing the beauty of the decor.
The atmosphere was memorable and romantic. The food could be more flavorful and my girlfriend's fillet was a little tough.
