People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had a great time in the park. Nurlan the photographer from Deluxe Photo took a lovely picture of us at Prado at the visitor center. We really appreciate him and he enhanced the experience. ”
“ Food portions are huge and they taste really good. They mixed our order but complimentary creme brulee fixed all of our problems. Service was outstanding. Overall the vibe of this place reminded old Hollywood . ”
“ Great spot for lunch. Service was exceptional. Ordered the steak tacos. Appreciated the deconstructed way they were served. Steak was delicious. Salsa and tortillas were standard. A simple dish served well. Shrimp con salad was also great. Fresh ingredients. Would go back. ”
“ The guacamole was delicious, the shrimp and fish ceviche was just okay. I had a drink from their seasonal Holiday Cheers menu, the Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini and it was delicious and was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays! There were other specialty holiday drinks and they all seemed fun and festive. Great service and the location is in Balboa Park so you really can't go wrong here. Recommended! ”
“ We had a wonderful experience at the Prado. Our server was really polite and helpful on providing recommendations. Food came out as ordered, with my steak cooked as requested. Is a nice location to come for dinner or to celebrate a special occasion. ”
“ A group of four of us had lunch on the patio at The Prado, and as always, it was such a beautiful experience. The outdoor seating is stunning, overlooking a lush, forest-like area in Balboa Park. The atmosphere is always lively yet relaxing, making it one of our favorite spots to sit outside and enjoy a meal. We all ended up ordering the Chopped Cobb Salad, which I had raved about before. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, colorful, and a great portion size—big enough to share, but also perfect for one. It has a variety of proteins, making it a satisfying and well-balanced meal. The Prado also has a great beer selection, and my husband enjoyed a cold one while the rest of us had iced tea. The menu offers a great variety of options, so there’s something for everyone. Our server, Jorge, was fantastic—super sweet, attentive, and helpful throughout the meal. The service here is always top-notch, which makes the experience even better. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable lunch, and we’ll definitely be back soon! Highly recommend sitting on the patio if you get the chance! ”
“ Ate a great lunch at Prado! We started with the seared prime beef sushi roll, and for entrees had the grilled mahi and filet steak sandwiches. Everything tasted really good. We sat on the dog friendly patio. Service was very friendly and quick. Great place to eat while you’re exploring Balboa Park. ”
“ A wonderful lunch at a wonderful place. We enjoyed our morning at Balboa Park at the different museums and started getting hungry. We are so lucky that we decided to go to Prada. The food was delicious. The service was great. We highly recommend the farmers green salad with salmon and the desserts were amazing. The German chocolate cake had fresh toasted coconut on top m. We paired it with vanilla ice cream that made it perfect. The carrot cake was delicious and overall our experience was really a good one. ”
Menu
prado lavash crackers & chipotle hummus
US$6.50prado pressed arugula salad
US$15.50chicken adobo
US$20.95grilled fish tacos
US$21.95tequila shrimp bucatini
US$32.95
About
The Prado at Balboa Park
Welcome to The Prado at Balboa Park, a culinary gem nestled within one of San Diego's most iconic locales. Located at 1549 El Prado, this restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it’s an experience that marries delectable cuisine with the beauty of Balboa Park. When you step into The Prado, you are enveloped in an ambiance reminiscent of old Hollywood, where every detail, from the décor to the menu, was clearly curated with a sense of art and grace.
The highlight of any visit to The Prado is unquestionably the food. The menu showcases a thoughtful selection of dishes that reflect both local flavors and global inspirations. For a perfect start, you might try the pescador mussels and scallops, beautifully enhanced with white wine, fennel, herbs, and crushed tomatoes, served with a side of rouille and crostini. Another standout is the seared ahi dish, artistically arranged with jicama, carrots, and a refreshing chamoy vinaigrette. These dishes not only tantalize the taste buds but also delight the eye.
Your meal can be complemented with signature salads that reflect seasonal freshness. The farm greens with red and gold baby beets and Sonoma goat cheese, dressed in truffle vinaigrette, is a salad that speaks to the heart of sustainability and quality. Diners rave about the flavors, with patrons like Dr. Carol Utay praising the farmer's green salad when paired with salmon. The dessert offerings, particularly the German chocolate cake with fresh toasted coconut, have earned high marks for their indulgent yet balanced execution.
Service at The Prado is warm and attentive, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests, whether you're taking a break from exploring the surrounding museums or celebrating a special occasion. The dog-friendly patio adds to its appeal, offering a relaxed setting to enjoy a delightful meal amidst nature’s bounty. Diners like Jeff Cooperhouse have expressed appreciation for the seamless service and delicious offerings like the grilled mahi and filet steak sandwiches, which have quickly become crowd favorites.
With so many positive reviews and successful recommendations, it’s clear that The Prado at Balboa Park is not just a place to eat, but a destination that fosters memorable experiences. So whether you're indulging in their exquisite entrees or savoring their desserts, rest assured every bite is sure to leave a lasting impression. Make your way to The Prado to discover for yourself why it stands out as a beloved dining spot in San Diego.
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