Operacaffe

4.7

1360 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 234-6538
Website
http://www.operacaffe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Patrizia Branchi

Location
835 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Area
Downtown / Gaslamp
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Popular dishes

BruschettaUS$7.95
Italian toast topped with chopped tomato, fresh basil, and EVOO
Fried BurrataUS$12.95
Shrimp and Calamari FrittiUS$18.95
I CoccoliUS$12.95
Fried pizza dough stuffed with stracchino and mascarpone cheese, topped with prosciutto
Tagliere Toscano
Selection of cured meats and cheeses
- Serves 2US$19.95
Carpaccio di ManzoUS$15.95
Raw beef sirloin, lemon, arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
Carpaccio di SalmoneUS$16.95
Smoked salmon, arugula, oranges, and pink peppercorn

Insalate

Add Salmon $9.95, Shrimp $6, Chicken $5

La MistaUS$6.95
Mixed greens, tomato, carrots, and cucumbers
La CesareUS$8.00
PatriziaUS$14.95
Mixed greens, arugula, hearts of palm, mozzarella, avocado, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
CapreseUS$14.50
Fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil
Prosciutto di Parma e BurrataUS$15.95
Ahi Tuna SaladUS$15.95
Mixed greens, tomatoes, caper berries, in a citrus dressing
Insalata di SalmoneUS$18.95
Grilled wild salmon filet, arugula, fennel, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and EVOO
Insalata di MareUS$17.95
Seafood assortment, arugula mixed greens, tomatoes, cannellini beans, lemon and EVOO
Burrata SaladUS$15.95
Arugula, watermelon, radish, cherry tomatoes and EVOO

Zuppe

Zuppa del GiornoUS$8.95
Ask your server

Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.95
Tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil
CapricciosaUS$16.95
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, champignon mushrooms, black olives, artichokes, ham
HawaiianaUS$15.95
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pineapple, ham
VegetarianaUS$15.95
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, seasonal vegetables
Pepperoni e SalsicciaUS$16.95
Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni and italian sausage

Pasta

Add Shrimp $6, Chicken $5, Meatballs $5

Penne CarrettieraUS$14.95
Tomato sauce, garlic, chili peppers, parsley and EVOO
Spaghetti PomodoroUS$14.95
Fresh tomato sauce, garlic and basil
Penne BologneseUS$16.95
Bolognese style sauce
Farfalle CampagnolaUS$16.95
Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, broccoli, light cream sauce
Penne SpeperinaUS$17.95
Spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint
Fettuccine Alfredo or Al PestoUS$15.95
Farfalle al SalmoneUS$18.95
Smoked salmon, shallots, light creamy vodka sauce
Penne alla KikaUS$20.95
Shrimps, manilla clams, white wine, light cream sauce
Spaghetti di MareUS$20.95
Seafood assortment, chopped tomatoes, chili peppers, white wine sauce
Gnocchi Gorgonzola e MirtilliUS$20.95
Sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries
Ravioli Porcini e Crema di TartufoUS$17.95
Ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy wild mushroom and truffle sauce
Ravioli FattoreUS$17.95
Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a mild spicy vodka sauce and porcini mushrooms
Ravioli BoscaiolaUS$17.95
Ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy butter sauce with sage and pine nuts
Bucatini Mare e MontiUS$19.95
Spicy sausage sauce with mushroom and shrimp
Linguine alle Vongole VeraciUS$19.95
Manila clams, EVOO, garlic, parsley, white wine and chili peppers
Paccheri alla CarbonaraUS$18.95
Pancetta, eggs, parmigiano and a touch of cream
Meat LasagnaUS$16.95
Penne PortofinoUS$24.95
Flambe jumbo prawns, pink vodka sauce and chili flakes

Secondi

Pollo ContadinaUS$21.95
Breaded chicken breast milanese style topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and arugula with fries
Pollo LimoneUS$19.95
Chicken breast in a creamy lemon sauce
Pollo ParmigianaUS$19.95
Breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti
Vittella alla ParmigianaUS$27.95
Breaded veal, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti
Salmone al RosmarinoUS$27.95
Wild salmon filet, shallots, white wine and rosemary
La TagliataUS$30.95
Filet mignon, arugula, polenta, tomatoes and gorgonzola sauce
Pollo alla PizzaiolaUS$19.95
Chicken breast, capers, garlic, parsley, tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano

What 1,360 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Operacaffe in downtown San Diego is a culinary gem praised for its authentic Italian cuisine and attentive service. Guests rave about the "best Italian restaurant in San Diego," highlighting delicious dishes like veal osso bucco and porcini ravioli. Its convenient location makes it ideal for pre-theater dining.

1,360 Reviews

S
Steven
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Excellent experience with food. A little understaffed. Would definitely go back.
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C
Carol
VIP
San Diego
215 reviews
4.0
215 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We enjoyed another delicious meal at Opera Cafe before heading to Balboa Theatre last night. I had the fettuccini alfredo with chicken and my husband chose the black ink pasta with seafood and a spicy sauce. Both of us were very pleased with our selections. We then shared the tiramisu which was amazing! The only criticism I have is that our server never returned to our table after the food was delivered to check on us - we would have appreciated some salt and pepper but couldn't flag her down to get her attention. I realize that since Covid, few restaurants have salt and pepper on the tables - all the more reason to check and see if patrons might want that after receiving their food. Otherwise, it was a delicious meal and we will certainly return.
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W
Wilson
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful Christmas dinner. Nice atmosphere, busy but not too noisy. We enjoyed our entrees but sadly didn’t have enough appetite to try one of the desserts. We will have to come back next time we’re in San Diego!
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E
Elizabeth
VIP
Phoenix
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We came from out of town and just picked this restaurant what a hidden gem. Food and service was amazing. Would definitely recommend!!
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S
Sam
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have been eating at Opera Caffe for over 15 years. The great food and ambiance and staff have always bowled me over and have made this wonderful venue one of my favorite downtown San Diego restaurants. Of course tonight was a full house at 7:30 pm and i was very glad to see this!
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E
Enrique
New York City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding food and service make up for an iffy location in downtown San Diego. Great pasta and main dishes, had cannoli for desert and they were really good. Enjoyed very much the experience.
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P
Patty
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 20 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’re repeat customers- the service and food are consistent, excellent, and the atmosphere is upscale casual. Highly recommend, especially before an event at Balboa Theater!
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D
Donna
San Diego
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
It is a perfect place to eat before a show. The service was excellent! The food was delicious!
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C
Carol
VIP
San Diego
215 reviews
4.0
215 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
We really enjoyed our dinners at Opera Cafe last night There were 9 of us having dinner before a show at Balboa Theatre - this is really the best place to go for dinner before a show there! We were seated immediately and our waiter was very nice. Sorry that I don't recall his name! The food was delicious - there were so many choices and everyone in our group was very satisfied with their choices. I had the fettuccini alfredo and as usual, it was great. Many in our group tried the various ravioli dishes offered and they all loved what they ordered. The prices are very reasonable and we were out in plenty of time to walk across the street for the show. I definitely recommend Opera Cafe for a great downtown restaurant.
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D
Donna
VIP
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Small and cozy. The food was outstanding. I will definitely be going back!
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FAQs

Operacaffe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 234-6538.

Operacaffe is rated 4.7 stars by 1360 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

835 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Area
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Patrizia Branchi
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.operacaffe.com/
Phone number
(619) 234-6538

Operacaffe

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Margherita

Bruschetta

Tiramisu

Antipasti

BruschettaUS$7.95

Fried BurrataUS$12.95

Shrimp and Calamari FrittiUS$18.95

I CoccoliUS$12.95

Tagliere Toscano

Carpaccio di ManzoUS$15.95

Carpaccio di SalmoneUS$16.95

Insalate

La MistaUS$6.95

La CesareUS$8.00

PatriziaUS$14.95

CapreseUS$14.50

Prosciutto di Parma e BurrataUS$15.95

Ahi Tuna SaladUS$15.95

Insalata di SalmoneUS$18.95

Insalata di MareUS$17.95

Burrata SaladUS$15.95

Zuppe

Zuppa del GiornoUS$8.95

Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.95

CapricciosaUS$16.95

HawaiianaUS$15.95

VegetarianaUS$15.95

Pepperoni e SalsicciaUS$16.95

Pasta

Penne CarrettieraUS$14.95

Spaghetti PomodoroUS$14.95

Penne BologneseUS$16.95

Farfalle CampagnolaUS$16.95

Penne SpeperinaUS$17.95

Fettuccine Alfredo or Al PestoUS$15.95

Farfalle al SalmoneUS$18.95

Penne alla KikaUS$20.95

Spaghetti di MareUS$20.95

Gnocchi Gorgonzola e MirtilliUS$20.95

Ravioli Porcini e Crema di TartufoUS$17.95

Ravioli FattoreUS$17.95

Ravioli BoscaiolaUS$17.95

Bucatini Mare e MontiUS$19.95

Linguine alle Vongole VeraciUS$19.95

Paccheri alla CarbonaraUS$18.95

Meat LasagnaUS$16.95

Penne PortofinoUS$24.95

Secondi

Pollo ContadinaUS$21.95

Pollo LimoneUS$19.95

Pollo ParmigianaUS$19.95

Vittella alla ParmigianaUS$27.95

Salmone al RosmarinoUS$27.95

La TagliataUS$30.95

Pollo alla PizzaiolaUS$19.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Operacaffe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Operacaffe restaurant rated?

Is Operacaffe currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information