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Operacaffe, San Diego, CA

Operacaffe

4.7
4.7
1359 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 7 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

Menu

Antipasti

  • 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

                                                                                              Last updated: 3 February 2022

                                                                                              What 1,359 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
                                                                                              • 4.3Value

                                                                                              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.

                                                                                              1,359 Reviews

                                                                                              1. Carol

                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                215 reviews

                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                215 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 1 day 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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                                                                                              2. Wilson

                                                                                                Orlando

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined 3 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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                                                                                              3. Elizabeth

                                                                                                VIP

                                                                                                Phoenix

                                                                                                23 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                23 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 4 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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                                                                                              4. Sam

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined 4 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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                                                                                              5. Enrique

                                                                                                New York City

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 6 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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                                                                                              6. 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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                                                                                              7. 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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                                                                                              8. 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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                                                                                              9. 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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                                                                                              10. Teresa

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                44 reviews

                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                44 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on 15 December 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                Wonderful food! Great service. Tables very close together, pretty noisy. But the food is worth the inconvenience

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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 1359 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                              19:00
                                                                                              Booked 7 times today

                                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                              Google Map for Operacaffe

                                                                                              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
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