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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
7:00 pm
Booked 5 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
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Antipasti

  • BruschettaUSD 7.95

    Italian toast topped with chopped tomato, fresh basil, and EVOO

    • Fried BurrataUSD 12.95

      • Shrimp and Calamari FrittiUSD 18.95

        • I CoccoliUSD 12.95

          Fried pizza dough stuffed with stracchino and mascarpone cheese, topped with prosciutto

          • Tagliere Toscano

            Selection of cured meats and cheeses

            • Serves 2USD 19.95

          • Carpaccio di ManzoUSD 15.95

            Raw beef sirloin, lemon, arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

            • Carpaccio di SalmoneUSD 16.95

              Smoked salmon, arugula, oranges, and pink peppercorn

              Insalate

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

              • La MistaUSD 6.95

                Mixed greens, tomato, carrots, and cucumbers

                • La CesareUSD 8.00

                  • PatriziaUSD 14.95

                    Mixed greens, arugula, hearts of palm, mozzarella, avocado, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

                    • CapreseUSD 14.50

                      Fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil

                      • Prosciutto di Parma e BurrataUSD 15.95

                        • Ahi Tuna SaladUSD 15.95

                          Mixed greens, tomatoes, caper berries, in a citrus dressing

                          • Insalata di SalmoneUSD 18.95

                            Grilled wild salmon filet, arugula, fennel, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and EVOO

                            • Insalata di MareUSD 17.95

                              Seafood assortment, arugula mixed greens, tomatoes, cannellini beans, lemon and EVOO

                              • Burrata SaladUSD 15.95

                                Arugula, watermelon, radish, cherry tomatoes and EVOO

                                Zuppe

                                • Zuppa del GiornoUSD 8.95

                                  Ask your server

                                  Pizza

                                  • MargheritaUSD 14.95

                                    Tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil

                                    • CapricciosaUSD 16.95

                                      Tomato sauce, mozzarella, champignon mushrooms, black olives, artichokes, ham

                                      • HawaiianaUSD 15.95

                                        Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pineapple, ham

                                        • VegetarianaUSD 15.95

                                          Tomato sauce, mozzarella, seasonal vegetables

                                          • Pepperoni e SalsicciaUSD 16.95

                                            Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni and italian sausage

                                            Pasta

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

                                            • Penne CarrettieraUSD 14.95

                                              Tomato sauce, garlic, chili peppers, parsley and EVOO

                                              • Spaghetti PomodoroUSD 14.95

                                                Fresh tomato sauce, garlic and basil

                                                • Penne BologneseUSD 16.95

                                                  Bolognese style sauce

                                                  • Farfalle CampagnolaUSD 16.95

                                                    Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, broccoli, light cream sauce

                                                    • Penne SpeperinaUSD 17.95

                                                      Spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint

                                                      • Fettuccine Alfredo or Al PestoUSD 15.95

                                                        • Farfalle al SalmoneUSD 18.95

                                                          Smoked salmon, shallots, light creamy vodka sauce

                                                          • Penne alla KikaUSD 20.95

                                                            Shrimps, manilla clams, white wine, light cream sauce

                                                            • Spaghetti di MareUSD 20.95

                                                              Seafood assortment, chopped tomatoes, chili peppers, white wine sauce

                                                              • Gnocchi Gorgonzola e MirtilliUSD 20.95

                                                                Sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries

                                                                • Ravioli Porcini e Crema di TartufoUSD 17.95

                                                                  Ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy wild mushroom and truffle sauce

                                                                  • Ravioli FattoreUSD 17.95

                                                                    Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a mild spicy vodka sauce and porcini mushrooms

                                                                    • Ravioli BoscaiolaUSD 17.95

                                                                      Ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy butter sauce with sage and pine nuts

                                                                      • Bucatini Mare e MontiUSD 19.95

                                                                        Spicy sausage sauce with mushroom and shrimp

                                                                        • Linguine alle Vongole VeraciUSD 19.95

                                                                          Manila clams, EVOO, garlic, parsley, white wine and chili peppers

                                                                          • Paccheri alla CarbonaraUSD 18.95

                                                                            Pancetta, eggs, parmigiano and a touch of cream

                                                                            • Meat LasagnaUSD 16.95

                                                                              • Penne PortofinoUSD 24.95

                                                                                Flambe jumbo prawns, pink vodka sauce and chili flakes

                                                                                Secondi

                                                                                • Pollo ContadinaUSD 21.95

                                                                                  Breaded chicken breast milanese style topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and arugula with fries

                                                                                  • Pollo LimoneUSD 19.95

                                                                                    Chicken breast in a creamy lemon sauce

                                                                                    • Pollo ParmigianaUSD 19.95

                                                                                      Breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti

                                                                                      • Vittella alla ParmigianaUSD 27.95

                                                                                        Breaded veal, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with spaghetti

                                                                                        • Salmone al RosmarinoUSD 27.95

                                                                                          Wild salmon filet, shallots, white wine and rosemary

                                                                                          • La TagliataUSD 30.95

                                                                                            Filet mignon, arugula, polenta, tomatoes and gorgonzola sauce

                                                                                            • Pollo alla PizzaiolaUSD 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 today

                                                                                                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 2 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 3 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 3 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 5 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. 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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                                                                                              8. 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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                                                                                              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
                                                                                              7:00 pm
                                                                                              Booked 5 times today

                                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                              Google Map for Operacaffe

                                                                                              835 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

                                                                                              Additional information

                                                                                              • Area
                                                                                                Downtown
                                                                                              • 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
                                                                                                Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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