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Operacaffe, San Diego, CA

Operacaffe

4.7
4.7
1350 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant

Operacaffe

4.7
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 16 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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 1,350 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
                                                                                              • 4.4Ambience
                                                                                              • 4.5Value

                                                                                              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.

                                                                                              1,350 Reviews

                                                                                              1. Teresa

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                44 reviews

                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                44 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                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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                                                                                              2. Gregg

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                13 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                13 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                Service was good, food very good. A bit noisy for a Wednesday. I can only imagine what a weekend might might be like. Wait staff very accommodating to get us out in time to make a theater show.

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                                                                                              3. Oliva

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Dining at Operacaffe was a great experience. The location was perfect for our show at the Balboa Theater, and we conveniently parked right across the street at the Horton parking garage on 4th and F st. The service was prompt and courteous, and the food was delicious. The house wines were also very good and reasonably priced. We will definitely be back!

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                                                                                              4. Raymond

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                5 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Great restaurant! Love the food and very convenient when attending the Balboa Theater.

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                                                                                              5. Terri

                                                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                We had two large groups in for dinner. Everything was FABULOUS! The pasta was all fresh and came out piping hot! Two people had the fresh fish and it was cooked perfectly-light, flaky and tasted amazing! The staff was attentive and served our food at a great pace. The evening was perfect. I will come back the next time I’m in San Diego!

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                                                                                              6. Bob

                                                                                                Phoenix

                                                                                                45 reviews

                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                45 reviews

                                                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                First time for my wife and I to dine there. It was outstanding! The brucetta with prosciutto was our choice for an appetizer and it was wonderful. Our entrees were the giant tortellini with King Crab and Shrimp, and the penne bolognese "creamy" with a side of meatballs. Both dishes were about the best we've ever had! Served steamy hot and excellent. We swapped plates twice just so we could both taste and it was incredible! Great drinks too!

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                                                                                              7. Lee

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on 30 November 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                Great meal ahead of seeing a show at the Balboa. Great location. Food was very tasty. It’s surprisingly hard for find spaghetti cooked right for a reasonable price and Operacaffe nailed it. Prices were where you’d expect. I held back on 5s all of the way down because of seating next to the rest rooms/kitchen made the romantic meal a little noisy and busy as folks were walking past our table. Not that it’s a complaint, just a fact. The service was great, a little slow but the waitress apologized and explained that it was hard to get staff to work the Friday after Thanksgiving. We were treated very well. Thanks to a delicious Italian meal.

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                                                                                              8. John

                                                                                                Louisville

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined on 24 November 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                Food and service were outstanding. We had a reservation for 4 but by the time we arrived we needed to another one more. OperaCaffee accommodated our request without any problems. We ordered a variety of pasta dishes (Ravioli Fattore, Ravioli Boscailoa, Fettucine Alfredo, Gnocchi Asiago Cacio & Pepe) and Caesar salads that were all excellent. The wine list includes reasonably-priced bottles (Reds starting at $38). Tiramisu and cannoli were delicious. Our server was helpful and knowledgeable about the food and wine. Definitely recommended.

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                                                                                              9. Daniela

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined on 18 November 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                Great place! Food was excellent and good service. Staff was caring and helpful

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                                                                                              10. Alice

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on 17 November 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Operacaffe is a hidden gem in downtown San Diego! Wonderful ambiance, delicious food, gracious wait staff!!

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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 1350 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                              A photo of Operacaffe restaurant

                                                                                              Operacaffe

                                                                                              4.7
                                                                                              $30 and under
                                                                                              Italian
                                                                                              Downtown

                                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                              7:00 pm
                                                                                              Booked 16 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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