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Grilled Jumbo Prawns - Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level, San Francisco, CA

Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

3.7
3.7
610 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 13 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Healthy
A night at the opera or ballet is an elegant event, deserving of a remarkable culinary experience. Our gorgeous setting offers an ideal environment for pre-performance or intermission dining at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center.
We are located on the lower level of the War Memorial Opera House. Our menu is offered in buffet and à la carte format, keeping performance start time at the forefront for all visitors.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Continental, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 861-8150
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Alfonso Mis
  • Catering
    Host your next event at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, and Global Gourmet Catering will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Perfect for weddings, galas, corporate parties and pre- and post-performance events, this is San Francisco's premier choice for events of all sizes.
  • Area
    Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
  • Cross Street
    Franklin St. & Grove Street.
  • Parking details
    Parking is available in several lots in the surrounding area. Please call lots for current hours and rates. Performing Arts Garage, *Patrons dining in the Opera House may enter through the North Carriage entrance of the Opera House (adjacent to the War Memorial courtyard) up to two hours prior to curtain.
  • Public transit
    For transit directions, visit 511.org or call 511.Entering the Opera with a restaurant reservation? Please enter at the north side of the building at the carriage entrance.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 610 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.7
3.7 based on recent ratings
  • 3.6Food
  • 4Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 3.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Prelude at the Opera House offers an ideal dining experience for opera-goers, with its "great service," "fresh and varied" buffet, and "tender and tasty" dishes. While some found the pricing high, the convenience and ambiance make it a "perfect place to dine before the opera." Guests appreciate the attentive staff and the opportunity to return to their table during intermissions for a seamless evening of culture and cuisine.

1,927 Reviews
  1. Deborah

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We all loved the buffet, the salads were fresh and healthy and tasty! All of the food was artfully presented, and delicious! We love the experience at Prelude at the Opera and always look forward to having lunch there. The wait staff is so friendly and kind, it's like meeting up with old friends. Thanks for the great time!

    Is this helpful?

  2. JAMES

    VIP

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    In this country even the humblest of dinner buffets includes a dessert course in the pricing. Chopped cheese does not suffice. Would expect better of this organization in this city.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Laura

    VIP

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    The restaurant was not even open during the time of my reservation, but I had a reservation. I showed up and there was no food! No one called to say it was a mistake or let me know it was not open. It was part of a Christmas outing for my mom - ballet and a meal. It was very disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Meredith

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 11 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to go before any performance. Nice atmosphere. Food delivered with a mind to the performance timing.

    Is this helpful?

  5. kim

    VIP

    San Francisco

    51 reviews

    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot to grab a bite before a performance. The kids loved the buffet option, and the desserts are always a winner. It’s particularly convenient to have the same table during intermission with all the food and beverages waiting.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ada

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I will definitely go back the next time I am in the area.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Gary

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 1 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been here many times. The food is very good just a little too noisy

    Is this helpful?

  8. Barbara

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service are very good. What we love most is the elegant setting and the convenience of relaxed dining minutes away from our seats. Plus returning to our table for dessert during the intermission.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Adrian

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was really nonexistent. Couldn’t get the check prior to the opera even though there was plenty of time. The main advantage to eating there is not having to stress over getting to the opera on time. This was just not the case the last few times I’ve gone there.

    Is this helpful?

  10. susan

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I am normally not a “buffet” person so we had planned on something small and a la carte, however, when I did a Quick Look-see, I found the buffet to be versatile and inviting. Then, I noticed the carved roast station; once I saw the beautiful lamb roast perfectly cooked( I love mine rare), I was sold! It did not disappoint!!, I even went for a second slice of roasted lamb! The Opera Royal Champagne with Chambord and the chocolate cognac truffles put me right over the top and the contented smile never left my face for the entire evening. Add the Opera and the view of city hall from the outside balcony and it could not get any better! Perfect!!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level is rated 3.7 stars by 610 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 13 times today
Google Map for Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Franklin St. & Grove Street.
  • Area
    Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–7:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Continental, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking is available in several lots in the surrounding area. Please call lots for current hours and rates. Performing Arts Garage, *Patrons dining in the Opera House may enter through the North Carriage entrance of the Opera House (adjacent to the War Memorial courtyard) up to two hours prior to curtain.
  • Public transit
    For transit directions, visit 511.org or call 511.Entering the Opera with a restaurant reservation? Please enter at the north side of the building at the carriage entrance.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Alfonso Mis
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (415) 861-8150
  • Catering
    Host your next event at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, and Global Gourmet Catering will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Perfect for weddings, galas, corporate parties and pre- and post-performance events, this is San Francisco's premier choice for events of all sizes.
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