We arrived and were seated in a timely manner. Wait staff was pleasant and attentive. We ordered Bruschetta, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Minestrone Soup and Lasagna. The Bruschetta was nothing to write home about, Tomato Soup was excellent, Minestrone was Luke warm and when reheated was mushy and fairly tasteless. The Lasagna serving was a small portion resembling a large egg roll and burnt with little to no flavor. To our favor, they did not charge us for the lasagna. Not the best Italian food we have experienced.. I hope the restaurant takes this as constructive criticism, rather than a customer complaining.
Amber
Excellent food, service, and environment. Got there around 5 on a Saturday night, not crowded at all, started filling up closer to 6. Really chill, fun, calm atmosphere.
Renee
We love this quaint, reasonably priced delicious Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego. Perfect for dinner before a show!
Erica
Reserved for a pre-theatre dinner. Paid the (minimal) reservation deposit. Got stuck in traffic and called. They could not have been kinder and more accommodating. We arrived with only 40 minutes before show time. Staff was great! Told us they knew we had theatre reservations- as did most in the restaurant. If we could order quickly they would try to make sure food came out ASAP. We did. And it did. I will come back. Food was delicious (Drink, Caesar salad and Pizza). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jen
Been many times always amazing! Pizza, raviolis, desserts all so fresh and delicious. Will always come back.
elsian
We always enjoy eating at the Operacaffe where we can count on excellect service and delicious food at a reasonable price! It's our go-to choice for pre-Civic Theatre shows and they always get us served and on our way on time!
Donna
Service was great....food just ok....caprese good...bread good...veal was terrible....suppose to be veal picata....instead It was a dried up 1 piece of fried veal ( piccata suppose to be sautéed not fried) very little to no sauce....risotto was not creamy tasted like boiled rice n asparagus although I asked for well done was still hard for $36...not worth it.....husband spaghetti had to go back twice after initially asking for it to be very soft still was al dente...so he gave up....it was my Birthday so I do appreciate the courtesy Tiramisu but even tgat was not that great......our server was very nice n attentive nut not sure I ll ever go back....it was convience to going to Balboa theatre across the street and was the readon to try it....
Anastasia
Service was great. Caesar dressing a bit watery and underwhelming for an Italian restaurant.
Teri
Very good food I definitely recommend this restaurant. Don't waste money on a bread basket it's just plain flavorless bread. I thought for 3.50 you get a variety of fresh breads. Service was good.
Bart
Great food. Was a wet Sunday night so not a lot of traffic. Vibe could be better. But would definitely recommend it!
We had a lovely pre-show dinner. I hadn't been in a few years, but was pleased that they offered to make a pasta primavera that had stayed in my memory even though it was no longer on the menu. It was truly delicious, as were our other dishes -- the arugula salad (Patrizia) and mushroom-stuffed ravioli with a mushroom and truffle sauce. The service was excellent and the wines reasonably priced. We will be back.
Irene
Opera caffe is a gem of a restaurant on 4th street in downtown San Diego. I have enjoyed several different pasta dishes and they are all made to order and with love. Their appetizers are also very good. As well as their specialty cocktails and desserts. If you love homemade Italian food, you have to visit Opera caffe!
Jessica Wolff
I wish we would’ve taken pictures! Everything was delicious and service was great. Highly recommend it, especially if you are staying nearby. We were staying at the US Grant so it is almost right across the street. Will definitely be back! Owner is also Chef :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marissa
Great food but slightly slow service for dinner. Casual laid back atmosphere which is just what we were looking for.
Adams Adam
Operacaffe truly delivers a memorable Italian dining experience right in the heart of downtown San Diego. Nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter with a cozy and romantic ambiance, this charming restaurant immediately makes you feel welcome with its warm lighting, elegant décor, and a vibe that’s perfect for both date nights and intimate gatherings.
The menu is a delightful celebration of authentic Italian flavors. The house‑made pastas are definite stars: I adored the penne speperina with its creamy mascarpone, spicy sausage, and mint — simple yet wonderfully balanced. The ravioli del fattore, filled with ricotta and spinach in a mildly spicy vodka‑cream sauce, was equally impressive. For a lighter option, the Patrizia salad was fresh and artfully composed, featuring creamy avocado, hearts of palm, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
One mustn’t miss the playful I Coccoli—pillows of fried pizza dough draped with prosciutto and rich cheeses—utterly indulgent and irresistible. The main dishes, such as the tender ossobuchi Milanese served with saffron risotto, truly showcase the chefs’ flair and passion.
Service at Operacaffe is warmly attentive, making you feel personally cared for without being intrusive. Whether you’re craving sophisticated pasta, inventive appetizers, or comforting rustic entrees, this restaurant delivers it all with finesse and heart. I can’t wait to go back. Highly recommended!
We arrived and were seated in a timely manner. Wait staff was pleasant and attentive. We ordered Bruschetta, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Minestrone Soup and Lasagna. The Bruschetta was nothing to write home about, Tomato Soup was excellent, Minestrone was Luke warm and when reheated was mushy and fairly tasteless. The Lasagna serving was a small portion resembling a large egg roll and burnt with little to no flavor. To our favor, they did not charge us for the lasagna. Not the best Italian food we have experienced.. I hope the restaurant takes this as constructive criticism, rather than a customer complaining.
Excellent food, service, and environment. Got there around 5 on a Saturday night, not crowded at all, started filling up closer to 6. Really chill, fun, calm atmosphere.
We love this quaint, reasonably priced delicious Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego. Perfect for dinner before a show!
Reserved for a pre-theatre dinner. Paid the (minimal) reservation deposit. Got stuck in traffic and called. They could not have been kinder and more accommodating. We arrived with only 40 minutes before show time. Staff was great! Told us they knew we had theatre reservations- as did most in the restaurant. If we could order quickly they would try to make sure food came out ASAP. We did. And it did. I will come back. Food was delicious (Drink, Caesar salad and Pizza). ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Been many times always amazing! Pizza, raviolis, desserts all so fresh and delicious. Will always come back.
We always enjoy eating at the Operacaffe where we can count on excellect service and delicious food at a reasonable price! It's our go-to choice for pre-Civic Theatre shows and they always get us served and on our way on time!
Service was great....food just ok....caprese good...bread good...veal was terrible....suppose to be veal picata....instead It was a dried up 1 piece of fried veal ( piccata suppose to be sautéed not fried) very little to no sauce....risotto was not creamy tasted like boiled rice n asparagus although I asked for well done was still hard for $36...not worth it.....husband spaghetti had to go back twice after initially asking for it to be very soft still was al dente...so he gave up....it was my Birthday so I do appreciate the courtesy Tiramisu but even tgat was not that great......our server was very nice n attentive nut not sure I ll ever go back....it was convience to going to Balboa theatre across the street and was the readon to try it....
Service was great. Caesar dressing a bit watery and underwhelming for an Italian restaurant.
Very good food I definitely recommend this restaurant. Don't waste money on a bread basket it's just plain flavorless bread. I thought for 3.50 you get a variety of fresh breads. Service was good.
Great food. Was a wet Sunday night so not a lot of traffic. Vibe could be better. But would definitely recommend it!
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a lovely pre-show dinner. I hadn't been in a few years, but was pleased that they offered to make a pasta primavera that had stayed in my memory even though it was no longer on the menu. It was truly delicious, as were our other dishes -- the arugula salad (Patrizia) and mushroom-stuffed ravioli with a mushroom and truffle sauce. The service was excellent and the wines reasonably priced. We will be back.
Opera caffe is a gem of a restaurant on 4th street in downtown San Diego. I have enjoyed several different pasta dishes and they are all made to order and with love. Their appetizers are also very good. As well as their specialty cocktails and desserts. If you love homemade Italian food, you have to visit Opera caffe!
I wish we would’ve taken pictures! Everything was delicious and service was great. Highly recommend it, especially if you are staying nearby. We were staying at the US Grant so it is almost right across the street. Will definitely be back! Owner is also Chef :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food but slightly slow service for dinner. Casual laid back atmosphere which is just what we were looking for.
Operacaffe truly delivers a memorable Italian dining experience right in the heart of downtown San Diego. Nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter with a cozy and romantic ambiance, this charming restaurant immediately makes you feel welcome with its warm lighting, elegant décor, and a vibe that’s perfect for both date nights and intimate gatherings.
The menu is a delightful celebration of authentic Italian flavors. The house‑made pastas are definite stars: I adored the penne speperina with its creamy mascarpone, spicy sausage, and mint — simple yet wonderfully balanced. The ravioli del fattore, filled with ricotta and spinach in a mildly spicy vodka‑cream sauce, was equally impressive. For a lighter option, the Patrizia salad was fresh and artfully composed, featuring creamy avocado, hearts of palm, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
One mustn’t miss the playful I Coccoli—pillows of fried pizza dough draped with prosciutto and rich cheeses—utterly indulgent and irresistible. The main dishes, such as the tender ossobuchi Milanese served with saffron risotto, truly showcase the chefs’ flair and passion.
Service at Operacaffe is warmly attentive, making you feel personally cared for without being intrusive. Whether you’re craving sophisticated pasta, inventive appetizers, or comforting rustic entrees, this restaurant delivers it all with finesse and heart. I can’t wait to go back. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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