Restaurants near Balboa Park, San Diego

I am beyond satisfied with my experience. I had been waiting for a year for the chance to have this experience. So when I randomly caught an open reservation I had to take it. The food was amazing, the beef short rib was amazingly tender. I was honestly drawn to the ambience and was blown away. The snow falling at the top of the hour was a great addition. We walked the venue and took lots of pictures as well.

This was my first time at Mr A’s and giving full accolades. The service was as good as it gets. Rory is a veteran server with an extensive knowledge of wine, food and decorum. The whole staff did a wonder job as well. Liked the signature Old Fashion and the wine that Rory recommended. We had oysters, caviar and the lobster fritters to start. The baguette was warm and a great complement to the starters. The entrees were all loved. I had the rack of lamb that was perfectly cooked medium rare with an amazing white bean provencal. There were many other things we would have ordered. For your special occasion (this was my daughter’s birthday), this is the place! Bravo Mr A’s

Third time and by far the most consistently excellent dining experience we’ve had in San Diego. The sourdough was lovely, especially the butter that came with… the biscuit also had great texture and a lovely sage butter. The baba ganoush plate was great though a little bread heavy and not quite enough BG. Pork belly outstanding on all accounts. The large steak for two was cooked perfectly, though the potato skin on the stuffed potato was a bit oily (probably just needs higher temperature on the oil or a change of oil). We are dessert people (hey Claire Saffitz) so we had the apple pie ice cream, orange creamsicle sorbet, and the “Ferrero Rocher.” All outstanding. Still our favorite celebration spot in SD.

Balboa Park is beautiful, especially during the Christmas season. The receptionist has a big beautiful welcoming smile and we were seated promptly. The cocktails were delicious (Old Fashioned and raspberry lemon drop). The servers and waitress (Brittany) were very attentive. The food was excellent, as always. Beef sushi roll (who knew?!), the Caesar salad, the short ribs - tender and so flavorful. The Prado never disappoints!

Food selection as follows: pierogi-great flavor, all around excellent carrots-great flavor, however, some carrots were a little too crisp, some were perfect, some were burnt. Short ribs-good presentation and spices, but too salty Swordfish-excellent clams and sauce, fish was overcooked cornish hen-perfect Basque cheesecake-excellent