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Operacaffe, San Diego, CA

Operacaffe

4.7
4.7
1343 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
  • Neighborhood 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
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Antipasti

  • Bruschetta$7.95

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

    • Fried Burrata$12.95

      • Shrimp and Calamari Fritti$18.95

        • I Coccoli$12.95

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

          • Tagliere Toscano

            Selection of cured meats and cheeses

            • Serves 2$19.95

          • Carpaccio di Manzo$15.95

            Raw beef sirloin, lemon, arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

            • Carpaccio di Salmone$16.95

              Smoked salmon, arugula, oranges, and pink peppercorn

              Insalate

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

              • La Mista$6.95

                Mixed greens, tomato, carrots, and cucumbers

                • La Cesare$8.00

                  • Patrizia$14.95

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

                    • Caprese$14.50

                      Fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil

                      • Prosciutto di Parma e Burrata$15.95

                        • Ahi Tuna Salad$15.95

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

                          • Insalata di Salmone$18.95

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

                            • Insalata di Mare$17.95

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

                              • Burrata Salad$15.95

                                Arugula, watermelon, radish, cherry tomatoes and EVOO

                                Zuppe

                                • Zuppa del Giorno$8.95

                                  Ask your server

                                  Pizza

                                  • Margherita$14.95

                                    Tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil

                                    • Capricciosa$16.95

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

                                      • Hawaiiana$15.95

                                        Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pineapple, ham

                                        • Vegetariana$15.95

                                          Tomato sauce, mozzarella, seasonal vegetables

                                          • Pepperoni e Salsiccia$16.95

                                            Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni and italian sausage

                                            Pasta

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

                                            • Penne Carrettiera$14.95

                                              Tomato sauce, garlic, chili peppers, parsley and EVOO

                                              • Spaghetti Pomodoro$14.95

                                                Fresh tomato sauce, garlic and basil

                                                • Penne Bolognese$16.95

                                                  Bolognese style sauce

                                                  • Farfalle Campagnola$16.95

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

                                                    • Penne Speperina$17.95

                                                      Spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint

                                                      • Fettuccine Alfredo or Al Pesto$15.95

                                                        • Farfalle al Salmone$18.95

                                                          Smoked salmon, shallots, light creamy vodka sauce

                                                          • Penne alla Kika$20.95

                                                            Shrimps, manilla clams, white wine, light cream sauce

                                                            • Spaghetti di Mare$20.95

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

                                                              • Gnocchi Gorgonzola e Mirtilli$20.95

                                                                Sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries

                                                                • Ravioli Porcini e Crema di Tartufo$17.95

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

                                                                  • Ravioli Fattore$17.95

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

                                                                    • Ravioli Boscaiola$17.95

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

                                                                      • Bucatini Mare e Monti$19.95

                                                                        Spicy sausage sauce with mushroom and shrimp

                                                                        • Linguine alle Vongole Veraci$19.95

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

                                                                          • Paccheri alla Carbonara$18.95

                                                                            Pancetta, eggs, parmigiano and a touch of cream

                                                                            • Meat Lasagna$16.95

                                                                              • Penne Portofino$24.95

                                                                                Flambe jumbo prawns, pink vodka sauce and chili flakes

                                                                                Secondi

                                                                                • Pollo Contadina$21.95

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

                                                                                  • Pollo Limone$19.95

                                                                                    Chicken breast in a creamy lemon sauce

                                                                                    • Pollo Parmigiana$19.95

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

                                                                                      • Vittella alla Parmigiana$27.95

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

                                                                                        • Salmone al Rosmarino$27.95

                                                                                          Wild salmon filet, shallots, white wine and rosemary

                                                                                          • La Tagliata$30.95

                                                                                            Filet mignon, arugula, polenta, tomatoes and gorgonzola sauce

                                                                                            • Pollo alla Pizzaiola$19.95

                                                                                              Chicken breast, capers, garlic, parsley, tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano

                                                                                              Last updated: February 3, 2022

                                                                                              What 1,343 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
                                                                                              • 4.4Value

                                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                                              Review summary

                                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                              Operacaffe offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a "very very good" menu that transports diners to Italy. Highlights include expertly crafted dishes like duck ragu pappardelle and porcini ravioli. The service is "excellent," accommodating special requests and ensuring a delightful visit. Perfect spot for pre-theater dining.

                                                                                              1,343 Reviews

                                                                                              1. John

                                                                                                Louisville

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                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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                                                                                              2. Daniela

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                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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                                                                                              3. Alice

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                17 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 17, 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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                                                                                              4. Courtney

                                                                                                Las Vegas

                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 13, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                The food was delicious, and our server was awesome. Everyone in our group loved their meal and enjoyed the dining experience!

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                                                                                              5. Michalina

                                                                                                Las Vegas

                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 11, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                The Food is excellent, as is the service and the staff is wonderful.

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                                                                                              6. Kelly

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                4.0

                                                                                                7 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 10, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                We arrived on time for our 6:30 reservation. The place was packed and there was a significant wait outside. We were seated 15 mins later and were then in a rush because we were heading to a show. We were ready to order because we had made our selections based off the menu provided by Open Table which we were told was very old and outdated. The waiter checked to see if they could still make the filet mignon as I had anticipated and the chef was able to somewhat recreate the dish with a few substitutions and at a current more expensive price than what was listed. (which I understand if the menu was old but Open Table should keep the menus they provide updated) I appreciate the fact that they tried to accommodate. Overall the food was tasty, the service rushed but good and we had a nice dinner.

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                                                                                              7. JEROME

                                                                                                Orange County

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                3.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined on November 4, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                Unfortunately, our dinner wasn't as good as first time. One suggestion: Don't put so much salt on the arugula as part of the pera di pazza. It almost ruined the salad.

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                                                                                              8. Mari

                                                                                                New York City

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                vip
                                                                                                1.0

                                                                                                1 review

                                                                                                Dined on November 3, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 1
                                                                                                2. Food 1
                                                                                                3. Service 3
                                                                                                4. Ambience 2
                                                                                                Pizza falling apart, fish was undercooked, plate was taken back to get "fixed" what came back looked inedible. Disgusting. I truly do not get how this place has more than 3 stars

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                                                                                              9. ANDREY

                                                                                                Seattle

                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 3, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                Best Italian food I had outside Italy. Literally can't go wrong with any entry on the menu. I marked moderate noise level due to a 12 lady party, normally I believe it would be quiet.

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                                                                                              10. Len

                                                                                                San Diego

                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                5.0

                                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                                Dined on November 3, 2024

                                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                Excellent authentic Italian food, varied menu and extensive wine list. Family atmosphere. We usually have dinner there before the opera.

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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 1343 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                                              2 people
                                                                                              7:00 PM
                                                                                              Booked 3 times today

                                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                              Google Map for Operacaffe

                                                                                              835 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

                                                                                              Additional information

                                                                                              • Neighborhood
                                                                                                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, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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