Operacaffe

Italian Restaurant $$ 4.6 (727)


Operacaffe is recognized for its authentic Italian cuisine, featuring freshly made pasta and traditional dishes that transport diners to Italy. Many visitors commend both the vibrant atmosphere and the friendly service, making it a popular dining choice in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Overall:

4.5

(593 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (619) 234-6538

Address: 835 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking
  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Our night at Operacaffe was one we would treasure! Initially worried about the wait, we were pleasantly seated at the bar, courtesy of a delightful hostess who guided us through the drink menu. The pasta dishes we sampled were bursting with flavor – the homemade tagliatelle, in particular, is a standout! A lovely twist on the classic dishes made the experience feel sophisticated. The staff were engaging, and the ambiance was superb. Will most definitely add this restaurant to our list of favorites! " (*Curated Review*)

" What a wonderful dining experience! This restaurant embodies authentic Italian cuisine, from the minute you walk in. We started with the mixed antipasti, which was beautifully presented and just the right amount of food to share. I opted for the risotto, a comfort dish that didn’t disappoint! It was creamy and al dente, laden with fresh herbs and seafood. To top it off, the ambiance was cheerful but intimate, perfect for our gathering. Highly recommend visiting Operacaffe when in the area! " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently visited Operacaffe after hearing some great reviews from friends. I was very impressed! It's a small, charming place with an Italian vibe. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including the gnocchi and lobster ravioli. Both were excellent, and honestly, I could go back just for the ravioli! The service was good – our waiter was very knowledgeable and welcoming. The only hiccup was the dessert; the tiramisu was slightly too sweet for my taste. But overall, a lovely experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" This restaurant was an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, the decor and the aroma of Italian cooking filled the air. Our server was very friendly and took the time to explain the specials. I opted for the lasagna, which was packed with flavor and perfectly balanced with marinara and bechamel. The meal was topped off with an exquisite tiramisu that was light yet indulgent. The ambiance made it ideal for a date night – we will surely revisit whenever in San Diego. Highly recommended! " (*Curated Review*)

" Our family visited Operacaffe for dinner after hearing wonderful things, and it certainly lived up to the hype! The pasta is made fresh, and you can taste the quality in every bite. I had the fettuccine al pesto, and it was honestly one of the best I've ever tasted! The atmosphere was intimate yet vibrant, making it perfect for a family dinner or a romantic date. Service was exceptional too – our server made sure our glasses were never empty. The prices are reasonable considering the quality. We will be back without a doubt! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (583)

" Wow, what a delightful experience! I visited Operacaffe while on vacation, and it exceeded all expectations! The atmosphere was enchanting, reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria. I ordered the signature dish, duck pappardelle, which was amazing! The richness of the sauce paired beautifully with the tender pasta. The server was incredibly attentive and provided great recommendations. The only critique I have is about the dessert selection; I felt it could use more options. All in all, I can’t recommend this restaurant enough! " (*Curated Review*)

" I can't say enough good things about my visit to Operacaffe! As soon as we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting. The staff welcomed us with a smile, and the service was attentive throughout our meal. I highly recommend the arancini appetizer; it was crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside! I decided on the special for the night, which was braised lamb ragu over a bed of homemade pappardelle – simply divine! I left feeling satisfied and eager to return. Definitely a 5-star experience! " (*Curated Review*)

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