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!**

" Had a wonderful meal at Operacaffe recently. The vibe was very inviting, making it a lovely spot for dinner out. I enjoyed the grilled zucchini salad to start, which was cooked perfectly, and it matched well with my main dish of crab ravioli. The flavors were genuine and well-prepared. The only downside was a longer than usual wait for our entrees, but the service was polite enough, which softened the blow. I would return again and simply prepare for potential wait times. " (*Curated Review*)

" The seafood linguine at Operacaffe was absolutely divine, filled with fresh shrimp, mussels, and clams in a vibrant tomato-based sauce. The balance of flavors was remarkable, and the portion size was generous. The service was attentive, though it lagged a bit on a busy Saturday night. We were pleasantly surprised by the dessert offerings too; the panna cotta was light and creamy, just what we needed after a sizable entree. I definitely look forward to my next meal here! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was really looking forward to dining at Operacaffe but left a bit disappointed. While the atmosphere was charming, I felt the food didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The fettuccine we ordered was well-cooked, but I found the sauce lacking in flavor. Our server was very friendly but seemed overwhelmed during peak hours. I did notice larger portions, which was a plus. I think it’s worth giving it another chance. " (*Curated Review*)

" One of the best Italian meals I've enjoyed in recent memory! A hidden gem in the Gaslamp Quarter, this restaurant truly knows how to deliver authentic flavors. The freshly made pasta at Operacaffe is a standout, especially in dishes like the fettuccine alfredo, which transported me back to Rome! The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring we felt taken care of throughout our meal. Only issue was the noise level as it can get quite busy, but the food makes it worth every minute. Will definitely be back! " (*Curated Review*)

" Operacaffe will definitely be on my radar whenever I’m in San Diego again. The pasta was freshly made, and even my picky eater friend loved the bolognese! Well-priced and generous portions with authentic flavors made our dining experience one to remember. Service was attentive, and the environment was lovely. My only wish is that we had space for dessert! A definite recommendation for anyone craving robust Italian fare. " (*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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