Operacaffe is located in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Experience authentic, award-winning, Italian cuisines that will make you feel like you're dining in Italy. From the menu items to the romance of Italy that decorates the atmosphere, Operacaffe is the perfect restaurant for an authentic Italian experience.
The reputation for excellent cuisine, family friendly service, the quality and freshness of ingredients, are the reasons we are so proud of our restaurant. No matter whether you are a seasoned food lover, a curious beginner, or somewhere in between, for the love of food, give us a try! You are welcome - it is our pleasure to serve you.
The reputation for excellent cuisine, family friendly service, the quality and freshness of ingredients, are the reasons we are so proud of our restaurant. No matter whether you are a seasoned food lover, a curious beginner, or somewhere in between, for the love of food, give us a try! You are welcome - it is our pleasure to serve you.
Services
Upon opening her first restaurant L'Osteria Delle Tre Panche in Florence, Italy, Patrizia Branchi has been a part of award-winning restaurants and Italian cuisine since 1985. What started as a family restaurant in Florence has turned into success across borders. She and her late husband Roberto, both natives of Florence, moved to California to fulfill their lifelong dream of running a restaurant in the United States.
Operacaffe is located in the heart of the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter within walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center, the famed Horton Plaza Shopping Center, as well as bars and night clubs, from the quaint and casual, to the sophisticated and chic. We only take reservations that are for parties of 6+.
Reviews (28)
Rachel F.
Jan 25, 2022
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Greg M.
Jan 24, 2022
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I read some reviews criticizing this establishment for being slow. Some people just don't get that there is a pandemic and many restaurants are struggling with staffing. If you are willing to be patient, you will be rewarded. The food is incredible. I had the veal scaloppine. Fantastic! Best meal I've had in years. Great wine selection. Service was very good considering the staffing was stretched. Definitely eating here again the next time I am in town.
Pierre Thabet
Jan 18, 2022
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Shayne R.
Jan 09, 2022
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Laila G.
Dec 23, 2021
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Steven R.
Dec 18, 2021
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Mary Cloutier
Dec 12, 2021
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Ankita C.
Nov 30, 2021
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What we ordered:
1. Gnocchi Asiago Cacio & Pepe (Specials)
2. Burrata Salad (Specials)
3. Margarita Pizza
What we thought: Hands down the best gnocchi we have EVER tasted. The gnocchi itself melted in our mouth and the sauce was out of this world -- perfectly creamy, delicious, with a peppery kick. We hope to go again very soon before this seasonal item leaves their menu. The burrata salad was also very delicious -- super fresh, perfect strawberries, and the massive burrata was amazing! Compared to the rest of our order, the pizza was only alright. The crust was thin with a little bit of
1. Gnocchi Asiago Cacio & Pepe (Specials)
2. Burrata Salad (Specials)
3. Margarita Pizza
What we thought: Hands down the best gnocchi we have EVER tasted. The gnocchi itself melted in our mouth and the sauce was out of this world -- perfectly creamy, delicious, with a peppery kick. We hope to go again very soon before this seasonal item leaves their menu. The burrata salad was also very delicious -- super fresh, perfect strawberries, and the massive burrata was amazing! Compared to the rest of our order, the pizza was only alright. The crust was thin with a little bit of
Tray Biz
Nov 19, 2021
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Karl Z.
Nov 05, 2021
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Suzanne A.
Oct 21, 2021
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I give one star because our waiter was great and the appetizer we ordered was really good. However if I could give no stars I would
For the owner of the restaurant. We waited almost an hour for our food to come out. We had a show to go to. If we were warned that the time was taking longer than Normal we would have happily moved on to a different spot to begin with.
When asking the owner about how much longer her was huffy and rude. Saying everyone is in a rush. He told us we could go watch our food being cooked. To me that was an extremely rude unprofessional comment and attitude. He offered
For the owner of the restaurant. We waited almost an hour for our food to come out. We had a show to go to. If we were warned that the time was taking longer than Normal we would have happily moved on to a different spot to begin with.
When asking the owner about how much longer her was huffy and rude. Saying everyone is in a rush. He told us we could go watch our food being cooked. To me that was an extremely rude unprofessional comment and attitude. He offered
Natalia A.
Oct 20, 2021
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Opera caffe has outdoor and indoor seating. It's a tiny Italian place in downtown San Diego however very homey and in a dim light setting. We did make reservations as many of the Italian restaurants downtown were taking reservations on the weekend.
The restaurant was very busy so it took our server a while before coming to our table. However he was very quick and attentive once he did. We started off with a Paloma (not pictured) and a Pear-pear-pear as well as a side of tagliere toscano for our appetizer. The meats & cheeses were thinly sliced which I enjoyed.
Our meals consisted of
The restaurant was very busy so it took our server a while before coming to our table. However he was very quick and attentive once he did. We started off with a Paloma (not pictured) and a Pear-pear-pear as well as a side of tagliere toscano for our appetizer. The meats & cheeses were thinly sliced which I enjoyed.
Our meals consisted of
Tea J.
Oct 09, 2021
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Miguel Ochoa
Sep 02, 2021
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This is the cutest place for a casual, but upscale date night! Open late, and within walking distance of our hotel in the Gaslamp District. The King Crab Penne Pasta is especially good, and do not forget the Bruschetta with fresh mozzarella! You can tell a lot of heart goes into the food, and the staff is super nice. Would definitely come here again.
Walter Brown
Aug 20, 2021
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I can't wait to go back again, the Pollo Limon dish I had was so unexpectedly good like wow. They serve hot bread with I think olive oil and balsamic vinegar was great never had that before. The chicken was perfect the suace I thought would be more sweet then savory but surprisingly it was very savory and the rice omg it was cheesy like I've never had cheese and rice together it was incredible im not sure what kind of cheese but it is like the best I swear. Presentation was great I loved it and I do plan on coming back next time I'm in San Diego
Bridget Esqueda
Jul 24, 2021
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Sarah K.
Jul 09, 2021
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My friends and I came here Saturday night for dinner. We really enjoyed all of the pasta dishes which included beef bolognese, linguine alle vongole veraci, and ravioli porcini e crema di tartufo. The Latido malbec wine was perfect! We ate outside and the set up was nice. I would come back here! Excellent service, affordable, and delicious.
Debi R.
Jul 06, 2021
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Dinner before shenanigans. We love Italian food and try to find the best Italian restaurants wherever we stay. This restaurant is up there!
Usually I order my own cocktails, but my hubby was on a roll with his cocktail suggestions for me, so I ordered the Pear, Pear, Pear. (Pear juice, Prosecco, Pear vodka). Hmmmm...no, no, no. Not for me.
I did however enjoy my eggplant parm. It didn't have the breading on it which was perfect, because I may have eaten a whole loaf of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. So addicting!
My hubby said his chicken parm was outstanding. I wish I had
Usually I order my own cocktails, but my hubby was on a roll with his cocktail suggestions for me, so I ordered the Pear, Pear, Pear. (Pear juice, Prosecco, Pear vodka). Hmmmm...no, no, no. Not for me.
I did however enjoy my eggplant parm. It didn't have the breading on it which was perfect, because I may have eaten a whole loaf of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. So addicting!
My hubby said his chicken parm was outstanding. I wish I had
Benita C.
May 21, 2021
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Great service!
The food was very good. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. When I did the reservation on line I was asked if we were celebrating anything and I entered a birthday. Sadly the birthday was not acknowledged.
We loved the outdoor dining set up!
Food-I had the chicken limon, it was very good and my husband had the chicken parm. Both portions were big, neither of us could finish our dinner. We would certainly go back.
The food was very good. We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. When I did the reservation on line I was asked if we were celebrating anything and I entered a birthday. Sadly the birthday was not acknowledged.
We loved the outdoor dining set up!
Food-I had the chicken limon, it was very good and my husband had the chicken parm. Both portions were big, neither of us could finish our dinner. We would certainly go back.
Gaby J.
Apr 29, 2021
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Operacaffe is one of my favorite Italian restaurant in town & I'm surprised I haven't written a review for it. Prior to Operacaffe, I would laugh at people buying Italian food in restaurants. Why buy $20 spaghetti when you can make it at home for less? But then, I tried fresh pasta HERE for the first time...ten years ago...and boy oh boy, it changed my world...for the better! Fresh pasta is probably one of my favorite meals in the world now.
Last night, I couldn't decide between pappardelle or lasagna and Peter, the waiter, told me to get the lasagna since it was made fresh
Last night, I couldn't decide between pappardelle or lasagna and Peter, the waiter, told me to get the lasagna since it was made fresh
Jonathan Z.
Mar 13, 2021
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Loved the food and service from JC!
We had a Groupon to use so we decided to have a midweek date night at Operacaffe.
Parking: metered parking all around but we managed to snag some free parking a couple blocks up.
Ambiance: ample outdoor, socially-distanced dining both on their patio and the extended makeshift patio that was nicely lit at night
Wine: JC recommended the Maddalena- a nice dry cab to start the night and were very happy with the recommendation
Apps: the I Coccoli is a must try if you've never had it. Fried pizza dough with stracchino and mascarpone cheese, topped with
We had a Groupon to use so we decided to have a midweek date night at Operacaffe.
Parking: metered parking all around but we managed to snag some free parking a couple blocks up.
Ambiance: ample outdoor, socially-distanced dining both on their patio and the extended makeshift patio that was nicely lit at night
Wine: JC recommended the Maddalena- a nice dry cab to start the night and were very happy with the recommendation
Apps: the I Coccoli is a must try if you've never had it. Fried pizza dough with stracchino and mascarpone cheese, topped with
James E.
Feb 08, 2021
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Awesome and fun service from the staff.
There weren't many people during our dinner, just one other table, so it was nice to have more space to ourselves.
The pasta we got was good. I'm going to refrain from embarrassing myself trying to describe the food. I had the paccheri all carbonara, personally it was ok for me. Yeah I would eat it if it were around me, but I'd probably opt to try something else next time.
My fianceƩ said her ravioli fattore was delicious. I tasted it and it was good too.
Our other friend got the salmon. He said it was a tad overcooked, but still tasty
There weren't many people during our dinner, just one other table, so it was nice to have more space to ourselves.
The pasta we got was good. I'm going to refrain from embarrassing myself trying to describe the food. I had the paccheri all carbonara, personally it was ok for me. Yeah I would eat it if it were around me, but I'd probably opt to try something else next time.
My fianceƩ said her ravioli fattore was delicious. I tasted it and it was good too.
Our other friend got the salmon. He said it was a tad overcooked, but still tasty
Dung N.
Jan 29, 2021
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I came here for brunch last year, right before the governor shut down dining on site again. I really liked how they built a little patio outside with a white picket fence around it. I started off with a spicy margarita with just a splash of tequila.
As for food, my hubby and I shared the frittate, Italian benedict, and tiramisu pancakes. Everything came out really fast! The frittate is an Italian omelette and tasted better than the regular omelettes I've had before. The benedict was pretty good and tiramisu pancakes tasted exactly like it's namesake. However, I thought it was a bit too
As for food, my hubby and I shared the frittate, Italian benedict, and tiramisu pancakes. Everything came out really fast! The frittate is an Italian omelette and tasted better than the regular omelettes I've had before. The benedict was pretty good and tiramisu pancakes tasted exactly like it's namesake. However, I thought it was a bit too
Joyce L.
Jan 14, 2021
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I asked Operacaffe to cater a virtual dinner party for guests residing at 18 different addresses from Cardiff to Chula Vista, and it came through with flying colors! I specifically chose a non-chain San Diego restaurant that has its own in-house delivery personnel, as I wanted to support local as much as possible. Like many other small businesses, this Gaslamp eatery has struggled during the pandemic, but is making a valiant effort to adapt to the new normal and continue operating.
I offered each guest a choice of 2 salads: La Mista (mixed greens, tomato, carrot, and cucumber with balsamic dressing
I offered each guest a choice of 2 salads: La Mista (mixed greens, tomato, carrot, and cucumber with balsamic dressing
Jack M.
Dec 17, 2020
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I had Thanks Giving Dinner at Chef Patricia's "Operacaffe." It was a great meal which also came with a starting salad and house baked bread, in addition to the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. The meal was $20 and beverages were extra.
The meal was very well presented on the plate. I appreciated that they gave me some dark and white meat from the turkey. They were both quite tender and juicy and tasted very nice. The stuffing and gravy were both very good, especially the light gravy. It may of been light but it offered very good flavor.
The mashed potatoes were good
The meal was very well presented on the plate. I appreciated that they gave me some dark and white meat from the turkey. They were both quite tender and juicy and tasted very nice. The stuffing and gravy were both very good, especially the light gravy. It may of been light but it offered very good flavor.
The mashed potatoes were good
Sarah K.
Nov 30, 2020
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Oh my god the pasta here is to DIE for. No joke, best freakin pasta I've had in my damn life. And my mama and friends can attest to this too!
I've only gone to this place twice but I had to say it's the best pasta I've had in SD for sure. Especially the penne carrieteria, the oil and the sauce is just too damn good.
First time I came here I got a few things. I got the buratta salad, penne carriteria with shrimp, pizza, a seasonal pasta and dessert.
Second time I came with my friend we just got pasta & bread with oil because we stuffed ourselves with bread haha.
Anyways
I've only gone to this place twice but I had to say it's the best pasta I've had in SD for sure. Especially the penne carrieteria, the oil and the sauce is just too damn good.
First time I came here I got a few things. I got the buratta salad, penne carriteria with shrimp, pizza, a seasonal pasta and dessert.
Second time I came with my friend we just got pasta & bread with oil because we stuffed ourselves with bread haha.
Anyways
Shan Poon
Oct 04, 2020
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We tried Operacaffe for takeout. Very tasty food. The pollo parmigiana is juicy and cheesy. It tasted just like you would get at eating at the restaurant. The tiramisu is made fresh. The portions for 1 three course meal (salad, entree, dessert, and bread) is enough to feed two people. Will definitely come again!
David Holmes
May 31, 2020
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