Frequently Asked Questions
Authentic Italian dining in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Find quick answers about our menu, wine, private events, reservations, hours and parking.
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General Questions
Everything you need to know about Opera Caffe, our family and the authentic Italian kitchen behind it. Learn more on our About Us page.
What type of cuisine does Opera Caffe serve?
We serve authentic Italian cuisine: homemade pasta and ravioli, Italian pizzas, fresh seafood, veal, filet mignon and classic desserts like tiramisu and cannoli. Our recipes have been perfected over decades by Chef Patrizia Branchi, who began her culinary career in Florence, Italy. See the full food menu.
Who is the chef at Opera Caffe?
Opera Caffe is led by restaurateur and chef Patrizia Branchi. She has been part of award-winning restaurants and Italian cuisine since 1985, when she opened her first restaurant, L'Osteria Delle Tre Panche, in the heart of Florence. Read Chef Patrizia’s story.
Is Opera Caffe family-owned?
Yes. Chef Patrizia runs Opera Caffe alongside her daughter, Kika, fulfilling their lifelong dream of owning a restaurant in the United States. Learn more about our family.
Is Opera Caffe family-friendly?
Absolutely. Family is at the heart of everything we do, and guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy an authentic Italian dinner with us.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code. Guests are welcome in casual or dressy attire. Come as you are and enjoy the experience.
Food Menu & Dietary Questions
Questions about our dishes, homemade pasta and dietary options. Browse every dish on our Italian food menu.
Is your pasta made in-house?
Many of our pastas are made by hand, including our meat lasagna, Tortelli di Granchio (jumbo tortelloni stuffed with Alaskan king crab and shrimp) and Maine lobster ravioli. You can also upgrade any pasta dish to homemade fettuccine or pappardelle for $3. See all pasta dishes.
Do you have gluten-free options?
Yes. Gluten-free pasta is available with any pasta dish for an additional $3. Please let your server know about any allergies or dietary needs when you order.
What vegetarian dishes do you offer?
Vegetarian-friendly choices include the Margherita and Vegetariana pizzas, Bruschetta, Arancini, Caprese salad, Spaghetti Pomodoro, Penne Carrettiera, Fettuccine Alfredo, Fettuccine al Pesto, Ravioli Boscaiola and Gnocchi Asiago Cacio & Pepe. Ask your server to confirm ingredients. View the menu.
What seafood dishes do you serve?
Seafood lovers can choose from Cioppino, Salmone al Rosmarino, Linguine alle Vongole Veraci, Black Squid Ink Linguine di Mare, Penne alla Kika, Tortelli di Granchio, Maine Lobster Ravioli, the Ahi Tuna Salad and Shrimp and Calamari Fritti.
Why do some dishes take longer to prepare?
Our Filetto Ciao San Diego and Filetto al Chianti are filet mignon dishes cooked to order and take extra time to prepare. If you are on a schedule, such as dinner before a show, let your server know when you are seated.
What desserts do you have?
Our Italian desserts include Tiramisu, Cannoli, Tartufo Nero, Spumoni Bomba, La Caterina (Belgian chocolate lava cake stuffed with Nutella), Limoncello Cake, Baba, Torta del Nonno, creme brulee, cheesecake, gelato and lemon sorbet.
Wine & Drinks Questions
Italian wines, cocktails, corkage and more. See the complete list on our wine and drinks menu.
What kind of wine do you serve?
Our wine list focuses on Italy, including Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, Amarone della Valpolicella, Chianti Classico, a Super Tuscan, Lambrusco, Prosecco Rose, Pinot Grigio and Gavi, alongside select wines from California, Oregon and New Zealand. See the full wine list.
Can I bring my own wine? What is the corkage fee?
Yes. Our corkage fee is $20 per 750 ml bottle.
Do you have a full bar?
Yes. We serve cocktails, a full selection of spirits (bourbon, gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey), Italian and imported beers such as Peroni and Moretti, and classic Italian after-dinner cordials including limoncello, grappa, sambuca, amaretto and Fernet-Branca. View the drinks menu.
Do you offer non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes. Options include Heineken Zero, San Pellegrino sparkling water, Acqua Panna still water and espresso.
Private Events & Group Dining Questions
Planning a celebration or business dinner? Here is how group dining works. Start your request on our Private Events page.
Does Opera Caffe host private events?
Yes. We host family celebrations, birthdays, business dinners, intimate wedding receptions and other special occasions, with a welcoming atmosphere, personalized menus and attentive service. Learn about private events.
How many guests counts as a private event?
Parties of 11 or more guests are handled as private events. Please submit a Private Event Inquiry. For 10 guests or fewer, simply make a reservation.
Can you create a custom menu for my event?
Yes. Private events include personalized menus so your group can enjoy dishes chosen for your occasion. Share your preferences in the inquiry form and our team will follow up.
How do I book a private event?
Fill out the Private Event Inquiry form with your date, time, number of guests and occasion, or call us at (619) 234-6538.
Reservation Questions
Booking a table is quick and easy. Reserve online through our Reservations page.
How do I make a reservation?
Book online anytime through OpenTable on our Reservations page, or call us at (619) 234-6538.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings and during major Downtown events, conventions and theater nights.
Can I make a reservation for a large group?
Groups of up to 10 can book a regular reservation. For 11 or more guests, please send a Private Event Inquiry so we can plan your party properly.
How do I change or cancel my reservation?
Use the link in your OpenTable confirmation to modify or cancel, or call us at (619) 234-6538.
Location, Hours & Parking
Find us in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Directions and contact details are on our Contact page.
Where is Opera Caffe located?
We are at 835 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, in Downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. Get directions.
What are your hours?
We are open daily for dinner. Sunday through Thursday: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Friday and Saturday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Is Opera Caffe near the San Diego Convention Center?
Yes. We are a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center, making us an easy dinner stop during conventions and Comic-Con. Read our Comic-Con dining guide.
Is Opera Caffe a good place to eat before a show at the Balboa Theatre?
Yes. The Balboa Theatre is just steps away on Fourth Avenue. We recommend booking ahead and telling your server your showtime. See our pre-show dining guide.
Where can I park?
Metered street parking is available throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, and several public parking garages are within a few blocks of Fourth Avenue.
Still Have a Question?
Our team is happy to help. Call us at (619) 234-6538, send us a message, or book your table online.