ARTIFACT at Mingei

ARTIFACT at Mingei reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. T

   Tania

   San Diego6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I had the pleasure of enjoying a 4-course Afghan dinner experience last night inside a restaurant tucked within a museum—and it was absolutely fantastic. Each dish was beautifully balanced, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. The spices were warm and fragrant without being overwhelming, and everything from start to finish felt like a culinary journey through the region. The atmosphere was cozy and culturally rich, which made the experience even more special. I left feeling full, happy, and inspired. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to try something new and delicious!
   

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2. M

   Missnol VIP

   San Diego15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   All love for Artifacts unique artfully crafted food and great service.
   

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3. D

   Dante VIP

   Hawaii22 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best meal in years. Incredible. Short rib with noodles the best. Can’t really describe the flavors. Pear and beet salad also unlike Anything we have had.
   

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4. K

   Kevin

   San Diego53 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 15 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Only open for dinner on Friday nights except for one Thursday night a month but are open for lunch most everyday. The restaurant is very well designed and appointed, the food is inventive and always really good. The service especially if you sit at the bar is outstanding. Everything about Artifact is enjoyable including the outside patio weather permitting (and it usually is).
   

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5. R

   Raus

   San Diego10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 15 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Meatballs were Amazing! Service was sensitive to our time constraints and Very attentive!
   

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6. M

   Mary Jo

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 13 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent fresh food, inventiveuse of ingredients,beautiful presentation, and ,most importantly , delicious. Our server Allie was knowledgable, helpful, and engaging. Gorgeous space in the Mingei Museum at Balboa Park. We ate inside due to rain but will try the spacious side patio next time. We enjoyed our lunch immensly and will return for a Friday dinner and perhaps one of their monthly world dinners. Highly recommend Artifact!
   

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7. T

   Talkinboutdafood VIP

   San Francisco32 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 12 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Surprising to find such great food and cocktails in a museum. The lamb burger and kabocha/beet salad were delicious. Just be aware the restaurant is in the lobby of the museum but it’s a small museum so very little noise from the patrons going to and fro. After lunch, get a coffee to go from the cafe on the other side of the lobby and sit outside in the beautiful plaza. Memorable day!
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a small birthday celebration over lunch on lovely setting on the patio, with a wonderful waiter and excellent food. The weather was beautiful. Couldn’t ask for more. Very memorable.
   

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9. S

   Sharon

   San Diego2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everyone’s moral selections were delicious with the exception of my order - it was way too salty and the waitress immediately credited the charge and asked if I wanted a different entree. When I declined, she offered a dessert which was enjoyed by all. Great service and with the one entree exception, delicious food.
   

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10. V

    Vickie VIP

    Los Angeles43 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Everything about the Mingei Indigo exhibit tied together. Even the amazing artwork over the bar and an indigo inspired mock tail. We arrived early before our reservation and were seated at the bar. I did receive a no show notice. But we were there. We did notice tables were open while we were at the bar. We had a great experience with Kendra. We ordered 2 pre fixe dinners and ordered different items. Kendra gave us small plates so we could exchange food. Although the bar chairs aren’t as comfortable as a table, our experience was great. Kendra explained the indigo woven art. She advised us on the food choices. We loved it. We were so surprised at the quality of the food and the service at a museum cafe. It definitely was on par with a very nice restaurant.
    

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