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The Godfather Restaurant, San Diego, CA

The Godfather Restaurant

4.6

4.6

1944 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Great for fine wines

The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00–14:30 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–21:30 Fri 17:00–22:00 Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
Phone number
(858) 560-1747
Website
http://www.godfatherrestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Isidoro Balistreri

Location
7878 Clrmt Msa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111-1621
Area
Kearny Mesa
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

The Godfather Restaurant's menu was last updated 2022-02-02.

Hours: M-F 11:00am-2:30pm

Antipasti

Mozzarella en CarozzaUS$10.95
Mozzarella cheese, seasoned, fried & baked in marinara sauce
CapreseUS$13.95
Fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, Sicilian olives, basil, red onion, oregano, capers & extra virgin olive oil
Cuori di CarciofiUS$12.95
Artichoke hearts, seasoned & fried. Baked in lemon, garlic, capers & parmesan cheese
Fegatini di PolloUS$11.95
Tender chicken livers, sauteed in white wine, fresh mushrooms & peas
Antipasto della CasaUS$16.95
Roasted, marinated vegetables, prosciutto, salami, mordatella, olives, pepperoncini, basil, & extra-virgin olive oil
Calamari FrittiUS$12.95
Tender calamari, lightly breaded & fried
CaesarUS$6.00
Fresh crisp Romaine, tossed with our special recipe Caesar dressing & anchovy filet

Paste

Served with your choice of soup of the day or house salad

Penne All' Arrabbiata e SalcicceUS$16.95
Penne pasta & sausage in tomato sauce, seasoned spicy hot with Italian peppers
Spaghetti alla BologneseUS$15.95
Chef Isidoro's special recipe of spaghetti & meat sauce. Suggested wine: Sartori Bardolino
Penne al PomodoroUS$15.95
Penne pasta with fresh tomato, garlic, oregano & basil. Suggested wine: Sangiovese
Lasagne al FornoUS$16.95
Baked lasagne in the old Sicilian style with bolognese sauce, ricotta, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses. Suggested wine: Gattinara
Spaghetti alla CarbonaraUS$16.95
Spaghetti in light imported parmesan cheese sauce with prosciutto. Suggested wine: Pinot Grigio
Linguine al PestoUS$15.95
Linguine tossed with basil, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, garlic & pine nuts. Suggested wine: Pinot Gringo
Fettucine AlfredoUS$16.95
Fettuccine pasta tossed with a rich cream sauce
Ravioli alla GodfatherUS$15.95
Traditional meat ravioli in Chef Isidoro's Bolognese sauce. Suggested wine: Chianti
Ravioli ai Funghi PortobelloUS$17.95
Portobello mushroom ravioli, served in a light cream & tomato Rossini sauce. Suggested wine: Mondavi Barbera
Tortellini al VerdeUS$17.95
Spinach & ricotta tortellini served in Alfredo sauce. Suggested wine: Ruffino Libaio
Linguine al VongoleUS$17.95
Linguine with clams sauteed in wine, extra virgin olive oil, garlic & parsley, served with your choice of red or white sauce. Suggested wine: Orvieto or Chianti
Penne alla PuttanescaUS$16.95
Penne in a fresh tomato sauce with olives, capers, basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese & oregano. Suggested wine: Italian Merlot
Cannelloni Fatti en CasaUS$17.95
Italian crepes with chicken, meat & cheeses, garlic, fresh mushrooms, baked with besciamella sauce. Suggested wine: Barbera D' Asti
Eggplant alla ParmigianaUS$17.95
Baked eggplant with mushrooms, ricotta & mozzarella cheese in marinara sauce. Suggested wine: Dolcetto D' Alba
Linguine ai Frutti di MareUS$24.95
A king Neptune feast of pastas! Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari & fish sauteed in wine, garlic & mushrooms, served in red or white sauce. Suggested wine: Gavi "Principessa"

Piatti Combinazioni

Served with pasta & your choice of soup of the day or house salad

Cannelloni con Scaloppine al MarsalaUS$24.95
Cannelloni & veal medallions in Sicilian marsalla wine & fresh mushrooms. Suggested wine: Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio
Cannelloni con FegatiniUS$23.95
Cannelloni & fresh chicken livers sauteed with fresh mushrooms, onions & peas. Suggested wine: Orvieto
Cannelloni con Pollo Alla ParmigianaUS$23.95
Cannelloni & baked chicken breast with mozzarella, marinara, fresh mushrooms & parmesan cheese. Suggested wine: Quercetto Chianti

Pollo

Served with pasta & your choice of soup of the day or house salad

Pollo alla MarsalaUS$18.99
Chicken sauteed in Sicilian marsala wine with fresh mushrooms. Suggested wine: Pinot Grigio "La Famiglia"
Pollo alla CacciatoriUS$18.99
Chicken in marinara sauce with white wine, garlic, oregano, fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, onions & fine Italian herbs. Suggested wine: Sartori Soave
Pollo alla ParmigianaUS$18.99
Baked chicken breast with mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce & fresh mushrooms. Suggested wine: Querceto
Saltimbocca di PolloUS$18.99
Chicken breasts sauteed in a light tomato sauce with wine, prosciutto, mozzarella & sage. Suggested wine: Gattinara
Pollo alla FiorentinaUS$18.99
Chicken medallions lightly battered & sauteed in white wine, fresh lemon, butter & capers. Suggested wine: Orvieto
Fegatini di PolloUS$18.99
Chicken livers tenderly sauteed in white wine with fresh mushrooms & peas. Suggested wine: Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc

Pesce

Served with pasta & your choice of soup of the day or house salad

Pesce del GiornoUS$20.99
Prepared to perfection with white wine, lemon & butter
CioppinoUS$24.95
A fisherman's wharf seafood medley of lobster, mussels, calamari, shrimp, clams & fresh fish in marinara soup. Suggested wine: Gavi "Principessa"
Scampi alla GodfatherUS$23.99
Shrimp baked in wine with fresh mushrooms, garlic, oregano & balsamic vinegar. Suggested wine: Frascati
Scampi Fra DiavoloUS$21.99
Shrimp in a spicy marinara sauce with garlic & Italian herbs. Suggested wine: Petite Syrah
Zuppa di CozzeUS$18.99
Mussels in wine, garlic, extra virgin olive oil & light marinara sauce. Suggested wine: Caymus Sauvignon Blanc
Linguine ai Frutti di MareUS$24.95
A king Neptune feast of pastas! Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari & fish sauteed in wine, garlic & mushrooms, served in your choice of red or white sauce. Suggested wine: Gavi "Principessa"
Salmone alla GrigliaUS$19.99
Salmon seared in a Sicilian style sauce of diced tomatoes, capers, olives, onions, bell peppers & olive oil. Suggested wine: Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc
Calamari alla MarinaraUS$17.99
Calamari sauteed in a spicy light marinara sauce with white wine, fresh garlic & oregano. Suggested wine: Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio

Vitello

Served with pasta & your choice of soup of the day or house salad

Scaloppine al MarsalaUS$19.99
Veal medallions sauteed in Sicilian Marsala wine with fresh mushrooms. Suggested wine: Pinot Grigio "La Famiglia"
Piccata di ScaloppineUS$19.99
Veal medallions sauteed in white wine, lemon & butter with fresh mushrooms & capers. Suggested wine: Verdicchio
Vitello alla FiorentinaUS$19.99
Lightly battered veal medallions sauteed in white wine, lemon, butter & capers. Suggested wine: Gavi
Saltimbocca di VitelloUS$19.99
Veal sauteed in wine & baked in light tomato sauce with prosciutto, mozzarella & sage. Suggested wine: Ferrari-Carano Merlot
Bocconcini alla GodfatherUS$19.99
Seasoned & breaded veal stuffed with prosciutto, provolone, parmesan & Italian seasoning, salami & mortadella, broiled with bell peppers & onion. Suggested wine: Chianti, Ruffino
Vitello alla ParmigianaUS$19.99
Baked veal with mozzarella cheese, bolognese sauce & fresh mushrooms. Suggested wine: Quercetto Chianti
Speciale dello Chef IsidoroUS$19.99
Chef Isidoro's original seasoned & breaded veal stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes & onions sauteed & baked in wine & marinara. Suggested wine: Barolo

Steaks & Filet

Served with pasta & your choice of soup of the day or house salad

New York alla SinatraUS$28.95
New York strip sauteed in Barolo wine & marinara, fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, garlic & oregano. Suggested wine: Super-Tuscan
New YorkUS$27.95
New York strip, prepared as you wish. Suggested wine: Pierano Cabernet
Filet MignonUS$31.95
Godfather cut filet mignon, prepared as you wish. Suggested wine: Ferrari-Carano Siena

Panini Imbotiti

ProsciuttoUS$16.95
Italian artisan with prosciutto, arugula, fresh mozzarella, tomato, red onion, virgin olive oil & balsamico
SalsicceUS$14.95
Chef Isidoro's family made sausages in bolognese sauce, with bell peppers & mozzarella
TorpedoUS$14.95
Italian cold cuts, lettuce, tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese, onions, olive oil & spices
MeatballUS$14.95
Chef Isidoro's Sicilian meatballs in bolognese sauce with bell peppers & mozzarella cheese

Insalate

CaesarUS$14.95
Fresh crisp Romaine, tossed with our special recipe Caesar dressing. Served with your choice of chicken, shrimp or salmon
Insalata alla GodfatherUS$16.95
A Godfather assortment of Italian cold cuts, peperoncini, olives, tomatoes, Gorgonzola & Provolone cheese
Blackened Salmon SaladUS$17.95
Salmon over mixed greens, avocado, black olives & balsamic vinaigrette
Seared Ahi SaladUS$16.95
Seared ahi tuna, red onions, toy box tomatoes, spring mix greens, olives with soy balsamic dressing
Grilled Calamari SaladUS$16.95
Grilled whole calamari, roasted bell pepper, olives, toy box tomatoes, capers over spring mixed greens lemon zest vinaigrette

What 1,944 people are saying

The Godfather Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

5
4
3
2
1

Loved For

San Diego
Romantic
San Diego
Great for fine wines
San Diego
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Godfather Restaurant offers a "classic Italian dining" experience with consistently "amazing food," "wonderful ambiance," and "top-notch service." Patrons praise the "friendly, attentive staff" and the "distinctive old-school Italian vibe." Ideal for special occasions, guests enjoy "large portions" and complimentary appetizers, making it a beloved San Diego staple.

1,944 Reviews

K
Kathy VIP
San Diego43 reviews
2.0
Dined today
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
So DISAPPOINTED :( We have been going to the Godfather Restaurant since 1986 and tonight was such a disappointment. They reduced their menu, took off all of our favorite items and the entrees we chose were not the same! The chicken Florentina was rubbery, the Bolognese pasta was greasy and the Alfredo was tasteless. The special was ribeye, and it had a lot of gristle. I'm not sure what happened to the food here, this was always our "go to" for a great night out. It pains me to say we probably won't go back. Thanks for the memories. Waaaaah....
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Diego6 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was great. Dessert was fresh. Music was great. Cozy environment.
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C
Chris VIP
San Diego30 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great Italian ambience. Incredible service. Menu is incredible and the Fettuccine Alfredo was great. Reasonable pricing. Only minor complaint was the music was a bit loud for an uncrowded early lunch. We’ll be back for dinner soon.
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J
John VIP
San Diego46 reviews
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Chicken Parma, vegetables, and pasta side was barely warm.
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J
Jackie
Kansas City8 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A little slow on taking drink orders and getting us menus but our waiter apologized and made the experience better. The Blue Crab ravioli was incredible.
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K
Kathleen VIP
San Diego15 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A very pleasant experience. Excellent service, menu and drink selection. All our meals were exceptional. The tiramisu was amazing and the best we ever tasted.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything here is Italian perfection. Piano music. Great food. Great servers. It never misses.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellence in both service and food. Quiet enough for a personal conversation (which is not common these days.) No rushing the customer just an easy paced elegant dinner. You feel welcomed. The food is very generous in size and cooked to perfection. And best Of all Dessert different offerings not just “run of the mill” and excellent (I’m a dessert girl !). Overall a Perfect evening
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M
Michael VIP
Los Angeles101 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is probably the best traditional Italian restaurant that I have ever dined in in the United States. Certainly the very best Calamari and Lasagna. We were both completely blown away. The service was so warm and superb, that we felt like honored guests. We are only in San Diego a few times a year. But the next time we go, making a reservation here will be top on our list
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N
Natalie
Orange County2 reviews
2.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Food was good but nothing special. Very loud can’t even hear piano, will not be back.
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FAQs

The Godfather Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (858) 560-1747.

The Godfather Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 1944 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Godfather Restaurant

7878 Clrmt Msa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111-1621

Dining areas

Additional information

Area
Kearny Mesa
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00–14:30 Dinner Tue–Thu 17:00–21:30 Fri 17:00–22:00 Sat 16:00–22:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Isidoro Balistreri
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.godfatherrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(858) 560-1747

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