The Godfather Restaurant

The Godfather Restaurant The Godfather Restaurant, located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, specializes in steakhouse and Italian cuisine. Established in 1974 by Chef Isidoro Balistreri and his wife Maria, the restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes from both Northern and Southern Italy. With a focus on gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and entertainment, diners can enjoy a taste of the "Old Country" while dining with the Balistreri family. Buon Appetito!
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Recent social media posts

We’ve got great news! Because Restaurant Week at The Godfather Restaurant was such a success, we’ve decided to extend it...
09/22/2026

We’ve got great news! Because Restaurant Week at The Godfather Restaurant was such a success, we’ve decided to extend it thru Sunday, September 27th. Enjoy a 3-course lunch for only $35 per person. Or indulge in a 3-course dinner for just $50 per person. This week only! Reserve your table on our website.

View the menu on our website.

The Godfather has been recognized as “San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant” (Ranch & Coast Magazine) and “Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Today is the final day of Restaurant Week! This is your last chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course dinner at The Godfather...
09/20/2026

Today is the final day of Restaurant Week! This is your last chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course dinner at The Godfather, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. Join us tonight! Reserve your table on our website.

Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
Open Sunday 4pm - 9pm.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

It’s the final weekend of Restaurant Week! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course dinner at The Godfather, ...
09/19/2026

It’s the final weekend of Restaurant Week! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course dinner at The Godfather, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. Join us tonight! Reserve your table on our website.

Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
Open Saturday 4:30pm - 10pm.
Sunday 4pm - 9pm.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

San Diego Restaurant Week ends this Sunday! This is your last chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exc...
09/18/2026

San Diego Restaurant Week ends this Sunday! This is your last chance to enjoy an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. Now is a great time to experience the iconic The Godfather, conveniently located in the heart of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. Indulge in our extensive w**e list + cocktail menu. Reserve your table on our website.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday
Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Join us for San Diego Restaurant Week now thru September 20th! Enjoy an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exclusively ...
09/15/2026

Join us for San Diego Restaurant Week now thru September 20th! Enjoy an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. This is a great time to experience the iconic The Godfather, conveniently located in the heart of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. Indulge in our extensive w**e list + cocktail menu. Reserve your table on our website.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday
Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

San Diego Restaurant Week starts today! Make plans to join us for an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exclusively for...
09/13/2026

San Diego Restaurant Week starts today! Make plans to join us for an amazing 3-course menu, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. This is a great time to experience the iconic The Godfather, conveniently located in the heart of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. Indulge in our extensive w**e list + cocktail menu. Reserve your table on our website.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday
Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

We are participating in San Diego Restaurant Week! Make plans to join us for either a curated lunch or dinner starting S...
09/11/2026

We are participating in San Diego Restaurant Week! Make plans to join us for either a curated lunch or dinner starting September 13th. We’ll be featuring a special 3-course menu, value priced exclusively for Restaurant Week. This is a great time to experience the iconic The Godfather, conveniently located in the heart of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. Reserve your table on our website.

The Godfather has been recognized as "San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurant" (Ranch & Coast Magazine)
and "Most Romantic” (Union Tribune).

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am - 2pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday
Reservations: www.godfatherrestaurant.com
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Stop paying retail for your favorite w**es! Introducing The Godfather Restaurant’s Insiders W**e Club. Discover a collec...
09/10/2026

Stop paying retail for your favorite w**es! Introducing The Godfather Restaurant’s Insiders W**e Club. Discover a collection of amazing w**es by the case, all at wholesale prices you can’t find anywhere else. It’s easy to order right on our website. So raise a glass to becoming an Insider and start saving today.

View W**es & Order Here: https://godfatherrestaurant.com/w**eclub/

Union Tribune + Ranch & Coast Magazine Winner:
“Best Italian Restaurant”
Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday
Dinner served Tuesday - Sunday
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Caymus w**e lovers unite! The iconic The Godfather Restaurant invites you to experience a curated 5-course dinner paired...
08/22/2026

Caymus w**e lovers unite! The iconic The Godfather Restaurant invites you to experience a curated 5-course dinner paired with w**es from Napa’s world-class w**emaker; Caymus Vineyards.
Because this w**e dinner sold out so quickly last year, we’ve added 2 dates this year! Choose your evening and make plans now to join us for this exclusive event. Only $145 per person (includes tax/gratuity).

View menu and purchase tickets here: https://godfatherrestaurant.com/w**edinners/

This exciting event sold out, but we’ve just added 4 additional seats! Our exclusive pop-up w**e tasting event will feat...
08/17/2026

This exciting event sold out, but we’ve just added 4 additional seats! Our exclusive pop-up w**e tasting event will feature Napa’s Rombauer Vineyards w**es, paired with a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy an evening of exceptional w**es, great company, and a memorable tasting experience. With just 4 additional tickets now available, don’t miss out. Hurry and purchase now.

To purchase tickets, visit https://godfatherrestaurant.com/popup-rombauer/

Join us for an exclusive pop-up w**e tasting event featuring Napa Valley’s Rombauer Vineyards w**es, perfectly paired wi...
08/14/2026

Join us for an exclusive pop-up w**e tasting event featuring Napa Valley’s Rombauer Vineyards w**es, perfectly paired with a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy an evening with these exceptional w**es, great company, and a memorable tasting experience. Seating is limited for this special event, so we encourage you to purchase tickets early. Cost is only $20 per person (includes tax/gratuity).

To purchase tickets, visit https://godfatherrestaurant.com/popup-rombauer/

Caymus w**e lovers unite! The iconic The Godfather Restaurant invites you to experience a curated 5-course dinner paired...
08/08/2026

Caymus w**e lovers unite! The iconic The Godfather Restaurant invites you to experience a curated 5-course dinner paired with w**es from Napa’s world-class w**emaker; Caymus Vineyards.
Because this w**e dinner sold out so quickly last year, we’ve added 2 dates this year! Choose your evening and make plans now to join us for this exclusive event. Only $145 per person (includes tax/gratuity).

View menu and purchase tickets here: www.godfatherrestaurant.com

08/05/2026

This pasta dish is perfect for summer, made with fresh Manilla clams, white w**e and garlic. Available during lunch and dinner service. Discover our entire menu at www.godfatherrestaurant.com.

Union Tribune + Ranch & Coast Magazine Winner:
“Best Italian Restaurant”
Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday
Dinner served Tuesday - Sunday
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Are you in? If not, there’s still time, but it’s selling out fast. Our August 13th W**e Dinner features Napa’s Frank Fam...
07/14/2026

Are you in? If not, there’s still time, but it’s selling out fast. Our August 13th W**e Dinner features Napa’s Frank Family Vineyards, a multi-time recipient of the prestigious W**ery of the Year award for California w**es. Enjoy a curated 5-course menu, harmoniously paired with exceptional Frank Family vintages.

Only $135 per person (including tax/gratuity). This is a very popular w**e dinner, so reserve your table today before it's sold out.

To view menu and purchase tickets, visit www.godfatherrestaurant.com

Union Tribune + Ranch & Coast Magazine Winner:
“Best Italian Restaurant”
Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday
Dinner served Tuesday - Sunday
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

07/10/2026

Indulge in a curated 5-course w**e dinner at San Diego’s iconic The Godfather Restaurant on Thursday, August 13th at 6pm. We’ll be featuring Napa’s Frank Family Vineyards, a multi-time recipient of the prestigious W**ery of the Year award for California w**es. Only $135 per person (includes tax/gratuity). This is a very popular w**e dinner, so reserve your table today.

For W**e Dinner Menu and tickets, visit www.godfatherrestaurant.com

Union Tribune + Ranch & Coast Magazine Winner:
“Best Italian Restaurant”
Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday
Dinner served Tuesday - Sunday
For reservations, visit www.godfatherrestaurant.com
7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | 858-560-1747

Address

7878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA
92111

To get to the restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego via public transport, you can take the bus or trolley and get off at the nearest stop. Alternatively, if you are driving, take the Interstate 805 and exit at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. You can park in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant or find street parking nearby.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11:30am - 2pm
5pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday 11:30am - 2pm
5pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 11:30am - 2pm
5pm - 9:30pm
Friday 11:30am - 2pm
4:30pm - 10pm
Saturday 4:30pm - 10pm
Sunday 4pm - 9pm

Telephone

+18585601747

Alerts

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What people say

The Godfather Restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego has received mixed reviews in the local newspapers. The most recent review in the San Diego Union-Tribune dated August 13, 2021, suggests that the steak and seafood dishes are exceptional, while the pasta dishes could use some improvement.

On the other hand, a review by San Diego Reader dated June 24, 2021, praises the Italian cuisine offered at The Godfather Restaurant. The reviewer claims that the restaurant's menu has something for everyone and that their bread is especially delicious.

Customer feedback online is also divided. One customer on Yelp commented positively on their juicy steak and flavorful garlic bread. However, another Yelp reviewer complained about overcooked pasta and flavorless sauce.

Another customer wrote on TripAdvisor praising their 'perfect' lobster bisque but added that the tiramisu dessert was not up to par.

Overall, The Godfather Restaurant seems to have its strengths and weaknesses. While some customers rave about certain dishes, others find room for improvement in various aspects of their dining experience.