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

Make plans to join us for our Frank Family Vineyards Wine Dinner on Thursday, August 13th. This amazing Napa Valley wine...
06/24/2026

Make plans to join us for our Frank Family Vineyards Wine Dinner on Thursday, August 13th. This amazing Napa Valley winery is a multi-time recipient of the prestigious Winery of the Year award for California wines. Enjoy a curated 5-course menu, harmoniously paired with exceptional Frank Family vintages. Each course will tell a story. And each pairing will deepen the experience. Only $135 per person (including tax/gratuity).

To 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

Father’s Day Weekend celebrations start today! Make his day with one of our Premium steaks, Rack of Lamb, Surf & Turf, a...
06/19/2026

Father’s Day Weekend celebrations start today! Make his day with one of our Premium steaks, Rack of Lamb, Surf & Turf, and much more. Plus thru Saturday June 20th, for every $100 in gift cards to The Godfather you purchase, receive a $20 bonus gift certificate free. Stop by and purchase yours today.

Open Friday for lunch and dinner.
Open Saturday at 4:30pm.
Open Father’s Day starting at 3pm.
Reserve your table on our website.

Spoil Dad on Father's Day Weekend starting Friday, June 19th with exquisite dining selections at The Godfather Restauran...
06/16/2026

Spoil Dad on Father's Day Weekend starting Friday, June 19th with exquisite dining selections at The Godfather Restaurant. Make his day with one of our Premium steaks, Rack of Lamb, Surf & Turf, and so much more. And thru June 20th, for every $100 in gift cards to The Godfather you purchase, receive a $20 bonus gift certificate free. Stop by and purchase yours today.

Open Father's Day starting at 3pm.
Reserve your table on our website.

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

06/08/2026

The bar at The Godfather is always a crowd pleaser. It’s like finding a romantic hideaway in a small Italian village, filled with warm hospitality, great conversation, and of course unique craft cocktails.

Godfatherrestaurant.com

Join us May 28th for a curated dining experience featuring premium wines from Beaulieu Vineyards. Known for its “George ...
05/19/2026

Join us May 28th for a curated dining experience featuring premium wines from Beaulieu Vineyards. Known for its “George de Latour Private Reserve” and “Tapestry” red blends, BV focuses on classic, high quality and age-worthy wines with a tradition spanning over a century. We’ve thoughtfully paired these incredible wines with a five-course dinner to create an unforgettable evening of history and storytelling. Make your reservations and join us. Only $135 per person, including tax/gratuity.

View Menu/Purchase Tickets Here: https://godfatherrestaurant.com/beaulieuwinedinner/

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

Indulge in a 3-course dinner including a bottle of wine for only $95 per couple (Tuesday - Thursday) at the iconic The G...
05/12/2026

Indulge in a 3-course dinner including a bottle of wine for only $95 per couple (Tuesday - Thursday) at the iconic The Godfather, voted one of the best and most romantic restaurants in San Diego. Our enticing 3-course menu options will make your date night an evening to remember. Because romance doesn’t need to wait for the weekend.

View Date Night Menu + Make Reservations: https://godfatherrestaurant.com/datenight/

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

Special Moms will feel extra special at the iconic The Godfather Restaurant this Mother's Day. We’ll be celebrating all ...
05/05/2026

Special Moms will feel extra special at the iconic The Godfather Restaurant this Mother's Day. We’ll be celebrating all weekend long featuring our daily menu, plus exciting additional offerings Mom is sure to enjoy. Make plans to join us and let’s share the love.

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.

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