The Godfather, San Diego, California Restaurant Details

Food:

We went to the Godfather Restaurant last night. We were so excited to go for a very good friend of ours who was there to celebrate their 40th birthday! Originally a friend called ahead and asked for a table of 12 and separate checks. There ended up only being 7 people. I could tell the birthday boy was disappointed in his other guests not showing up but the 7 of us wanted to make his birthday special. The decor is amazing and beautiful! We were so excited to be there for a fancy dinner.

The service was really bad. I hate to write reviews like this especially because the food was amazing! We ordered a few appetizers, a bottle of wine, 6 entrees, and desserts. The server was very annoyed and we couldn't figure out why he was so upset with our table. He would breath heavily aloud and roll his eyes. We all felt it and were trying to be super nice to him so that we would get great service. Even asking for a refill would irritate this man. When it came time to split the check, we felt like his eyes were going to pop out of his head he was so mad.

The reason we came to have a wonderful and memorable celebration for our friend on his special day. It was memorable because the food was good and the service was about the worst I have ever seen.

I give three stars because the food was great. I give minus one star for the service and another minus star for the price. I get that this is a fancy place but $17.99 for a plain Fettuccine Alfredo? That is crazy!!! Pasta is so cheap to buy.

Lastly, the birthday boy choose this restaurant because he met the owner at a wine tasting event. The owner asked him to come in and enjoy the restaurant. This is his second time (the rest of our first time going) because he had a wonderful time before. I am sure the owner would not be happy to know that on a joyous occasion, his staff member does that to guests.

Food:

First time trying the Godfather and certainly will not be my last. I had a great experience from start to finish. One of my favorite aspects was the live piano music which contributed to an even more amazing atmosphere. The family owned restaurant had such an array of menu items to pick from which I greatly appreciated. Overall amazing food and great service. I truly enjoyed it!

Food:

I had the special "marinated Rib Eye" steak. Prepared medium with plenty of pink. Although it was delicious, moist and super tender, the outside of the steak was charred. I tried to eat half but my mother insisted I ask for a less black steak. When the second steak finally arrived, it was still very black. In the end I took it home to cut off the burnt parts. I suggested they either lower the heat or raise the meat higher above the fire. The wait staff disregarded my suggestion. Having lived in Argentina and Chile, I know it is possible to get the same tenderness and still medium to medium rare with no burntness! They must cook the meat slow over medium heat. Also, my mother's chicken parmesan was passable. Interestingly, I had just had a chicken parmesan in Seattle the night before and the sauce was far superior, the chicken breast was a thick "real" piece of chicken and a more generous spread of parmesan cheese. This one at Godfather's had a less tasty flavor. I suspect the sauce was prepared too quickly... tomato sauce needs to "set", for flavors to blend. All in All, I don't think we'll be going back there again.

Food:

I was there in Aug 2014 with my wife for our anniversary (44) years. My wife pick the place and I told her the name was kind of cheesy. When we arrived and found it was in a strip mall I thought this is one step higher then Caesar's Pizza. BUT I was totally wrong, Great food, great service, fantastic atmosphere. We plan on going back anytime we're in San Diego. I tell everyone who travels to San Diego to dine there if they get the chance. FIVE STARS !!!!!!!

Food:

Normally I don't do Italian food at a restaurant... (as previously stated in many of my other reviews I am picky and particular...) When it comes to Italian and all things Italy nobody does it better than my Mom, my Grandma Antoinette or my Nana June... I come from a long line of Vitale's, Lupinacci's and Capalongo's so I KNOW good Italian when I taste it...

Godfather hits the nail on the mother effing head every time. I am always pleasantly surprised when I walk away satisfied, fat and happy. (unlike the gross bubble gut feeling I get from places like Olive Garden...)

Things to try:
Cozze Alla Godfather: Mussels sauteed in olive oil, garlic & light marinara sauce
Ravioli Portobello: Portobello mushroom filled ravioli, served in a light cream and tomato Rossini sauce
Eggplant Parmagana
Pollo Alla Pizzaiola

Don't forget to add the suggested wine pairings as well to enhance the flavors and excite your palate.

It is a bit expensive for Italian... feels like Rome prices, but it is so worth it. The dark wood atmosphere is reminiscent of old Italy. The owner is always there, and is friendly and joyous. The service is impeccable and you are often serenaded by a pianist during your meal. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a date night...

Food:

"Old-world style" is alive and well at this hidden treasure tucked away in Kearny Mesa and known for its fabulous" Italian fare and formal service in a "dark", "cozy" setting enlivened by a piano player; moderate prices and a "welcoming" owner who makes you feel like family mean most have "never been disappointed" here.