The Godfather
About
In the fall of 1974, native Italian Chef Isidoro Balistreri and his wife Maria opened The Godfather in a Clairemont Mesa strip mall, creating one of San Diego's most intriguing dining contrasts: suited waiters serving treasured Northern and Southern Italian recipes in a dark, velvety, candlelit room where you'd least expect it. The San Diego Union Tribune, Zagat, and Diners' Choice Award all recognized The Godfather as San Diego's best for fine Italian dining; national recognition placed it among America's top 25 Italian restaurants. Chef Isidoro's original stuffed vealâseasoned, breaded, stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and onions, sautĂŠed and baked in wine and marinaraâshowcases generational recipes. Veal medallions in Sicilian Marsala with mushrooms. Chicken parmigiana reviewers call "outstanding." Frutti di Mare: lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, fish over linguine. Homemade crab ravioli in lobster cream. Fried calamari, complimentary fried zucchini, bruschetta with anchovies and capers. Extensive Italian wine list spanning Chianti to Barolo. Full bar. Live piano music weekend evenings. New ownership in 2023 maintains devotion to family recipes. The quality and service standard never declined across five decadesâformal elegance in the last place you'd look.
Signature Dishes
Traditional Italian Pizza
Classic Italian-style pizza with traditional toppings
These signature dishes are what makes The Godfather special. Be sure to try them on your visit!
What to Order
Don't miss these customer favorites and staff recommendations:
Details
Pizza Style
â Other
Neighborhood
Kearny Mesa
Status
Unclaimed
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