One of the first places certain to be on our list when we visit San Diego is Balboa Park to visit the vast collection of museums.

While visiting on this trip we were honored to be hosted for lunch at The Prado at Balboa Park.

It was an absolutely beautiful day so we opted to sit under the beautiful red umbrellas on the restaurant’s patio.  As we pondered Chef Jonathan Hale‘s menu, Carol started off with a glass of their World Famous Sangria (red wine, fruit juices & liquers, fresh fruit),  while I opted for a wonderful Mojito Cocktail (cruzan rum, sugar, fresh mint & lemon in a sugar rimmed glass raspberry or mint).  Both were refreshing and delicious.

Carol w/ our Waitress

For our entrées, Carol enjoyed grilled Lemon Grass Ono (chili-garlic stir fried vegetables, sweet soy sauce & kaffir lime-coconut foam, micro basil), while I opted for a much loved Mixed Seafood Paella (salmon, swordfish, ahi, tiger shrimp, black mussels, chicken, chorizo & english peas, simmered in a saffron lobster broth).  Both were fantastic, but the Paella is a house specialty and was particularly scrumptious.

I was completely stuffed from my wonderful Paella, but the restaurant’s manager wouldn’t hear of us leaving without at least having a spoonful of their Tahitian Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Flan (with a lattice tuile globe and fresh flower confetti).  This was seriously the best flan ever!  I’m ashamed to say that I ate most of it, even after indulging on a heaping helping of Paella.

If you find yourself hungry whilst strolling through the museums of Balboa Park, I highly recommend that you put The Prado at Balboa Park on your itinerary.  You will enjoy a wonderful meal, and regain your strength to hit another museum.

Disclosure:  this wonderful dining experience was provided by the fine folks at The Prado at Balboa Park.