Kaila Adams

This place was amazing! The ambiance was old world Italian and upscale so I would recommend dressing formal. There is no dress code but it would be easy to feel underdressed. The waitstaff is dressed formal. My waiter Ricardo was very knowledgeable about dishes and wine pairing. He also informed me about the live pianist Fridays and Saturdays. To say the food was exquisite would be an understatement. I had a reservation (I highly recommend making one) for my birthday and will definitely be bringing family back!

Dani

We had a wonderful dining experience enjoying classic Italian cuisine. The fettuccine with their special recipe Bolognese sauce was rich and flavorful, and the lasagna was perfectly layered and satisfying. They have a great selection of wine also for perfect pairing. We ended the meal with a delicious tiramisu that is light, creamy, and the perfect finish with coffee. The ambiance was elevated by a live piano player, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the evening. Overall, a memorable meal in a lovely setting.

Das Vakamudi

If you're looking for a spot in San Diego that feels like a genuine trip to Italy—complete with the feel, flavor, and flair—The Godfather in Kearny Mesa is it. From the warm glow of candlelight to the softly playing piano, it’s the kind of place that sets the perfect stage for celebrations, big nights out, or an unforgettable dinner party with friends and family. A Place Made for Parties Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday bash, or just a reason to get together, The Godfather radiates energy. The atmosphere is convivial and buzzing without ever losing its intimate Italian charm—you really feel like you’re invited into someone’s home. The live piano adds a touch of festive elegance, turning ordinary meals into memorable soirées. It’s the kind of place you linger in, sipping wine, clinking glasses, and toasting the moment. Authentic Italian Vibes This isn’t just Italian-inspired—it’s rooted in real, multi-generation family recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. The décor, the service, the music, and most importantly the food all reflect that heritage. The waitstaff in smart attire, the red-checked table accents, even the framed family photos—it all contributes to a genuine old-world ambiance that transports you straight across the ocean. The Food: Hearty, Honest, Delicious Menus here are filled with classic favorites done right—rich pasta dishes, tender veal, succulent chicken, and impeccably cooked seafood. Everything tastes homecrafted, from the creamy ricotta in the ravioli to the bright, zesty notes in the seafood linguine. Portion sizes are generous, too—figuring leftovers into your evening is practically encouraged. Wine That Hits All the Right Notes And now, the wine—if you appreciate a well-chosen glass (or bottle), you’re in heaven. The selection here is thoughtful and extensive, with both Italian varietals and crowd-pleasing pours. Whether you’re pairing a crisp Pinot Grigio with seafood or diving into a deep, bold Chianti to match a hearty pasta, the list doesn’t disappoint

+9

sasa moody

Even though they were super busy on father's day they still managed to give us great service. We had the calamari and fried zucchini app. They have a few chooses for kids noodle mu baby devoured her spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs. Gnocchi Della Casa was delicious i got it with the pesto and my husband enjoyed his Penne Isidoro though was jealous of the meatballs. The live piano was beautiful and the atmosphere was calm and warm though the lighting can make it hard to read the menu.

+1

Mary “Mom's Travel Team” Loeza

This was my first time dining at The Godfather. The service stands out as really next level. We were celebrating my mother's birthday and the server really made the time special. Each of our party of 6 enjoyed their food. This is an upscale restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Italian dishes. I love eggplant parm and i loved their eggplant parm Definitely recommend.

+6

Laura

My husband and I had a date night and wanted to try new place and we come across this amazing hidden gems. From the customer service to their delicious food and drinks and to their amazing atmosphere with live piano playing in the background. We are definitely coming back here for more date night!

Ruth Jones

A wonderful Italian Food Restaurant tucked away in a commercial zone in Kearny Mesa in San Diego. The ambiance is intimate, warm, and welcoming. The waitstaff is attentive, friendly and efficient. The food selection is ample and delicious. I had the New York Steak and it was done perfectly, juicy and perfectly seasoned. The pastry selection is to die for. My favorite was the decadent Chocolate Cake.

+3

Mark Ames

Came to this San Diego old school Italian staple for a double birthday dinner, and other than the price tag, (it's fine dining, so definitely worth it) it was a fabulous experience. Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, Penne Isidro and two orders of amazing lasagna with a side of meatballs (not pictured). We haven't been here since the sale by the original owners, but I'd say it's actually better. Prices are on the high end and the parking is horrible (might want to Uber next time), but we will all be back someday, either as a family or with new friends.

Dr. Abadi

Everything’s was perfect from starters to desserts. Loved every bite and the restaurant atmosphere was so beautiful. Definitely going to visit again. And oh, you don’t want to skip the lobster bisque. Also, freshly ground pepper really does enhance the flavor of everything. Highly recommended.

+2

We have been to The Godfather many times. A wonderful place for a very romantic evening. Food is wonderful, atmosphere is quiet and attentive.

We have been to The Godfather many times. A wonderful place for a very romantic evening. food is wonderful, atmosphere is quiet and attentive.

We have been to The Godfather many times. A wonderful place for a very romantic evening. Food is wonderful, atmosphere is quiet and attentive.

We stopped in due to a recommendation from a friend. We showed up for our reservation and asked the host for a booth. We were promptly seated in a booth and quickly greeted by our server David. The s…

Phenomenal! My family and I went to celebrate a birthday that we will never forget.. we were amazed by how beautiful and unique The God Father. Restaurant looks. Food was great!

Best Italian restaurant around … Thank you to an amazing staff for welcoming us over the years, especially Said, Lucio, and Ricardo! Your martinis are simply amazing! And the food has always left…

Best italian restaurant around … Thank you to an amazing staff for welcoming us over the years, especially Said, Lucio, and Ricardo! Your martinis are simply amazing! And the food has always left…

First time eating there and the service and food was excellent This restaurant is very similar to a rnyestaurant which was our favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego which was called Old Trist…

First time eating there and the service and food was excellent This restaurant is very similar to a rnyestaurant which was our favorite italian restaurant in San Diego which was called Old Trist…

Just stopped in without a reservation and wearing jeans and T-Shirts. We felt a little underdressed, but that didn’t affect the level of service. We were greeted and felt very welcomed and escorted…

Adam Durkes

Love the atmosphere. So cozy. Real piano being played. The food was okay. The ravioli and fettuccine alfredo were kind of bland. Nothing special. The bruschetta was great. The steak was high quality and cooked inside nicely but dry on the outside

Nikki Mohan

We had a lovely late weekday dinner at The Godfather to celebrate a friend's birthday. We were greeted warmly, and the birthday girl even got a special wish – a nice touch! Seating was prompt, and we absolutely loved the restaurant's vibe. The wine selection is impressive. We particularly enjoyed the eggplant appetizer, and both the pasta and salmon dishes were fantastic. The chicken, however, wasn't a highlight. Parking was a bit tough even on a weekday; we only found one open spot. We didn't see any valet, so that might be a weekend-only service. Despite the minor parking issue and the chicken not quite hitting the mark, we had a memorable birthday celebration. Highly recommend for the ambiance, wine, and delicious food!

+1

Jimmy James

Our server Juan is the best. He was great. Even the owner was there. 50 years and even better than I remember. The food was better than Rome. My only complaint Is the $75 specials and the $50+ wine selection. We'd come back weekly but can't afford it. The bill was $228. And Tony Soprano would be disappointed because of the dress code. I saw a couple characters in the cowboy hats on and some guy walking in with shorts.

+4

The food was great the vongole bianca was amazing but the service was terrible we got a reservation at 6 and we got our food at 8 they prioritized the smaller group and it was very loud and crowded s…

The food was great the vongole bianca was amazing but the service was terrible we got a reservation at 6 and we got our food at 8 they prioritized the smaller group and it was very loud and crowd…

The food was great the vongole bianca was amazing but the service was terrible we got a reservation at 6 and we got our food at 8 they prioritized the smaller group and it was very loud and crowded…

The food was great the vongole bianca was amazing but the service was terrible we got a reservation at 6 and we got our food at 8 they prioritized the smaller group and it was very loud and crowded…

My wife and I have eaten at Godfather's many times over the past 20 years. For my money, it is the best Italian restaurant in San Diego, with Volare being a close second. I had the Veal Florentin…

We went there for restaurant week. The atmosphere and vibe, and the service were very nice, but the food was really below our expectations. Even it was on restaurant week price, I don’t think it’s worthy. There are so many good Italian restaurants, but I don’t think this will be on my list anymore.

We chose to eat here following a recommendation from a passenger on our flight from London to San Diego. It is his favorite italian restaurant in SD. However we were less impressed. The menu is lar…

I am quite familiar with Italian cuisine since I lived in Italy and travel back often. This must have been one of the worse Italian restaurants I have ever been. Service was good, but food quality was so bad. Sauce tasted as it was poured from jar! It is not about cost, since I don’t mind spending money for good quality food and great experience, but the quality of food in this restaurant is below par. I would never go back.