Prelude at the Opera House - Lower Level

Review summary

1. A

   Adrian

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Service was really nonexistent. Couldn’t get the check prior to the opera even though there was plenty of time. The main advantage to eating there is not having to stress over getting to the opera on time. This was just not the case the last few times I’ve gone there.
   

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2. s

   susan

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I am normally not a “buffet” person so we had planned on something small and a la carte, however, when I did a Quick Look-see, I found the buffet to be versatile and inviting. Then, I noticed the carved roast station; once I saw the beautiful lamb roast perfectly cooked( I love mine rare), I was sold! It did not disappoint!!, I even went for a second slice of roasted lamb! The Opera Royal Champagne with Chambord and the chocolate cognac truffles put me right over the top and the contented smile never left my face for the entire evening. Add the Opera and the view of city hall from the outside balcony and it could not get any better! Perfect!!
   

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3. D

   Dan

   Dallas

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Good selection of food from buffet and convenient for attending opera
   

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4. J

   John

   San Francisco

   37 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   37 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Rated buffet down a point this time as the roast and salmon were somewhat over done. The rarest beef was medium and the salmon was dry. Otherwise the salads, cheese, fruits, pastries, pasta and vegetables were excellent. Prelude is the most relaxing and pleasurable dining before a performance in Hayes Valley!
   

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5. D

   Diana

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We all had the avocado toast with salmon. While it tasted good (I had had it before and loved it), this time the toast was nearly burnt and we each sawed our way through the crust. Shouldn’t have to work so hard for each bite. Also the three pieces of salmon were very small. Wine was good, dessert was delicious.
   

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6. C

   CLYDE

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Having dinner at Prelude before the opera and something special at intermission is part of the great evening out. So instead of about three, or so, hours of the opera, the evening starts when we sit down at the table in Prelude. I always look forward to it as an entire experience. The food is very good, and the service makes it feel extra.
   

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7. C

   Cathy

   San Francisco

   15 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on November 20, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was good but the price point seemed high. It is a lovely bar area and very convenient. The flourless chocolate cake was very special. The salads are great!!
   

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8. G

   Gerard

   San Francisco

   16 reviews

   4.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on November 20, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Buffet table was not monitored well enough. In early evening dishes were not available! Not great!
   

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9. J

   Julia

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   1.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on November 17, 2024

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Please believe the reviews on this one. Food for awful and for 68 per head it was pathetic to say the least. No coffee or desert included in the buffet price. We bought one glass of wine but were charged for two and the waiter said he gave us someone else’s bill. Then the waiter tried “fixing” it and brought back a new bill that had wine removed but 60 dollars extra on it added with no clarification. It was embarrassing. I had to go to the register and demand this gets to be fixed in front of me because the waiter was so incompetent in screwing up the bill twice. Not very classy experience at the opera house - makes you feel horrible really before you are heading to hear some of the most beautiful music in the world in this beautiful building you get trash food and scam billing like in some shady joint… left a bad taste in our mouths for sure. The company that runs this restaurant must go- they are damaging the opera brand. I hope the SF opera management looks at reviews and hires a proper vendor to take care of its patronage. The cost is not the issue, it’s what you get for it and the terrible service. People just want a dignified dining experience coming to the opera house.
   

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10. A

    Alisa

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2

    The main draw to this restaurant is its guarantee that you will not miss the opera. Unfortunately, our recent experience at Carmen was extremely upsetting. Our waiter was very late in getting us the check at intermission. Then, they did not put the credit card through in time for one of my guests to be in his seat at curtain. The ushers would not let him in even at the entracte, so he missed the entire second half of the opera. This was entirely the fault of Prelude’s staff, which should have known better and at the very least sent him back and held the cc until after the performance ended. We were seated in premium grand tier for this special occasion, so not only was the event ruined but a very expensive ticket was wasted. What should have been a wonderful night was ruined by the careless customer service at the opera’s own facility. Very disappointing in every way.
    

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