ARTIFACT at Mingei
ARTIFACT at Mingei things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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10 New Michelin-Starred Restaurants in SoCal – Check Them Out!
urban.soulurban.soul
960
Wow. I was not expecting this place to be this good. My wife and I are at Balboa Park all the time and saw this area being put together a bit ago, but didn’t visit until today. I was expecting it to be more of cafeteria type food because of the look and set up of the interior tables, but what they offer couldn’t be further from cafeteria food. It was terrific. We sat outside because we had our dogs with us and it was a beautiful day. They have a large drink list, full bar and menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We shared the rock shrimp dumplings, little gem salad, and the Cubano sandwich. The dumplings were ABSOLUTE STARS. They came in this terrific bonito flake broth with delicious shishito peppers. I just wish I would have asked for a spoon to get all of that delicious broth. The salad was nice and fresh. The cubano was great because it had all the delicious flavor of the cubano but somehow seemed lighter. My wife had a sangria and a Malbec, both of which she said she enjoyed. Will definitely be back for happy hour and dinner. I definitely prefer the outdoor seating as you get glimpses of the beauty of Balboa Park. Inside, while very nice, looks a lot more… casual? Definitely a must try.
Jesse SotoJesse Soto
00
It is a chilly day and my husband and I had a lunch and museum date planned. We went to ARTIFACT at the Mingei Museum for lunch and Timothy was our server. We have had him in the past and he is wonderful. My husband ordered the seared scallops with Tom Kha pureed cauliflower and greens. I had the gem salad and we shared the shrimp gyoza. The food arrived and, in addition to smelling fabulous, it was visually appealing, as well. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his scallop meal. The pureed cauliflower had the most delicious flavor! My salad was scrumptious and just the right amount. And the gyoza was delicious, as well. They were filled with decent-sized shrimp and the sauce was a perfect complement. Our meal was prepared quickly and perfectly. The food was delicious; all the flavors worked amazingly well together. The only thing I wish is for an option to add protein (shrimp) to the salad. The service was outstanding, as it has been in the past, with the hostess, the manager, and Timothy tending to our needs with perfect timing, without being annoying. I highly recommend ARTIFACT at the Mingei Museum. You won't regret it. ♡
Robyn RamseyRobyn Ramsey
00
ARTIFACT was an amazing experience! Within Balboa park’s Mingei International Museum, this restaurant has an open and inviting vibe. While dining here, customers can peruse the couple of exhibits on the Museum’s first floor, along with the museum gift shop. The food itself was amazing! We had the Rye Pierogi as an appetizer and it was delicious and unique. For our main course, we had the crispy tofu plate with king oyster mushroom, gai lan, chinese eggplant, and fermented black bean sauce. This tofu was some of the best we’ve ever had! (And we eat a lot of tofu as vegetarians, lol). Lastly, for dessert, we had the Basque burnt cheesecake with Cognac poached prunes. The cheesecake was perfect! Service was great as well. Our waitress made us feel very welcome and explained all the dishes well. Overall, I would definitely recommend this restaurant!
Eva DEva D
00
Happy Hour at Artifact is the highlight of my week! I always look forward to those afternoons when I can wrap up an early day at work and walk over to unwind. Kendra and Kelly are the best—they always greet me warmly and, knowing sparkling rosé is my go-to, pour a glass right after saying hello. The ambience is light and relaxing, and the conversation is consistently pleasant and entertaining—it’s the perfect way to transition from work mode to relaxation. All of the food here is absolutely delicious, but the ahi crudo and beet salad are my favorites. They’re fresh, flavorful, and never disappoint. Artifact has mastered the art of creating a welcoming, delicious, and enjoyable happy hour experience. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth RabenaElizabeth Rabena
00
Overall an enjoyable experience. However if they are aspiring for a Star they have a long way to go. The fusion compositions derived from eclectic cultures could be bolder and more assertive. Instead they are shadows of themselves. Not spicy enough, not tangy enough, on purpose perhaps to avoid shocking the SoCal palate. The high note where the pork dumplings, interesting flavors and light zing, albeit the dumpling wrap was a bit chewy and thick. The Snapper really didn’t taste like snapper, it felt like an impostor. The Indian Inspired roasted chicken was hearthy but lacked boldness and depth.
Alexander CollinsAlexander Collins
00
Nearby Attractions Of ARTIFACT at Mingei
Balboa Park
San Diego Zoo
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Botanical Building
Fleet Science Center
San Diego Natural History Museum
Spanish Village Art Center
The San Diego Museum of Art
Museum of Us

Balboa Park
4.8
(25.1K)Click for details

San Diego Zoo
4.7
(20.9K)Click for details

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
4.6
(3.8K)Click for details

San Diego Air & Space Museum
4.6
(2.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of ARTIFACT at Mingei
The Prado at Balboa Park
Mister A's
Panama 66
CUCINA urbana
Azuki Sushi Lounge
Barrio Star
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
Albert's Restaurant
The Corner Drafthouse
Pure Project Balboa Park

The Prado at Balboa Park
4.4
(1.6K)Click for details

Mister A's
4.6
(1K)Click for details

Panama 66
4.5
(980)Click for details

CUCINA urbana
4.6
(962)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Map
Phone
(619) 331-3569
Call
Website
artifactatmingei.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(83 reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Botanical Building, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, Spanish Village Art Center, The San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Us, restaurants: The Prado at Balboa Park, Mister A's, Panama 66, CUCINA urbana, Azuki Sushi Lounge, Barrio Star, Parc Bistro-Brasserie, Albert's Restaurant, The Corner Drafthouse, Pure Project Balboa Park
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