ARTIFACT at Mingei
Restaurant · San Diego ·
Eclectic international menu inspired by museum exhibits, ancient methods
Eclectic international menu inspired by museum exhibits, ancient methods
"Visitors to scenic Balboa Park's trove of museums are well-advised to stop in for the unique collection of folk art, craft and design on display here, but this unassuming restaurant, just across from the gift shop, is worth a visit in its own right. Like the museum itself, the culinary offerings are proudly eclectic and international, ranging from carefully pleated rock shrimp gyoza with a yuzu-flavored dashi, to lamb kibbeh with quinoa tabbouleh. Plant-based options, like Thai green curry with sweet potato and crispy noodles, are clearly no afterthought, and desserts like cardamom tapioca with saffron granita hold their own. As if to drive home the kitchen’s far-ranging sensibilities, an exclusive dinner series highlights a different global cuisine every month." - Michelin Inspector
"Balboa Park’s latest culinary option, Artifact, at the revamped Mingei International Museum is a sleek modern setting designed by architect Jennifer Luce of LUCE et studio. The airy indoor dining space (the Commons Level) combined with the outdoor Neeley Courtyard allows up to 315 (standing) guests. The restaurant’s dishes are inspired by the museum exhibits with an emphasis on herbs, spices, and ancient cooking methods. Full-service catering is offered by Urban Kitchen Catering which specializes in bringing fully customized menus to special events. From champagne towers to family-style feasts, this art-centric destination is a unique option for nuptials." - Roxana Becerril
"Anchoring the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, this Michelin-recognized restaurant makes for a perfect daytime or evening date before or after scouting the museum’s exhibits. The lunch menu offers snacks like Vietnamese-style pork meatballs, dumplings and samosas, and a kabocha squash salad punched up with aji verde; dinner can be ramped up with short rib-swathed egg noodles, slow-roasted achiote pork huaraches, and a spiced lamb burger with kefalotyri cheese." - Helen I. Hwang
"The culinary offerings are proudly eclectic and international, ranging from carefully pleated rock shrimp gyoza with a yuzu-flavored dashi, to lamb kibbeh with quinoa tabbouleh. Plant-based options, like Thai green curry with sweet potato and crispy noodles, are clearly no afterthought, and desserts like cardamon tapioca with saffron granita hold their own." - MICHELIN Guide
"Friday nights at the signature restaurant for the Mingei International Museum include a four-course tasting menu with rotating themes. Culinary director Tim Kolanko and chef Tony Coito have focused on Germany, India, and Piedmont in the past. Ancient methods, along with botanicals and spices, feature in all the dishes. Make sure to book ahead." - Helen I. Hwang