Located within the Hospitality Building at Balboa Park, The Prado is much more than an eatery in the park.

Built in 1935, the 400-seat restaurant is favorite gathering place for friends over a delicious lunch and for lovers over an elegant, candle-lit dinner. The genteel cocktail lounge has sparkling glass creations situated around the space.

The entire dining experience is a trip back in time to a more decorous era. Reserve a table on the lovely terrace by its small fountain near bird feeders, and you’ll soon see a flurry of Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds getting a drink of nectar.

The place invites you to stay awhile to soak up the one-of-a-kind architecture, fountains, wishing wells and gardens. The Casa del Rey Moro Gardens and Fountains in back and around the sides of The Prado enchant everyone with its gorgeous architecture along with lush trees and bushes. Reserve a table on the lovely terrace by its small fountain near bird feeders, and you’ll soon see a flurry of Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds getting a drink of nectar.

Or dine inside at the linen-draped tables.

The view looks out over the terrace and gardens, and you can see glimpses of downtown between the eucalyptus trees. The groupings of gleaming glasswork around the place tease the imagination and beg you to linger a bit to admire them. To some people, the glass pieces look like giant Frisbees, nonetheless spectacular.

Many San Diegans remember when the Prado used to be the Casa del Rey Moro, or “House of the Moroccan King.” The Spanish Renaissance architecture of the Prado has touches of Moroccan and Mexican influence. You can see it in the archways, tilework and fountains. The well-kept, flowing fountains are situated inside the Hospitality Building, directly in front of the Prado, as well as in back of the Prado terrace.

Before or after dining, meander around the elegant garden surrounding the restaurant. Influenced by the Moorish gardens of Rhonda, Spain, the garden was rededicated in 1997 after extensive reconstruction. You’ll also find a replica of the Guadalajara Wishing Museum of Gardens wishing well in the Casa del Rey Moro gardens.

Every good garden has trees fit for royalty. So it is with the trees around the wishing well in back of the Prado. Tall, stately Cypress trees point toward the sky. The pine trees as well as Cypress around the wishing well make it a perfect spot for formal or informal portraits.

Young Coast Live Oaks provide shade for bright pink Cape Daisy flowers around the south side of the Prado.

Among the trees and flowers roam a Fox Squirrel or two. They scramble up into the branches of the oaks; they seem to be checking out the tasty tidbits the people are eating out on the Prado terrace. Little song sparrows scurry among the trees. The sparrows’ brown-and-white lined chests quiver as they sing their bubbling, rich melody.

Not only is the Prado a wonderful stop for a lovely lunch or dinner, it is also an opportunity to slowly take in the sights and sounds all around as you dine.

Listen for the buzz of hummingbirds’ wings and soon you’ll see the birds, their bodies bright and shining, hovering at the feeders—and the flowers.

Spring is the peak of glory at The Prado for its gardens.