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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in La Mesa

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71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 8 times today
Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
2. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(798)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 31 times today
Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.
A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
3. Brigantine La Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(4223)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 41 times today
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.Join us for our signature Happy Hour.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
4. Antica Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(2417)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 17 times today
Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.
A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2036)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 23 times today
Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.
A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
6. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(320)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 8 times today
Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
7. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(94)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 4 times today
In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.
A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
8. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.3
Awesome(2169)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 25 times today
WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
9. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6558)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
10. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8773)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 53 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Arrived to celebrate my girlfriends birthday, never been before but have been when the establishment was Bo Beau. Naturally skeptical of something new, but wow…. Everything was honestly just great. Cocktails: unique handcrafted. Food: again unique flavor combinations that are working…. Get the veggie lasnga, and churros for dessert. Service: Our sever Laynee was very nice had a great smile and provided us with everything we needed! Thank you all! And keep up the good work!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • JosephVIP
    San Diego •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As usual excellent service and excellent food. Impressed that when my wife had an issue with one of her dishes and told it to the bus boy he immediately addressed the issue instead of, like most restaurants, telling her to speak to our server. It is one of our favorite restaurants, if not our favorite.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • LOU
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I took my Girlfriend to Farmers Table for Valentines Day. Everything was especially great. Server was, "VIRGINIA B. B." and she was just OUTSTANDING!!!! I have a dairy allergy and she went out of her way to ensure none was used on my food. She was attentive, sweet, polite and like I said, "OUSTANDING!!!!" We love this place. YOU WILL TOO!!! So please try it and ask for Virginia B. B.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • Amy
    Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was marvelous Giordanos is my go to restaurant for all my celebrations! I love the food plus it is close to my home! The only drawback that night was the noise level! It was a bit loud in the restaurant. They might want to invest in some solutions for that! Other than that, the evening was great. Another suggestion would be to have a piano bar for occasions such as Valentines Day or maybe weekends! We had the 14 oz ribeye and the seafood food ravioli!!)
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.6
  • janeVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We are so happy to have found this place. The food is amazing....finish every bite amazing. It can be a special dinner, or you can just have a casual drink and appetizer. Friendly and efficient service. One little negative is the chairs. Wood is with an open back, which is hard for some people.
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in La Mesa

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in La Mesa, East County, San Diego, where culinary delights meet cozy ambiance. This vibrant dining scene offers a treasure trove of eateries that are perfect for those looking to enjoy a meal in a more intimate, local setting. From authentic sushi bars to classic Italian bistros, each restaurant prides itself on delivering exceptional food quality, warm hospitality, and a memorable dining experience. Patrons can expect to find venues that boast both excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, making each meal a special occasion. These neighborhood gems are highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful culinary journey in La Mesa. Whether you're planning a family dinner, a date night, or a gathering with friends, these establishments promise to provide an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience.

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