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Welcome to Casa Gabriela! - Casa Gabriela, La Mesa, CA

Casa Gabriela

4.7
4.7
744 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant

Casa Gabriela

4.7
$30 and under
Mexican
La Mesa

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 21 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Breakfast, Latin American
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 337-3445
  • Website
    http://www.casagabrielalamesa.com/
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Gabriela Lopez
  • Catering
    Chef Gaby's cuisine is perfect for your next party!
  • Private party facilities
    The outdoor garden features two gorgeous private dining areas in addition to our cozy, indoor loft.
  • Location
    8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942-9218
  • Area
    La Mesa
  • Cross Street
    La Mesa Blvd at Allison Ave
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    2 blocks away from the La Mesa Blvd Trolley stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

Menu

Aperitivos

  • Ceviche Trio

    coconut-lime shrimp, mango habanero scallops, traditional baja white fish with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro tajin, lime, avocado

    • Smoked Ahi Tostada

      mango-jicama slaw, lime, sesame, guajillo-cilantro aioli

      • Campechana

        chilled shrimp, clamato, lime, tomato, chipotle, jalapeno, cucumber, red onion, avocado, romaine, saltines

        • Tabla de Antojitos

          chicken tinja empanadas, sweet potato, caramelized onion & chipotle taquitos, mini queso fundido bacon wrapped jalapenos

          • Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

            grilled corn relish, guajillo aioli

            • Chicken Barbacoa Empanadas

              braised chicken, chiles, onion, black sesame

              • Queso Fundido

                crispy chorizo, roasted poblanos, oaxaca & asadero cheese, pinto beans

                • Lobster & Black Bean Chipotle FlautasUSD 22.95

                  macha salsa, guajillo aioli, mexican creama, queso fresco, pickled red onion

                  Ensaladas Y Sopa

                  • Panela a La Plancha

                    baby arugula, grilled white corn, jicama, shaved red onion, roasted pepitas, pomegranate vinaigrette

                    • Caesar Salad

                      toasted chile de arbol croutons, basil, roasted tomatoes, shaved cotija enchilado, spiced pepitas

                      • Pozole Verde

                        chicken, tomatillos, shaved cabbage, radish, avocado, lime, red onion

                        Chef Gaby's Molcajetes For Two

                        served with elote rice and beans

                        • "La Reina" Mariscos

                          scallops, shrimp, octopus in a molten garlic butter, roasted poblano, caramelized onion chihuahua & oaxaca cheese, elote rice & pinto beans

                          • "La Jefa" Asado

                            skirt steak, pollo ala brasa skewers, shrimp, sausage chorizo, panela, nopales, jalapeno, machacada salsa, served with elote rice & pinto beans

                            Los Platillos

                            all served with elote rice and refried beans

                            • Mar Y Tierra Burrito

                              sautéed shrimp & steak ranchero, candied jalapeño, cotija, guajillo, tomatillo salsa. ancho crema

                              • Enchiladas Sirloin Ranchero

                                carmelized onions & peppers, mexican creama, queso fresco

                                • Enchiladas Marisco Suiza

                                  shrimp, lobster & scallops, garlic butter, tomatillo- jalapeno creama, oaxaca cheese, mexican creama

                                  • Camarones a la Diabla Quesadilla

                                    spicy glazed shrimp, montery & oaxaca cheese, caramelized onion, roasted poblano, guacamole

                                    • Chile Relleno

                                      epazote ranchero salsa, mexican crema, oaxaca & cotija cheeses, crispy tortilla threads

                                      TJ Style Tacos

                                      flour tortillas, set of 2

                                      • Chicken Tinga

                                        charred jalapeno-cilantro tortilla, baby arugula, queso fresco, mexican creama

                                        • Rajas Con Papas

                                          quesa-taco with sweet roasted corn & poblanos, cotija cheese, guajillo mole, cilantro

                                          • Carne Asada

                                            chimichurri, queso fresco, baby arugula, shoestring potatoes, cilantro

                                            • Baja Fish

                                              green & red slaw, jalapeño, cilantro aioli, pico de gallo, chipotle creama

                                              • Birria de la Abuela

                                                onion, cilantro, oaxaca & asadero cheese, consommé

                                                Especiales De La Casa

                                                • Pescado Veracruz

                                                  local white fish, tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic-herb fingerling potatoes

                                                  • Ancho Grilled Salmon

                                                    poblano mash, mango-avocado salsa

                                                    • Chicken Barbacoa Cazuela

                                                      banana leaf-braised chicken, chiles, onion, cilantro, flour tortillas, rice & beans

                                                      • Chicken Milanesa

                                                        poblano mash, arugula, shaved fennel & red onion salad, charred jalapeno vinaigrette

                                                        • Crispy Carnitas

                                                          guacamole, molcajete & cruda salsas, flours tortillas, rice & beans

                                                          • Flank Steak Tampiquena

                                                            chimichurri, guajillo oaxaca enchilada, roasted peppers, panela a la plancha, guacamole, papas bravas

                                                            • Jalapeno & White Corn Lasagna

                                                              roasted poblano, carmelized onions, spinach, oaxaca cheese

                                                              Last updated: 26 June 2024

                                                              What 744 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                              4.7
                                                              4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.6Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                              • 4.3Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Loved For

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Overall

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Food

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Service

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Ambience

                                                              • East County

                                                                Great for brunch

                                                              • East County

                                                                Good for groups

                                                              • East County

                                                                Healthy

                                                              • East County

                                                                Hot spot

                                                              • East County

                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                              • East County

                                                                Great for outdoor dining

                                                              • East County

                                                                Good for special occasions

                                                              • East County

                                                                Lively

                                                              • East County

                                                                Most Booked

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Casa Gabriela captures hearts with its "wonderful" ambiance and "amazing" food offerings. Guests rave about the attentive service and a menu that delights with rich flavors, especially the enchiladas and cocktails. The charming patio is a favorite spot, offering a perfect backdrop for memorable dinners and celebrations.

                                                              744 Reviews

                                                              1. Roberta

                                                                San Diego

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                4.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                The music on the patio was pleasant, but WAY TOO LOUD to have conversation. I had looked up the menu online before going for the first time and was disappointed that the menu I viewed was not available at "brunch". My group went for lunch. Jason, our waiter, was pleasant and accommodating to our requests. The decor is nice and intentional. The patio ambience was very pleasant.

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                                                              2. Elena

                                                                San Diego

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We love this restaurant, delicious food, great service, highly recommended

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                                                              3. HeartKauai

                                                                San Diego

                                                                24 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                24 reviews

                                                                Dined on 8 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                My 3 guests and I each selected a different entree and all were pleased with presentation, food served hot, all dishes delicious and cocktails were unique and tasty. Chilaquiles with salsa verde, Burrito with eggs & chorizo, Seafood enchiladas & oatmeal all rated as incredibly yummy and seasoned well. My coffee was served hot with a cute milk can filled with cold half n half. Service was attentive, accurate & timely. Thank you! We will be back!

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                                                              4. Charlie

                                                                San Diego

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                5 reviews

                                                                Dined on 6 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Casa Gabriela is an absolute gem! Every visit feels like a special experience, and this time was no different. The service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and truly top-notch. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The food? Absolutely outstanding! Every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. You can tell they use the freshest ingredients and put so much care into every meal. It’s rare to find a place where every bite is memorable, but Casa Gabriela delivers on that promise. The environment is just as impressive. It’s warm, inviting, and impeccably designed, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or on your own, the ambiance makes you feel right at home. This wasn’t my first time at Casa Gabriela, and it definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait to return and enjoy another fantastic experience. Highly recommended!

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                                                              5. Henry

                                                                San Diego

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                Dined on 2 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                The experience at Casa Gabriela is wonderful. Everything about the environment that the staff have created feels inviting, warm, friendly, and comfortable. The staff went above and beyond, not just with our party, but I observed them doing this all over the restaurant. The restaurant is bright, warm, playful, and elegant. And, of course, the food and drinks are spectacular.

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                                                              6. ben

                                                                Palm Springs

                                                                19 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                19 reviews

                                                                Dined on 1 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Delicious food. Excellent service. Loved the music.

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                                                              7. Gina

                                                                San Diego

                                                                17 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                17 reviews

                                                                Dined on 1 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Great food and service. Large portion of carne asada in corn tortillas with rice an d beans for me and chicken enchiladas for the husband. The ambiance of the outdoor patio keeps me coming back. It was a chilly night but the fire pits and overhead warmers were just enough.

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                                                              8. Kelsey

                                                                Charleston

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 24 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Our 4th time dining here, despite always wanting to try new places, and I can’t wait to go back again! Everything is absolutely perfect!

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                                                              9. Debbie

                                                                San Diego

                                                                1 review

                                                                4.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 23 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                It was great. We liked sitting on the patio better than inside down stairs. It’s very loud inside. Great service last night.

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                                                              10. Rajh

                                                                San Diego

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 23 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Staff was great food was amazing. Enjoyed the pozole

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                                                              FAQs

                                                              Casa Gabriela offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 337-3445.

                                                              Casa Gabriela is rated 4.7 stars by 744 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                              A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant

                                                              Casa Gabriela

                                                              4.7
                                                              $30 and under
                                                              Mexican
                                                              La Mesa

                                                              Make a booking

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 pm
                                                              Booked 21 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for Casa Gabriela

                                                              8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942-9218

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                La Mesa Blvd at Allison Ave
                                                              • Area
                                                                La Mesa
                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                Tue–Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
                                                              • Price
                                                                $30 and under
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                Mexican, Breakfast, Latin American
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Dining
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Casual Dress
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                None
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                2 blocks away from the La Mesa Blvd Trolley stop.
                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                Gabriela Lopez
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.casagabrielalamesa.com/
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (619) 337-3445
                                                              • Catering
                                                                Chef Gaby's cuisine is perfect for your next party!
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                The outdoor garden features two gorgeous private dining areas in addition to our cozy, indoor loft.
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