Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

79 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4169)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 57 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(243)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 13 times today

Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1069)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 19 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(87)

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 Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego restaurant

5. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

4.4

Awesome(14)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • College Area

Legendary taste meets the party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza near SDSU. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings.Woodstock's has 18 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout San Diego.

6. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(240)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 65 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

7. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(856)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 75 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

8. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(132)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 22 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

9. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(419)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 37 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

10. Civico 1845

4.3

Awesome(2408)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 44 times today

A new generation of Italian cuisine - fresh, light and authentic. By using proper cooking techniques, our flavors are natural and pure. Our menu is a homage to our region Calabria and southern Italian roots reflecting what is being served in Italy today. You can also find an extensive vegan menu that incorporates many of the best Italian dishes. We have been the first restaurant in the USA to have a full Italian Vegan menu since 2015! We believe in sustainability, both in our food and in the design of our restaurant. While our menu focuses on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, our bar and dining areas were created using reclaimed, natural materials. Nothing goes to waste at Civico 1845!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Delzio
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Christmas dinner at Giardino’s was nothing short of magical! The cozy atmosphere, twinkling lights, and festive décor made it feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. The food was absolutely incredible, each dish was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The staff was warm, attentive, and made sure every detail was just right. It was the perfect place to celebrate the season with loved ones. Can’t wait to come back next year!
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
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4.8
R
Randy
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our reservation was at 2:00pm but we arrived early thinking we would sit in the bar area and have a drink. They accommodated and seated us right away. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Our Waiter was very knowledgeable and the wait times for drinks, dinner, etc. was very short. Food and drinks were excellent.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
D
DonaldVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Aromi consistently has excellent entrees with a good selection of wines. The daily special today was Mahi Mahi with a lemon caper sauce that was delicious. We always enjoy dinner and the friendly staff and servers.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
S
Stephanie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 Dec 2024
We come here for all our birthdays and the food quality never disappoints! Ordered the Mushroom Ravioli today, but we’ve had the Paella, Pasta, and Veef plate with mashed potatoes and we want to kiss the chef every time.
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Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9
V
Valdez
San Diego •18 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 Jul 2024
Ordered several pizza’s and a few different types of draft beers by the pitcher for a celebration of life. Every thing was delicious and the crew was helpful.
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Woodstock's Pizza - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• College Area
•
4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

Price

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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79 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

5. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

6. Callie Restaurant

7. Buona Forchetta

8. Lala

9. Madi

10. Civico 1845

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