Best Casual Restaurants in Santee

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4166)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 22 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.

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(417)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 30 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!

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1065)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 26 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

4. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(241)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 12 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(182)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 50 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

6. Brigantine Poway

4.6

Exceptional(1240)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Poway / Rancho Bernardo

Booked 9 times today

In keeping with the Brigantine tradition of excellence, The Poway Brigantine features a generous assortment of appetizers on their widely popular "Share" menu. An abundant selection of fresh seafood and grilled meats round out the rest of the offerings.Newly redesigned at the end of 2006, The Poway Brigantine boasts a lively and contemporary atmosphere, unlike anything else in the area. Whether you're joining us for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, The Brig's casual and unpretentious atmosphere makes it the perfect everyday restaurant.With separate areas for private dining, The Brigantine is also an ideal place to make business connections, or celebrate special occasions with family and friends.Start your own community tradition and Meet Me at The Brig.

7. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3547)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 13 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

8. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3214)

Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 24 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

9. Public House 131

4.9

Exceptional(37)

Price: Moderate

• American • Scripps Ranch

Welcome to Public House 131 our Chef Shahob Pourteymoor has designed a menu full of your pub favorites all made from scratch in house and sourced locally whenever possible or when seasons allow. We are located in beautiful Scripps Ranch and offer a wonderful outdoor dining experience. Our Craft cocktails are our specialty and our tap list includes close to 20 local San Diego beers.

10. MexicanBar

(0)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Poway

Located in the heart of Poway, MexicanBar offers an authentic and vibrant Mexican dining experience with a modern twist. Reopened in May 2024 after a stunning remodel, MexicanBar features a fresh new look, a lively atmosphere, and a delicious menu crafted to satisfy every craving. From classic Mexican dishes to creative fusion options, we take pride in using fresh ingredients to deliver bold, flavorful meals. MexicanBar also offers a delightful brunch menu, handcrafted cocktails, hand shaken margaritas, and local draft beer to complement any meal. Whether you're here for a casual lunch, weekend brunch, or a festive dinner, our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service in a welcoming setting. With a spacious sports bar area, indoor and outdoor seating, and a lively ambiance, MexicanBar is the perfect spot for both family gatherings and nights out with friends.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jeff
San Diego •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This location has always been top notch. Took mom here for her birthday on Xmas eve. Food, service and ambiance was very good. Merry Christmas and Thank you for working
More info
Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
D
DonaldVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day 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
E
Elyse
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was decent but drinks are overpriced and small. Water boys and bussers were fast and great, but good luck trying to flag down your waiter. Definitely make a reservation, did not expect that many people for brunch time on a Monday.
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
S
ShannonVIP
San Diego •148 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Started with wine and crispy burrata - great choice, can't wait to try a different one next time (yes there will be several nexts). He got the Cacio e Pepe, I got the Bucatini a la Pesto. Mine was labeled a favorite and the flavor was off the charts. So good. He finished his entire order, so his was enjoyed as well. We then moved onto the tableside Tiramisu. FANtastic. This place is a gem. We can't wait to make it more of a rotation! Buon Natale!
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Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
S
Suzanne
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I along with the rest of party chose a different holiday dinner, all were wonderful. The service and experience is always amazing. We look forward to what new creative dishes they with put out for the new year.
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in Santee

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Top Rated

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Madi

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Aromi Italian Cuisine

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

6. Brigantine Poway

7. Bleu Boheme

8. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

9. Public House 131

10. MexicanBar

See what locals rave about

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