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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in La Mesa

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1083)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 11 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(760)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 37 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 Antica Trattoria restaurant
3. Antica Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(2392)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 24 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
4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2020)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 15 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
5. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(309)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 19 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
6. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.3
Awesome(2153)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 10 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
7. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(91)
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 Books + Records restaurant
8. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(385)
Price: Expensive
• American • Banker's Hill
Booked 39 times today
Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
9. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6491)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 96 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
4.8
Exceptional(8701)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 98 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
  • Matthias
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.7
  • Alejandro
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    AS ALWAYS EXCELLENT FOOD!! I HAD COD AS SPECIAL OF THE DAY,,,THE BEST!! WE ARE REGULARS AT THIS RESTAURANT AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTING. THE COD WAS SUPERB, SERVICE VERY GOOD, ATMOSPHERE NICE FAMILY SETTING. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED WITH FAIR PRICING. YOU WILL LIKE THIS RESTAURANT VERY MUCH. ENJOY!!
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Sheila
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • Jim
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Dec 2024
    Limoncello's was such a wonderful surprise. We heard great things, but it was even better than we expected. The decor and ambiance were so charming. The food was unbelievably delicious. One of the biggest standouts was the Ossobuco Di Maile, but there were 7 of us and we all loved what we had. The homemade pasta and the sauces were out of this world. Our server, Miguel, was so friendly and attentive. It was a wonderful night!
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    We were there mid afternoon Christmas Day. It wasn’t to crouched and the service was good. Food was great. They have a nice patio dining area and an open air bar that were fairly quiet, but I did notice inside was kind of noisy due to all hard surfaces. Overall very nice experience.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3

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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