Casa Gabriela

4.7

751 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 57 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
Dog Friendly, Outdoor Firepit

Popular dishes

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 FlautasUS$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

What 751 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

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

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.

751 Reviews

S
Sheila
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
L
Leonardo
Querétaro
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
This is our second time here and I would say that dinner time is much better than brunch. Food is better at night and service is also more attentive. We felt a little pressure because brunch was about to end and we were told that no chips are given for brunch. It was a disappointment:/.
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C
Crystian
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was great, as usual! The only thing was that the live musicians were way too loud. We had 6 at a table and we couldn’t hear each other speaking. We were having to yell which was unpleasant. Also, the music style was unfortunately kinda odd. Karaoke style covers of 80’s songs. A nice acoustic Spanish guitar would have been much more enjoyable. We were excited to hear they were going to have live music at our brunch, then really wished it would stop after a few very loud and awkward songs. Hate to say this because we really love the restaurant and the food!!
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C
Cynthia
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely love the food here! I can always tell when Chef Adan’s is in the kitchen. His food is so delicious, so flavorful, reminds me of home cooked meals as a kid.
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G
Gina
San Diego
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We really enjoy this beautiful restaurant. We always sit outside in the garden patio section. The staff here are top notch. Food is amazing. Can’t wait to go back.
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M
Molly
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
The wait staff was nice but unorganized. Our main dishes came out before the appetizers. We had to remind the waiter about our drinks.
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P
Paula
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drinks!! Beautiful restaurant and patio! Margarita’s best in town!
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R
Roberta
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
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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E
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
Is this helpful?
HK
HeartKauai
San Diego
25 reviews
5.0
25 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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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 751 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

29 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 57 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Dog Friendly, Outdoor Firepit

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.

Casa Gabriela

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Al Pastor Cauliflower Tacos

Crispy Carnitas

Caesar Salad

Aperitivos

Ceviche Trio

Smoked Ahi Tostada

Campechana

Tabla de Antojitos

Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

Chicken Barbacoa Empanadas

Queso Fundido

Lobster & Black Bean Chipotle FlautasUS$22.95

Ensaladas Y Sopa

Panela a La Plancha

Caesar Salad

Pozole Verde

Chef Gaby's Molcajetes For Two

"La Reina" Mariscos

"La Jefa" Asado

Los Platillos

Mar Y Tierra Burrito

Enchiladas Sirloin Ranchero

Enchiladas Marisco Suiza

Camarones a la Diabla Quesadilla

Chile Relleno

TJ Style Tacos

Chicken Tinga

Rajas Con Papas

Carne Asada

Baja Fish

Birria de la Abuela

Especiales De La Casa

Pescado Veracruz

Ancho Grilled Salmon

Chicken Barbacoa Cazuela

Chicken Milanesa

Crispy Carnitas

Flank Steak Tampiquena

Jalapeno & White Corn Lasagna

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Casa Gabriela offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Casa Gabriela restaurant rated?

Is Casa Gabriela currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information