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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in East County

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OpenTable
Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in East County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Jive Lounge restaurant
Jive Lounge
4.8
4.8 (43)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Jamul
About the restaurant
Our electric live entertainment venue just steps away from the casino floor features some of Southern California’s hottest DJs and best local bands along with great food, craft beers, and signature handcrafted cocktails.
Make your reservation today! A deposit of $20 per person will be required at the time of check in for your table. This deposit of cash or a credit
Card hold for the amount will be lifted when your party has surpassed this amount of purchased food or

Top review
Debbie
Dined on Sep 8, 2024
Emerald Chinese Cuisine. Great food, price just right!
A photo of Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego restaurant
Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego
4.7
4.7 (1425)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Jamul
About the restaurant
Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager & Sommelier Gary-Joseph Robertson, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand crafted specialty cocktails, Prime cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner.

Specials:
Experience the best brunch in San Diego! Join us from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm every Sunday for Prime Cut’s Lobster Brunch. Enjoy a picturesque mountain view, sample from our award-winning wine list, or sip on your favorite craft cocktail while you indulge in delectable creations by Chef de Cuisine Cheryl Cruz.

Lobster Brunch • Sunday • $59.95

Only guests over 21 years old may attend.

Top review
Ann Marievip
Dined today
Everyone goes out to not only enjoy a fantastic meal but to put all the stress of the day away for a few hours. Prime Cut will not disappoint you. They make you feel like family with ambience that you will always remember and can't wait till you come back again. Enjoy !
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A photo of Seafood Platter of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seafood Platter
A photo of Braised Prime Short Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Braised Prime Short Rib
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
Casa Gabriela
4.6
4.6 (694)
$30 and under
Mexican
La Mesa
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Chris
Dined 4 days ago
Food is amazing and creative menu. Price is on the upper end for Mexican food but is worth it. Will be returning to try different items on the menu. The cauliflower appetizer was awesome!
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A photo of Crispy Carnitas of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Carnitas
A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caesar Salad
A photo of Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower of a restaurant
Popular dish
Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower
A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
4.8 (4118)
$30 and under
Seafood
La Mesa
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Meredith
Dined 5 days ago
It's not easy but the Halibut is always so well pre-pared and boy does it taste too good. Ate too much we couldn't order the Mud Pie that we love, but there is always next time. Thank you.
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A photo of Blackened Salmon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blackened Salmon
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.9
4.9 (1039)
$30 and under
Italian
Lemon Grove
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Lance
Dined on Sep 10, 2024
Everything was great. Our food was amazing and the service as attentive and friendly. It was very hot in the dining area... but it was in the middle of a heat wave, so I will extend some grace on that! We love this place and its always on our short list when we are looking for something close and nice. I recommend Giardino's without hesitation.
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A photo of Calamari Fritti of a restaurant
Popular dish
Calamari Fritti
A photo of Chicken Marsala of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Marsala
A photo of Chicken Parmesan of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken Parmesan
A photo of Retreat Pool & Cabanas restaurant
Retreat Pool & Cabanas
4.4
4.4 (320)
$50 and over
Californian
El Cajon / Lakeside
About the restaurant
Everyone needs to treat themselves from time to time. If you’re looking for a getaway from the everyday, look no further than Retreat Pool and Cabanas. Our El Cajon venue offers guests the opportunity to relax, soak up some Vitamin D, and escape in a picturesque aquatic oasis. We offer an array of entertainment and performers throughout the summer months. Our unique and thoughtful layout features two beautiful pool areas and a cleverly designed lazy river. You’ll feel layers of stress melt away as you float down the slow-moving lazy river, taking in your surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Top review
SGSG
Dined 4 days ago
Once again another perfect experience at Retreat Pool! We had such a great time with the music, the people, our waitress Jasmine and just relaxing! Jasmine followed us everywhere and provide excellent service whether in the cabana, pool or playing black jack she always provided perfection in service! Such a great day and can’t wait to return next summer for more cabana pool days!!
A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant
Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill
4.6
4.6 (365)
$31 to $50
Seafood
La Mesa
About the restaurant
Here at Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill we are committed to providing our customers with an excellent dining experience. Each dish on our menu is prepared using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is unique with its classic Japanese design, fused with a modern bistro look combined with earth tones and lighting to create a visual atmosphere one can't forget!
Top review
RUBYvip
Dined on Aug 31, 2024
We ordered sushi, sashimi, drinks, and dessert. Everything was pretty amazing.
A photo of Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse restaurant
Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse
4.5
4.5 (1622)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
El Cajon / Lakeside
About the restaurant
Bull & Bourbon is a cut above other steakhouses – literally. Our innovative approach to classic steakhouse cuisine makes for a multi-sensory experience. Enjoy steaks prepared on our custom wood burning grill paired with our extensive and hand-selected bourbon menu for flavors that beautifully complement each other. Because we source local coastal California seafood, use steaks cut from our in-house butcher program, and choose select cuts from our on-site aging room, we always start with top-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. You will always know from where your food has been sourced, and our chefs approach cooking as the true art that it is.
Top review
wendi
Dined 4 days ago
My husband and I come here every couple months for a date night . It never disappoints!!
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A photo of SURF & TURF of a restaurant
Popular dish
SURF & TURF
A photo of CHICKEN PICCATA of a restaurant
Popular dish
CHICKEN PICCATA
A photo of WEDGE SALAD of a restaurant
Popular dish
WEDGE SALAD
A photo of Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino restaurant
Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino
4.6
4.6 (1736)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Alpine
About the restaurant
The Grove Steakhouse has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. Resplendent with luxurious décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Grove offers classic and contemporary cuisine for the definitive gourmet experience. Relax in calming ambience while you’re pampered by our world-class service. Our attention to detail and gourmet selections will make your dining experience a pleasure long remembered. Experience an exciting new menu, which includes an array of tantalizing entrées and desserts that are sure to satisfy and inspire you to return again and again.

Top review
Carolyn
Dined 4 days ago
Great menu... excellent choices. Great service. Beautiful plates of delicious food!
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A photo of Petit Filet Mignon 8oz of a restaurant
Popular dish
Petit Filet Mignon 8oz
A photo of Porterhouse Steak 22oz of a restaurant
Popular dish
Porterhouse Steak 22oz
A photo of Atlantic Sea Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Atlantic Sea Scallops
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
Antica Trattoria
4.8
4.8 (2341)
$30 and under
Contemporary Italian
La Mesa
About the restaurant
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.

Top review
Dannyvip
Dined 5 days ago
Great food. Friendly service. Wonderful customer service and decor
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A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi
A photo of Lasagna of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lasagna
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