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Best Authentic Restaurants in Rancho San Diego

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11 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Emerald Chinese Cuisine restaurant
1. Emerald Chinese Cuisine
4.0
Excellent(0)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Jamul
Booked 1 time today
Emerald is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates delicious, authentic Chinese cuisine and other Asian favorites. If you’re a fan of noodle dishes, you’ll love the rich and flavorful pho and the delectable chow fun. And if you’re a seafood lover, be sure to try the crispy salt and pepper shrimp. The variety of appetizers, soups, and entrées will please any palate!
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
2. Casa Gabriela
4.7
Exceptional(878)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 20 times today
Casa Gabriela serves authentic Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Gabriela Lopez, who brings her own grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara and her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana to the table. The menu is praised for its unique twist on traditional flavors and the restaurant is lauded for its authentic food and great ambiance. Reviews often highlight the restaurant's authenticity and the chef's friendly and welcoming demeanor.
A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
3. Limoncello La Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(356)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 5 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
4. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.4
Awesome(299)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 6 times today
Aromi Italian Cuisine is lauded for its authentic Italian food, with reviews praising its fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and homemade taste. The restaurant's ambiance is also often compared to dining in Italy, making it a true Italian experience.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
5. Antica Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(2451)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 13 times today
Antica Trattoria is a genuine Italian restaurant with a warm, old-fashioned hospitality vibe. It's loved for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, which is prepared with simplicity, honesty, and a hint of Sicilian flair as Executive Chef Francesco Basile recalls his upbringing by the seaside in Sicily. As one reviewer put it, 'If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine this is the place to go.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambiance, and service further confirm its authenticity.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.8
Exceptional(1126)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 4 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 Garbatella restaurant
7. Garbatella
4.6
Exceptional(312)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Chula Vista / Bonita
Booked 6 times today
Come Try Our Brunch Saturdays & Sundays 9:00AM - 12:30PMWe are proud to share our journey which is Garbatella Osteria Bar. As the first US-based concept from husband-wife duo Saul Plata and his wife Carelma Rodriguez, as well as his partner Antonio and Diana, Garbatella Osteria in Otay Ranch, is the coming together of cultures, of travels, and of a lifetime of experiences. The Italian menu is crafted to reflect the authentic Italian flavors of Antonio’s childhood with recipes he has loved and cooked for decades.We are thrilled to call Chula Vista home and root ourselves here. Again, benvenuti, welcome, to Garbatella Osteria Italian restaurant.
A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant
8. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
4.6
Exceptional(52)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Mesa
Booked 2 times today
The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room features a unique experience of service where you can choose to grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill and offers numerous cuts of meat. Not interested in doing the grilling? We will grill for you and we also have a great selection of entrees and appetizers that are prepared for you. Extensive craft cocktail list, great beer selection and live music most nights in the turquoise room.*RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY OFFERED FOR THE DINING AREA, THE TURQUOISE ROOM IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.*
A photo of Pizzo's Pizzeria 2 at Millenia Otay Ranch restaurant
9. Pizzo's Pizzeria 2 at Millenia Otay Ranch
4.8
Exceptional(288)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Ysidro
Booked 9 times today
Located in the Millenia Otay Ranch, this eatery offers Neapolitan pizzas, cocktails, wine & salads, plus outdoor seating. Pizzo's Pizzeria offers a full Italian menu and serves the Otay Ranch area. area with dine-in options, online ordering and pickup.
A photo of Pizza by Aromi restaurant
10. Pizza by Aromi
4.3
Awesome(13)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Elon
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Antica Trattoria is consistently delicious and reliable - a neighborhood gem and a La Mesa standout. Our recent dinner experience was no exception. The lasagna was fantastic, as was my dinner companion’s seafood linguine. It is always impressive when the owner is present - in this case mixing drinks at the bar! - ensuring top-notch quality. Can’t wait to return.
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Judy
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had my son's graduation lunch here because it is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Authentic dishes and amazing service from Nino. The suggested party board was absolutely amazing and everyone enjoyed the appetizers. And, as always, the dishes were delicious... my picky mom even loved her dish. My entire family was impressed and plan to be back.
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.4
  • Ali
    San Diego •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Delicious food, great space, nice servers, but the staff needs more training on food allergies. Make sure you ask your server to check with the kitchen and not give their opinion of what ingredients are included if you have any allergies!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Dee
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 7, 2025
    One of the best Italian meals we have had. We went there to celebrate my birthday. It did not disappoint. One of the best Cacio de Pepe I have had. Loved our waiter Gaetano. We will be back.
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.7

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