Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4196)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 31 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.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(249)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 5 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1086)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 12 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(92)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 2 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 Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego restaurant

5. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

4.4

Awesome(14)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • College Area

Booked 1 time today

Legendary taste meets the party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza near SDSU. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings.Woodstock's has 18 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout San Diego.

6. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4273)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 135 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

7. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(279)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 67 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

8. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(146)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 29 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

9. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(871)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 60 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

10. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(431)

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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Susan
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
My husband and I celebrated his birthday with wonderful winr and fabulous food at Brigantine , La Mesa CA today. Our server, Josh, was excellent and showed a wonderful combination of being accommodating and giving us our space. It was an added positive getting to know Josh a little. He is a great server and a very personable addition to Brigantine's staff.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
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4.8
M
MikeVIP
San Diego •57 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 9, 2025
As we have come to expect, the servers are great. The food is amazing. We always enjoy our time here. It is becoming our go-to spot.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
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4.6
M
Maria
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
Came here after reading reviews from other diners. I can say this restaurants lives up to the 5 star hype. We had a large party of 7 to celebrate a birthday. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and had good recommendations from the menu. I do like they have a pretty robust seafood selection. Our table started off with mussels and clams and the crab cakes appetizers -- both were delicious. I have the Fisherman's Stew, which was excellent and very hearty. The portions are generous and I ended taking the other half home. I think this is a great place for a casual dinner where the food is still excellent without having to get all dressed up. There's also a large patio area and I can see that being lively during the summer. This is a solid place and I definitely recommend!
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Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
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4.9
C
ConteshaVIP
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
Delicious food and great service. The quality of the food is exceptional! Great wine selection and cocktails.
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
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4.7
V
Valdez
San Diego •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 8, 2024
Ordered several pizza’s and a few different types of draft beers by the pitcher for a celebration of life. Every thing was delicious and the crew was helpful.
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Woodstock's Pizza - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• College Area
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4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

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Award-winning

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

5. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

6. Seneca

7. Callie Restaurant

8. Lala

9. Buona Forchetta

10. Madi

See what locals rave about

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