Best Lunch Restaurants in Serra Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East CountyNorth San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkCarmel ValleyCollege AreaCoronado

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

228 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. BoujieMana

4.8

Exceptional(276)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa

Booked 10 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

2. Benihana - San Diego, CA

3.7

Very Good(7799)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 105 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4559)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 51 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

4. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3230)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 32 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

5. El Sueño

4.4

Awesome(265)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 22 times today

Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

6. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.3

Awesome(837)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 50 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

7. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.0

Excellent(3275)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 5 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

8. Madison

4.4

Awesome(3164)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 22 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

9. Bosforo

new

4.7

Exceptional(58)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Turkish • Normal Heights

Booked 35 times today

Bosforo is a chef-driven Turkish - Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Seckin Sage Anlasbay, located in the heart of San Diego’s Adams Avenue, Normal Heights.Inspired by the lively meyhane-style restaurants of Istanbul and the coastal flavors of the Mediterranean, Bosforo brings bold meze, fire-grilled kebabs, and wood-fired Italian-style pizza to the table. Signature dishes include our handcrafted Adana kebab, lahmacun, seasonal meze plates, and lamp chop.The space is warm, modern, and communal — with an open kitchen, open pizza bar and a full bar serving rakı-forward signature cocktails. Guests can enjoy late-night DJ sets, acoustic performances, weekend brunch featuring Turkish breakfast feasts.Veteran-co-owned and proudly rooted in San Diego, Bosforo delivers Mediterranean hospitality with California soul.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

10. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2804)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 51 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
EdgarVIP
San Diego •97 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
One of our favorite Italian restaurants.Always start with a Peach Bellini, Bread service delicious. ,Tried numerous pasta dishes-all good. With warmer weather like the patio in back.
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
J
JamesVIP
Los Angeles •222 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great Mexican food in Old Town! Service could have been a touch tighter.
More info
El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.4
N
Nikki
San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great experience as always - start with server who always makes any group feel welcomed and comfortable. Last night brought in 6 people who had never been to Boujie Mana and all left singing their praise. We ended up sharing Pita and Hummus, smoked deviled eggs, margharita pizza, Kousa, and yes those delicious donut holes. Lots of raves about how smoky the eggs were and the pita was to die for and the Kousa was such a surprise and delicious. And we all sang the praises of the donuts holes.
More info
BoujieManaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Serra Mesa
•
4.8
L
LANIVIP
San Diego •30 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Always a good show. Prices are very high Service was prompt and efficient this time
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
3.7
D
DebbieVIP
Las Vegas •39 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 21, 2025
Making a reservation is the way to go! There's always a line to get in. One of the most delicious Cesar slalds I've EVER had!!
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8

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