Restaurants near San Carlos Recreation Center

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

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CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

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Wheelchair access

183 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant

1. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(423)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 14 times today

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!

2. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(882)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 28 times today

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.

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

3. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4302)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 28 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.

4. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2452)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 8 times today

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.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

5. El Torito - La Mesa

3.8

Excellent(497)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 14 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

6. Limoncello La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(356)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 6 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

7. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2053)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 12 times today

Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

8. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.4

Awesome(301)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 7 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

9. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

4.0

Excellent(100)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

Booked 10 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant

10. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.6

Exceptional(52)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • La Mesa

Booked 4 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.*

Dining near San Carlos Recreation Center at a glance

Updated on 6/23/2025

La Mesa Wine Works

4.8

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From verified diners like you

C
ChristinaVIP
San Diego •52 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
We love this restaurant! We have been a number of times. Such a hidden gem. I loved the roasted pear salad, the penne salsiccia and the short rib. They also have gluten free penne and gluten free pizza crust, which gives me a lot of options.
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.8
W
William
San Diego •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Good food and service. Seafood chowder was very good. Fish well prepared and shrimp was delicious. We sat outside on the patio.. Would eat there again.
More info
Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
T
Tricia
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
They seated us right away and we had excellent service. The food was delicious and the portions were great.
More info
Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.7
J
Jackie
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 14, 2025
Waitress was awesome. Service and food great. Loved the ambiance too
More info
Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.6
J
JanVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
Our server Bailey was very friendly and knowledgeable. Great food.
More info
El Torito - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
3.8

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