Best restaurants near me in El Cajon, CA

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678 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4295)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 72 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 Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant

2. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.6

Exceptional(419)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 40 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!

3. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(876)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 47 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

4. Limoncello La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(356)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 11 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

5. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.5

Awesome(2183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 28 times today

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

6. El Torito - La Mesa

3.9

Excellent(493)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 22 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

7. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1123)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 20 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

8. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2050)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 21 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

9. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

4.1

Excellent(99)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

Booked 22 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.

10. Antica Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2450)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 20 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.

Dining near El Cajon, CA at a glance

Updated on 6/13/2025

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From verified diners like you

A
Ali
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 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
D
Dee
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
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.
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
C
Catherine
San Diego •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
This is one f our “go to” places for excellent service and food. And lunch on their beautiful patio is extra special. We were celebrating and it was a great experience
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
M
Maggie
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 2, 2025
Our experiences at Black Angus have never been a problem. We have always enjoyed our meals & service. Thank you to everyone of your staff members.
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Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
•
4.5
M
Mike and MollyVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
We frequently dine at Banbu Sushi. It’s become our regular, decompress Friday go-to spot. Creative, high quality and delicious food and drink offerings, consistently excellent and friendly service (special thanks to wonderful Cass who has taken care of us several times!) keep us coming back! Depending on where your table is will change the rating on ambiance. Many places/tables warrant 5 stars while others not (due to kitchen traffic, noise level, temperature variance). It’s has always still been a wonderful experience and we’re so glad Banbu Sushi is thriving!!
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Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.6

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Best restaurants near me in El Cajon, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

678 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

3. Casa Gabriela

4. Limoncello La Mesa

5. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

6. El Torito - La Mesa

7. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

8. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

9. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

10. Antica Trattoria

Dining near El Cajon, CA at a glance

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