Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Authentic Restaurants in La Mesa

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

79 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(751)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 47 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
4.6
Exceptional(304)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 21 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 Antica Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2386)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 28 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2017)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 27 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
4.7
Exceptional(243)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 13 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 El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
4.5
Awesome(447)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 9 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for over 70 years! Visit us for weekly celebrations where we infuse tradition with authentic Mexican cuisine, including $4 happy hour, $3 Taco Tuesday, Saturday Breakfast and All-You-Can-Eat + Drink Sunday Brunch. Experience a celebration of Family, Food & Community!
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1069)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 18 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 Pizza by Aromi restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 4 times today
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!
A photo of Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Grantville
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant,with authentic dishes made from fresh ingredients.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(856)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 72 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sheila
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    4.7
  • Jim
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Limoncello's was such a wonderful surprise. We heard great things, but it was even better than we expected. The decor and ambiance were so charming. The food was unbelievably delicious. One of the biggest standouts was the Ossobuco Di Maile, but there were 7 of us and we all loved what we had. The homemade pasta and the sauces were out of this world. Our server, Miguel, was so friendly and attentive. It was a wonderful night!
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were there mid afternoon Christmas Day. It wasn’t to crouched and the service was good. Food was great. They have a nice patio dining area and an open air bar that were fairly quiet, but I did notice inside was kind of noisy due to all hard surfaces. Overall very nice experience.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    4.4
  • DonaldVIP
    San Diego •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Aromi consistently has excellent entrees with a good selection of wines. The daily special today was Mahi Mahi with a lemon caper sauce that was delicious. We always enjoy dinner and the friendly staff and servers.
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    4.7
  • TyroneVIP
    Houston •91 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Everything was great! The Sea Bass special is always out of this world and service is always fantastic... thanks to waitstaff like Levi & Heather
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in La Mesa

Embark on a culinary journey in La Mesa, East County San Diego, where the dining scene beautifully marries authenticity with local charm. Here, food enthusiasts can savor the essence of diverse cuisines, each restaurant offering a unique interpretation of authentic dishes rooted in rich cultural traditions. From the sun-kissed flavors of Mediterranean kitchens to the bold, traditional spices of Mexican fare, every establishment promises a dining experience that is both genuine and memorable. Patrons can expect to indulge in meals prepared with heartfelt authenticity, where chefs pride themselves on using traditional cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients. The emphasis on maintaining the originality of the dishes, coupled with the warm, inviting atmospheres of these eateries, ensures every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants in La Mesa stand out for their commitment to delivering real, unadulterated flavors that resonate with both the palate and the place. Discover the true taste of authenticity in this vibrant culinary corner of San Diego.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo