Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

79 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4163)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 34 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

4.7

Exceptional(240)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 10 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

4.8

Exceptional(1065)

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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(87)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 3 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

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. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(230)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 44 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.

7. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(854)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 64 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.

8. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(131)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 26 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. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(416)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 39 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!

10. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1357)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 72 times today

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Suzanne
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I along with the rest of party chose a different holiday dinner, all were wonderful. The service and experience is always amazing. We look forward to what new creative dishes they with put out for the new year.
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
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4.8
M
MikeVIP
San Diego •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food is always excellent. The atmosphere is lively - people are having a great time.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
R
Rosemary
San Diego •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The service and food were both excellent. One at my table had the lobster tacos, so delicious. The fish in the fish and chips was crispy and excellent. Large portions, two pieces came home. We were celebrating a birthday and the creme brulee was the gifted dessert which was great. Our server, whose name escapes me I'm sorry, was very attentive and efficient. I'll be back.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
S
Stephanie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We come here for all our birthdays and the food quality never disappoints! Ordered the Mushroom Ravioli today, but we’ve had the Paella, Pasta, and Veef plate with mashed potatoes and we want to kiss the chef every time.
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Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9
V
Valdez
San Diego •18 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
•
4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in La Mesa

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79 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. Callie Restaurant

7. Buona Forchetta

8. Lala

9. Madi

10. Kettner Exchange

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