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Best Seasonal Restaurants in Santee

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4190)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 37 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
4.5
Awesome(391)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 19 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!
A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2025)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 10 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1085)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 8 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 El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
5. El Torito - La Mesa
4.4
Awesome(454)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 2 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 Madi restaurant
6. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(427)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 38 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!
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
7. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(92)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 1 time 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 Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant
8. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(2586)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Kearny Mesa
Booked 15 times today
Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, The Butcher Shop features only the finest quality mid-Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, the ambiance is sexy, warm and intimate, with rich dark wood paneling, comfortable leather booths, gleaming brass and beautifully etched-glass panels.Indulge in the exquisite flavors of USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, including our signature Prime Rib, slow-roasted to perfection to preserve its tender juiciness. All our steaks are expertly grilled over oak wood, imparting a delightful charred exterior and a hint of smoky richness. In addition to our stellar steaks, we offer a diverse selection that includes salmon, chicken, lamb, and pasta dishes, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.
A photo of Press Box Restaurant + Bar restaurant
9. Press Box Restaurant + Bar
4.4
Awesome(14)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rancho San Diego
An East County neighborhood community gem for over 15 years, Press Box Restaurant & Bar offers a refreshing take on all-American classic cuisine. Featuring a wide selection of local beers on tap, original cocktails, and a whiskey lovers dream, Press Box's menu highlights creative bar staples like "Mediterranean Chicken Skewers" and "Beef Cheek Nachos," alongside more classic dishes like the "Ribeye with Seasonal Potatoes and Vegetables" and "Smash Burger Sliders." Owned and operated by Executive Chef Joseph "Papa Joe" Salem, the same mastermind behind the restaurant "Sahara of the Middle East," Press Box incorporates a Mediterranean flare into both the menu and design. Items are sourced fresh on a daily basis, and chef's specials can be found as a constant addition. Opened daily for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant also features a large selection of TVs to highlight the upcoming game of the season.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Beatriz
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Went to dinner with my daughter. Enjoyed our time and our entrees. Our server Joey was great and attentive. He was good about describing the entrees and helping with our selections.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • WilliamVIP
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    On a date night with my wife enjoying our favorite drink and flaming fajitas. Steak was perfect, chicken was tender, shrimp was delicious. My wife enjoyed the veggies of onions bell peppers and potatoes. Beans were delicious
    More info
    El Torito - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.4
  • Kayanne
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Riva was an exceptional server. We enjoyed the pecan crusted chicken sandwich and the pecan crusted salad. Too much to share and took some home. Food was fresh and very rasty
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 5, 2025
    Amazing food and drinks. Nick our server was attentive and kind.
    More info
    Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • Matthias
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 30, 2024
    My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.7

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