Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in El Cajon / Lakeside

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4163)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 33 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.2

Awesome(2143)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 24 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 Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant

3. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.5

Awesome(388)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 19 times today

Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is perfect for special occasions. As one reviewer mentioned, 'it is a bit pricey so definitely a special occasion type place'. The restaurant offers a unique blend of a classic Japanese design with a modern bistro look. The food is consistently praised for its freshness and quality, and the service is always friendly and attentive. Whether celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a great meal, Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is a great choice for a special occasion.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2013)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 25 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.

5. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2386)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 7 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

6. El Torito - La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(441)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 23 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

4.8

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.

8. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3547)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 11 times today

Bleu Boheme is a special place for celebrations, as reflected in multiple reviews. Customers praise its romantic ambiance, attentive service, and delectable food. The restaurant's unique blend of French and Bohemian styles, combined with its affordable prices and comfortable setting, makes it a popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. One reviewer even mentioned the restaurant's special touch of placing an anniversary card on the table.

A photo of Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego restaurant

9. Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(1456)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Jamul

Booked 17 times today

Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager Christina Ambriz, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand-crafted specialty cocktails, Prime cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner. SpecialsExperience the best brunch in San Diego! Join us from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm every Sunday for Prime Cut’s Lobster Brunch. Enjoy a picturesque mountain view, sample from our award-winning wine list, or sip on your favorite craft cocktail while you indulge in delectable creations by Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle. Lobster Brunch • Sunday • $59.95Only guests over 21 years old may attend.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Phillip
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have always had great service and food at the La Mesa Location. Easy to find with plenty of parking . I forgot the waiters name but he was from Serbia , was very pleasant and attentive.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4
D
Dominique
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Service was spectacular! Also the seasonal menu is so well executed. The food comes out exactly as described in the menu and tastes great. I really have no complaints other than, if you’re trying to catch up with friends it’s a tad bit noisy for table conversation.
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Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.5
C
Curtis
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great service, portions of the appetizer were a little small but not bad
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Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
•
4.2
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
T
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
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Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in El Cajon / Lakeside

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

3. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

5. Antica Trattoria

6. El Torito - La Mesa

7. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

8. Bleu Boheme

9. Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

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