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Welcome to Casa Gabriela! - Casa Gabriela, La Mesa, CA

Casa Gabriela

4.6
4.6
763 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 53 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Breakfast, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 337-3445
  • Website
    http://www.casagabrielalamesa.com/
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gabriela Lopez
  • Catering
    Chef Gaby's cuisine is perfect for your next party!
  • Private party facilities
    The outdoor garden features two gorgeous private dining areas in addition to our cozy, indoor loft.
  • Location
    8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942-9218
  • Neighborhood
    La Mesa
  • Cross street
    La Mesa Blvd at Allison Ave
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    2 blocks away from the La Mesa Blvd Trolley stop.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

Menu

Aperitivos

  • Ceviche Trio

    coconut-lime shrimp, mango habanero scallops, traditional baja white fish with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro tajin, lime, avocado

    • Smoked Ahi Tostada

      mango-jicama slaw, lime, sesame, guajillo-cilantro aioli

      • Campechana

        chilled shrimp, clamato, lime, tomato, chipotle, jalapeno, cucumber, red onion, avocado, romaine, saltines

        • Tabla de Antojitos

          chicken tinja empanadas, sweet potato, caramelized onion & chipotle taquitos, mini queso fundido bacon wrapped jalapenos

          • Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

            grilled corn relish, guajillo aioli

            • Chicken Barbacoa Empanadas

              braised chicken, chiles, onion, black sesame

              • Queso Fundido

                crispy chorizo, roasted poblanos, oaxaca & asadero cheese, pinto beans

                • Lobster & Black Bean Chipotle Flautas$22.95

                  macha salsa, guajillo aioli, mexican creama, queso fresco, pickled red onion

                  Ensaladas Y Sopa

                  • Panela a La Plancha

                    baby arugula, grilled white corn, jicama, shaved red onion, roasted pepitas, pomegranate vinaigrette

                    • Caesar Salad

                      toasted chile de arbol croutons, basil, roasted tomatoes, shaved cotija enchilado, spiced pepitas

                      • Pozole Verde

                        chicken, tomatillos, shaved cabbage, radish, avocado, lime, red onion

                        Chef Gaby's Molcajetes For Two

                        served with elote rice and beans

                        • "La Reina" Mariscos

                          scallops, shrimp, octopus in a molten garlic butter, roasted poblano, caramelized onion chihuahua & oaxaca cheese, elote rice & pinto beans

                          • "La Jefa" Asado

                            skirt steak, pollo ala brasa skewers, shrimp, sausage chorizo, panela, nopales, jalapeno, machacada salsa, served with elote rice & pinto beans

                            Los Platillos

                            all served with elote rice and refried beans

                            • Mar Y Tierra Burrito

                              sautéed shrimp & steak ranchero, candied jalapeño, cotija, guajillo, tomatillo salsa. ancho crema

                              • Enchiladas Sirloin Ranchero

                                carmelized onions & peppers, mexican creama, queso fresco

                                • Enchiladas Marisco Suiza

                                  shrimp, lobster & scallops, garlic butter, tomatillo- jalapeno creama, oaxaca cheese, mexican creama

                                  • Camarones a la Diabla Quesadilla

                                    spicy glazed shrimp, montery & oaxaca cheese, caramelized onion, roasted poblano, guacamole

                                    • Chile Relleno

                                      epazote ranchero salsa, mexican crema, oaxaca & cotija cheeses, crispy tortilla threads

                                      TJ Style Tacos

                                      flour tortillas, set of 2

                                      • Chicken Tinga

                                        charred jalapeno-cilantro tortilla, baby arugula, queso fresco, mexican creama

                                        • Rajas Con Papas

                                          quesa-taco with sweet roasted corn & poblanos, cotija cheese, guajillo mole, cilantro

                                          • Carne Asada

                                            chimichurri, queso fresco, baby arugula, shoestring potatoes, cilantro

                                            • Baja Fish

                                              green & red slaw, jalapeño, cilantro aioli, pico de gallo, chipotle creama

                                              • Birria de la Abuela

                                                onion, cilantro, oaxaca & asadero cheese, consommé

                                                Especiales De La Casa

                                                • Pescado Veracruz

                                                  local white fish, tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic-herb fingerling potatoes

                                                  • Ancho Grilled Salmon

                                                    poblano mash, mango-avocado salsa

                                                    • Chicken Barbacoa Cazuela

                                                      banana leaf-braised chicken, chiles, onion, cilantro, flour tortillas, rice & beans

                                                      • Chicken Milanesa

                                                        poblano mash, arugula, shaved fennel & red onion salad, charred jalapeno vinaigrette

                                                        • Crispy Carnitas

                                                          guacamole, molcajete & cruda salsas, flours tortillas, rice & beans

                                                          • Flank Steak Tampiquena

                                                            chimichurri, guajillo oaxaca enchilada, roasted peppers, panela a la plancha, guacamole, papas bravas

                                                            • Jalapeno & White Corn Lasagna

                                                              roasted poblano, carmelized onions, spinach, oaxaca cheese

                                                              Last updated: June 26, 2024

                                                              What 763 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                              4.6
                                                              4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.5Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                              • 4.3Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Loved For

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Overall

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Food

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Service

                                                              • East County

                                                                Best Ambiance

                                                              • East County

                                                                Great for brunch

                                                              • East County

                                                                Good for groups

                                                              • East County

                                                                Healthy

                                                              • East County

                                                                Hot spot

                                                              • East County

                                                                Neighborhood gem

                                                              • East County

                                                                Great for outdoor dining

                                                              • East County

                                                                Good for special occasions

                                                              • East County

                                                                Lively

                                                              • East County

                                                                Most Booked

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Casa Gabriela captures hearts with its "wonderful" ambiance and "amazing" food offerings. Guests rave about the attentive service and a menu that delights with rich flavors, especially the enchiladas and cocktails. The charming patio is a favorite spot, offering a perfect backdrop for memorable dinners and celebrations.

                                                              763 Reviews

                                                              1. Laura

                                                                VIP

                                                                San Diego

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                4.0

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                We enjoyed brunch late morning today. The chilachilles were yummy and so was the omelette. Just wish they had espresso and latte options as that’s a must with brunch! At least cafe de la olla.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Ashley

                                                                San Diego

                                                                7 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                7 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                My husband and I went to Casa Gabriela with our toddler shortly after 6:00 on a Friday night, so it was fairly busy. We had a reservation and arrived 15 minutes early, thinking we would not find parking as quickly as we did, and they were able to sit us within five minutes. The staff were quick to take our orders and the food was out quickly, considering the quality. Speaking of the quality, everything was excellent. My husband raved about his quesadilla, and he is a hard man to impress. My picky eater of a child scarfed down most of a bean and cheese burrito, which was a sight to behold. I had the seafood enchiladas and they were delicious, although I was way too full of the equally good ceviche we had first to finish them. I have a wheat allergy and love that I can safely eat here. We will definitely be back!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              3. Frederick

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                6 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                6 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                The crispy carnitas and enchiladas sirloin were outstanding. I dumped a margarita when my hand slipped on a wet glass—the staff was very nice about it ( and replaced the margarita, which I didn’t expect). It was chilly in the dining room. But we'll be back.

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                                                              4. Taylor

                                                                VIP

                                                                San Diego

                                                                10 reviews

                                                                1.0

                                                                10 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 1
                                                                2. Food 1
                                                                3. Service 1
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                We recently visited Casa Gabriella to celebrate my brother’s 29th birthday, it was all of our first times here and unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. We were seated, ordered drinks, and were excited to order food when the server informed us that the kitchen was closing, and we would need to leave. This completely ruined what should have been a special occasion. Sadly, we left hungry and frustrated. Definitely not the celebration we were hoping for.

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                                                              5. Vicki

                                                                San Diego

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                3.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Great, energetic atmosphere. Food too spicy for my liking.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              6. Pam

                                                                San Diego

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Exceptional Mexican dishes- Great Variety Willing to adjust dish to desired Heat levels Goes beyond to make dining special.

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                                                              7. Lois

                                                                San Diego

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                We arrived early for our reservation and they sat us right away. Our favorite appetizers were as good as ever. We both tried something new for our entrees and we were not disappointed. Highly recommend the Guacamole, and the Jalapeno Tempura fried Cauliflower. We hope they never leave the menu. Service was good as well. The only very slight problem was it was very cold near the front door. But that would never keep us from returning!

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                                                              8. Barbara

                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                35 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                35 reviews

                                                                Dined 4 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Our family celebrates many occassions at Casa Gabriela. The menu has excellent choices. No one is ever disappointed. The service is friendly. La Mesa is very lucky to have this restaurant in the village to enjoy. Thank you for being here.

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                                                              9. Matt

                                                                San Diego

                                                                1 review

                                                                4.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 6 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                Birthday Party next to us was so loud could not hear the conversation at our table.

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                                                              10. McLean

                                                                VIP

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Creative menu with delicious choices. Outstanding service!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              FAQs

                                                              Casa Gabriela offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 337-3445.

                                                              Casa Gabriela is rated 4.6 stars by 763 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                              Make a reservation

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 PM
                                                              Booked 53 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for Casa Gabriela

                                                              8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942-9218

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross street
                                                                La Mesa Blvd at Allison Ave
                                                              • Neighborhood
                                                                La Mesa
                                                              • Hours of operation
                                                                Tue–Sun 3:30 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm
                                                              • Price
                                                                $30 and under
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                Mexican, Breakfast, Latin American
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Dining
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Casual Dress
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                None
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                2 blocks away from the La Mesa Blvd Trolley stop.
                                                              • Executive chef
                                                                Gabriela Lopez
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Bar/Lounge, Beer Garden, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.casagabrielalamesa.com/
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (619) 337-3445
                                                              • Catering
                                                                Chef Gaby's cuisine is perfect for your next party!
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                The outdoor garden features two gorgeous private dining areas in addition to our cozy, indoor loft.
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