Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1357)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 80 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.

2. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4306)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 83 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

3. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3547)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 10 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

4. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(860)

Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 13 times today

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

5. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.6

Exceptional(626)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 26 times today

Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.

6. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(949)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 16 times today

Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.

A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant

7. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.9

Exceptional(147)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 5 times today

San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!

8. Asti Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1754)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 9 times today

Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!

9. Saltwater

4.3

Awesome(590)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 6 times today

The best seafood in all of San Diego is officially in the Gaslamp District! Surround yourself in a stunning and vibrant aura while you and your friends indulge in the best seafood, oysters and caviar that Southern California has to offer! Our deal is simple. You pick the fish from our ice display, specify the weight and how you’d like it cooked, and let our world-class chefs do the rest!Using this method we can guarantee the highest quality of freshness and can make sure that you receive exactly what you want! We know that we will provide unparalleled freshness, and taste that cannot be beaten! Stop by today and transform your understanding of excellent seafood!

10. Blind Burro

4.6

Exceptional(672)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 4 times today

The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego. Come in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet over a carafe of spicy margaritas or on tap house sangria. . Or try us for lunch with clients while enjoying steak tacos and a quinoa mixed green salad. Hope to see you soon in the unique, airy and comfortable environment we have created for you in downtown San Diego. **All checks will have a 4% pandemic recovery surcharge due to the additional costs associated with the impact on our business and operations. This is not a gratuity and will be used to help us offset the additional product, labor, overhead and other costs.**

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Callie KuklokVIP
San Diego •51 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our server Michael was the best! Food and holiday drinks were delicious ❤️💚❤️💚
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
C
Cedric
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The duck meatballs wasn’t the best , the tomatoes sauce that came with it was just too much and was salty. The shrimp was fabulous, the desert wasn’t too enjoyable, but overall, it was a classy environment with people dressing nice on a Saturday and would definitely go again to try other dishes and for the experience
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
E
Ericka
South Carolina •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was an amazing experience at your establishment. The tofu dish was delicious.
More info
ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
B
Barbara
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had a wonderful dining experience at Bleu Boheme! The setting was lovely, the service was excellent and the food and drinks were superb- We will definitely be back!
More info
Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
K
Kavinda
Las Vegas •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 Dec 2024
Excellent meal and even better service and fine Italian food.
More info
Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

2. Barbusa

3. Bleu Boheme

4. ARTIFACT at Mingei

5. Mimmo's Italian Village

6. Nonna

7. Topsail at Portside Pier

8. Asti Ristorante

9. Saltwater

10. Blind Burro

See what locals rave about

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