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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. Brigantine La Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(4225)
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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.3
Awesome(2169)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 17 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 Casa Gabriela restaurant
3. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(799)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 23 times today
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.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
4. Antica Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(2418)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 18 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2036)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 14 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
6. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(321)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 7 times today
Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.
A photo of Press Box Restaurant + Bar restaurant
7. Press Box Restaurant + Bar
4.4
Awesome(17)
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.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
8. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.5
Awesome(1094)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 5 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 Bleu Boheme restaurant
9. Bleu Boheme
4.7
Exceptional(3600)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 17 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 Madi restaurant
10. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(441)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 34 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!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Arrived to celebrate my girlfriends birthday, never been before but have been when the establishment was Bo Beau. Naturally skeptical of something new, but wow…. Everything was honestly just great. Cocktails: unique handcrafted. Food: again unique flavor combinations that are working…. Get the veggie lasnga, and churros for dessert. Service: Our sever Laynee was very nice had a great smile and provided us with everything we needed! Thank you all! And keep up the good work!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • JosephVIP
    San Diego •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As usual excellent service and excellent food. Impressed that when my wife had an issue with one of her dishes and told it to the bus boy he immediately addressed the issue instead of, like most restaurants, telling her to speak to our server. It is one of our favorite restaurants, if not our favorite.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • LOU
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I took my Girlfriend to Farmers Table for Valentines Day. Everything was especially great. Server was, "VIRGINIA B. B." and she was just OUTSTANDING!!!! I have a dairy allergy and she went out of her way to ensure none was used on my food. She was attentive, sweet, polite and like I said, "OUSTANDING!!!!" We love this place. YOU WILL TOO!!! So please try it and ask for Virginia B. B.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • Cyndie
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was a wonderful experience. We were greeted at the door with big smiles and honored our reservation promptly. The waiter was on top of all our needs and even offered suggestions. The lobster was mouthwatering and the margarita was delicious and great becasue it was at a happy hour price.
    More info
    Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
    •
    4.3
  • janeVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We are so happy to have found this place. The food is amazing....finish every bite amazing. It can be a special dinner, or you can just have a casual drink and appetizer. Friendly and efficient service. One little negative is the chairs. Wood is with an open back, which is hard for some people.
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of San Diego's El Cajon / Lakeside area in East County, known for its inviting "neighborhood gem" restaurants. This unique dining scene offers a charming blend of local flavors and welcoming atmospheres, making it a prime destination for those seeking a more intimate dining experience. Each restaurant in this locale showcases its own distinctive style, serving a variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. Patrons can expect to find establishments that emphasize quality, authenticity, and a personal touch, often highlighted by local reviewers for their exceptional service and delightful ambiances. These eateries are perfect for both casual diners and food enthusiasts looking to explore the genuine tastes of the neighborhood. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a special celebration, the El Cajon / Lakeside area promises a memorable culinary adventure. Embrace the warmth and charm of East County's neighborhood gems for a truly satisfying dining experience.

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