Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1331)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 39 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(4278)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 63 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(3530)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 12 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(855)

Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 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(619)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 10 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.

A photo of Sally's Fish House & Bar restaurant

6. Sally's Fish House & Bar

4.5

Awesome(2171)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 15 times today

Dine at a waterfront table overlooking San Diego Bay and enjoy locally sourced, sustainable seafood dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Choose from a San Diego inspired menu of seafood, dishes from the farm and carefully selected California wines and craft cocktails. Dogs are welcome on the patio and even have their own menu to dine from. For large party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.comPark in Grand Hyatt's garage for 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with validation.

7. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(943)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 15 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

8. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.8

Exceptional(146)

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!

9. Saltwater

4.3

Awesome(584)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 7 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. Asti Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1740)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 6 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Davidvip
Miami - Dade •45 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our waitress, Skye was fabulous! Not only was she knowledgeable, but she had a personality that made the evening even more special. Kudos to the whole staff
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
H
Hana
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place for dinner and service is was really impressive. We had mussels and fries and two appetizers which were yummy!
More info
Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
S
Silvia
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The good selections are very wide ranging with foods inspired by many culinary influences. I had the Rye Pirogi and the eggplant appetizer. Both were very tasty, except the onions on the Pirogi were not cut as thinly as a previous time I ate this dish and it made a difference. Definitely thin is the way to go. Service is impeccable and they also have yummy drinks.
More info
ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
M
Monica
Las Vegas •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
G
Gail
Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Nov 2024
The food selection at Mimmo’s Italian Village was outstanding! We ordered a Pastrami sandwich and the Fettuccine with clams and don’t forget the cheese bread! All was wonderful and made our last meal in San Diego before our flight a very memorable one.
More info
Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

2. Barbusa

3. Bleu Boheme

4. ARTIFACT at Mingei

5. Mimmo's Italian Village

6. Sally's Fish House & Bar

7. Nonna

8. Topsail at Portside Pier

9. Saltwater

10. Asti Ristorante

See what locals rave about

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