Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(769)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 18 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 Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

2. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4196)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 24 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

3. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.3

Awesome(2157)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 13 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

4. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(312)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 15 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2029)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 12 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.

6. Social Tap

4.5

Awesome(33)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to your new favorite pregame. Social Tap San Diego sits at the edge of Petco Park, and is the perfect place for Padres fans, locals, and visitors alike to gather for high quality cocktails and bites. This elevated bar scene takes the best of sports bars to a new level, bringing you an incredible dining experience while you cheer for your favorite team.

7. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2398)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 20 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

3.9

Excellent(80)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

Booked 14 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

9. El Torito - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(454)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 4 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

10. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3562)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 22 times today

Bleu Bohème is a lively spot that's not just about food, but an immersive experience. With its unique blend of Bohemian and rural French styles, it transports you on a culinary journey around the world. Reviews rave about the 'wonderful ambiance', 'delicious food', and 'excellent service'. It's the perfect place for a relaxing dining experience or special occasions.

‘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

D
DianaVIP
San Diego •52 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Good Meal, Good Price Ordered camp feast, a special with crispy shrimp & sirloin steak. It included 2 sides with each dinner plus fresh molasses bread. Steak cooked perfectly at medium-rare, 4 delicious shrimp, perfectly baked potato with butter, sour cream & chives & the freshest & crispiest green salad ever! Good discount too for good value. Look forward to my next meal there. Our waitress was super & friendly & made good suggestions. Suggested ordering steak rare so it could be adjusted to preference.
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Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
•
4.3
C
Carmen
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and great service. Will be coming back.
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.7
J
JacklynVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We LOVE Farmers Table. All people who work there are wonderful and Illiana is such a sweetheart. Thank you of much for such great service and such kind, caring, efficient people who work there. The food is beautifully prepared and served and delicious! WOW! The waffles look scrumptious...I'll try one next time! We look forward to seeing you again.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4
S
Susan
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
My husband and I celebrated his birthday with wonderful winr and fabulous food at Brigantine , La Mesa CA today. Our server, Josh, was excellent and showed a wonderful combination of being accommodating and giving us our space. It was an added positive getting to know Josh a little. He is a great server and a very personable addition to Brigantine's staff.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
R
rjVIP
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
omg everything we had, appetizer, salad, main course, and desert was original in its way and deeelicious!!! we shall return!
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6

Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. Brigantine La Mesa

3. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4. Limoncello La Mesa

5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

6. Social Tap

7. Antica Trattoria

8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

9. El Torito - La Mesa

10. Bleu Boheme

See what locals rave about

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