Diners' Choice: Great for brunch restaurants in East County

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are great for brunch in East County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

4.8 (4493)

$30 and under

Seafood

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LindaGold

Dined 3 days ago

Great evening at Brig La Mesa. Diane was fabulous as our server and made our birthday celebration fantastic. The food was excellent as usual - grilled halibut was exceptional and the mud pie did not disappoint. Stuffed prawns were yummy as well. Brava!

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Popular dish

Macadamia Crusted Mahi

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

4.8 (1258)

$30 and under

Italian

Lemon Grove

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

AmyGold

Dined on Oct 20, 2026

Cheese wheel Monday nights was spectacular. We had a linguine with salmon, cherry tomatoes, asparagus in a lobster sauce prepared tableside in a giant Parmesan “wheel”. All 5 of us got it, all 5 of us loved it. The pasta and other ingredients vary by the week (except for the wheel of course)

Casa Gabriela

4.7

4.7 (1267)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Paula

Dined 1 day ago

Every plate, appetizer, drink was soooo delicious! Can’t wait to go back.

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Popular dish

Crispy Carnitas

Popular dish

Enchiladas Marisco Suiza

Popular dish

Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino

4.7

4.7 (1947)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Alpine

About the restaurant

The Grove Steakhouse has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. Resplendent with luxurious décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Grove offers classic and contemporary cuisine for the definitive gourmet experience. Relax in calming ambience while you’re pampered by our world-class service. Our attention to detail and gourmet selections will make your dining experience a pleasure long remembered. Experience an exciting new menu, which includes an array of tantalizing entrées and desserts that are sure to satisfy and inspire you to return again and again.

Top review

Sheryl

Dined 6 days ago

As always, the food and service were amazing! Our server is Ace and she always goes the extra mile.

Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (476)

$31 to $50

Seafood

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Here at Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill we are committed to providing our customers with an excellent dining experience. Each dish on our menu is prepared using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is unique with its classic Japanese design, fused with a modern bistro look combined with earth tones and lighting to create a visual atmosphere one can't forget!

Top review

Debbie

Dined on Oct 18, 2026

Great food. Great service. Great outdoor seating..

Baron Long Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (649)

$31 to $50

Californian

Alpine

About the restaurant

Baron Long Bar & Grill features a familiar food menu, along with craft beer & cocktails for friends and family to enjoy while dining in a comfortable, energetic, sociable sports bar environment. We’ve put our spin on American bar food classics using the best local ingredients and freshly prepared food that is sure to please sports fans and foodies alike.

Guests can watch the action of their favorite game on our 16 TVs located throughout the restaurant, including (10) 85” screens. Share some appetizers over drinks with your friends or order your favorite burger from our extensive food menu. The beverage menu boasts a seasonal craft cocktail menu, 16 draft beers from our showcase keg room, focusing on notable San Diego breweries, as well as two rotating taps that will pique your interest frequently.

Top review

Michele

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

Our guy waiter was always smiling ! He was suburb in our dining experience

Jamul23 - Jamul Casino

4.6

4.6 (935)

$50 and over

All you can eat/Buffet

Jamul

About the restaurant

Jamul 23 and Jamul Casino Resort is a 21 and over establishment.
Discover Jamul 23, an elevated endless dining and buffet experience where gourmet casual fare meets refined elegance. Savor a thoughtfully curated, locally sourced menu in a sophisticated setting with panoramic views and attentive service—only at Jamul Casino Resort.

Tucked within is J23, a vibrant bar offering handcrafted cocktails and elevated interpretations of comfort classics. From the J23 Deluxe Lucy to signature sips like the Bittersweet Symphony, every detail is designed to delight.

Top review

Husam

Dined 1 day ago

Cindy and Andres provided a great experience. Beautiful place !

Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.3

4.3 (2264)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

El Cajon / Lakeside

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Christy

Dined on Oct 10, 2026

Nice time at Black Angus tonight. Dinner was yummy and we enjoyed our Cowboy Cookie for dessert!

Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

4.3 (2111)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LOU

Dined 6 days ago

Always a pleasure. Great service great food. Nice people

El Torito - La Mesa

3.8

3.8 (578)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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