Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in East County

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

Antica Trattoria

4.8

4.8 (2547)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

James

Dined 3 days ago

Always delicious and no complaints! We have always enjoyed our meals there

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4.7

4.7 (4404)

$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

Jennifer

Dined 3 days ago

Always delicious and great service. Brig is our go-to

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Popular dish

Macadamia Crusted Mahi

Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino

4.7

4.7 (1882)

$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

Omar

Dined 7 days ago

That was amazing seeing all the servers greeting guests in the morning. Rafael, Jade, Ace, Angelika, Joseph, Gloria, Mesfin all with genuine smiles. Though they were short staffed everyone working together it was amazing that service was not delayed and service was just as pleasant. Rafael definitely going above and beyond.

Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (1983)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

El Cajon / Lakeside

About the restaurant

Bull & Bourbon is a cut above other steakhouses – literally. Our innovative approach to classic steakhouse cuisine makes for a multi-sensory experience. Enjoy steaks prepared on our custom wood burning grill paired with our extensive and hand-selected bourbon menu for flavors that beautifully complement each other. Because we source local coastal California seafood, use steaks cut from our in-house butcher program, and choose select cuts from our on-site aging room, we always start with top-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. You will always know from where your food has been sourced, and our chefs approach cooking as the true art that it is.

Top review

Linda

Dined 2 days ago

Wednesday night is a surf and turf special. It was wonderful . We are repeat customers and love the food and service. Highly recommend.

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4.7

4.7 (1142)

$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

Zulma

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful place. Service was amazing most of the dishes were delicious & could taste the quality, but taste was lacking in the red enchiladas sauce maybe just needed salt. Drinks were delicious & mezcal was the best I ever tasted.

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Popular dish

Crispy Carnitas

Popular dish

Enchiladas Marisco Suiza

Popular dish

Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.6

4.6 (1219)

$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

CharlesGold

Dined on Apr 27, 2026

Started with calamari and the cheese plate which both were delicious. Then we had the short ribs, also great. And the service from Laura was fantastic. She was timely, efficient and overall great. I recommend her highly

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Experience

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

Piedra Santa SD

4.6

4.6 (259)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Piedra Santa brings you the authentic Argentine asado movement to the vibrant Little Italy district. Our restaurant will proudly offer dinner service seven days a week, inviting guests to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Argentina. In collaboration with local farms, we are dedicated to crafting a truly distinctive atmosphere that revolves around the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Situated at the corner of Ash and India St, in the heart of Little Italy, Piedra Santa finds its ideal location.

Top review

Rafael

Dined today

Excellent restaurant. The food, service and whole experience was a big plus. The perfect companion to a musical at the Civic Theater.

Scena Fusion Kitchen and Bar

4.6

4.6 (55)

$30 and under

Italian

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Scena Fusion Kitchen & Bar is a modern Italian fusion restaurant in La Mesa focused on international dining experiences throughout the week.

Guests visit for Wine Wednesday evenings, date night dining, golden hour early evening service, and weekend dinner reservations.

Scena is designed for midweek dinners, date nights, and special occasions - offering a consistent neighborhood destination for elevated food, cocktails, and atmosphere.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Apr 26, 2026

The whole experience was wonderful! It’s already become one of my favs!

Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.5

4.5 (2246)

$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

SabrenaGold

Dined on Apr 29, 2026

Great dinner. Love the salmon. It was the perfect temperature. Collette was great! She always friendly and efficient.

Baron Long Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (601)

$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

Troy

Dined on Apr 25, 2026

The reservation was on time, the food was outstanding in the service was even greater

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