Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in La Mesa

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

1. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(87)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 2 times today

In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

2. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(7902)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 57 times today

Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

3. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(860)

Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 14 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

4. Grant Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1621)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 16 times today

A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.

5. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(148)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 9 times today

Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.

6. Bandar Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(937)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 4 times today

For dining:Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm to 9:00pmFriday-Satuday: 4:00pm to 9:30pmSunday: 2:00pm to 9:00pmWe are open for Takeout everyday For more information on parties of over 6 people please reach out directly to the restaurant 619-238-0101.A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.Bandar Restaurant serves Mediterranean food with unique Persian spices flown to San Diego and served in original recipes. Chefs Behrooz and Shokooh create simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted eggplant, charbroiled chicken, seafood and flavorful prime steaks. Look for signature classics such as Nadari, Barg and Soltani. Bandar Restaurant is award-winning since 1996. The restaurant has a unique energy, sitting right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego.

7. Asti Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1754)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 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!

A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant

8. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(79)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 13 times today

Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza

A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant

9. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1430)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 8 times today

Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

10. Operacaffe

4.7

Exceptional(1354)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 5 times today

At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jill
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Elegant setting and presentation of delicious entrees. Servers were lighthearted with great timing. Only wish we would have allowed more time for our meal before running out to catch a show. Great start to a special evening.
More info
Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.7
M
Martina
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I dined on a busy Saturday night. The food was excellent. As a party of two I tried the layered potatoes, calamari appetizer, sea bass and short ribs. I am gluten free and very happy with the options. We sat out on the patio which I highly recommend. All the staff was professional and responsive. I look forward to returning
More info
The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
C
CathyVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Did “dinner & show” with 4 grandkids & my daughters for an outing to see The Nutcracker. Valet parking made our somewhat tight schedule on a Friday night easier. Kids loved the Brussels sprouts & charcuterie plate. Daughter finessed Shirley Temples for the kids, bartender was unsure, probably not a huge call for them. This was repeat for us, did the matinee with lunch last year. Good food, drinks, great service!
More info
Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6
E
Ericka
South Carolina •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was an amazing experience at your establishment. The tofu dish was delicious.
More info
ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
S
Stephanie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We come here for all our birthdays and the food quality never disappoints! Ordered the Mushroom Ravioli today, but we’ve had the Paella, Pasta, and Veef plate with mashed potatoes and we want to kiss the chef every time.
More info
Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in La Mesa

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Lemon Grove Bistro

2. The Prado at Balboa Park

3. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4. Grant Grill

5. Bronze Bird

6. Bandar Restaurant

7. Asti Ristorante

8. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

9. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

10. Operacaffe

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