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Best Restaurants for Foodies in La Mesa

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Animae restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3235)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 times today
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4752)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 40 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6464)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 73 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2641)
Price: Moderate
• French / American • North Park
Booked 20 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3740)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 39 times today
Nobu San Diego is a foodie hotspot known for its award-winning 'New Style' Japanese cuisine. As per reviews, the food is consistently and exceptionally delicious, with each dish being a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The ambience is described as sophisticated yet lively, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's not just about the food, the service is equally praised, making it a fantastic dining experience.
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3547)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 13 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 Cellar Hand restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(111)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!
A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(961)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 14 times today
Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.
A photo of One Door North restaurant
4.5
Awesome(504)
Price: Moderate
• American • North Park
Booked 13 times today
At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7102)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 47 times today
CUCINA urbana is a foodie haven, offering a unique blend of contemporary art and a country farmhouse ambiance. The reviews rave about its 'exquisite food and ambiance', 'exceptional and exciting food' and 'delicious food options'. It's also noted for its 'excellent service', 'interesting flavors', and 'creative and delicious food options'. The restaurant's wine program, which allows guests to hand-select wines for a minimal corkage fee, adds to the foodie experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kenneth
    Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food and service was outstanding. The must have dishes are the pork belly and venison tare tare appetizers, the oxtail gnocchi and Secreto entrees, and the date cake for dessert. The H&W Negron was also a stand out.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • TeriVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was our second visit to Animae. Last night we dined as a couple, and I think we enjoyed the dinner even more than with a group of 7. We were not distracted by the friends and conversations, and we appreciated the amazing creativity and innovation that Chef Tara is bringing to San Diego diners! We began with the Kampachi Crudo with Yuzu sauce as a cold starter, and it was excellent. We also had the Beet Salad from the cold starter section, and the beets were on a ricotta creamy sauce. Also Excellent! My favorite burst of flavor from both visits was the Hunan Lamb Chops which have Szechuan Peppercorns as one of the lively flavors, from the Hot Starters section. We ordered the Wagyu Fried Rice, and enjoyed it very much with the Lamb Chops and with the final meat course: Roast Duck Leg, with an Asian flavors sauce. We had the Chocolate Cremeux dessert, and it was also a show stopper! The table service was gracious, informative, friendly, and not irritating in any way. The scene inside the restaurant was very cheerful, and the room is dramatic and very arty! Animae is definitely our go-to restaurant for out of town guests who might have preconceptions that San Diego dining is not on an international level.
    More info
    AnimaePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.9
  • Ben
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We celebrated our anniversary at Nobu San Diego, and it was unforgettable! The Yellowtail Jalapeño was the highlight—delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with ponzu and a hint of jalapeño. The chic ambiance and outstanding service made our evening truly special. Highly recommend for any special occasion!
    More info
    Nobu San DiegoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.6
  • Daniel
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of the best Duck l'Orange dihes I've ever had. Great service. Amazing pate appetizer is great to share with a small group.
    More info
    The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French / American• North Park
    4.8

Discover best foodies restaurants in La Mesa

Discover the vibrant dining scene in La Mesa, a hidden gem in San Diego's East County, where food enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights. La Mesa caters to all tastes, from fresh sushi and seafood to authentic Italian cuisine, ensuring there's something for every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering exceptional food quality and service, creating a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy Italian meal or exotic sushi flavors, La Mesa's restaurants are known for their dedication to authenticity and quality ingredients. The area offers a perfect blend of traditional dishes and innovative culinary creations, making it a must-visit for foodies. Embrace the warm atmosphere and modern decor that characterize these eateries, making each meal a unique encounter. If you're a food lover looking for your next culinary adventure, La Mesa's restaurant scene promises to satisfy your cravings with its excellent food and inviting ambiance.

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