Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(755)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 29 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.2

Awesome(2148)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 50 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 Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

3. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4177)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 39 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

4. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(308)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 26 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

4.3

Awesome(2019)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 31 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 / Gaslamp

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(2389)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 4 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

3.6

Very Good(79)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

Booked 7 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

4.5

Awesome(447)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 11 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for over 70 years! Visit us for weekly celebrations where we infuse tradition with authentic Mexican cuisine, including $4 happy hour, $3 Taco Tuesday, Saturday Breakfast and All-You-Can-Eat + Drink Sunday Brunch. Experience a celebration of Family, Food & Community!

10. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(423)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 31 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sheila
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
More info
Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.7
J
Jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Limoncello's was such a wonderful surprise. We heard great things, but it was even better than we expected. The decor and ambiance were so charming. The food was unbelievably delicious. One of the biggest standouts was the Ossobuco Di Maile, but there were 7 of us and we all loved what we had. The homemade pasta and the sauces were out of this world. Our server, Miguel, was so friendly and attentive. It was a wonderful night!
More info
Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We were there mid afternoon Christmas Day. It wasn’t to crouched and the service was good. Food was great. They have a nice patio dining area and an open air bar that were fairly quiet, but I did notice inside was kind of noisy due to all hard surfaces. Overall very nice experience.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.3
A
Alicia
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I wasn't sure what to expect an Christmas Eve. I once again chose one of the specials- Stuffed Seabass. The food was excellent as usual. But what surprised me was how well the chaos was organized. It was crazy busy but every patron was taken care of with a smile, expediency, and efficiency. My honey and I were led (at our reservation time, not late) to a tucked away corner where we could enjoy our meal without shouting at each other. This is a great restaurant to celebrate holidays, special occasions or any regular day.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
S
SilviaVIP
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Our steaks were cooked just as we ordered them. The waiter Brian was attentive to our needs, filling cups as needed. Suggested items for us to try and we did. All was very flavorful. Good service and food.
More info
Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
•
4.2

Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

3. Brigantine La Mesa

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. Madi

See what locals rave about

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