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Best Historic Restaurants in La Mesa

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 4 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 Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 times today
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7903)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 54 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 Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4550)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 110 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1622)
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.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4134)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 64 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3086)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 24 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.5
Awesome(627)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 20 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(147)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 14 times today
San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2578)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 37 times today
Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jamie
    Portland / Oregon •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our dinner at Grant Grill was absolutely phenomenal! From start to finish, every detail was perfect and mad even better by Sarah who guided us through the whole night. She was phenomenal. We started with their homemade bread and butter, which was an amazing way to begin the meal—fresh, warm, and downright irresistible. The famous turtle soup lived up to its reputation, offering a rich, flavorful experience that was both unique and memorable. It was the perfect prelude to the main course. Speaking of which, the steak was nothing short of perfection. Cooked to absolute precision, it was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—easily one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The potatoes were some of the most flavorful and unique as well. Grant Grill provides not only exquisite dishes but also impeccable service and a sophisticated ambiance. If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, this is the place to go. I can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • David
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We have dined at Ironside a number of times and have not been disappointed. The seafood is fresh the service outstanding and the overall ambience enjoyable. Parking is just around the corner, albeit a little expensive for 2 hours. The wine selection is limited, so if you are looking for a variety of fine wine, you may be disappointed. Overall a great dining experience.
    More info
    Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
    4.5
  • Martina
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days 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
  • CarlaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    What a charming bistro! The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by the green walls, which create a vintage feel. The staff provided exceptional service with upbeat, happy attitudes—you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together. The food and cocktails were outstanding. My steak and frites were cooked to perfection, and the clams and oysters, praised by our guests, were incredibly fresh with no hint of smell. The bibb salad was perfectly dressed, with subtle notes of Dijon and anise, making it ideal for sharing. While we ordered too many dishes to name, highlights included a perfectly balanced crème brûlée and a decadent chocolate soufflé that was well worth the wait. As a fan of Pali Hotels, I’m always impressed by their in-house restaurants, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in San Diego!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French / American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.6
  • Stephanie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    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
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