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Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in East County

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems 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 favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
4.9
4.9 (92)
$30 and under
American
Lemon Grove
About the restaurant
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.

Top review
Maria
Dined today
Came here after reading reviews from other diners. I can say this restaurants lives up to the 5 star hype. We had a large party of 7 to celebrate a birthday. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and had good recommendations from the menu. I do like they have a pretty robust seafood selection. Our table started off with mussels and clams and the crab cakes appetizers -- both were delicious. I have the Fisherman's Stew, which was excellent and very hearty. The portions are generous and I ended taking the other half home. I think this is a great place for a casual dinner where the food is still excellent without having to get all dressed up. There's also a large patio area and I can see that being lively during the summer. This is a solid place and I definitely recommend!
A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4181)
$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
BobVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The La Mesa Brigantine always has great service, great food, a good wine selection, and fantastic desserts. I highly recommend it. 
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2392)
$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
CarleighVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing experience here, absolutely loved the food and the atmosphere was great!! We are so happy to have found an Italian spot closer to home! :)
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1084)
$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
Kade
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Perfect for Christmas Eve! Highly recommend. Beautiful place, friendly staff and amazing food.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.6
4.6 (761)
$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
Frederick
Dined today
The crispy carnitas and enchiladas sirloin were outstanding. I dumped a margarita when my hand slipped on a wet glass—the staff was very nice about it ( and replaced the margarita, which I didn’t expect). It was chilly in the dining room. But we'll be back.
A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
4.6
4.6 (246)
$30 and under
Italian
La Mesa
About the restaurant
Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.
Top review
Mary
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
The fixed price menu for Christmas Eve was very nice. Everything was delicious and service was great.
A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
4.5
4.5 (448)
$30 and under
Mexican
La Mesa
About the restaurant
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.
Top review
Lashon
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
My family had so much fun. They food was delicious and fresh. Endless mimosas. Waiter was amazing. Best Christmas 2024🥰
A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant
4.5
4.5 (29)
$31 to $50
American
La Mesa
About the restaurant
The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room features a unique experience of service where you can choose to grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill and offers numerous cuts of meat. Not interested in doing the grilling? We will grill for you and we also have a great selection of entrees and appetizers that are prepared for you. Extensive craft cocktail list, great beer selection and live music most nights in the turquoise room.
Top review
CatherineVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great spot for a retro vibe and good food and live music on some nights. Everything was tasty and perfect, including the cocktails. Highly recommend!
A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
4.3
4.3 (2153)
$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
ChrisVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great food, right price and excellent customer service.
A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant
3.6
3.6 (79)
$30 and under
American
La Mesa
About the restaurant
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.
Top review
Ronita
Dined on Dec 4, 2024
I am so glad we had reservations. That pizookie deal sure brings out all the highschool kids. Our server was a plus. She was excellent and made our night!
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