Best Authentic Restaurants in Lemon Grove

95 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1065)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 15 times today

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.

2. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(749)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 36 times today

Casa Gabriela serves authentic Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Gabriela Lopez, who brings her own grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara and her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana to the table. The menu is praised for its unique twist on traditional flavors and the restaurant is lauded for its authentic food and great ambiance. Reviews often highlight the restaurant's authenticity and the chef's friendly and welcoming demeanor.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

3. Limoncello La Mesa

4.5

Awesome(302)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 5 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

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2013)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 28 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.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

5. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(239)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 13 times today

Aromi Italian Cuisine is lauded for its authentic Italian food, with reviews praising its fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and homemade taste. The restaurant's ambiance is also often compared to dining in Italy, making it a true Italian experience.

6. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2386)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 17 times today

Antica Trattoria is a genuine Italian restaurant with a warm, old-fashioned hospitality vibe. It's loved for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, which is prepared with simplicity, honesty, and a hint of Sicilian flair as Executive Chef Francesco Basile recalls his upbringing by the seaside in Sicily. As one reviewer put it, 'If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine this is the place to go.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambiance, and service further confirm its authenticity.

7. Pizza by Aromi

4.8

Exceptional(7)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!

8. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4192)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 100 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

9. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(853)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 79 times today

Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

10. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1355)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 70 times today

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Crystian
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was great, as usual! The only thing was that the live musicians were way too loud. We had 6 at a table and we couldn’t hear each other speaking. We were having to yell which was unpleasant. Also, the music style was unfortunately kinda odd. Karaoke style covers of 80’s songs. A nice acoustic Spanish guitar would have been much more enjoyable. We were excited to hear they were going to have live music at our brunch, then really wished it would stop after a few very loud and awkward songs. Hate to say this because we really love the restaurant and the food!!
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
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4.7
P
Phillip
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I have always had great service and food at the La Mesa Location. Easy to find with plenty of parking . I forgot the waiters name but he was from Serbia , was very pleasant and attentive.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4
S
Suzanne
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I along with the rest of party chose a different holiday dinner, all were wonderful. The service and experience is always amazing. We look forward to what new creative dishes they with put out for the new year.
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.8
M
MikeVIP
San Diego •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food is always excellent. The atmosphere is lively - people are having a great time.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
P
PaulaVIP
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent service and delicious meals. Great spot to celebrate a birthday!
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.5

Best Authentic Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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95 restaurants available nearby

1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

2. Casa Gabriela

3. Limoncello La Mesa

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

5. Aromi Italian Cuisine

6. Antica Trattoria

7. Pizza by Aromi

8. Seneca

9. Buona Forchetta

10. Kettner Exchange

See what locals rave about

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