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Best Cozy Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(737)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 11 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 Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4149)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 33 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 Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3530)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 9 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(167)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 11 times today
Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.
A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(232)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 8 times today
Aromi Italian Cuisine is a cozy restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. As one reviewer said, it's a 'little neighborhood gem' with a 'modern and reminiscent' decor that gives off a 'trendy restaurant' vibe. The 'relaxing atmosphere' and 'enjoyable ambiance' are consistently praised in reviews, making it a go-to spot for those seeking a comfortable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Madi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(405)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 27 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!
A photo of Zest Wine Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(57)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Lemon Grove
Welcome to Zest, your new neighborhood wine bar nestled in Lemon Grove. Come gather for unique wine, tasteful small plates and not-to-miss events!Zest Wine Bistro’s intimate and cozy interior is the perfect place for evening noshing and sipping. You’ll find a small menu featuring elaborate charcuterie boards, small plates and sweets. Our wine menu highlights premium wines not typically found by the glass, as well as lesser known labels from all over the world. An eclectic beer list showcases global markets, as well as local craft brews.
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(82)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 2 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Hana
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great place for dinner and service is was really impressive. We had mussels and fries and two appetizers which were yummy!
    More info
    Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    4.8
  • Fredvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a great meal. Two of us had the salmon and loved it. I had the meat raviolis and they were excellent. The fourth member of our group had the seafood raviolis and said they were great. The service was very good considering the restaurant was getting slammed on a Saturday night. We will definitely go back.
    More info
    Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
    4.6
  • Julia
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We came in last night and had a wonderful experience. Our server was Alessandra and she was just amazing. First off the place is so cute & trendy, I love what they did with the space. We started our meal with the fritto misto (mixed calamari & veggies), fungo ripieno (mushroom w artichoke, red sauce & polenta) which was my personal favorite (the polenta was to die for) and the crispy burrata. We ate everything and left no crumbs ! Then we went on to our main courses. We ordered the fettuccine tartufo (mushroom & truffle - our tables favorite), spicy vodka pasta, ragu Della Nonna (red sauce with meat), and the parmigiana Milanese (eggplant Parmesan). Everything was delicious. The pasta was cooked perfect & al dente, we ate what we could & took the rest home! Then came dessert. It was my father’s birthday and they offered us a dessert of our choice, Alessandra recommended the fresh made table side tiramisu -good choice. Flavors were so well balanced. We also ordered the cannoli and was one of my favorite cannolis ever! Needless to say we will be coming back again! Thank you for the great dinner.
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    4.6
  • Julie
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food! We got Chicken Tinga Tacos and Sirloin enchiladas. My $5 Margarita was beautifully presented. There being a slight chill in the air, I was given a cozy, bright red throw to put over my legs. A delightful and tasty experience.
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    4.6
  • judi
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great lunch w a friend that I haven’t seen in years! We were allowed a leisurely unhurried delicious lunch.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    4.8
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