Best Cozy Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(760)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 34 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

2. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4179)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 31 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2020)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 17 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.

4. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3555)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 33 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.

5. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(425)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 71 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1082)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 8 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.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

7. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(246)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 7 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

8. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(91)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 3 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.

9. Zest Wine Bistro

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.

‘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
Carolyn
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
As usual, Brigantine didn't disappoint. We choose the "Brig" for, among other things, the ability to visit and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere.
More info
Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
M
Mariana
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We really like the options on the menu, different and new things to taste. The service was really good, but not outstanding. The place it’s kinda small, on the inside it’s very loudly, but in general it’s good. I would recommend it, pretty good option to choose in San Diego!
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
G
Guy
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Place and ambience is great. Being French in a French restaurant I was expecting the duck to be like ‘at home’ but it wasn’t. It was well overcooked and became hard. Bit of a disappointment. My partner had the Boeuf Bourgignon which was delicious. Also apparently there are the old and the new menu going around with different wine prices. I was charged $75 a bottle of wine that was shown at $58 on my menu. Small thing but makes the overall experience a little annoying.
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Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
S
Sheila
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food was outstanding. Our second time visiting. I highly recommend!
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
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

Best Cozy Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. Brigantine La Mesa

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4. Bleu Boheme

5. Madi

6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

7. Aromi Italian Cuisine

8. Lemon Grove Bistro

9. Zest Wine Bistro

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