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Best Cozy Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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95 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1085)
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 Zest Wine Bistro restaurant
2. 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.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
3. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(768)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 33 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. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4191)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 41 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
5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2025)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 10 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
6. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(92)
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.
A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
7. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(249)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 11 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 Cowboy Star restaurant
8. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4784)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 68 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
9. C-Level
4.7
Exceptional(4962)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 107 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
10. Herb & Wood
4.6
Exceptional(6504)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 98 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
‘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
  • Susan
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My husband and I celebrated his birthday with wonderful winr and fabulous food at Brigantine , La Mesa CA today. Our server, Josh, was excellent and showed a wonderful combination of being accommodating and giving us our space. It was an added positive getting to know Josh a little. He is a great server and a very personable addition to Brigantine's staff.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Anthony
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Went for a family Birthday and the service from Gabby was enormous as we enjoyed our time together with her wonderful customer service and personalty.
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • Kayanne
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Riva was an exceptional server. We enjoyed the pecan crusted chicken sandwich and the pecan crusted salad. Too much to share and took some home. Food was fresh and very rasty
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • Matthias
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 30, 2024
    My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.7
  • Marla
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 25, 2024
    We stumbled upon this charming spot, a few years back and have made it a point to return at least once a year, if not more. We really enjoy this delightful place!
    More info
    Zest Wine BistroPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.8

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