Best Cozy Restaurants in Lemon Grove

88 restaurants available nearby

1. 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.

2. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(745)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

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

3. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4160)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 56 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(87)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 5 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

5. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(236)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

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.

6. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2309)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 45 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.We are excited to announce our highly anticipated Holiday Oasis Experience beginning Thursday, November 7th! Visit our website for additional information under "Happenings."Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.

7. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4744)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 41 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.

8. C-Level

4.7

Exceptional(4895)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 74 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.

9. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6458)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 78 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.

10. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(797)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 19 times today

Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.

‘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

S
Stephanie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined today
We come here for all our birthdays and the food quality never disappoints! Ordered the Mushroom Ravioli today, but we’ve had the Paella, Pasta, and Veef plate with mashed potatoes and we want to kiss the chef every time.
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Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9
S
Sandivip
San Diego •60 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The Brigantine in La Mesa is my very favorites. The food arrives hot and to perfection. Our server, Lula was personable and professional. Bravo to The Brig for your continued customer care.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
R
Roberta
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
The music on the patio was pleasant, but WAY TOO LOUD to have conversation. I had looked up the menu online before going for the first time and was disappointed that the menu I viewed was not available at "brunch". My group went for lunch. Jason, our waiter, was pleasant and accommodating to our requests. The decor is nice and intentional. The patio ambience was very pleasant.
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.7
L
laura
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
Food was excellent! There was a large Christmas party happening when we went so the noise level was really loud, but probably not like that all the time. I would recommend dimming the lighting a bit, ambiance is important and the recessed lighting was very bright. Food was excellent and would definitely recommend!!
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
M
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!
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Zest Wine BistroPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Lemon Grove
•
4.8

Best Cozy Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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88 restaurants available nearby

1. Zest Wine Bistro

2. Casa Gabriela

3. Brigantine La Mesa

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

5. Aromi Italian Cuisine

6. insideOUT

7. Cowboy Star

8. C-Level

9. Herb & Wood

10. Wormwood

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