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Best Cozy Restaurants in Santee

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. 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 Casa Gabriela restaurant
2. Casa Gabriela
4.7
Exceptional(745)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 25 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 Bleu Boheme restaurant
3. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3546)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 17 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 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant
4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3212)
Price: Expensive
• American • Kearny Mesa
Booked 20 times today
For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.
A photo of Madi restaurant
5. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(414)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 23 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
6. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(175)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 45 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
7. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.7
Exceptional(236)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 10 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 Boujiemana restaurant
8. Boujiemana
4.8
Exceptional(124)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa
Booked 13 times today
Boujiemana is a cozy Mediterranean restaurant in San Diego. It's described as 'beautiful', 'welcoming', and 'stunning' in multiple reviews. The ambiance is praised, with one reviewer stating that 'from the moment you are seated, you're in for a special experience'. Boujiemana also offers a range of delicious dishes, private dining, and a full bar, making it a popular choice for both casual dining and special occasions.
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
9. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 6 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 Zest Wine Bistro restaurant
10. 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
From verified diners like you
  • 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.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • 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.
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Lori
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We loved this fun breakfast place! The food is yummy and the lattes are delicious. Servers are all friendly. I highly recommend reservations - we got there at 10 (and we had reservations). They took us in right away but there were many people waiting for tables. Also, parking is tough in the area - it is all street parking and the area is very very busy.
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    •
    4.7
  • Marguerite
    Los Angeles •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a lovely birthday dinner for my daughter. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dinners. They surprised my daughter with a platter of delectable desserts and our entire party of five got to enjoy them. I had the salmon Oscar for my entree. It was insanely delicious - cooked to perfection with crispy skin and slightly rare inside. The crab topping was to die for. Our server, Leo, was so attentive and friendly. The lighting in the restaurant is very warm and romantic - also very flattering for photos!
    More info
    Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    •
    4.8
  • Tamivip
    Orange County •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 30, 2024
    I’m so happy Champagne included brunch is back. I’ve been coming here for 40 years now. Great 👍 to add Saturday brunch option. Our first Saturday brunch was awesome. Mac and cheese with lobster is delicious 🤤
    More info
    94th Aero Squadron - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Kearny Mesa
    •
    4.3

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