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Best Cozy Restaurants in Santee

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4190)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 37 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
2. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3557)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
"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 Casa Gabriela restaurant
3. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(768)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 31 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 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant
4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego
4.1
Excellent(3225)
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(427)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 38 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(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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
7. 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
8. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(249)
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 Brigantine Poway restaurant
9. Brigantine Poway
4.6
Exceptional(1254)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Booked 13 times today
In keeping with the Brigantine tradition of excellence, The Poway Brigantine features a generous assortment of appetizers on their widely popular "Share" menu. An abundant selection of fresh seafood and grilled meats round out the rest of the offerings.Newly redesigned at the end of 2006, The Poway Brigantine boasts a lively and contemporary atmosphere, unlike anything else in the area. Whether you're joining us for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, The Brig's casual and unpretentious atmosphere makes it the perfect everyday restaurant.With separate areas for private dining, The Brigantine is also an ideal place to make business connections, or celebrate special occasions with family and friends.Start your own community tradition and Meet Me at The Brig.
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
10. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(92)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 1 time 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.

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