Best Lunch Restaurants in La Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillCollege AreaDowntownEl Cajon / LakesideHillcrestKearny Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

123 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4263)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 54 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

2. Limoncello La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(330)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 19 times today

Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2045)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 29 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 El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

4. El Torito - La Mesa

4.0

Excellent(472)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 9 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

4.0

Excellent(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

Booked 16 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.5

Awesome(1101)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 13 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

7. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(100)

$$$$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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

8. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.4

Awesome(2171)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 21 times today

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.

A photo of Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant restaurant

9. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(7)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

We are a family owned restaurant. We take pride in the preparation of our foods & used only fresh ingredients. We personally select the ingredients to prepare our sauces & dressings daily from our family recipes that originated in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Aĺ our dishes are plentiful and delicious. Allow our family the pleasure of providing you with a delicious dining experience.

A photo of Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley restaurant

10. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(34)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 4 times today

We invite you all to join us at our Italian family restaurant! Whether it's a romantic date for two, a family gathering, or a work event--we want you to enjoy our vintage atmosphere of hanging wine baskets and famous murals that harken back to the restaurants inception in 1950! Come and enjoy our traditional recipes that consist of fresh mixed pizza dough, homemade marinara sauce, homemade meatballs and sausages, and much more!One thing is for certain--you will taste the quality and enjoy our friendly wait staff! Book your reservation today and experience 73 years in the making of incredible pizza and traditional Italian recipes!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SuriVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Such a sweet cafe. I ordered the basics, eggs, bacon, toast, with potatoes and was not disappointed! I splurged on sparkling water and was delighted to try the Italian Filette for the first time. I highly recommend this spot for a low-key, high-quality experience. I also have to add that I adored the waitress. Although I forget her name, her timing was impeccable with every step. Bravo!
More info
Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4
AW
AnaW
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent place for Sunday brunch with the family.
More info
El Torito - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4
SP
SarahP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 20, 2025
love this place! it's very lively and fun at happy hour but not overwhelmingly so. the outdoor patio is great for catching up with a friend
More info
Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
DS
DonS
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 18, 2025
Very nice outing and food. Would take family here again.
More info
Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
I
IrmaVIP
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 7, 2025
Great food and service Love the Pizookie deal and all the options available
More info
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La MesaPrice: Moderate• American• La Mesa
•
4

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