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Best restaurants near me in El Cajon, CA

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625 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant
1. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill
4.5
Awesome(391)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 19 times today
Here at Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill we are committed to providing our customers with an excellent dining experience. Each dish on our menu is prepared using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is unique with its classic Japanese design, fused with a modern bistro look combined with earth tones and lighting to create a visual atmosphere one can't forget!
A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
2. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4190)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 36 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
3. 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant
4. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa
3.8
Excellent(79)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Mesa
Booked 5 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 Casa Gabriela restaurant
5. 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
6. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(311)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 11 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 The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant
7. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
4.6
Exceptional(31)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Mesa
Booked 5 times today
The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room features a unique experience of service where you can choose to grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill and offers numerous cuts of meat. Not interested in doing the grilling? We will grill for you and we also have a great selection of entrees and appetizers that are prepared for you. Extensive craft cocktail list, great beer selection and live music most nights in the turquoise room.
A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
8. El Torito - La Mesa
4.4
Awesome(454)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 2 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant
9. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.6
Exceptional(249)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 10 times today
Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.
A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
10. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.3
Awesome(2155)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 14 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.

Dining near El Cajon, CA at a glance

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Beatriz
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Went to dinner with my daughter. Enjoyed our time and our entrees. Our server Joey was great and attentive. He was good about describing the entrees and helping with our selections.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Anthony
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 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
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 5, 2025
    Amazing food and drinks. Nick our server was attentive and kind.
    More info
    Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • 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
  • Ronita
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 4, 2024
    I am so glad we had reservations. That pizookie deal sure brings out all the highschool kids. Our server was a plus. She was excellent and made our night!
    More info
    BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La MesaPrice: Moderate• American• La Mesa
    •
    3.8

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Here are the most popular cuisines: Italian, American, Seafood, Mexican, Steakhouse and many more.

There are 770 restaurants on OpenTable in San Diego.

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