Best Restaurants for Afternoon Coffee in La Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganDowntownGrantvilleHillcrestKearny 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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

80 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(817)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 21 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

2. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(325)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 9 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(2041)

$$$$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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.5

Awesome(1098)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 6 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 Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley restaurant

5. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Mission Valley

4.5

Awesome(34)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Valley

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!

A photo of Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant restaurant

6. Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Grantville

Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant offers the perfect spot to enjoy a California sunset with a refreshing margarita on their spacious patio. If you’re dining with a furry friend, their dog-friendly front patio welcomes pets. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with complimentary chips and salsa, the perfect way to start your meal.Must-try dishes include the Sizzling Fajitas al Comal, packed with tender meat and fresh veggies, the Birria Tacos, served with rich consommé, and the Enchiladas de Mole, smothered in a velvety, flavorful mole sauce.No visit is complete without one of Emiliano’s legendary margaritas, made with premium tequila and fresh ingredients—starting at just $6! Whether classic, fruity, or spicy, there’s a perfect margarita for everyone.Come for the food, stay for the view, and sip on a handcrafted drink as you soak in the beauty of the California sky at Emiliano’s!

7. Baci Coffee

3.8

Excellent(13)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Normal Heights

Booked 21 times today

Baci Coffee SpeakeasyWelcome to Baci Coffee Speakeasy, an intimate and exclusive dining experience where love meets flavor: • Personalized Service: Your experience will be guided by a dedicated waiter, ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail. • Complimentary Indulgence: Enjoy our Italian focaccia bread, served complimentary as part of your experience. • Elegant Presentation: Each dish is served on authentic Italian dinnerware, adding to the charm and sophistication of your meal. • Ambiance: A warm, inviting atmosphere designed to transport you to a timeless Italian retreat. • Exclusive Menu: A selection of artisanal coffee, and gourmet bites, carefully curated to delight your senses. • Reservations Required: Due to the intimate nature of our speakeasy, reservations are highly recommended.We look forward to welcoming you to Baci Coffee Speakeasy, where every moment is infused with warmth, intention, and authentic Italian charm.

8. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2452)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 54 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!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.

9. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4856)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 66 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.

A photo of Flora - North Park restaurant

10. Flora - North Park

4.2

Awesome(63)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 23 times today

Well, darling, Flora is the talk of the town, and rightly so.Nestled on University Ave, this is where brunch meets a touch of haute indulgence; calling forth all who yearn to feel utterly free. Imagine a croissant salmon benedict, steak and eggs seared to perfection, decadent berry French toast, and yes—even fried rice, because Flora understands that brunch isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s an an aesthetic experience, a bona fide mood. Here, we say, “come as you are—or as whoever you wish to be.

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