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Best Authentic Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
1. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(320)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 8 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 Casa Gabriela restaurant
2. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(798)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 31 times today
Casa Gabriela serves authentic Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Gabriela Lopez, who brings her own grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara and her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana to the table. The menu is praised for its unique twist on traditional flavors and the restaurant is lauded for its authentic food and great ambiance. Reviews often highlight the restaurant's authenticity and the chef's friendly and welcoming demeanor.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
3. Antica Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(2417)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 17 times today
Antica Trattoria is a genuine Italian restaurant with a warm, old-fashioned hospitality vibe. It's loved for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, which is prepared with simplicity, honesty, and a hint of Sicilian flair as Executive Chef Francesco Basile recalls his upbringing by the seaside in Sicily. As one reviewer put it, 'If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine this is the place to go.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambiance, and service further confirm its authenticity.
A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2036)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 23 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
5. Aromi Italian Cuisine
4.5
Awesome(262)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 16 times today
Aromi Italian Cuisine is lauded for its authentic Italian food, with reviews praising its fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and homemade taste. The restaurant's ambiance is also often compared to dining in Italy, making it a true Italian experience.
A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
6. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(229)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 35 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
7. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
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 Bleu Boheme restaurant
8. Bleu Boheme
4.7
Exceptional(3600)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 3 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 Pizza by Aromi restaurant
9. Pizza by Aromi
4.6
Exceptional(9)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 1 time today
Your Slice of Sicily in La Mesa.Andrea and Francesco, cousins with deep roots in Sicilian traditions, bring their love of authentic Italian flavors next door from Aromi Italian Cuisine to Pizza by Aromi. Growing up in Sicily, they learned the art of gathering friends and family around a table to enjoy simple yet unforgettable meals. Here, they recreate that same warmth and charm in every pizza.At Pizza by Aromi, Francesco brings his Italian culinary training to every fresh, daily-made dough, using high-quality Sicilian ingredients. Andrea’s warm hospitality makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re enjoying a quick slice or sharing a full pie, savor the taste of Sicily in La MesaJoin us at Pizza by Aromi—where good food and good company are always on the menu!
A photo of Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant restaurant
10. Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Grantville
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant,with authentic dishes made from fresh ingredients.
‘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
  • John
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Arrived to celebrate my girlfriends birthday, never been before but have been when the establishment was Bo Beau. Naturally skeptical of something new, but wow…. Everything was honestly just great. Cocktails: unique handcrafted. Food: again unique flavor combinations that are working…. Get the veggie lasnga, and churros for dessert. Service: Our sever Laynee was very nice had a great smile and provided us with everything we needed! Thank you all! And keep up the good work!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • LOU
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I took my Girlfriend to Farmers Table for Valentines Day. Everything was especially great. Server was, "VIRGINIA B. B." and she was just OUTSTANDING!!!! I have a dairy allergy and she went out of her way to ensure none was used on my food. She was attentive, sweet, polite and like I said, "OUSTANDING!!!!" We love this place. YOU WILL TOO!!! So please try it and ask for Virginia B. B.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • MichaelVIP
    San Diego •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our second visit to Limoncello in La Mesa. Love the upscale Italian restaurant in village. Authentic Sicilian staff and cuisine. Very welcoming and enjoyable. We had the arancini which were amazing, Cheese-wheel lobster pasta, and filet mignon. All were prepared very well. Limited, but good and affordable wine list. We will be back again.
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • Cristina
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Let me start off by staying that the pasta is absolutely amazing! I had the PISTACHIOSA and it was delicious. I’ve been to this restaurant multiple times, and every time the food is incredible. I highly recommend this restaurant for the food. 
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • janeVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We are so happy to have found this place. The food is amazing....finish every bite amazing. It can be a special dinner, or you can just have a casual drink and appetizer. Friendly and efficient service. One little negative is the chairs. Wood is with an open back, which is hard for some people.
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.7

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