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Best Lunch Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. Brigantine La Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(4225)
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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.3
Awesome(2169)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 19 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2036)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 27 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
4. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(320)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 4 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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant
5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa
4.0
Excellent(84)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Mesa
Booked 3 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 El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
6. El Torito - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(463)
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 Press Box Restaurant + Bar restaurant
7. Press Box Restaurant + Bar
4.3
Awesome(17)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rancho San Diego
An East County neighborhood community gem for over 15 years, Press Box Restaurant & Bar offers a refreshing take on all-American classic cuisine. Featuring a wide selection of local beers on tap, original cocktails, and a whiskey lovers dream, Press Box's menu highlights creative bar staples like "Mediterranean Chicken Skewers" and "Beef Cheek Nachos," alongside more classic dishes like the "Ribeye with Seasonal Potatoes and Vegetables" and "Smash Burger Sliders." Owned and operated by Executive Chef Joseph "Papa Joe" Salem, the same mastermind behind the restaurant "Sahara of the Middle East," Press Box incorporates a Mediterranean flare into both the menu and design. Items are sourced fresh on a daily basis, and chef's specials can be found as a constant addition. Opened daily for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant also features a large selection of TVs to highlight the upcoming game of the season.
A photo of Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant restaurant
8. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3)
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 Madi restaurant
9. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(440)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 26 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
10. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.6
Exceptional(1094)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JosephVIP
    San Diego •44 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As usual excellent service and excellent food. Impressed that when my wife had an issue with one of her dishes and told it to the bus boy he immediately addressed the issue instead of, like most restaurants, telling her to speak to our server. It is one of our favorite restaurants, if not our favorite.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • LOU
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 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
  • Kara
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our server was fantastic: helped me find a good deal on soup and salad, made sure my younger daughter got all the ranch dip for her chicken tenders that her heart desired. It was busy, but they took care of us nicely. Thank you!
    More info
    BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La MesaPrice: Moderate• American• La Mesa
    •
    4
  • Cyndie
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was a wonderful experience. We were greeted at the door with big smiles and honored our reservation promptly. The waiter was on top of all our needs and even offered suggestions. The lobster was mouthwatering and the margarita was delicious and great becasue it was at a happy hour price.
    More info
    Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
    •
    4.3
  • MichaelVIP
    San Diego •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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

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