Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in El Cajon / Lakeside

Our experience was great! Our waiter, Brad, was very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and our family had an enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.

This was our third Thanksgiving we have had the buffet at the La Mesa El Torito and every time it has been excellent. The food is awesome with a mix of Mexican cuisine and traditional holiday favorites. Their staff is very friendly and the waiters make sure you are well taken care of.

The restaurant is beautiful, both the decor and the view. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious. Three of us had 3 different dishes and we were all thrilled. The fillet, the rib eye and the sea bass. We all had Caesar salads and were very happy with their unique spin on a classic. We also tried 3 different desserts and loved those as well. A chocolate one, a pumpkin cake and an Apple tart. Our Thanksgiving dinner could t have been better and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. We look forward to trying the restaurants regular menu soon!

Unmatched hospitality! The server was knowledgeable about the food and able to describe them well. We didn’t have great luck with the clams, they were very chewy & overcooked but the broth was delicious. They took it back and a sweet manager, (I’m forgetting names) sent a hamachi that was to die for! Everything else that hit the table was delicious and we were very impressed. The bubbly and celebration desert was super appreciated as well. Honestly made my birthday dinner feel extra special, some places really don’t go the extra mile but they sure know how to impress.

Another great evening of food, drinks and service. Thanks to Heather for the great Manhattans and Levi for his always excellent service and friendship. See you in December!