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Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1325)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 68 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
2. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4273)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 65 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
3. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3530)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 26 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
4. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(850)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 25 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
5. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.6
Exceptional(619)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 19 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Sally's Fish House & Bar restaurant
6. Sally's Fish House & Bar
4.5
Awesome(2170)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Dine at a waterfront table overlooking San Diego Bay and enjoy locally sourced, sustainable seafood dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Choose from a San Diego inspired menu of seafood, dishes from the farm and carefully selected California wines and craft cocktails. Dogs are welcome on the patio and even have their own menu to dine from. For large party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.comPark in Grand Hyatt's garage for 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with validation.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
7. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(943)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 25 times today
Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.
A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant
8. Topsail at Portside Pier
4.8
Exceptional(146)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!
A photo of Saltwater restaurant
9. Saltwater
4.3
Awesome(583)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
The best seafood in all of San Diego is officially in the Gaslamp District! Surround yourself in a stunning and vibrant aura while you and your friends indulge in the best seafood, oysters and caviar that Southern California has to offer! Our deal is simple. You pick the fish from our ice display, specify the weight and how you’d like it cooked, and let our world-class chefs do the rest!Using this method we can guarantee the highest quality of freshness and can make sure that you receive exactly what you want! We know that we will provide unparalleled freshness, and taste that cannot be beaten! Stop by today and transform your understanding of excellent seafood!
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
10. Asti Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(1738)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sean
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Overall a great experience. I was entertaining some colleagues and a business partner in town for a conference as a local and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Several of our dishes were great. Most notably the hot oil seared salmon that our server recommended and spicy garlic noodles. I wasnt really a fan of the meatball and spicy shrimp plates (but I may be biased having had similar dishes in the past) We arrived almost 30 minutes and the host Erika was exceptionally welcoming and got us seated promptly which was awesome. Definitely would come back, great for a date night or entertaining guests.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Chrisvip
    San Diego •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were seated right away. The atmosphere is so very French! Very quaint - tall lighted candles on each table. Waitress was very nice. Food was excellent! French onion soup is best ever with slices of beef short rib - wow! Gnocchi was mixed with veggies in a delightful Gruyère sauce. Escargot was tasty and the Salad Chèvre Chaud outstanding! The bartender makes a very nice old fashioned too!
    More info
    Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    •
    4.8
  • Carolevip
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    The culturally themed dinners at Artifact are excellent. We enjoyed a Polish feast last night that was delicious and included tastes of familiar dishes such as kielbasa, pierogi and potato pie. My favorite course was the upscale take on golabki (cabbage roll) made with a shrimp and smoked trout filling topped with a crème fraiche, horseradish and trout roe sauce. The four course meals are offered monthly and include “sip of the region” drink menu options to pair with the food. We have enjoyed each of the meals we have attended.
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Gail
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    The food selection at Mimmo’s Italian Village was outstanding! We ordered a Pastrami sandwich and the Fettuccine with clams and don’t forget the cheese bread! All was wonderful and made our last meal in San Diego before our flight a very memorable one.
    More info
    Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

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