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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in El Cajon / Lakeside

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant
1. Brigantine La Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4184)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 29 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(2153)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 3 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 Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill restaurant
3. Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill
4.5
Awesome(390)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • La Mesa
Booked 11 times today
Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is perfect for special occasions. As one reviewer mentioned, 'it is a bit pricey so definitely a special occasion type place'. The restaurant offers a unique blend of a classic Japanese design with a modern bistro look. The food is consistently praised for its freshness and quality, and the service is always friendly and attentive. Whether celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a great meal, Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill is a great choice for a special occasion.
A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2021)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 11 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 Antica Trattoria restaurant
5. Antica Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(2393)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 11 times today
Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(1085)
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
7. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3557)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 7 times today
Bleu Boheme is a special place for celebrations, as reflected in multiple reviews. Customers praise its romantic ambiance, attentive service, and delectable food. The restaurant's unique blend of French and Bohemian styles, combined with its affordable prices and comfortable setting, makes it a popular choice for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. One reviewer even mentioned the restaurant's special touch of placing an anniversary card on the table.
A photo of Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego restaurant
8. Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(1460)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Jamul
Booked 5 times today
Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager Christina Ambriz, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand-crafted specialty cocktails, Prime cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner. SpecialsExperience the best brunch in San Diego! Join us from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm every Sunday for Prime Cut’s Lobster Brunch. Enjoy a picturesque mountain view, sample from our award-winning wine list, or sip on your favorite craft cocktail while you indulge in delectable creations by Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle. Lobster Brunch • Sunday • $59.95Only guests over 21 years old may attend.
‘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
  • Evelyn
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We are never disappointed with The Brig and have been coming here for over 30 years. This time I decided to order something different from my usual. I had the stuffed seabass with shrimp and artichoke. It was SO GOOD! Alejandro was our sever and she was adorable, very patient with us. (party of 5 , 70-92 years old) Thank you for the MUD PIE for the birthday guys. Thanks for the consistent great good, great service and ambiance.
    More info
    Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Terry
    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our favorite spot when visiting San Diego. The restaurant is beautiful, the food excellent and our server was most accommodating! This place is a real gem!
    More info
    Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • ChrisVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food, right price and excellent customer service.
    More info
    Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
    •
    4.3
  • Debby
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 30, 2024
    We had a party of 10, and were pleasantly surprised when directed to a private room. The service was fabulous and the food did not disappoint. We had everything from teriyaki chicken to sashimi. This was our first time coming to this restaurant, and I look forward to revisiting many more times to come.
    More info
    Banbu Sushi Bar & GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    We were there mid afternoon Christmas Day. It wasn’t to crouched and the service was good. Food was great. They have a nice patio dining area and an open air bar that were fairly quiet, but I did notice inside was kind of noisy due to all hard surfaces. Overall very nice experience.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.3

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