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Best Authentic Restaurants in La Mesa

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82 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(734)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 50 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 Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(286)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 22 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2001)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 24 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
4.6
Exceptional(232)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Mesa
Booked 22 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1058)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 23 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 Pizza by Aromi restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5)
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
4.5
Awesome(4)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Grantville
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant,with authentic dishes made from fresh ingredients.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4108)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 97 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7995)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 58 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(840)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 52 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Julia
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We came in last night and had a wonderful experience. Our server was Alessandra and she was just amazing. First off the place is so cute & trendy, I love what they did with the space. We started our meal with the fritto misto (mixed calamari & veggies), fungo ripieno (mushroom w artichoke, red sauce & polenta) which was my personal favorite (the polenta was to die for) and the crispy burrata. We ate everything and left no crumbs ! Then we went on to our main courses. We ordered the fettuccine tartufo (mushroom & truffle - our tables favorite), spicy vodka pasta, ragu Della Nonna (red sauce with meat), and the parmigiana Milanese (eggplant Parmesan). Everything was delicious. The pasta was cooked perfect & al dente, we ate what we could & took the rest home! Then came dessert. It was my father’s birthday and they offered us a dessert of our choice, Alessandra recommended the fresh made table side tiramisu -good choice. Flavors were so well balanced. We also ordered the cannoli and was one of my favorite cannolis ever! Needless to say we will be coming back again! Thank you for the great dinner.
    More info
    Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
    4.6
  • Allison
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Honestly the food was probably some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. I loved it. Price matched the food for sure. Ambiance was nice as well.
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    4.9
  • Julie
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food! We got Chicken Tinga Tacos and Sirloin enchiladas. My $5 Margarita was beautifully presented. There being a slight chill in the air, I was given a cozy, bright red throw to put over my legs. A delightful and tasty experience.
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    4.6
  • Craig
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Nice server and good service. Food was excellent. I will definitely come back
    More info
    Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.6
  • Stephanievip
    San Diego •8 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 4, 2024
    This is a neighborhood gem I go to regularly. The food is high quality, the service is efficient, and the location is great! Highly recommend.
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    4.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in La Mesa

Embark on a culinary journey in La Mesa, East County San Diego, where the dining scene beautifully marries authenticity with local charm. Here, food enthusiasts can savor the essence of diverse cuisines, each restaurant offering a unique interpretation of authentic dishes rooted in rich cultural traditions. From the sun-kissed flavors of Mediterranean kitchens to the bold, traditional spices of Mexican fare, every establishment promises a dining experience that is both genuine and memorable. Patrons can expect to indulge in meals prepared with heartfelt authenticity, where chefs pride themselves on using traditional cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients. The emphasis on maintaining the originality of the dishes, coupled with the warm, inviting atmospheres of these eateries, ensures every meal is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants in La Mesa stand out for their commitment to delivering real, unadulterated flavors that resonate with both the palate and the place. Discover the true taste of authenticity in this vibrant culinary corner of San Diego.

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