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Best Restaurants for People Watching in La Mesa

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 67 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
2. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(890)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 12 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
3. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.4
Awesome(659)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 16 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 Nonna restaurant
4. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(981)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 4 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
5. Topsail at Portside Pier
4.8
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 8 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 Basta! restaurant
6. Basta!
4.4
Awesome(59)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com
A photo of Sally's Waterfront Dining restaurant
7. Sally's Waterfront Dining
4.3
Awesome(2169)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Sally’s is taking a fresh approach to bayfront dining with an expansive remodel! Currently closed, we will reopen in April 2025 with a reimagined space designed to maximize our stunning bay views and embrace San Diego’s open-air lifestyle. For large-party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.com
A photo of Blind Burro restaurant
8. Blind Burro
4.5
Awesome(676)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego. Come in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet over a carafe of spicy margaritas or on tap house sangria. . Or try us for lunch with clients while enjoying steak tacos and a quinoa mixed green salad. Hope to see you soon in the unique, airy and comfortable environment we have created for you in downtown San Diego. **All checks will have a 4% pandemic recovery surcharge due to the additional costs associated with the impact on our business and operations. This is not a gratuity and will be used to help us offset the additional product, labor, overhead and other costs.**
A photo of Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant
9. Parma Cucina Italiana
new
4.8
Exceptional(111)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 10 times today
Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest. Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms. We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.

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