Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in East County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in East County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

4.8 (4163)

$30 and under

Seafood

La Mesa

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

FabienneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Always thoroughly enjoy our dining experience at The Brig . . . The food, service and ambience are great!!

Discover more

Popular dish

Blackened Salmon

Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

4.8

4.8 (1455)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Jamul

About the restaurant

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.

Specials
Experience 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 • $59.95

Only guests over 21 years old may attend.

Top review

MATTHEW

Dined 1 day ago

This place blows all other steakhouses in San Diego out of the water in every aspect. And they've hidden it from us inside a casino. But this restaurant is where you'll hit the biggest win. No joke.

Discover more

Popular dish

Seafood Platter

Popular dish

Braised Prime Short Rib

Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

4.8 (1065)

$30 and under

Italian

Lemon Grove

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Suzanne

Dined 1 day ago

I along with the rest of party chose a different holiday dinner, all were wonderful. The service and experience is always amazing. We look forward to what new creative dishes they with put out for the new year.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (747)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.

The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

Top review

Gina

Dined 2 days ago

We really enjoy this beautiful restaurant. We always sit outside in the garden patio section. The staff here are top notch. Food is amazing. Can’t wait to go back.

Discover more

Jalapeno-Cilantro Tempura Cauliflower

Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

4.7 (239)

$30 and under

Italian

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.

Top review

MikeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food is always excellent. The atmosphere is lively - people are having a great time.

Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino

4.6

4.6 (1766)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Alpine

About the restaurant

The Grove Steakhouse has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. Resplendent with luxurious décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Grove offers classic and contemporary cuisine for the definitive gourmet experience. Relax in calming ambience while you’re pampered by our world-class service. Our attention to detail and gourmet selections will make your dining experience a pleasure long remembered. Experience an exciting new menu, which includes an array of tantalizing entrées and desserts that are sure to satisfy and inspire you to return again and again.

Top review

Melissa

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Service was overall amazing! Out server Joseph was the best, super sweet and attentive to everyone and our needs :) 10/10 recommend for all events

Discover more

Popular dish

Petit Filet Mignon 8oz

Popular dish

Porterhouse Steak 22oz

Popular dish

Atlantic Sea Scallops

El Torito - La Mesa

4.6

4.6 (440)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Mesa

About the restaurant

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Service was slow we were told people didn’t show up for work. Orders were not received correctly due to waiter being distracted with other customers calling him. Requested a Caesar salad and I had to remind the waiter my salad was not delivered. Requested no onions or peppers on the quesadillas and there were onions and peppers in the quesadillas. Did I mention service was slow

Discover more

Experience

Christmas

Retreat Pool & Cabanas

4.6

4.6 (322)

$50 and over

Californian

El Cajon / Lakeside

About the restaurant

Everyone needs to treat themselves from time to time. If you’re looking for a getaway from the everyday, look no further than Retreat Pool and Cabanas. Our El Cajon venue offers guests the opportunity to relax, soak up some Vitamin D, and escape in a picturesque aquatic oasis. We offer an array of entertainment and performers throughout the summer months. Our unique and thoughtful layout features two beautiful pool areas and a cleverly designed lazy river. You’ll feel layers of stress melt away as you float down the slow-moving lazy river, taking in your surroundings at a leisurely pace.

Top review

MaryAnn

Dined on Sep 30, 2024

Awesome Lazy river is my fave Cabana was perfect So much fun

Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.2

4.2 (2140)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

El Cajon / Lakeside

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Curtis

Dined 2 days ago

Great service, portions of the appetizer were a little small but not bad

Discover more

Experience

Whiskey Experience

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

3.8

3.8 (77)

$30 and under

American

La Mesa

About the restaurant

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

Top review

Ronita

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

I am so glad we had reservations. That pizookie deal sure brings out all the highschool kids. Our server was a plus. She was excellent and made our night!

Explore Diners' Choice best of East County

Explore more Diners' Choice lists