The 10 Best Restaurants In La Mesa, San Diego

Anthony’s Fish Grotto, established in 1946, is a San Diego landmark restaurant, is consistently voted one of San Diego’s best seafood restaurants, with positive Zagat ratings and some of the freshest fish and seafood around. Enjoy delicious lobster, fresh seasonal catches, salads, pastas, famous clam chowders, and crispy fish and chips in a more casual atmosphere with friendly home-style service. You might want to try the Maine lobster trio with choices of grilled salmon, shrimp, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, or crab bites, or maybe one of the pasta primavera with a choice of shrimp, chicken, salmon, or vegetarian. With large windows and a view of the San Diego Bay, you can enjoy a beautiful lake view and feel the ocean breeze. Described as a hidden gem by locals, Anthony’s Fish Grotto will provide you with a more casual dining experience with a quality fresh selection of seafood.
Address and telephone number: 9530 Murray Drive, La Mesa, CA, USA + 1 619 463 0368

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a casual hangout spot with a great selection of food and drink. Hunker down on an autumn night with a seasonal pumpkin ale float and savory soup in a bread bowl, or enjoy anything else on the extensive menu from a classic rib-eye dish to New Orleans jambalaya. BJ’s Restaurant is a family friendly establishment with a varied mix-and-match meal selection for kids, while adults enjoy a wider range of shareable appetizers, lunch specials, handcrafted burgers and beers, specialty salads, pizza, pasta, steaks, and other entrées like lemon thyme chicken or cherry chipotle glazed salmon, all generously portioned and expertly prepared. Don’t miss dessert with one of BJ’s famous Pizookies—a hot out of the oven cookie with ice cream made to order. Choose from salted caramel, peanut butter s’mores, cookies’n’cream, or try a sampler of three mini Pizookies during your visit. If you are looking for variety and a comfortable casual atmosphere, BJ’s is a good choice for your night out with family or friends.
Address and telephone number: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA, USA + 1 619 589 7222

Rubio’s is a top choice in La Mesa for quick quality Mexican food, offering a spread of anything from grilled steak and guacamole burritos to a California bowl full of fresh ingredients like citrus rice, black beans, romaine lettuce, salsa fresca, and your choice of pan-seared shrimp, tilapia, mahi mahi, or grilled chicken. A traditional quesadilla or lobster enchilada might also have your mouth watering, but the real treat at Rubio’s is the taco Tuesday special. Enjoy any mix of seafood tacos for only $1.50 each on Tuesdays after 2:30pm. With positive Zagat ratings, Rubio’s is a favorite stop for lunch or a quick snack in a casual setting with friendly service. Serving sustainable seafood when possible, Rubio’s also keeps a standard of making conscious choices for keeping current customers and future generations healthy. With inventive recipes, fresh ingredients, and conscientious cooking, Rubio’s is a top pick for those hoping to grab a quick, healthy, and most importantly, flavorful bite to eat.
Address and telephone number: 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, CA, USA + 1 619 697 1286

Swami’s Cafe is a family owned restaurant with an extensive menu for both breakfast and lunch. With friendly and efficient service, Swami’s has customers order their fill and pay at the counter on arrival. Customers are then given a number to place at the table until the food is brought out freshly prepared. Swami’s offers large portions and good prices for every meal—omelets, waffles, pancakes, eggs any way, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and other standard favorites like quesadillas, burritos, and stir fry. The food is always fresh and the ambiance of the place has a beachy feel with vibrant murals and tropical décor. Smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, and a large selection of self-serve coffees and teas are also on the menu at Swami’s. Enjoy anything from a tropical shrimp wrap with walnuts, dried cranberries, organic greens, avocado, and balsamic vinaigrette to a simple BLT with avocado. For a casual breakfast or lunch with a large selection of food, Swami’s is a great place to get a meal well worth your dollar.
Address and telephone number: 8284 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, USA + 1 619 668 9030

BO-Beau Kitchen & Garden is a unique restaurant with a casual laid-back atmosphere and diverse menu. Appetizers include anything from a meat and cheese board to bruschetta or escargot, and dinner options include dishes like a roasted fresh catch, slow roasted pork shank, the burger royale, linguini and clams, and many more. If you are looking for something on the lighter side, BO-Beau also offers a large selection of soups and salads, starters, and flatbreads. The environment is described on BO-Beau’s website as “Bohemian-chic meets Industrial elegance” with options of dining inside, at the bar, or on the outdoor patio. While the restaurant does have a lively atmosphere, it is never too loud to disturb conversation. BO-beau fits all occasions, whether you are meeting friends on the patio for drinks and appetizers, celebrating a special event with family, watching a game at the bar, or spending a romantic evening with your significant other.
Address and telephone number: 8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, USA + 1 619 337 3445