Best Casual Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

1. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4164)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 28 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.

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(417)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 32 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1065)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 24 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 Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

4. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(241)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 12 times today

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.

A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(182)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 46 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

6. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3547)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 16 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

7. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(87)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 6 times today

In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.

A photo of Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego restaurant

8. Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(1456)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Jamul

Booked 12 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.

A photo of Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego restaurant

9. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

4.4

Awesome(14)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • College Area

Legendary taste meets the party scene at Woodstock’s Pizza near SDSU. Woodstock's offers a fast casual dining experience with counter ordering and delivery to your table.Bring your friends for award-winning pies, sides and suds. Your choices are endlessly customizable; we have options for most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-intolerant. Try our signature wheat crust and exclusive extra zesty sauce, and watch us load on the freshest, highest-quality toppings.Woodstock's has 18 taps serving some of the most innovative craft beers, along with a selection of bottled beers and wines. We specialize in groups of all sizes, with flexible seating and a pet-friendly heated patio. Join the fun at our weekly Trivia and Pint Nights. We're open from lunch to late night, and we deliver throughout San Diego.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
DonaldVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Aromi consistently has excellent entrees with a good selection of wines. The daily special today was Mahi Mahi with a lemon caper sauce that was delicious. We always enjoy dinner and the friendly staff and servers.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7
E
Elyse
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was decent but drinks are overpriced and small. Water boys and bussers were fast and great, but good luck trying to flag down your waiter. Definitely make a reservation, did not expect that many people for brunch time on a Monday.
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
T
Teresa
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
As always - the halibut and fish&chips were fabulous!
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
S
ShannonVIP
San Diego •148 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Started with wine and crispy burrata - great choice, can't wait to try a different one next time (yes there will be several nexts). He got the Cacio e Pepe, I got the Bucatini a la Pesto. Mine was labeled a favorite and the flavor was off the charts. So good. He finished his entire order, so his was enjoyed as well. We then moved onto the tableside Tiramisu. FANtastic. This place is a gem. We can't wait to make it more of a rotation! Buon Natale!
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Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
S
Suzanne
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days 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.
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
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4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

Price

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Top Rated

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Brigantine La Mesa

2. Madi

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Aromi Italian Cuisine

5. Trattoria Da Sofia

6. Bleu Boheme

7. Lemon Grove Bistro

8. Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego

9. Woodstock's Pizza - San Diego

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