Best Casual Restaurants in Serra Mesa

151 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 50 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(427)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 37 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 Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

3. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(211)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 16 times today

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

4. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4407)

Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 41 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

5. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(114)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

6. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.1

Excellent(3224)

Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 4 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

7. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(34)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 9 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

8. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.8

Exceptional(260)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 13 times today

OpenTable Diners' Choice 2022, 2023 and 2024! Come dine in our modern and relaxing atmosphere, where we serve traditional sushi and unique fusion dishes.Enjoy particularly selected sakes, wines, and unique cocktails that pair exquisitely with our fine dishes. In addition to traditional sushi, and hot and cold Japanese appetizers, our menu includes pastas, homemade desserts, and other regional fusion dishes to cater to a wide range of guests. We are also proud to offer premium A5 Wagyu dishes.Please let us serve you our traditional and creative dishes so that you can enjoy "To Become One (2B1)" with us in Harmony!

9. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1330)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 31 times today

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.9

Exceptional(2553)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 21 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Leah
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great live band playing jazz music. Server was really friendly and attentive to the table. Enjoyed my birthday dessert while my friends got some drinks and we watched the band. Had a lovely evening!
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MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
R
royaVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
amazing service. our waiter was on top of it and SUPER kind. will definitely be coming back and recommending to others
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
G
Gwen
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The Green Chilaquiles & Provence Hash are my two favorite dishes. You cannot go wrong with either.
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
R
RayVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •47 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful space, friendly and efficient staff, creative food options and an interesting and well-matched wine list. A very chill and welcoming place, I will definitely visit again when I am in town.
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Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.6
R
RitaVIP
San Diego •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was my first time to this location in Mission Valley. Love it! The servers were outstanding (thank you Ken) and the food was great. Recommend the Thai Shrimp salad, the pumpkin donuts, and white pizza.We sat outside and the tables were spacious and not cramped at all. They had shade sails which reduced the sun exposure. Parking is a little challengin but they have a valet if you prefer to avoid waiting for a spot. Will definitely we back again.
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Gravity Heights Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
•
4.7

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Best Casual Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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151 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

2. Madi

3. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4. Great Maple San Diego

5. Cellar Hand

6. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

7. Botanica

8. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

9. Siamo Napoli

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

See what locals rave about

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