East County Restaurants
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Brigantine La Mesa
$$$$•Seafood•4.8(4,493)A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.
Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats.
With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.
The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.
Join us for our signature Happy Hour.Antica Trattoria
$$$$•Contemporary Italian•4.8(2,596)Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.
Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?
About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.
We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.
Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.7(1,946)The Grove Steakhouse has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. Resplendent with luxurious décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Grove offers classic and contemporary cuisine for the definitive gourmet experience. Relax in calming ambience while you’re pampered by our world-class service. Our attention to detail and gourmet selections will make your dining experience a pleasure long remembered. Experience an exciting new menu, which includes an array of tantalizing entrées and desserts that are sure to satisfy and inspire you to return again and again.Piedra Santa SD
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.7(381)Piedra Santa brings you the authentic Argentine asado movement to the vibrant Little Italy district. Our restaurant will proudly offer dinner service seven days a week, inviting guests to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Argentina. In collaboration with local farms, we are dedicated to crafting a truly distinctive atmosphere that revolves around the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Situated at the corner of Ash and India St, in the heart of Little Italy, Piedra Santa finds its ideal location.
Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.8(2,067)Bull & Bourbon is a cut above other steakhouses – literally. Our innovative approach to classic steakhouse cuisine makes for a multi-sensory experience. Enjoy steaks prepared on our custom wood burning grill paired with our extensive and hand-selected bourbon menu for flavors that beautifully complement each other. Because we source local coastal California seafood, use steaks cut from our in-house butcher program, and choose select cuts from our on-site aging room, we always start with top-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes. You will always know from where your food has been sourced, and our chefs approach cooking as the true art that it is.Prime Cut Steakhouse - Jamul Casino San Diego
$$$$•Steakhouse•4.7(1,628)Prime Cut is a classic American steakhouse located inside the lights and flash of an upscale Vegas-style casino just twenty minutes outside the city center. With Chef de Cuisine Greg Coyle leading our kitchen, an award-winning wine list designed by Manager Christina Ambriz, and a full bar featuring some of the most unique hand-crafted specialty cocktails, Prime Cut is the perfect place for conversation or an intimate dinner.
Join us Sunday Evening for Our Specialties
- Enjoy a Prime Rib Dinner with your choice of a 12oz. or 16oz. cut, perfectly prepared to your preferred temperature. Conclude your evening with a tableside presentation of Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster—a sweet, flaming finale.
Must be 21 years or older to dine.
**Last reservation and last seating will be 45 minutes before closing.
Prime Cut will be closed on the following dates for Private Events:
November 12th; November 18th; November 19th; November 27th, 2026
Jamul23 - Jamul Casino
$$$$•All you can eat/Buffet•4.6(939)Jamul 23 and Jamul Casino Resort is a 21 and over establishment.
Discover Jamul 23, an elevated endless dining and buffet experience where gourmet casual fare meets refined elegance. Savor a thoughtfully curated, locally sourced menu in a sophisticated setting with panoramic views and attentive service—only at Jamul Casino Resort.
Tucked within is J23, a vibrant bar offering handcrafted cocktails and elevated interpretations of comfort classics. From the J23 Deluxe Lucy to signature sips like the Bittersweet Symphony, every detail is designed to delight.BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa
$$$$•American•4.5(155)Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.
Outdoor dining in San Diego
See what locals rave about in East County
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- PPaulaSan Diego •2 reviews5.0Dined 2 days agoEvery plate, appetizer, drink was soooo delicious! Can’t wait to go back.More infoCasa Gabriela$$$$• Mexican• La Mesa•4.7
- LLindaGoldSan Diego •23 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoGreat evening at Brig La Mesa. Diane was fabulous as our server and made our birthday celebration fantastic. The food was excellent as usual - grilled halibut was exceptional and the mud pie did not disappoint. Stuffed prawns were yummy as well. Brava!More infoBrigantine La Mesa$$$$• Seafood• La Mesa•4.8
- JJeanetteGoldSan Diego •4 reviews5.0Dined on 31 Oct 2026My new favorite spot in La Mesa. Food, atmosphere, and service were all wonderful. Short rib tortellini and the bread bowl were delicious.More infoScena Fusion Kitchen and Bar$$$$• Italian• La Mesa•4.7
- DDebbieSan Diego •9 reviews5.0Dined on 18 Oct 2026Great food. Great service. Great outdoor seating..More infoBanbu Sushi Bar & Grill$$$$• Seafood• La Mesa•4.7
- KKrisSan Diego •4 reviews5.0Dined on 17 Oct 2026The food is so good, the service and ambience are great.More infoSobreMesa$$$$• Latin American• San Diego•4.2
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Discover East County
In the East County area of San Diego, you’ll spend your time hiking and exploring the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Nature abounds here, and that includes the food. You’ll easily find American farm-to-table bistros with local wineries, French cuisine with cocktails, gastropubs equipped with on-site breweries, and a large beer selection. As the rugged outdoors is paramount, you’ll find many places with fresh meats as well as produce from local farmers. Besides the international cuisine offered, there is also an eclectic blend of hip restaurants offering contemporary takes on classic dishes. East County offers everything from local, family-owned restaurants to diners serving "western grub," all in the vicinity of the scenic and historical view of the San Diego backcountry.
Dining around East County Hot Spots
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Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in East County is Zest Wine Bistro (opens in a new tab)
The best vegan restaurants in East County are Brigantine La Mesa (opens in a new tab), Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab) and Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon (opens in a new tab)
The best vegetarian restaurants in East County are BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa (opens in a new tab), Antica Trattoria (opens in a new tab) and Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best service in East County are Zest Wine Bistro (opens in a new tab), BO-beau kitchen + garden (opens in a new tab) and Giardino Neighborhood Cucina (opens in a new tab)
The restaurants with the best ambience in East County are BO-beau kitchen + garden (opens in a new tab), Claim Jumper - La Mesa (opens in a new tab) and Scena Fusion Kitchen and Bar (opens in a new tab)