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Local picks

Lunch and date spots in La Mesa

A midday meal that feels special enough to turn a quick lunch into a proper date.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
Little Roma Restaurant image 2
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Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with a cozy neighborhood feel and family-friendly dining. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming, often lively and sometimes noisy. Features include a covered outdoor patio with dense greenery and a large wall mural depicting Italy.

Lunch features chicken marsala and other rich dishes. Frequent visits highlight its appeal as a decadent lunch spot.

A cute little spot with good Italian food sets a cozy mood for date nights. It works well for both couples and family outings, making it a versatile choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The food at these Date Spots is phenomenal and delicious."

"You have to come hungry for this amazing Lunch Spot food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

2

Happy hour drinks are available before 6pm with $5 wine options.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

02
Aromas of India image 1
Indian restaurant

Spacious Indian restaurant with modern elegant decor and creative design offers a calm, comfortable atmosphere without TVs. Robotic servers and call buttons add a futuristic, interactive touch to dining. Ceiling fans shaped like children's toys provide unique ventilation in place of central air conditioning.

Lunch features well-prepared dishes like veggie korma, malai kofta, and yellow dal curry. Employees including chefs and waiters eat here during their breaks, showing the food's consistent quality.

Very affordable option for a night out. Cold Pepsi Cola adds a refreshing touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, bursting with flavor and perfectly prepared."

"The food here is flavorful and delicious, perfect for date spots."

"This Lunch Spot has extraordinarily scrumptious food, especially the garlic cheese naan."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant features a diverse menu with options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

03
Gus's Subs & Pizza Place image 1

Old school diner atmosphere with cozy indoor seating and an easy-going patio offering pleasant outdoor dining and gorgeous street views. The vibe is local and chill, attracting those who appreciate classic breakfast and hearty sandwiches in a small, unassuming space.

Offers dine-in and takeout options for lunch. Serves a variety of meals suitable for breakfast and lunch hours.

Frequent visits show this spot works well for casual dates with large sandwiches like Philly cheese steak and chicken. Couples often stop by to grab food and enjoy a relaxed meal together.

People are saying

"I discovered Gus's has great breakfast options, even though the name doesn't suggest it."

"This lunch spot has excellent food and lots of choices."

"The sandwiches here are excellent and you get what you pay for."

Good to know

1

The credit card machine doesn't always work, so bring cash as a backup.

2

Gus's serves large portions, often too big to finish in one sitting.

3

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

04
Centifonti's Bar & Restaurant image 1

Comfortable homey vibe blends with an old school atmosphere creating a welcoming environment. Multiple football screens show relevant sports games, attracting a lively crowd. Family-friendly touches like crayons and coloring sheets add to the relaxed, casual setting.

Offers breakfast and lunch with consistent quality. Serves as a reliable spot for everyday meals during errands.

Juicy garlic teriyaki wings with a sauce worth savoring create a tasty shared dish. Friendly hosts add to the relaxed vibe, making it welcoming for couples enjoying a meal together.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be very worth it and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and affordable, perfect for date spots."

"I always end up here for lunch when running errands."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Saturday from 3-7pm and all day Sunday.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but no personal checks.

05
Konnichiwa Sushi & Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with inside and outside seating creates a laid-back, lively vibe filled with 80s new wave music and smiling cooks. Outdoor tables offer people watching and a dog-friendly patio experience. The atmosphere buzzes with energy but stays chill and hip without feeling stuck-up.

Generous bowls offer a delectable lunch that satisfies hunger well. The food suits a hot day with its hearty portions and flavors.

The spot offers a warm atmosphere that makes special occasions like birthdays feel memorable. Staff interaction adds a personal touch that enhances the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is great and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's food was quite tasty and deliciously cooked."

"The sushi here is so flavorful, I wanted a third roll!"

Good to know

1

Menu prices online may differ from in-store prices; check before ordering.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted sushi options.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

06
Golden Bay Asian Food image 1
Asian restaurant

Open kitchen fills the small space with sizzling sounds and rich aromas, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant alternative to the cozy but often hot interior. Large portions and customizable menu items attract a steady crowd, especially on busy weekend nights.

Lunch specials include orange chicken and honey sesame chicken with portions large enough to share. The spot draws repeat visits and recommendations for midday meals.

Offers a romantic setting suitable for dinners or dates. The atmosphere supports intimate gatherings with friends or partners.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The food here is out of this world, especially the sushi and ramen."

"The salt and pepper wings at this Lunch Spot are perfectly cooked and super crunchy."

Good to know

1

Golden Bay Asian Food is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Expect to wait on Friday or Saturday nights due to high demand.

3

They prefer cash payments, so be prepared.

07
Aromi Italian Cuisine image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with heartwarming decor featuring flowers, mirrors, and art creates an inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio and a private dining room offer versatile seating options. The vibe feels authentically Italian with a vibrant, beautiful interior that enhances the dining experience.

Lunch here offers a chance to avoid crowds, especially on busy days like Father's Day. The spot suits those near SDSU or attending events, serving solid Italian dishes for lunch or dinner.

Small Italian spots offer a cozy vibe with friendly wait staff and yummy pasta. An awesome pre-fixe date night special for $59 makes it easy to plan a fun evening.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is top-shelf, like in Little Italy."

"The Italian food here is authentic and delicious, perfect for date spots."

"The mushroom soup and pasta at this Lunch Spot were incredibly tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM Sunday through Thursday.

2

Happy hour cocktails are $7.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events.

08
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a festive atmosphere features loud music and sports on TV with sound down. Seating options vary for small and large groups, including private areas. The vibe can shift from quiet to lively depending on crowd size and room acoustics.

Lunch features unlimited soup and salad with specials that appeal to families. The spot offers a casual setting suitable for group meals.

Consistent excellent dining creates a reliable spot for couples. Celebrations like anniversaries fit well with the enjoyable atmosphere and flavorful fajitas.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for date spots."

"The Lunch Spot staff are attentive and kind."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour Specials are available in the bar area, including booths in the upper part of the restaurant.

2

The Sunday buffet brunch runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm with bottomless mimosas.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

09
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Large TV screens create a family-friendly atmosphere with a lively energy especially during game nights. The place draws a mixed crowd enjoying affordable meals and popular margaritas. Noise levels can rise, making it a vibrant spot for casual dining and sports viewing.

Affordable lunch specials run through 4 PM with options like a burger lunch special that offers good value. Service is fast, accommodating quick lunch breaks and longer catch-up sessions alike.

Offers good value for money on dates. Drink options are limited, so checking the menu helps. Suitable for couples with a newborn looking for a casual night out.

People are saying

"The food here is great and always served hot."

"The date spots here are so friendly and make you feel right at home."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of up to 30 minutes for takeout during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging at this location, especially during busy times.

3

Chili's offers a $10 bonus for every $50 spent with coupons.

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La Mesa, California

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