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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of La Mesa

Kid-friendly lunch spots

Made for those who refuse to leave their children behind when they head out for a midday meal and require a space that accommodates both.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 2
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 3
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Restaurant offers loud, lively atmosphere with many TVs showing live sports, creating a friendly, energetic vibe. Seating is comfortable and the space feels clean and welcoming after recent remodeling. Known for excellent smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also features a wide selection of local draft beers.

Kids enjoy the burger and fries and the pizza options. Staff help with carrying items, making it easier for parents with toddlers. The atmosphere suits both kids and adults.

Affordable lunch specials include options like a slider plate and a pepperoni special. Some deals combine Detroit style pizza, salad, and a beer for about $18-19.

People are saying

"They have a great beer selection with lots to choose from."

"The smash burger here is juicy and well seasoned."

"This place is so Kid Friendly; they really cared for us."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 bites available.

2

The happy hour includes options like Brussels sprouts, sliders, and pizza slices.

3

Parking is available onsite but can be limited.

02
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
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.

Spaghetti scores high with kids, including a very food-critical child. Meals appeal to toddlers and picky eaters alike. The setting feels cozy and family-friendly for groups with young children.

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

People are saying

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

"The pizza was very good, and the ravioli was 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.

03
Ney Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with beautiful interior decor and spacious seating creates a relaxed atmosphere that can get lively when full. Live music and a mix of pop and hip-hop tunes add an exotic, fun vibe. The place suits both small and large groups comfortably.

Service handles big groups with kids well and gives children a treat after dinner. The lamb kabobs appeal to younger diners.

Lunch features a variety of Iraqi-inspired dishes served even during late hours. The setting suits small celebrations with a quiet atmosphere when few people are around.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the lamb kabobs and fattoush, is amazing."

"The staff here felt like family, making it feel so Kid Friendly."

"The lunch here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Thursday offers a 3-course menu for $25.

3

They charge extra fees for card payments, so bring cash.

04
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits image 1

Bar and grill with multiple outdoor seating areas including a fire pit and an open kitchen visible from the main dining room. Atmosphere is loud and lively, buzzing with sports on numerous TVs and constant conversation. Back patio offers a quieter space suitable for families and pets.

Back patio offers a great space for families with small children and pets. Kids enjoy the large portions and like their burgers.

Weekday lunch specials run Monday to Friday, featuring a $14 cheeseburger combo with a side and drink. Outdoor seating allows for people watching while enjoying a decently priced meal.

People are saying

"The burgers here are so delicious and juicy."

"This lunch spot's burgers and sandwiches were tasty and delicious."

"The chicken tenders and burgers were a hit with the kids."

Good to know

1

They stop serving food before 8:40 PM on Fridays, despite being open until 9 PM.

2

Parking at Johnny B's is limited and can be challenging.

3

They offer a $14 weekday lunch special that includes a cheeseburger, a side, and a drink.

05
Lunch Box Cafe & Deli image 1

Small, quaint restaurant with a homey, rustic vibe and fresh flowers adding charm. Atmosphere stays friendly and relaxed, with pet-friendly outdoor seating that invites enjoying fresh air. The place feels like a cozy local spot where conversations flow easily.

Kids can choose from simple meals like a kids hamburger or pancakes and bacon. The options focus on familiar, easy-to-eat dishes.

Fresh, homemade food defines the lunch offerings here, with a variety of options that consistently satisfy. The atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a solid choice for a lunch spot with fresh muffins and reliable office catering.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and a huge hit."

"This lunch spot's food tasted amazing and homemade."

"The breakfast sandwich with bacon and ham was so delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2 pm.

2

Parking is tight with limited spaces, but street parking is available.

3

Prices range from $15-$17 for an omelette.

06
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.

Staff show kindness and patience with families and small kids. Children enjoy the robot server and simple dishes like Plain Naan bread that get enthusiastic reactions.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The naan here is so good, even a toddler will clap for it."

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.

07
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.

Crayons and coloring sheets keep kids busy while waiting. Gelato serves as a sweet treat that kids enjoy after dinner. Breakfast options rank high among children's favorites here.

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

People are saying

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

"It's a really kid-friendly place with crayons and coloring sheets."

"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.

08
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.

Staff members like Alex handle kids well and manage time between tables smoothly. Kids enjoy the neverending chips and playing with the kids table games provided by the bartender.

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.

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.

09
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.

Servers show accommodation to kids, making dining smoother. The menu includes children's options, though some items may be unavailable.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"The servers here are so nice and attentive to kids."

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.

10
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.

Staff stay on top of things with active kids and show kindness to young diners. The buffet includes various guisados, drinks, and a wide selection of desserts suitable for children.

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

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"The Lunch Spot staff are attentive and kind."

"They offer a wide variety of food options, including kid-friendly meals."

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.

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La Mesa, California

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