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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in La Mesa

Salad spots

You want a salad that is substantial enough to be a meal on its own.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
J-K's Greek Cafe image 1
J-K's Greek Cafe image 2
J-K's Greek Cafe image 3
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Greek restaurant

Cozy Greek spot offers authentic cuisine with generous portions and reasonable prices. Salads feature fresh veggies and grilled chicken, often paired with gyros and roasted potatoes. Fun Greek music adds to the welcoming atmosphere in a cute, remodeled space.

Salads come with subtle yet amazing flavors and often include fresh veggies and grilled chicken. Greek salad appears frequently, served alongside dishes like gyros and roasted potato wedges.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food here to be amazing and plentiful."

"I considered this Greek salad the best I ever had."

"The Gyro meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

J-K's Greek Cafe is closed on Mondays.

2

The prices are reasonable for the generous portions.

3

The menu includes many Greek favorites.

02
Mastiff Kitchen La Mesa image 1

Lively spot with many TVs showing live sports creates an energetic vibe. Known for smash burgers and deep dish pizza, it also offers fresh salads like Chicken Caesar with well-dressed greens. Comfortable seating and a clean space make it welcoming.

Salads come with well-dressed greens like the Chicken Caesar and crunchy kale salad. Lunch specials often include a side salad paired with pizza or other dishes.

People are saying

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

"Their Happy Hour bites, especially the Brussels sprouts, were generous and tasty."

"The Caesar salad was surprisingly good, not drenched in dressing."

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.

03
Little Roma Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot offers a cozy neighborhood feel with lively, family-friendly dining. Salads shine with house-made balsamic dressing and a standout roasted pear option. Enjoy meals on a covered patio surrounded by lush greenery and a large Italy mural.

Salads feature well-chilled Romaine in Caesar salads and a house-made balsamic dressing in Caprese salads. The roasted pear salad stands out as excellent and pairs well with Italian dishes.

People are saying

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

"I loved the Italian food; every dish I tried was fantastic."

"I thought the roasted pear salad was excellent."

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.

04
Petrinos Greek Restaurant image 1

Small, cozy spot with fresh Greek dishes and a quiet atmosphere. Salads feature crisp Romaine and generous portions, especially the Greek salad paired with hummus. Affordable prices and curbside pickup make it great for quick lunches.

Salads come fresh daily with ample portions and include crisp fresh Romaine. The Greek salad stands out as tasty and filling, often paired with hummus.

People are saying

"The food here is always delicious and fresh."

"I thought the gyros here were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the Greek salads here were amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy on Friday early evenings.

2

Curbside pickup is available for orders.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours due to preparation time.

05
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Grilled chicken shines as the signature dish, tender and well marinated. Salads like the street corn salad with cilantro dressing offer fresh, healthy flavors. Dining spots vary, with some showing cleanliness and others needing furniture updates.

Chicken salads stand out as very tasty and healthy options. The street corn salad with cilantro dressing adds a fresh, flavorful twist. The taco salad bowl also offers a solid choice for salad lovers.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is healthy and delicious, especially the chicken."

"I loved their chicken salads; they were so tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

El Pollo Loco offers a rewards program for frequent customers.

3

Prices at this location are higher compared to other locations.

06
The Grill at Vine Ripe image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot boasts a large patio and a fresh market connection. Salads shine with fresh cucumber and options like Salmon Greek. Generous portions and affordable specials draw a diverse crowd.

Salads feature fresh cucumber and options like the Salmon Greek salad. They come alongside dishes like shawarma and chicken tikka wraps.

People are saying

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

"The falafel here is cooked perfectly, soft with a great texture."

"The chicken in the salad was moist and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers specials from Monday to Thursday.

2

Prices are very fair, especially with weekly specials.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often enough for multiple meals.

07
Ney Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers fresh produce salads with generous feta cheese and vibrant flavors. Spacious seating and beautiful interior decor create a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Live music with pop and hip-hop tunes adds an exotic, fun vibe perfect for groups.

Salads feature fresh produce with perfectly balanced flavors and generous slices of feta cheese. The Greek and Middle Eastern salads stand out for their well-seasoned and vibrant taste.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the Greek Salad was gorgeous and my favorite."

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.

08
Trolley StopDeli image 1

Deli serves classic sandwiches with big portions and a varied drink selection in a welcoming atmosphere. Pasta salad quality varies, so ask about ingredients to avoid allergies. Catering offers an affordable option for groups.

Pasta salad varies from scrumptious to too salty or bland. Ingredients sometimes differ from the menu, so asking about them helps with allergies.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients."

"I thought the pasta salad was the best in town."

"You have to try the Deli's pasta salad; it's famous!"

Good to know

1

Ask about pasta salad ingredients to avoid allergy issues.

2

The deli has a punch card for a free sandwich after ten purchases.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

09
Frank's Pizza Joint image 1

Family-friendly spot with a warm vibe and soft rat pack tunes. Salads feature brown lettuce and fresh options like Greek and antipasto. Classic New York pizza joint feel with cozy booths and a quiet, inviting space.

Salads come with brown lettuce and include options like an antipasto salad and an excellent Greek salad. Meals often pair pizza with a fresh side salad and a large drink.

People are saying

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

"I considered this the best pizza in San Diego."

"I enjoyed the antipasto salad."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

2

Cash payments receive a discount, so bring cash for savings.

3

Pizza orders typically take 15-20 minutes to prepare.

10
Gus's Subs & Pizza Place image 1

Old school diner vibe with cozy seating and a chill patio. Classic breakfast and hearty sandwiches shine here. Salads like Greek salad are fresh but watch for some browning on lettuce.

Salads include a Greek salad and a gyro salad with iceberg lettuce. Some salads show browning on the bottom of the lettuce.

People are saying

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

"I thought the pastrami sandwich was one of the best I ever had."

"I considered their Greek salad one of my favorite."

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.

11
Hacienda Cazadores image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with live dancers and a cozy patio. Salads include a unique cactus salad with avocado and bacon, perfect for vegetarians. Vibrant music and elegant decor make dining lively and charming.

Salads feature nopal and spinach options with ingredients like bacon, avocado, red onion, and cucumber. The cactus salad stands out as the only vegetarian or vegan choice.

People are saying

"The food here is just amazing."

"The Mexican food here is tender, flavorful, and expertly prepared."

"The salad here is so beautiful and pleasant."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity since opening.

2

Hacienda Cazadores charges a surcharge for credit card payments without prior notice.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with enchiladas costing over $30.

12
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a festive atmosphere with loud music and sports on TV. Grilled chicken avocado salad shines with fresh ingredients. Seating suits both small and large groups, including private areas for quiet or lively vibes.

Grilled chicken avocado and chicken taco salads stand out with fresh ingredients. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, and the Mexican Caesar Salad offers a delicious twist.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"The Mexican food deals during happy hour are really good."

"I had the taco salad and it was very tasty."

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.

13
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room image 1

Steak house offers a live band that energizes the retro space while guests enjoy interactive grilling of their steaks. Salads like the wedge with blue cheese and classic Caesar pair well with wings, balancing hearty flavors with fresh, crisp bites.

Wedge salad stands out with its beautiful presentation and large portion size, often served with house blue cheese. Caesar salad also appears as a solid choice, paired well with wings.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly to your liking."

"The live music here is great and creates a wonderful atmosphere."

"The service here is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour offers half off on specialty drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

3

Live jazz music is featured every Wednesday night, enhancing the dining experience.

14
Frazier Farms Market image 1

Grocery store shines with a fresh juice bar and a full service deli offering quick, friendly shopping. Salad bar features artichoke and bow tie pasta salad and Greek pesto salad, perfect with deli items. Locally sourced produce and organic, gluten-free options stand out.

The salad bar offers a wide variety of fresh options with standout items like the artichoke and bow tie pasta salad and the Greek pesto salad. It pairs well with the deli selections and the juice bar for a complete meal.

People are saying

"I've been a loyal, happy customer of this grocery store for years."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, I was so impressed."

"I loved their salad bar; it was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Expect a great selection of fresh produce and organic foods.

2

The meat and fish counter offers a wide variety of options.

3

Weekly specials on fish provide great savings.

15
I QUE BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy space offers southern comfort and friendly hospitality for a warm vibe. Potato salad shines with a homemade style version standing out. Multiple TVs create a casual, lively atmosphere perfect for families.

Potato salad varies here, with some versions having no taste and others being pretty good. One version stands out as great, reminiscent of homemade style.

People are saying

"The Durty Mac was cheesy, flavorful, and had a homemade touch."

"The ribs here are juicy and seasoned to perfection."

"This potato salad is so great, I haven't had any like it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

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

16
JJANG Korean bbq image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue shines with tabletop grills and robotic trays for fast service. Salads impress with cucumber kimchi and perfect dressing. Modern decor and 90s rap music create a lively, cozy vibe.

Salads come with perfect dressing and include a cucumber kimchi salad that stands out. Sides like the house salad complement the meal well.

People are saying

"I found the Korean food here had fresh, high-quality meat."

"The servers were attentive, refilling water and asking if we needed anything."

"I've never had a better Korean BBQ experience."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available nearby, making access easy.

2

Expect reasonable wait times for food, especially for larger parties.

3

The facility is clean and well-maintained, enhancing the dining experience.

17
Wendy's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot serves fresh hamburgers with a long drive-thru line. Salads like Apple Pecan and Cobb offer great value and taste. Spacious booths create a chill atmosphere for relaxing meals despite some outdated decor.

Salads here include the Apple Pecan and Cobb varieties, both noted for good value. The Apple Walnut salad also stands out as a favorite option.

People are saying

"The cashier was so friendly and welcoming, it's really Kid Friendly."

"The drive-thru is fast and easy."

"I thought the Cobb and pecan salads were worth every penny."

Good to know

1

Wendy's operates drive-thru only during late hours.

2

Expect long wait times during lunch hours due to high traffic.

3

Mobile orders are not accepted after midnight.

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La Mesa, California

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