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Local picks

Food spots in Santee

A meal that actually satisfies your hunger, rather than leaving you looking for a second dinner on the way home.

Based on 690 Opinions
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01
Pho Mai Cali image 1
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Modern, clean interior with a beautiful mural sets a serene mood. Authentic Vietnamese food offers consistently delicious flavors and great service. Spacious seating and soothing music create a relaxing dining experience.

Authentic Vietnamese food stands out with consistently delicious flavors and great service that makes dining here very satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pho Mai Cali are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

2

The food comes out quickly and is packaged nicely for takeout.

3

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-maintained.

02
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Casual Vietnamese spot offers authentic flavors with top-tier pho and fresh spring rolls. Modern decor and cozy vibe create a welcoming atmosphere. Warm 2000's R&B plays softly, perfect for casual conversations in a clean, bright space.

Food tastes just like home with authentic Vietnamese flavors. Dishes come out delicious and satisfying, standing out from nearby franchises.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off appetizers during lunch.

2

Prices for pho start at $16 for a rare steak.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere.

03
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Small space with intimate setting offers clean, inviting atmosphere. Food is hot, perfectly cooked with authentic Thai flavors like fish sauce and tamarind. Portions are generous and prices stay very affordable.

Food comes out hot and perfectly cooked with authentic Thai flavors like fish sauce with chilies and tamarind sauce. Portions are generous and prices are very affordable.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options.

2

Prices are cheaper than other places in Santee.

3

Portions are generous, making it easy to skip dinner.

04
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Small space offers a calm, inviting atmosphere with friendly environment and cleanliness. Greek dishes feature fresh ingredients and handmade items like spanakopita and gyros. Portions are generous and prices are higher than usual for the area.

Food here is freshly made and delicious with generous portions. Greek dishes come with excellent flavors and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers Greek food with a variety of dishes.

2

Expect medium-sized portions at a higher price point.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours due to limited seating.

05
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Enjoy authentic handmade tortillas and fresh salsas in a calm, welcoming space with generous portions. Prices stay affordable, making it a great spot for traditional Mexican flavors and casual meals.

Food here features traditional Mexican flavors made with fresh ingredients and careful attention. Prices stay affordable, making it a solid choice for Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"I thought the food was perfect and considered it the best Mexican food spot."

Good to know

1

Emma's Mexican Food closes at 3 pm daily.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions at affordable prices.

3

Food is prepared fresh after ordering, ensuring quality.

06
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Vietnamese spot serves authentic pho with a clear, well-spiced broth and fresh ingredients. Enjoy generous portions in a calm, quiet atmosphere with a clean, bright interior. Staff respect requests, making it a great value for a homely meal.

Food features amazing taste and fresh ingredients with generous portions. Requests like no cilantro get respected and meals come out well prepared.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and authentic Vietnamese."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are large, easily feeding a family of four.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other local Vietnamese restaurants.

3

The menu offers a wide variety of options, including broken rice and vermicelli dishes.

07
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Small Mexican spot offers huge portions with a Filipino twist on classic dishes. Enjoy a quiet atmosphere with cozy indoor and fresh outdoor seating. Don't miss the awesome salsa bar for bold flavors.

Food features huge portions and unique flavors with a Filipino twist on Mexican dishes. Sauces and salsa stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food portions here are huge and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Wednesday is fish taco special night with discounted prices.

3

Free chips are provided with every meal.

08
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Donut shop shines with fresh, soft donuts and ice cream served 24/7. Casual vibe suits quick visits, with EBT acceptance making food affordable. Also sells beer and lottery tickets, adding to its varied offerings.

Offers a wide selection of donuts, drinks, and ice cream with indoor seating. Accepts the EBT hot food program.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and always smiling."

Good to know

1

Honey Donuts is open 24/7.

2

They offer a great variety including breakfast sandwiches and coffee.

3

Honey Donuts accepts the EBT hot food program.

09
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Huge grocery store offers unique food items and a healthy eating aisle with great deals on frozen foods and protein powder. Clean, well organized space features Wagyu and Kobe beef and convenient parking near the entrance.

Great deals on food stand out here, especially on high quality frozen food and protein powder. Lots of unique food items appear regularly, all at prices that stretch budgets effectively.

People are saying

"I found great deals on food here."

Good to know

1

Grocery Outlet offers unique food items not found in regular stores.

2

Great deals on food make Grocery Outlet a budget-friendly option.

3

Disabled and family parking is available directly in front of the entrance.

10
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Renovated brewery offers spacious seating indoors and out with a dog-friendly vibe. Food trucks serve amazing tacos and pizza, matching the lively atmosphere. Live music and board games keep groups and families entertained in a relaxed setting.

Rotating food trucks and stands serve amazing tacos and pizza multiple times a week. The food trailer offers solid quality and variety alongside good beer in a laid-back setting.

People are saying

"You have to try their hazy IPA, Tropic Thunder; it's super juicy."

Good to know

1

Food trucks are available Thursday through Sunday, providing a variety of options.

2

The brewery is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Expect rotating food vendors that bring in quality offerings during visits.

11
Robertoโ€™s Taco Shop - Santee image 1
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Small Mexican spot offers homemade taste with fresh, quick dishes. Quaint tables and a half bar with taps create a homey vibe. Clean, comfortable setting suits those seeking authentic, satisfying food in a casual place.

Food here has a homemade taste with solid Southern California taco shop fare. Portions match the price well, and dishes come out fresh and quickly.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

Fish Taco Tuesday offers unlimited fish tacos for a great price.

2

Burritos are priced under $7, making them an affordable option.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other locations.

12
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Hole-in-the-wall spot serves authentic East Coast flavor with fresh ingredients and amazing flavor. Owner's pride shows in every slice. Friendly vibe makes it a great casual choice.

Food features amazing flavor and fresh ingredients. The owner shows pride in making great food.

People are saying

"This pizza is the closest thing to a New York pie."

Good to know

1

You can order pizza by the slice for a quick meal.

2

Check the website for current deals and promotions.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for all menu items.

13
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Mexican spot serves hot, flavorful burritos with a 90s taco shop vibe. Early hours and fair prices make it easy to visit. Seating feels outdated, but the clean, quiet space keeps it comfortable.

Food arrives hot and ready with a taste that recalls 90s taco shops. Staff ensure everything is cooked perfectly and maintain consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and of high quality."

Good to know

1

They charge $2 to substitute salsa for cheese.

2

Prices are generally affordable for the menu items.

3

Hilberto's opens before 7 AM, making it one of the few early options in Santee.

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Bright dining area features beautiful artwork and a clean vibe. Mexican food shines with large portions and a varied menu. Friendly service complements a well-stocked salsa bar for fresh flavors.

Mexican food here offers large portions and a varied menu with plenty of options. The dishes taste better than expected and the service is friendly.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really great."

Good to know

1

The price of the burrito has increased to $16.

2

The menu items listed for this location on Google were not accurate.

3

The portions at Cazadores Mexican Food were larger than at other restaurants.

15
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Families love the crispy fried chicken and generous portions here. Southern style dishes like fried cod and shrimp stay hot and fresh even after takeout. The spot feels warm with free arcade games and simple, old-fashioned decor.

Food features southern style cooking with a focus on fried cod and shrimp that stay hot and crispy even after takeout. Portions come large and the dishes are well-seasoned and homemade.

People are saying

"I found the fried chicken here to be super crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid a wait time of 20-30 minutes.

2

Parking is available in the strip mall with disabled parking nearby.

3

Everything is made fresh, which may increase food preparation time.

16
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Cozy space with quaint decor and fresh flowers feels like home. Guests are greeted by Thai gods statues, adding cultural charm. Food shines with delicious curries and fresh fish presentation, blending Thai and sushi flavors perfectly.

Food here is consistently great with a focus on Thai and sushi dishes. Prices lean a bit high but the taste stays fantastic every time.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh sushi and tasty Thai food here."

Good to know

1

The lunch combo costs about $16 and offers good value.

2

Thai Thai offers a spice level from 1 to 10 for their curry.

3

Prices at Thai Thai are moderate compared to other Thai restaurants.

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Intimate theater offers a cozy atmosphere with live music enhancing the dining experience. Energetic musicians and a talented cast deliver superb vocals in a relaxed vibe. Good food pairs well with the private concert feel enjoyed by an older audience.

Good food pairs with live music and an intimate atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was good and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

Tickets for performances are available online and at the venue.

2

Audience participation is encouraged, but singing along is not allowed.

3

Check the schedule for upcoming shows and special events.

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Small space with shared tables creates a casual vibe. Food is fresh and fast with big portions. Staff keep service smooth even when busy. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option for families and groups.

Food comes out fast and stays fresh with big portions and great taste. Staff keep things moving smoothly even when busy.

People are saying

"The burgers here are juicy, fresh, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs for an extended period, offering great drink specials.

2

The menu features a variety of customizable burger options, including vegetarian and fish.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals typically under $12.

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Walls covered with many TVs create a vibrant bar atmosphere perfect for sports fans. Food shows great flavors with consistent quality and excellent service. A dog-friendly patio adds a relaxed outdoor option, making it a chill spot for locals and regulars.

Food here is consistently good quality with noticeable improvement over time. The menu offers great flavors paired with excellent service.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and worth the cost."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos all day, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy Hour runs all day, offering great drink specials.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, perfect for pet owners.

20
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Small, dimly lit sushi spot serves fresh sushi with standout tuna nigiri in a calm atmosphere. Food arrives fast and looks great, offering a fantastic selection at reasonable prices. Cozy space stays busy during peak hours, making it a friendly, casual choice.

Food comes out quickly and looks beautifully prepared. The menu offers a fantastic selection with consistently good quality and tasty dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and served quickly."

Good to know

1

They offer a 10% discount for cash payments.

2

The restaurant can get busy during peak hours; plan ahead for weekends.

3

You can call in an order for pickup.

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Small space feels basic but serves memorable tacos with great salsas. Food is fresh, tasty, and offers solid comfort portions at good prices. Parking is tight, showing its popularity despite the refurbished look.

Mexican food here is consistently fresh and delicious, offering solid comfort food portions at good prices. Every dish tried maintains great quality despite a basic atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off all tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

3

The restaurant has limited seating inside, which can lead to wait times.

22
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Bright, clean dining room creates a cozy vibe with quiet energy and subtle background music. Food blends Vietnamese and Korean influences with exceptional broth and authentic flavors. Portions are plentiful and dishes arrive fresh and hot.

Every dish offers wonderful flavor and arrives fresh at the perfect temperature. Portions are plentiful and the food blends Vietnamese and Korean influences.

People are saying

"The ramen food here is flavorful and served hot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted, which is helpful for larger groups.

2

The restaurant charges an extra 3% fee for credit card payments.

3

A $1 surcharge applies for to-go orders, which should be noted beforehand.

23
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Offers crispy tacos and large burritos at great prices. Seating is moderate with clean surfaces and a TV at a reasonable volume. Self-serve soda station adds convenience but lacks traditional Agua frescas refills.

Food features crispy and fresh textures with large serving sizes. Burritos stand out as very good and satisfying with great prices.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very, very good."

Good to know

1

Indoor seating is available for customers.

2

The tables, floors, and countertops are all clean.

3

The restaurant closes at 3pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

24
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Bar and grill offers golf course views and a comfortable patio with live guitar music. Food is slightly pricey but matches golf course quality, with helpful service bringing meals outdoors. Atmosphere shifts from quiet afternoons to lively, relaxed evenings.

Food comes with a slightly higher price but matches quality found at many golf courses. Staff offers helpful service, including bringing food to the patio, making it easy to enjoy a drink and meal outdoors.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour only offers select beers or house wine.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

Trivia night happens regularly and is a fun activity.

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Brewery blends rustic charm with a laid-back vibe and offers excellent service alongside tasty food and drinks. Games like pool and darts add fun, while outdoor seating and food trucks keep the scene lively and social.

Food here pairs well with drinks, offering good options and excellent service. The beer and food consistently come out fantastic.

People are saying

"I wish they'd bring back the tacos; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Different food trucks are available every day.

2

Cornhole tournaments happen every Thursday night.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with events planned throughout the week.

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Dining room features retro Mexican decor and a lively guitarist. Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with fast, friendly service. Atmosphere feels like a family dinner with a busy kitchen's hustle and a friendly, authentic vibe.

Food here is consistently authentic Mexican with excellent flavors and great service. The atmosphere buzzes with people enjoying traditional dishes and margaritas.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be outstanding and authentic."

Good to know

1

The prices at Marieta's are reasonable, which is helpful given the inflation happening elsewhere.

2

There is ample entrance-level parking, and it is handicapped accessible.

3

Marieta's offers great deals on lunch specials.

27
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Spacious Mexican spot offers authentic flavors and reasonable prices. Dog-friendly patio and full bar with multiple TVs create a lively vibe. Recent remodel adds comfortable seating and stylish decor.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with phenomenal quality and reasonable prices. The dishes consistently deliver great flavor and genuine taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and served hot."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Parking availability is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Carry-out orders are prioritized over dine-in service.

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Mexican spot serves fresh salads and well-prepared chicken with fast drive-thru and great app deals. Clean, lively place with awesome music and ample parking makes dining easy and fun.

Food stays fresh and healthy with consistently delicious flavors. Offers great value and good service, especially with app deals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and very good."

Good to know

1

The facility is always neat and clean.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

The drive-thru service is fast and efficient.

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Santee, California

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