Don’t bypass this deli and liquor store combo because the fresh made sandwiches are a favorite of locals to grab a bite. There are the usual options like Italian submarines and meatball subs but pause to study the extensive menu for hidden gems like the Greek chicken. It’s a hot sandwich featuring marinated chicken, provolone and feta cheeses, black olives, cucumbers and garlic on a French roll.

Owners Willie DePascale and Chef Hanis Cavin knew what they were doing when they opened this restaurant back in 2018. Specializing in all things BBQ including smoked meats, burgers, and a variety of sides, this Lake Murray venue is the go-to place for residents to hang out and grab some grub. Don’t miss out on the Best Mac & Cheese featuring smoked gouda, white cheddar, Swiss, parmesan and cheddar panko crust with an option to add a BBQ meat of your choice.

La Mesa has a great spot for authentic Thai cuisine on Lake Murray Boulevard. Some menu standouts include popular dishes like drunken noodles and green curry, plus addictive specialities like pad prik Thai dum, a soft shell crab sautéed in garlic and black pepper sauce.

Go here for gorgeously plated sushi and other Japanese dishes that mirror the restaurant’s chic furnishings. With its spacious outdoor dining options, it’s also been a popular spot during the pandemic. Standout rolls to try include The Ultimate Hamachi Roll and Poke Crisp.

This newish spot is closer to the College Area but worth the drive for its inventive Vietnamese dishes and refreshing beverages. Those looking for something outside of the usual banh mi should order the Dip Mi Babe, your choice of any sandwich (like the filet mignon banh mi) but with the restaurant’s special broth for dipping.

This La Mesa institution is always packed on the weekends for brunch and is also a popular lunch destination because of its hearty portions. The extensive menu specializes in American classics plus specials like the açai pancakes or Baja shrimp omelette.

Owner and executive chef Jeff Rossman’s spot is one of San Diego’s first farm-to-table restaurants and since moving from Hillcrest to its location on El Cajon Boulevard, it’s been a popular area mainstay. The menu is labeled New American meaning you can find influences from all over, like their Nashville hot chicken sandwich and stuffed pork chops with chicken chorizo to bowls with Asian ingredients.

File this restaurant under date night options or places to impress because its industrial-chic interiors softened with lots of natural lighting is a stunner. The menu is California-French featuring everything from trout amandine to fig flatbread.

North Park’s popular City Tacos found a home in La Mesa and it’s just as popular as the original location. Choose from traditional tacos like pollo asado, carnitas and carne asada or venture into more unique creations like the Mexicali taco featuring grilled arrachero, onions, poblanos, asarado cheese and mashed potatoes.

When Farmer’s Table splashed onto the La Mesa scene in 2017, it marked the area as an up-and-coming dining destination. To this day, Farmer’s Table remains just as popular with residents for its woodfired pizzas and Italian-American dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

This family-owned-and-operated spot not only offers carnitas but also birria, beef and chicken served in enchiladas, tacos and burritos. Do what the regulars do and order the carnitas— they’re sold by weight and served with rice, beans and tortillas.