La Mesa’s historical heart, known as the “Village” offers some of San Diego’s most charming antique shops, one-of-a-kind dining, and regular street-wide annual & weekly events. La Mesa’s Village runs the length of La Mesa Blvd between Allison Ave and University Ave. Enjoy this review of a few of my favorite La Mesa Village restaurants.
A great breakfast, lunch, on-the-go cafe. The go-to at Swami’s is the Acai Bowl, which is second to none in San Diego. An excellent option for vegetarian food as well as good all-organic menu items. Although some of their menu offers these health-conscious items, there are plenty of options for everyone, which is why Swami’s is one of the top choices within the La Mesa Village restaurants.
The line and/or wait for food can be long at times, but for myself and most reviewers, the wait is always worth the great food.
Owned and operated by the Centifonti family of the nearby Centifonti’s Restaurant & Bar, Konnichiwa Sushi is La Mesa Village’s only sushi restaurant. Unhappy Yelpers! give it very low rankings for what appears to be mainly it’s poor service , lack of menu, and interior appeal. Here’s the deal. Konnichiwa is far from being an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant. The walls from floor to ceiling are plastered in anime-meets-cartoon-meets-creature art that matches it’s often-loud music. The staff are not typical sushi restaurant servers and chefs. The sushi selection provides for a few rookie rolls, as well as a few connoisseur rolls. But, if you are looking for decent sushi with a great beer selection, and a different ‘loud’ ambiance, give Konnichiwa a worthy shot. [Note to craft beer enthusiasts – try happy hour beer specials at this restaurant].
Picture the classic romantic italian restaurant in the back streets of Rapallo, Italy. Tiramisu Trattoria on a Friday evening with the amazing jazz saxophonist, Joe Marillo, is just that. Enjoy a bowl of Ciopinno and a glass of Dainero Merlot, complemented by the sultry sounds of Joe. One Yelper! reviewed Tiramisu Trattoria, stating that the “caesar dressing was one of the best I’ve ever had.” But, to truly experience this restaurant’s best, be sure to try the tiramisu. If it seems cliche, just try it and let it prove you wrong. If it doesn’t impress you, I’ll buy you a Rocky Patel Fifty from Hoffer’s Cigars.
Huge selection of over 40 creative torta sandwiches. Casual environment with friendly staff, combined with just about every combination option of meats, seasonings, vegetables, and other toppings. My personal favorites are the #13 carne asada, the #1 La Torta Special, and the #7 machaca torta. However, be assured that nearly any of La Torta’s special mexican sandwiches will do you right.
More of La Mesa’s spotlighted restaurants:
- Mario’s de La Mesa – 137 Yelp! reviews give it an overall 4 out of 5 stars.
- La Mesa Bistro & Bakery – 192 Yelp! reviews give it an overall 4 out of 5 stars (a true favorite amongst locals)
- The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli – An impressive 4.5 stars out of 5 by 98 Yelpers! (try the turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich & split pea soup!)
