Best Italian Restaurants in Lemon Grove

Andrea, who we didn’t realize at the time was one of the owners, was our server. He was fantastic, as were all of our meals. Will definitely go back when I’m in the area!

My new favorite spot in La Mesa. Food, atmosphere, and service were all wonderful. Short rib tortellini and the bread bowl were delicious.

Cheese wheel Monday nights was spectacular. We had a linguine with salmon, cherry tomatoes, asparagus in a lobster sauce prepared tableside in a giant Parmesan “wheel”. All 5 of us got it, all 5 of us loved it. The pasta and other ingredients vary by the week (except for the wheel of course)

This was our second visit to the restaurant, and once again, we had a very enjoyable experience. The service was excellent, and our waiter was attentive and offered helpful recommendations on both the specials and the regular menu. We started with the arancini, followed by chicken parmigiana for me and lasagna for my husband. Both dishes were fresh, flavorful, and well prepared. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience, and we look forward to returning!

I appreciate how easy this restaurant is to find, especially in downtown La Mesa. The ambiance is clean, relaxing, and welcoming. We had a 7:15 p.m. reservation on a Wednesday—before payday—so the wait time was pleasantly short. The wine selection was solid, and I enjoyed a refreshing rosé. We love ordering small plates so we can sample a variety of dishes. We started with the Bruschetta di Pomodoro and the Heirloom Caprese. The Caprese was the standout—fresh, vibrant, and delicious. The bruschetta, however, was fairly average. I followed with the Soupe à L’Oignon, which was creamy, flavorful, and a perfect complement to the Caprese. We also tried the Poulet Cordon Bleu, which had just the right balance of crunch and cheesy richness. My entrée, the Pesce Alla Livornese, was wonderfully flavorful with fresh ingredients and a well-balanced herb sauce that made the dish truly delightful. For dessert, we ordered the Mousse au Chocolat, which was very good. I also tried the Crema Catalana, but it was overly caramelized—almost burnt—which made the flavor too harsh for my liking. Thankfully, the chocolate mousse and a decaf coffee helped reset my palate. The price points were reasonable, and I imagine the happy hour would be even more budget-friendly. Overall, aside from a minor tweak needed on the dessert, I would definitely return and try something new next time.