Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in La Mesa

"Then 9 out of ten chances are you are going to love the Nine-Ten restaurant. To start off, their wine list is one of their best features, and if on a budget, you can visit on Wednesdays when they have half price on selected bottles. Run by Jason Knibb who has worked in the restaurant industry in many countries, the restaurant will deliver the best three and four-course meals in La Jolla."

"Situated in the Grande Colonial Hotel, diners immediately notice the chic decor as they walk into NINE-TEN. Offering an elegant dining experience, this beloved local restaurant foc..."

"Love can make you feel like your head’s in the clouds as can the stellar view of the skyline and landing planes from this Bankers Hill classic. That’s probably why it's been the site of so many marriage proposals, Valentine’s dates, and special celebrations since it opened decades ago and especially since it was reimagined by owner Bertrand Hug in 2000. The upscale American menu features standbys like pork chops and duck breasts in their most classic forms as well as modern takes on dishes like swordfish and lamb with smoked date jam."

"A's just might be one of the best places to enjoy a skyline view of downtown San Diego, Coronado, Balboa Park and Point Loma, with the occasional plane landing or taking off from the airport. The sunsets are spectacular and part of the reason why this restaurant is perpetually voted one of the most romantic places to eat in the city. Modern American cuisine is on the menu though dishes change based on seasonality of locally-sourced ingredients."

"It's always adult swim here—this is where the well-heeled grown-ups linger over their foie gras for at least a few hours. To wit: Mister A's requests business casual attire (collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men) before 4:30 p.m. But that also means the fine dining at this institution is above reproach."

"Founded by a retired Italian couple, PARMA - Cucina Italiana specializes in Northern Italian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients available. The menu offers plenty of appetizers, meat and cheese platters, and special pasta dishes such as egg noodle pasta with smoked salmon, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and traditional lasagna. There is also a selection of meat entrees like chicken piccata and beef braised in red wine sauce, and desserts include Nutella profiteroles and lemon custard pie with pine nuts."

"Parma Cucina Italiana offers a very comfortable place to enjoy Italian classic dishes. They offer the best-tasting authentic Italian dishes. Their staff welcomes the diners with the warmest smile."

"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."

"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."

"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."

"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"For a truly romantic night out in San Diego, head to Operacaffe, a warm and intimate spot located on 4th Avenue in the Gaslight District. Here they are passionate about their culin..."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."