1st visit for lunch & 2nd visit for dinner. Great indoor and outdoor atmosphere, excellent menu with many options, and wonderful services. Lunch - Fisherman's Stew, Meatloaf, & Zucchini Panini. Dinner - Crab Cakes & Shrimp Ceviche (appetizers) with Grilled Rack of Lamb and Braised Short Ribs for entrees. All the meals were well prepared with great presentation & taste. Options available for vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan. Kid friendly restaurant with kid meals available. Great outdoor patio would make excellent get together for any sized parties. Patio garden with impressive passion fruit vines, citrus, avocado, herbs, and other plants to explore. Free packets of wildflower seeds & Monarch butterfly garden seeds to take home. Wheelchair accessible with plenty of space between tables. Free parking lot and free street parking. Will be returning soon & often. read more

The food was very good. The wine suggestions were perfect. The prices were surprisingly reasonable in this climate of price gouging.

If I could give this restaurant 10 stars I would! From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed by our server and the head chef. The ambience was incredible. We were sat in a nice table with beautiful little flowers. Now for the food. Wow! So delicious. Every bite from the appetizers to the dessert was delicate and seasoned excellently. We will definitely be back again for a date night. Thank you for making our evening special and memorable. read more

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Came in while family was in town. We were greeted as soon as we walked in. For a Friday night it wasn't really busy. If you are looking for a good cocktail with dinner this isn't the place. They only serve beer and wine. FYI I didn't realize that until I looked at the menu I ordered the braised short rib and mashed. The food was good. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal. Service was good. The host and waiter both were very attentive. The food also came out very fast. Overall good addition to the area. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Salmon with cous cous and vegetables - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Located on 3308 Main Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 List of what we had: Appetizers: Mussels and Clams $24 Entrees: Grilled rack of lamb $36 - house made chimichurri, served with garlic-parmesan mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus and baby carrots Bistro signature lasagna $27 - house made angus beef bolognese, ricotta, mozzarella and fresh pasta sheets. Dessert: Chocolate molten cake with pistachio gelato $12 Drinks: Passion fruit guava margarita 10% alcohol Arnold Palmer Service - excellent service from Frederick Atmosphere - friendly and welcoming Food- delicious! 9 out of 10 rating for everything Location - very accessible, plenty of parking, spacious restaurant with outside patio read more

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Great place to enjoy some good food and amazing service!! We can for Sunday brunch. Lots of seating to accommodate large crowds. We came during a slow time so plenty of seating for us to choose. Place is clean. It seems like it's a family run business. They even have the high school cousin working there cleaning tables. Which I 100% support Service was excellent!! We felt well taken care of and comfortable almost liking visiting their home. I ordered the Mediterranean omelette & Americano. Both were excellent. Eggs cooked perfectly with a good balance of ingredients. Their house potatoes were crispy in the outside and tender inside. We also ordered the hamburger which my husband thoroughly enjoyed. We will definitely be back for their dinner menu. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Classic Burger - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Santiago was extremely knowledgeable with the menu. The outdoor seating was perfect for yesterday and my girlfriend has a service animal, so that allowed our pup to enjoy the outdoors while we enjoyed the food. I forget the name, but Santiago (our server), suggested this delicious zucchini crab cake app. I forget the name, but I'm a carnivore and usually am never interested in things that don't have a protein. It was so good though. Our chicken in the chicken Caesar was moist and delicious and our burger was cooked to perfection. Will definitely be coming back read more

Happy Hour, Friends?!? Really it's late lunch or early dinner since it is a substantial meal. M-F 2-4:30. We tried the Classic Burger and Margarita Flatbread. Nice Chardonnay and Societe IPA pairing. Splurging on browned butter cake for dessert. This place is so cute and always spotless. Staff is so kind and food is consistently yummy. read more

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Came here for lunch on a Friday to try it out with my mom for a birthday outing. The restaurant wasn't too busy upon our arrival which was great because we were restricted on time. (Only 2-3 tables dining at the time). Our server came a few minutes after seating and took our order. My mom had the clam and mussels appetizer and I ordered the grilled rank of lamb. The order took around 20 minutes to arrive to our table, which was understandable because I know lamb takes a while to cook. We both shared our plates - the clams and mussels were cooked well and seasoned nicely with the broth. The lamb was cooked medium rare with sides of grilled veggies and mashed potatoes. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our eating area was clean and organized. I really don't have any complaints from our first visit. The only feedback I have is the server could check up a little more frequently (especially since it was a bit slow). But other than that I would definitely recommend giving this spot a try. It really is a hidden gem in La Mesa. read more

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Came here for a NYE dinner and was thoroughly impressed. From service, ambience to food. All were exactly what we were looking for in our group meal. Everyone ordered something different and not a single complaint about what was ordered. All very good from all I could sample. I personally had the stuffed Scottish salmon and it was on point. Loved the veggies and quinoa to complement. Wish we had room for dessert but I left here completely satisfied read more

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Oh my! This place is amazing! The service is fantastic and the food is even better! Six stars! read more

We went there on a Sunday night and there was ample space. No reservation was needed. The portions are pretty generous here so I recommend to order wisely. We ordered the deviled eggs for appetizer, which included about 6 half eggs and more than enough for the 3 of us. We also ordered the crab cakes for appetizer and that was filling as well as it came with 3 large pieces. For my own, I ordered the beef lasagna and while it was good, I didn't really have much of an appetite that day so I had to take the rest home. The rest of my party ordered the beef hash and the paella and that one was by far the best. Food was all good and we would go here again. Would recommend if you're looking for a nice, quiet, clean, place to sit down for family or date night. Service was amazing and plenty of street parking right out front. read more

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It has been a while, but I was in the mood for crab cakes! They have changed a little. The front, dog-friendly patio, has smaller tables with benches. The menu has some of the staples plus some seasonal items. This time I had the penne with vodka sauce and chicken...soooo good! As always, that grilled levain bread goes so well! Jonesy met up with us and really liked the grilled chicken breast, though he thought it was a little small. Other than that, another great meal! Cake still approves because at one point she laid down. Our server was great! I think she was new, well at least to me because I didn't recognize her. Wish I had room for dessert! read more

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The food was really good, the braised short ribs was soft and melts in your mouth. The ambiance was really nice but service was a little rocky with our first day new waiter not understanding the ordering and they were out of lasagna that my hubby wanted to have. Other than that, we enjoyed our lunch with our friends from out of town. We were surprised that there was only one other customer when we got there, and by the time we ordered and ate we were the only ones in the place. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Short ribs - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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Nice large restaurant with delicious and beautiful food! I will return to try more items for sure. Braised short rib is the best I've had!!! My friend had the panini and upgraded to the salad instead of fries. She loved it. We shared a butter cake perfect for two. Parking is a bit hit or miss. Street parking. At night some parts are dark. I wish happy hour went until 5 but stops at 4:30pm. Not a full bar. Beer and wine and prosecco. Good place to sit and chat at the bar or at a dinning table. Nice clean restroom. So happy Lemon Grove has a nice restaurant! I remember when this place was a bakery. So totally nostalgic! read more

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Loved this place so much forgot to leave a review and it has been 4 months. Such a cool quaint restaurant, awesome attentive staff with food that matches. Need to try their Sunday brunch as it looks simple and great too. Not in Lemon Grove very often but when I am there and hungry for sure I will stop in. read more

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I finally made it back to try the food and the Zucchini Yellow Squash Croquettes were some of the tastiest appetizers I've ever had. The portion is good and the flavor is great. We also tried the Caprese Panini, which was good, but paled in comparison to the croquettes. I'm planning to get back soon to try even more. I know I mentioned the service in my initial review, but it was even better the second time around. read more

Higher prices but the food is good and pretty big serving sizes! Even has a bar and what looked like a coffee bar as well. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Ceasar Caesar Salad with side of Fries Meatloaf was good and the Classic Burger! - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

I have eaten here several times and have always had excellent food (The burgers are awesome!) and the service is quick and friendly. ~

Love this place. It is only one of several sit down restaurants in Lemon Grove. This place used to be an old general store and has a lot of charm to it! The menu is pricey but everything is worth it. I don't mind spending $ when the food is good and it is yummy! Never tried their HH but it seems decent! read more

Yes, there is a bistro in Lemon Grove! And you must check it out as the wine, food, service and ambience was perfect. There were so many items on the menu that I wanted to try therefore I will be back. The side of bread provided with the pasta was soft in the middle and crunchy on the outside. Purrfect! They also have four slices of bread as a side item, appetizer. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 is happy hour! read more

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Outstanding, friendly service in a charming setting with very tasty meals. The paella is fantastic.

Lemon Grove Bistro hit all the marks for a great Saturday lunch my friend and me. Nice atmosphere, great food, friendly chef/owners and staff, clean bathroom, they have wine and cappuccino, and they don't close between 3 and 4 like a lot of places do. We like to share a bottle of wine and enjoy our meal, then linger a bit and have a cappuccino around 3, so this was perfect. I had the pesto pasta primavera. The vegetables and the pasta were perfectly cooked and the pesto was spot on in a light, slightly creamy sauce. The Levain bread was amazing. We will definitely be back for more! read more

I want to love this place but it never meets expectations. Last night four us were there and the bill was $150. Spendy. Our server was nice but seemed to be the only one on so we were always having to catch he eye to get drink refills or something else. I was exhausted and wanted simple food. Great, grilled cheese and tomato soup. The server made comments on the rest of our tables orders but not mine. We joked about and he did say the soup was scratch made. It was delicious. That said the Dan which was a disappointment. One slice of cheese. And it al melted into the bread. No ooey-gooey at all. It tasted ok but with basically bread fried in butter and kinda a cheese taste it was sad. The burger was cooked well but seemed to lack flavor. The two salmon dishes were good the diners said but on both plates a lot of food was left. Never a good sign. The deviled agga were very good. Okay and not great is the headline here. read more

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This months Old Friends, New Places try.... Oh my!!! to be honest, the area kinda worried us.... But this is a MUST try!! Not a single thing was not over the top amazing! The staff was so great, the owner/chef came out and talked with us. The old pictures of what once was here on the walls. All of it was so good!!! We will be back for sure!! My personal favorite was the Chicken Piccata. But tried everything you see pictured, and not one thing I wouldn't try again! Be prepared, it is a bit pricey... bit everything you can tell is made to order and not bought frozen. read more

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Another amazing dining experience. We had the caesar salad with chicken added, side of fries, mushroom ravioli, paella, chocolate molten cake and the brown butter cake! When in doubt, just order everything. Chef Rashi was busy but welcomed us back and thanked us for our continued support of a local business. Our server Danny was also very kind and welcoming. We love everything about Lemon Grove Bistro-the food, the service, and plentiful free parking. read more

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First time here today and definitely not the last. I had no idea of what to expect. Upscale menu with so many delicious options. My dad got the beef bourguignon, I got the stuffed salmon and my mom got the grilled salmon. All were spectacularly seasoned! The beef had a beautiful, rich broth, served with mashed potatoes and their bread. My salmon came with a delicious quinoa, cauliflower and green beans. The salmon was perfectly cooked, super moist with a perfectly crunchy fatty layer on the bottom. Mine was stuffed with crab and shrimp and it was so flavorful and rich. Our waitress was patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Nice, clean space but I think it would be a bit too loud for us if there were any more patrons as they have cement floors and high ceilings. We timed it right for us! We will definitely be back to try other flavors. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Stuffed salmon. - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

My 4th time dining at Lemon Grove Bistro. Today I brought a friend with me for lunch. My Rating has not changed one bit, this restaurant is still a 5 out of 5! All the dishes I've tried over the course of a year, are absolutely wonderful. Today, we started out with the crab cakes, served with a flavorful lemon/garlic aioli which complimented the 3 cakes nicely. The crab cakes have a delicate texture, moist and packed with crab, YUMMY! For my main course, I ordered a seafood stuffed Scottish salmon, which was served atop tender quinoa with a lemon caper sauce, roasted cauliflower and green beans - this dish was a 10! Of course I always get an order of the Levian bread served with olive oil and balsamic for dipping - so good! And don't leave without dessert - my favorite is the brown butter cake served warm with vanilla Gelato (though to be honest I haven't tried the other desserts - as of yet). Justin was our server today, and he was very pleasant and took great care of us. We never felt rushed or pressured, it was a relaxing experience. Great place for a date night, groups, celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, and they have happy hour specials (great pricing on beer and burger). Upscale dining experience without all the "stuffiness", all set in a casual, historic part of Lemon Grove, you won't be disappointed. read more

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A local gem that's worth traveling for. Every time we eat here we're impressed by the quality and execution. They obviously really care about their food. Favorites include the grilled cheese and tomato soup, textbook perfect beef bourguignon, and shrimp scampi appetizer (we'd love this as an entree with pasta!). They have a nice selection on draft. I'm really looking forward to them adding live music to their beautiful patio area. read more

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Unassuming spot with delicious food! I wasn't expecting much from this small, plainly decorated restaurant in lemon grove. We went for dinner on a sunday and it was mostly empty, with maybe 3 or 4 other tables at the whole place. I got the blackened salmon based on our server's recommendation and it was delicious! Perfectly cooked, with a creamy risotto and flavorful fresh vegetables. I wasn't sure how the chimichuri sauce would taste on salmon but it went perfectly. The service was great, and the place had a cute, family owned vibe. They also have a pretty wide wine and beer selection. Will definitely be coming back whenever I am back in the area! read more

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Second time here went with a friend for a dinner date. Everything was good and fast. My friend liked the chicken penne pasta from the last time and ordered it again. My meatloaf was good and mashed potatoes were smooth and buttery. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Meatloaf and mashed potatoes - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

If you're looking for a yummy variety of upscale food and plenty of free parking, this is the spot. The food is exceptional and reasonably priced, especially for the quality of it. They have a seasonal rotation of pasta, burgers, salads and a ton of other meat and seafood entrees. The wild mushroom ravioli w/lemon vodka sauce was perfectly flavored and the micro greens on top added a pleasant crunch. Not only does the food taste good but it also looks beautiful. The waiters are always friendly and food is served quickly. It's a quiet place with lots of seating spread around so it makes a great place for a last minute date or to spend time with friends and family. read more

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I've been coming to Lemon Grove Bistro since just a few months after they opened so a little over two years now and they have never disappointed. Everything we've eaten has been consistently delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. The vibe is unmatched in this area: chill, welcoming, and just a whole mood. My kids absolutely love it too, and they don't even touch the children's menu they go straight for the fresh, real food. There's honestly no place like this around here. Zero complaints, just good energy and great food every single time. read more

My wife and i stopped by this place on our way to a Paul Simon concert downtown. Lots of parking in front of the restaurant. We got there about 4:30pm and the place was empty. A friendly front of house fellow greeted us, gave us water and menus. We ordered the strawberry salad to share and i ordered the Paella and she got the Scottish salmon. Glad we shared the salad as it was huge and very tasty. The piece of bread that came with it was warm & tasty. The waiter said it was made on site. My paella was delicious and large enough to share but i tried my best to eat it all and i failed. There were even a few bits of crusty burnt rice at the bottom of the pan which is for me is the best part. My wife's salmon was indeed superlative. The chimichurri sauce that came with it was very herby and delicious. The fish was soft and tender inside but the skin was perfectly slightly crispy. To find such high end food establishment tucked away in Lemon Grove is a bit of a surprise. It could easily fit in LaJolla or the GasLamp but since we live in East County, we happily will be back! read more

I have been coming here since it first opened and I cannot believe I have yet to review this lovely restaurant. I love this place. Here at least a few times a month. The employees and owner are so friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious. I have brought many a friend here and they always rave about it. They have a lovely patio in the back, and seating in the front (where it's dog friendly) I have had everything from their Ceviche, to their meatloaf and my favorite- their grilled chicken sandwich. I love the Levain bread. so yum. Definitely a lovely addition to Lemon Grove. And love that you can make reservations on Open Table. See ya soon! read more

Had dinner here with a friend on a Friday. We met at 5 and it was slow, only a few tables occupied. There is plenty of parking and also seating inside and out. The service was good, the person who tended to us was helpful. They have a good selection of food and drinks. I ordered the Paella since it's my favorite but it's rare to come across a place that makes it correctly. I was surprised how good it was. Totally recommend! We also tried the bone marrow, that was delicious. To finalize my great experience from appetizers to main plate, I ordered a tiramisu and... that was disappointing. I have a feeling they just missed the coffee on my order. It was pure cream and cake, no coffee what so ever, also the portion was quite small for the price, in my opinion. The prices were a bit high but the flavor is there (except the dessert). Overall I would return and give other plates a try. Food:**** Service:***** Ambiance:**** read more

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We came here with a larger party and had a wonderful time. I forget this waitress's name, but she was very attentive and personable. I can tell that she enjoyed her job. I had the ravioli and it was absolutely delicious. I will definitely want to return when in Lemon Grove visiting family again. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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This review is WAY overdue. I absolutely love this place and it's crazy to me that it's not packed because the food and the service are FANTASTIC. I've gone twice in the last month and ordered the seafood stew which I LOVED. One of my sons ordered their fish special and that was so delicious. The only miss for me was their carrot cheesecake but their tiramisu made up for it. The tables are nice and big and it never feels crowded in there. Decor is simple but beautiful. A must try! read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Special - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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I've been to this location now a handful of times-- a mix of work and personal related meals. Two were lunchtime, one was dinner and one was takeout. Every single time without fail, the food turns out spectacular with stellar service. I will definitely be back. The photos attached are from a dinner on the patio. We decided to split two of the dishes so we could try both. read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Top: Short Ribs and Bottom: Lamb Gnocchi - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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They are deserving of five stars from the humble and kind host/server to the delicious appetizers, entrees and especially desserts. We stopped by for a quick dinner before a show and the place did not disappoint. The place is often frequented for their wine selection so unfortunately two of the bottles we wanted were sold out. We were checked on often. Salmon croquettes were great, beef bourguignon hit the spot with creamy mashed potatoes--and the star of the show were the desserts we ordered: carrot cake cheesecake and apple tart. The are counter seats as well as plenty of tables. We were seated by the window which was nice and there appeared to be outside seating as well Would love to return! read more

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