The best restaurants in Santee

Fast-casual restaurant serving a variety of Mexican meals, including seafood, along with cocktails and wine.

2335 Roll Dr #11 (San Diego)

Sushi & Thai standards offered along with beer & wine in straightforward surroundings.

10251-B Mast Blvd

Casual eatery offering vegan options and sushi platters alongside poké bowls.

1392 E Palomar St Ste 402 (Chula Vista)

Casual joint offering pizza by the slice or pie, including vegan options, and calzones.

2295 Otay Lakes Rd (Chula Vista)

Sushi spot where plates of rolls move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt for diners to pick at will.

734 Otay Lakes Rd (Chula Vista)

Family-run venture dishing up Guadalajara cuisine in a bright red landmark with a low-key interior.

119 W San Ysidro Blvd (San Diego)

Chain outpost offering pizza & red-sauce Italian staples in generous portions.

10767 Woodside Ave

Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.

130 Town Center Pkwy D

Japanese restaurant offering sushi and other traditional plates, plus a full bar.

1730 E Palomar St (Chula Vista)

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

265 Town Center Pkwy

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

9804 Mission Gorge Rd

Casual, kid-friendly establishment dishing up giant pies, plus gluten-free and dairy-free options.

8790 Cuyamaca St Ste h

Classic Japanese steakhouse inside a shopping center offers table-grilled mains & a sushi menu.

9720 Mission Gorge Rd A

Casual restaurant serving up Italian fare such as pizza and calzones in a kid-friendly environment.

8528 Magnolia Ave

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

9822 Magnolia Ave

Tacos, burritos & other Mexican favorites presented in an industrial-chic setting.

9335 Airway Rd #112 (San Diego)

Charming eatery featuring a menu of familiar Italian dishes backed by a robust wine list.

323 3rd Ave (Chula Vista)

Santee chain outpost serving handcrafted pizza, pasta & draft beers in a sports-bar setting.

9828 Mission Gorge Rd Ste A

Casual spot specializing in Mexican staples, like burritos, tacos and enchiladas.

8781 Cuyamaca St L

Raw fare & cooked Japanese entrees are offered with beer & wine in a modern branch with a sushi bar.

2013, 2015 Birch Rd #1603 (Chula Vista)

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

9714 Mission Gorge Rd

This cozy shopping center eatery offers Neapolitan pizzas, wine & salads, plus outdoor seating.

2322 Proctor Valley Rd (Chula Vista)

Traditional Mexican meals such as tacos, chilaquiles, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.

2493 Roll Dr (San Diego)

Elevated diner fare & gluten-free brunches served in a sleek, modern space inside a strip mall.

7389 Jackson Dr (San Diego)

No-frills Mexican counter-serve joint featuring Tijuana tacos, mulas, loaded fries & more.

556 Broadway (Chula Vista)

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

512 H St (Chula Vista)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

9414 Mission Gorge Rd

Chain for bagels and breakfast sandwiches as well as muffins, coffee and the like.

6302 Del Cerro Blvd (San Diego)

Local chain pizzeria offering pies, calzones & pasta plus American classics like chicken wings.

6230 Federal Blvd (San Diego)

Laid-back sandwich-shop chain for creative toasted subs, plus snacks & desserts.

4800 Art St (San Diego)

Family-owned breakfast spot serving pancakes, omelettes and comfort-food entrees.

1000 N 2nd St (El Cajon)

Casual, Western-themed eatery serving hearty portions of American eats including a half-lb. burger.

9741 Winter Gdns Blvd (Lakeside)

Casual pizza spot featuring a selection of sandwiches and burgers.

7907 Cajon Rd (El Cajon)

Since 1974, Por Favor El Cajon has been the neighborhood go-to for traditional Mexican plates, locally inspired flavors, and a lively…

148 E Main St (El Cajon)

OB Noodle House & Sake Bar serves steamy pho, char-kissed Vietnamese BBQ, and crispy egg noodles, backed by a deep sake lineup, cocktails,…

2218 Cable St (San Diego)

Tasty Pizza keeps El Cajon weeknights easy with build-your-own pies (up to five toppings) and specialties that bounce from Mediterranean…

1109 E Main St (El Cajon)

Simple Japanese mainstay for a variety of sushi, including specialty rolls, plus teriyaki & udon.

1790 W Washington St (San Diego)

Handmade, gluten-free pastas and a menu of Italian comfort foods are served at this eatery.

3944 W Point Loma Blvd Ste G (San Diego)

Stylish eatery featuring locally sourced eats and drinks, plus scenic harbor and ocean views.

831 W Harbor Dr (San Diego)

Local draft beer accompanies smoked meats at this BBQ joint with a casual atmosphere and a weekend brunch.

751 Fourth Ave (San Diego)

Modern rooftop destination featuring local, seasonal cuisine & craft cocktails in stylish surrounds.

535 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Unassuming & intimate Thai eatery dishing up spicy curries & stir-fries on disposable plates.

4646 Park Blvd (San Diego)

Sleek restaurant serving creative local dishes, including seafood plates, steak & desserts.

376 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Casual spot for classic Italian dishes with a heavy emphasis on Roman cuisine.

644 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.

4445 Imperial Ave (San Diego)

Brisket, pulled pork, and other barbecue staples served in a laid-back setting known for friendly service.

4255 Market St (San Diego)

Laid-back venue spotlighting Middle Eastern cuisine in an expansive space that has outdoor seating.

388 E Main St (El Cajon)

Counter-serve local chain that offers boneless & bone-in Buffalo wing combo meals.

6715 El Cajon Blvd (San Diego)

Laid-back Italian eatery with a large menu of traditional pizzas, panini & pasta dishes.

1438 Broadway (El Cajon)

Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.

2441 Fenton Pkwy (San Diego)

American and Italian grub such as pizza and pasta served in a casual eatery.

1588 E Main St (El Cajon)

Large, modern pub with a New Zealand-themed menu features 100% organic burgers & cocktails.

1851 Bacon St (San Diego)

Hip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys.

3628 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Mediterranean dishes, plus live music, belly dancing and a bar specializing in cocktails.

143 E Main St (El Cajon)

Spacious, modern restaurant serving imaginative New American fare & drinks in woody, arty surrounds.

2228 Kettner Blvd (San Diego)

Diners dig into traditional Italian fare at these romantic locales with exposed wood beams & bricks.

1947 Fern St (San Diego)

Casual eatery featuring pho, banh mi, vermicelli noodle dishes and a selection of other Vietnamese eats.

1771 N 2nd St (El Cajon)

Romantic sushi restaurant serving sake and small plates in a trendy setting.

634 14th St #110 (San Diego)

Long-standing landmark barbecue joint serving pulled pork, chicken & ham with traditional sides.

2388 Fletcher Pkwy (El Cajon)

At Cori Pastificio Trattoria, Sicilian tradition meets Southern California ingredients in plates of handmade pasta crafted daily by Chef…

2977 Upas St (San Diego)

Low-key burger diner using the freshest ingredients, featuring smash burgers, as well as truffle fries and crispy onion rings.

3715 India St (San Diego)

Spacious, outdoor mall features stores, restaurants, a movie theater and a circus.

1640 Camino Del Rio N (San Diego)

Casual restaurant specializing in wings, tenders, and garlic breadsticks, plus beer on tap.

522 N 2nd St (El Cajon)

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

3940 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.

1025 Fletcher Pkwy (El Cajon)

Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings & more.

945 Broadway (San Diego)

Buzzy joint in a historic building, offering burgers, ribs, pizzas, and happy hour deals.

655 Fourth Ave (San Diego)

Refined bistro with a wine list and outdoor seating, known for its corn soup.

1920 Fort Stockton Dr Ste C (San Diego)

Casual restaurant featuring Korean food such as bulgogi and kimchi stew, plus sushi, beer, and soju.

1100 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Chic bi-level eatery famed for artisanal Italian eats, including handmade pasta & classic desserts.

750 W Fir St #103 (San Diego)

Fashionable eatery with a terrace offering Chinese specialties & cocktails, plus a take-out option.

2943 Adams Ave (San Diego)

Casual, kid-friendly eatery specializing in crusty pizzas and calzones, plus wings and sandwiches.

762 N Johnson Ave (El Cajon)

Locals head to this adults-only, casual sports bar offering pints & made-to-order burgers & fries.

3786 Ingraham St (San Diego)

Mexican eatery & bar with traditional brightly colored decor offering regular live music & karaoke.

700 N Johnson Ave SteA (El Cajon)

This casual eatery known for wings, tenders & ribs has a selection of sauces & standard BBQ sides.

7621 Linda Vista Rd (San Diego)

Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

285 J St (San Diego)

Colorful restaurant known for its tapas and sangria, plus flamenco shows.

353 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Calm, creative omakase restaurant featuring an ever-changing menu of sushi and warm dishes.

1345 Third Ave (San Diego)

Upscale pub food & craft cocktails are served in a trendy setting with rabbit art & exposed beams.

3377 Adams Ave (San Diego)

Hopping eatery for ribs, burgers, sandwiches & American barbecue fare as well as beer & wine.

1051 Garnet Ave (San Diego)

New American bar & eatery with nature-themed decor, including tables set inside safari-style tents.

3422 30th St (San Diego)

Fun spot for chicken and egg dishes with stylish outdoor seating, a full bar, and a bocce court.

2266 Kettner Blvd (San Diego)

Small, neighborhood spot offering three types of square pizza slices, including Detroit-style.

4508 Cass St Ste C (San Diego)

Creative rolls & carefully sourced Japanese fare paired with an extensive sake menu in modern digs.

2321 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Breakfast-centric restaurant dishing up an eclectic menu in a cozy environment.

8590 Rio San Diego Dr Ste 101 (San Diego)

Hearty breakfast & lunch options in a relaxed diner with a surf-themed interior.

704 Garnet Ave (San Diego)

Stylish Mexican eatery & bar decorated in bare wood serving Baja-style coastal cuisine & cocktails.

639 J St (San Diego)

Little Italy Pizzeria & Pasta is the family-owned standby for San Diegans who want real-deal pies, twirlable pastas, and a proper drink…

4085 Pacific Hwy #103 (San Diego)

Lively, family-friendly regional chain known for its BBQ, burgers & happy-hour deals at the bar.

Hazard Center, 7510 Hazard Center Dr #215 (San Diego)

Lively hangout with bowling, darts, ping-pong, and more, plus pub eats, cocktails, and craft beer.

1485 E St (San Diego)

Comfortable restaurant specializing in Southern California-style barbecue, with happy hours.

975 Greenfield Dr (El Cajon)

Standard American comfort-food spot serving fish 'n' chips, burgers & BLTs as well as milkshakes.

2477 Fletcher Pkwy (El Cajon)

Chain offering beef, seafood & surf 'n' turf combos, plus traditional sides, in Western-themed digs.

1000 Graves Ave (El Cajon)

Popular eatery serving Asian-Latin fusion fare with an international twist in a laid-back setting.

3795 Mission Blvd (San Diego)

Wood-clad spot emphasizing Mediterranean tapas and meaty entrees alongside local craft beer & wine.

926 Broadway Cir (San Diego)

Classic & modern Vietnamese eats are served up at this mod neighborhood venue with a sidewalk patio.

2930 University Ave (San Diego)

Counter-serve local chain that offers boneless & bone-in Buffalo wing combo meals.

9331 Mission Gorge Rd #101

Cozy eatery serving modern American comfort cuisine inside a converted house with fireplace & patio.

4574 Park Blvd (San Diego)

No-frills pizzeria offering thin-crust pies, pasta & panini, plus a welcoming back patio.

1827 India St (San Diego)

Casual, beachside eatery spotlighting sliders, burgers and fries, plus beer and cocktails.

3852 Mission Blvd (San Diego)

Japanese meals with an American twist in a casual nook, plus seasonal sushi/sashimi & hot/cold sake.

555 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

Locals return to this strip-mall spot for basic but revered Italian food & a vintage, homey vibe.

854 N 2nd St (El Cajon)

Homey place for Louisiana eats like gumbo and Cajun fare, plus beer, wine and cocktails.

3683 Fifth Ave (San Diego)

A simple menu of thin-crust pies & calzones lures longtime fans to this no-frills, cash-only joint.

111 Washington St (San Diego)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

1640 Camino Del Rio N Ste 1376 #1376 (San Diego)

Casual chain for burgers and chicken wings with TVs broadcasting sports.

6499 El Cajon Blvd (San Diego)

Part of a chain, this spot serves chicken sandwiches and sliders plus sides such as fries in an informal setting.

2075 Camino De La Reina (San Diego)

Family-run restaurant using local, organic ingredients for American breakfast and lunch dishes.

330 F St (Chula Vista)

Fast-casual spot for chef-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches served in lively environs.

5618 Mission Center Rd #1002 (San Diego)

Airy, light-filled cafe specializing in fresh organic Italian pasta with seasonal ingredients.

455 Tenth Ave (San Diego)

Bustling restaurant & bar specializing in pho, beer on tap & a wide variety of sake drinks.

4993 Niagara Ave (San Diego)

Casual eatery & bar for signature mesquite-barbecued babyback & beef ribs, plus sandwiches & sides.

3225 North Scottsdale Road (San Diego)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

3102 Sports Arena Blvd (San Diego)

Pizzeria offering whole pies and slices, plus subs, garlic knots, and other sides, plus beer and wine.

435 University Ave (San Diego)

Long-running catering company serving a variety of lunch and brunch favorites.

7455 Mission Gorge Rd (San Diego)

Texas-style BBQ and Argentinean grilled meats served in a straightforward outdoor space.

3302 32nd St (San Diego)

Cozy mom-&-pop trattoria serving traditional Italian fare & wines by the bottle or the glass.

1773 E Main St (El Cajon)

Eclectic breakfast & lunch locale serving hearty fare & coffee in kitschy digs with outdoor seating.

3003 Grape Street (San Diego)

Kitschy local favorite for giant burgers with an array of toppings, plus shakes, onion rings & more.

5010 Newport Ave (San Diego)

Casual eatery & bar for signature mesquite-barbecued babyback & beef ribs, plus sandwiches & sides.

17051 W Bernardo Dr (San Diego)