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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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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The Boeuf Bourguignon was delicious. It felt like my mom made it. When a dish like this is available, I always order it. And if it needs nothing (salt or pepper) that's impressive. My handsome date, Mario, loved his mushroom ravioli. Constructive criticism: -a more robust wine list -Some decor on the walls would liven up the space and create an identity. -The mural on the outer southeast facing wall could be a great inspiration. -I will definitely return to this LOCAL DELICIOUS eatery. Thank you! 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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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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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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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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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

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

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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Enjoyed the entire experience and ambiance. Service was great. Apps, entrees and desserts were all a win for me. Will definitely have to keep in rotation. Note-I didnt get a picture of the dessert because we dove right in. LOL Both were great but the Brown buttered Cake and Gelato was my favorite! 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

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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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

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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the pasta was perfectly cooked, but all the food had little to no salt. the pesto chicken pasta was very disappointing

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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Diane and I were out on our usual Friday date night--our carefully perfected routine of driving around aimlessly and calling it an adventure. This particular evening included checking out after-Christmas sales on artificial trees (thrilling stuff), followed by a scenic cruise to the beach, back through Point Loma and Downtown, and finally toward the 94. Somewhere along the way, we remembered a flyer we'd received for Lemon Grove Bistro, and decided to pivot from holiday décor to dinner. The bistro is a little off the beaten path, but we found it with GPS. We arrived around 5:30 PM and found about four or five tables already occupied. Parking was easy--always a good first impression. Inside, the restaurant felt clean and modern, with wooden tables, a nice high-top bar, and a general "this place knows what it's doing" vibe. We were seated immediately at a four-top. The servers seemed on top of it and were taking care of people. Our server appeared almost instantly (a promising sign). Diane ordered a cabernet, and I went with a Plenty for All pilsner, available in either a 16- or 22-ounce pour. I appreciated the options. Since Diane isn't a seafood fan--meaning she avoids it--our appetizer choices were limited. We ordered the maplewood bacon deviled eggs, and wow... they were fantastic. The couple next to us, also first-timers, ordered the crab cakes and enthusiastically confirmed they were worth ordering. For entrées, Diane chose the pan-seared chicken breast, and I went with the meatloaf--because if a restaurant can't pull off meatloaf, what are we even doing here? Both meals came with mashed potatoes and green beans, and Diane's also included cauliflower. The plates were beautifully presented, though they may have gone a little heavy on the garnish (at one point I wondered if the parsley was unionized). That said, the sauces were excellent, and both dishes were flavorful and satisfying. As we ate, the restaurant started filling up, and a live singer began setting up with her guitar. We took our time and chatted with the couple next to us, who had ordered the Spanish paella. They mentioned they make paella themselves and order it whenever possible--which felt like a pretty serious endorsement when they said this one was very good. Portion sizes were just right--not "roll yourself to the car" large, but enough that we were fully satisfied. We both finished our meals, though I did assist with Diane's chicken, which is a long-standing and mutually accepted arrangement. Since I was driving, my second drink was a non-alcoholic beer: Bitburger. I'd never heard of it before. It was fine--not bad, not amazing, just doing its job. Once the entertainment started, the singer was very good, and Diane knew almost every song. We were seated close enough to enjoy the music without needing subtitles or earplugs, which is the ideal live-music balance. We capped off the evening with dessert: the brown butter cake with caramel and gelato. It was good, though a bit sweet for my taste--clearly a personal issue, not the dessert's fault. Overall, we'd definitely recommend giving Lemon Grove Bistro a try. The food was good, the service was solid, and the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. I did think the entrée prices were a little high for Lemon Grove, but everything else felt pretty standard. We'll absolutely be back--assuming we don't get distracted by another artificial tree sale first. 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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The food was delicious and the service was fast and friendly. I love the decor and the vibe.

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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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

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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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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Nice staff much improvement from our earlier dinners. New chef seems to have good ideas for the menu.

Absolutely incredible! 10/10 experience. Ordered the braised beef short rib. Cooked to perfection with a great presentation. Service was over the top. Music and ambience were very nice. We will be coming back! read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Beef braised short rib, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower. - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

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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We definitely will be back! We came here for the first time tonight & what a lovely experience. This restaurant is a gem. The restaurant has parking lots in the front & back, it has a large outdoor patio, & ambiance at night is cozy. Food was DELICIOUS oh my goodness. We will definitely be coming back to try more dishes. We also met a lovely waitress named Pat who was so friendly to chat with & attentive. She's lovely! read more

Lemon Grove Bistro - Wild Mushroom Ravioli & Slow Braised Short Ribs - American Near Me - Lemon Grove, California

My friend and I found Lemon Grove Bistro on Yelp when we were in the area. According to their website, they opened in Q4 2023 and focuses on offering American favorites (from burgers and beer to Spanish paella to mushroom ravioli). Location: Their website also notes the following - "The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it's been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. On the south wall of the building, a historic mural tells the story of Lemon Grove's past." Food: We happened to go during their Happy Hour (which is from 2pm to 5pm Monday thru Friday). We both ordered Classic Burger and also tried their Buffalo Wings. All Happy Hour orders come with one of following: house beer, red wine, or white wine. Food was pretty good! I tried a glass of wine. Good as well! Service was impeccable. Our server was attentive and super friendly. Ambiance is casual and good for groups. ENJOY! read more

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

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Lemon Grove Bistro serves up everything but a sour experience. It's really so good. Yes, deviled eggs were yummy. And yes, the crab cakes were awesome. But oh that short rib.... I'm going to dream about that short rib. The Demi glacé was to die for; it was so good the vegetables were actually welcome on the plate so I could use them to sop up all of that delicious sauce. The meat was super tender and an ideal dinner on a bright Sunday with family. Added bonus? The service is top notch and the restaurant looks more like a spot you'd see in North Park. I'm so grateful to have more places like this popping up in East County! Lemon Grove has a gem in its Bistro. We will be back. read more

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