Centifonti's Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in La Mesa

Not recommended. Patio seating in front has a dog eating out of a plate on a table shared by two humans. My wife and I enter to sit inside. It appears to seat about 40-45 people at tables for 2 or 4. No service personnel are in sight to help us. We walk over to the cash register. Someone appears from the kitchen. "Hi, we are first time customers." "Seat yourself anywhere. We are running a little behind." We grab two menus from a stack and look around. All the tables are full except for a "Reserved" table for two, perfect for us, and a table for six. We hesitate but go ahead sitting at the table for six taking two seats across from each other one the end leaving room for two, three or four others to join us. A waiter appears with a cleaning spray bottle and rag to wipe down our end of the table. Then she puts down two paper mats, four menus (we have 6 menus now), and utensils. She leaves and we wait 10 MINUTES before another person takes our order, pancakes for my wife, eggs & bacon for me. Then we wait 25 MINUTES before it arrives. But while we wait at least ten families come in, look around and leave. None of the other customers appears to be getting their food, no one seems to be leaving either. About 10 MINUTES before our food arrives a couple comes in the front door and wants a table for 8. The service woman we have not seen in 15 minutes says "Sure". REALLY? As people finally start to pay their bills and to leave the couple waiting for 8 seats now joined by several from their party start a DIY rearrangements of the tables near us. Then I hear the couple tell the waiter they now need seating for 15 people. REALLY? "No problem" the waiter says. REALLY? A cook brings our food as we sit right next to the family and kids moving chairs and tables, discussing where to sit, saying "oh, no, not enough chairs". The cook that brought our food refills my coffee which I had finished twenty minutes before. More people from the large group arrive. Now they need seating for 18. Clearly it is time for us to leave, finished or not. I go to the register, pay the bill, leave a tip and go back to the table. One of the women from the large group says "Are you leaving because of us?" My wife says "YES!!" But honestly, we both are stunned that a restaurant run in this manner could stay in business. We will never go back and I recommend you stay away. Centifonti's has serious management problems, poor service and a complete lack of interest in the welfare of...

The food here is nothing short of fantastic, which is why it has become a popular choice for breakfast among both small and large groups. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a leisurely brunch or enjoying a quick meal with family, the diverse menu caters to all tastes and preferences. From hearty omelets to fluffy pancakes, each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is a delight. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to start your day on a positive note.

In addition to the exceptional food, the staff is incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience for every guest. Their friendly demeanor and willingness to assist with any special requests create an environment where you feel valued and well taken care of. Whether you need recommendations or have dietary restrictions, the team is always ready to help, making your visit as enjoyable as possible.

And while the breakfast offerings are certainly impressive, be sure to save some space for dessert, as the sweet treats here are not to be missed. The candied apples and rich fudge are particularly popular, appealing to those with a sweet tooth and providing a perfect ending to your meal. Each dessert is crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that they are as delicious as they are visually appealing.

The location of this establishment is also ideal, with ample parking available, allowing you to visit without any hassle. This convenience makes it easy to drop by, whether you’re a local or just passing through. With such a welcoming atmosphere, delectable food, and a commitment to customeIr satisfaction, you can be confident that you won’t leave disappointed. In fact, you may find yourself planning your next visit before you even...

Great food at a very decent price. Great atmosphere and the staff are very friendly here. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a good meal at a relaxing place.

Update: So today I made my third attempt to eat here. The first time I came here I got breakfast and it was during the lockdowns so they only had the outside tables open. The second time I tried going in the afternoon at a time they were supposed to be open but they were closed. There was no sign explaining why they were closed early. But I liked it the first time so I tried coming a third time today and that is my last attempt. Nobody greeted me and my girlfriend so we didn’t know if they were going to seat us or if we seated ourselves so I went to the register and asked. They told us to seat ourselves so we did. They only had three young people working on a Friday night. We sat down. They have menus to a couple that came in after us and never brought us ours so I grabbed my own. A guy came up and asked for our drink order but we had to keep asking him “what?” because the guy was basically whispering. I almost wanted to tell him to say it with his chest so I could hear him. After making him repeat himself like three times we finally heard him so I ordered our drinks and tried to order food but he said he couldn’t take our food order and someone else would take that. We waited... and waited... and waited. I never got my beer. Me and my girlfriend were so disappointed that we got up and left. I was very disappointed. As much as I enjoyed the first visit, the second two attempts were so disappointing that I will never return. There are plenty of better places to eat over there. I recommend...