Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Waterfront

This is how you do an eight course menu. Every single dish was outstanding. 10/10 will come back again. Shout out to Scott. Above and beyond service.

This was our 3rd time at Herb Box, freaking love this place! Always so delicious and wonderful people. Will continue to visit as much as possible!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Citizen Public House and I must say, it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely exceptional. Each dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The Mac n’cheese was a standout — perfectly cooked and full of vibrant, well-balanced flavors. The ambiance of the restaurant truly added to the charm. The cozy, yet sophisticated decor creates a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night, dinner out with friends or a special occasion. The soft lighting, warm tones, and attention to detail made it a joy to spend time there. The service was equally impressive — the staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations. I left feeling not only satisfied by the amazing food but also uplifted by the overall experience. Highly recommend Citizen Public House for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed, beautiful setting!

The people at the farm never fail to make dining there an experience. The food is delicious, the waitress was personable, efficient and all around very pleasant. The decor brings me to Paris in my mind and have eaten in several of their rooms, each slightly different and always fun. The food, mmmm, don’t lose that chef, he/she is a gem! Such a nice change from the same old food. I always order something I could,never make at home and never been disappointed yet. I highly recommend Arcadia Farms-so glad you finally do dinner.

There's something decidedly civilized about dining al fresco in December when the rest of the country shivers through winter's early descent. Gertrude's at the Desert Botanical Garden understands this privilege, and on a balmy 80-degree afternoon, they orchestrated a lunch service that would make even the most jaded restaurateur take notice. The true mark of excellence in service isn't in the grand gestures, but in the subtle dance of anticipation and delivery. Bryce, our server, demonstrated this art with remarkable finesse – present when needed, invisible when not, maintaining that delicate balance that separates the professionals from the merely competent. The menu, while firmly rooted in southwestern sensibilities, shows flashes of innovation that catch one's attention. Their hummus duo – a roasted red chili version paired with pipian verde – arrives with an array of pristine raw vegetables and house-made tortilla chips that crack with satisfying precision. It's the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more restaurants don't take such care with seemingly simple preparations. The chicken posole, while generous in portion, needed a bolder hand with seasoning – a rare misstep in an otherwise carefully considered meal. However, the gertie burger more than compensated: eight ounces of quality Angus beef, properly handled and cooked, topped with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions that had been given the time to develop their full potential. The black pepper-ranch aioli showed restraint and judgment, while the accompanying fingerling potatoes arrived with the kind of crisp exterior that speaks of proper technique and attention to detail. The draft Irish Red Ales proved an inspired choice for the season – refreshing enough for the desert air while carrying the weight and complexity appropriate for the holiday season. It's this kind of thoughtful curation that elevates a good restaurant to an excellent one.