Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encanto

27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

1. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2643)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • North Park

Booked 36 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

2. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4757)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 66 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

3. Grant Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1625)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Grant Grill, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a truly remarkable dining experience with its focus on Contemporary American cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1951, this iconic spot has been celebrated for its "exquisite" food and "superb" service. Diners rave about dishes like the "out of this world" mock turtle soup and perfectly seared ahi, emphasizing the grill's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, described as "perfect for our dinner date," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the innovative libations or the "party in our mouths" flavors, Grant Grill stands out as a pinnacle of dining excellence in San Diego.

4. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(149)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Bronze Bird in Downtown San Diego is your go-to destination for soul-satisfying Comfort Food. Nestled in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, this eatery offers a casual yet refined atmosphere where every dish speaks volumes about its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "amazing" steak frites and the "perfectly seasoned" ribeye, highlighting the culinary craft that Bronze Bird delivers. A diner enthused, "The burger here was amazing, one of the best hidden gems in San Diego," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch comfort dishes. Whether it's a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal, Bronze Bird's delightful array of entrées and shareables, complemented by exemplary service, makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, comforting cuisine in a vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied guests who assure, "We will definitely be back!"

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant

5. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

4.7

Exceptional(376)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 10 times today

Farmer's Table in Chula Vista stands out as a gem for those seeking top-notch Contemporary Italian cuisine. This family-run establishment harmoniously blends farm-to-fork principles with the sophistication of Italian cooking, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Reviews consistently praise their offerings, like the "Black Ink Squid Spaghetti Pasta," described as a "singular and remarkable dining experience" and the "Spaghetti Carbonara," noted for being "creamy, flavorful, and just like what you'd find in Italy." Patrons are enchanted by the ambiance and the dedication to locally-sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring every meal is not just eaten but savored. Whether it's a magical brunch or a cozy dinner, Farmer's Table delivers an authentic slice of Italy right in the heart of Chula Vista.

6. Saltwater

4.3

Awesome(591)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

At Saltwater, located in the vibrant Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers can savor the epitome of freshness and quality. Guests rave about the unique experience of selecting their desired seafood directly from an ice display, ensuring what arrives on their plate is exactly to their liking. As one guest enthused, the "salmon was tender and flavorful, while the scallops were perfectly seared, melting in our mouths with each bite." The authenticity of Saltwater’s seafood is unmatched, from the crowd-pleasing oysters to the praised lobster bisque and Mediterranean platter. With glowing testimonials like "Wow!!! Best happy hour" and "The BESTEST happy hour and service downtown," it's clear why Saltwater is a must-visit destination for an exceptional seafood dining experience in Southern California.

7. El After Social Club

5.0

Exceptional(1)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Casual Restaurant Bar where guess can enjoy great food, drinks and great night live entertainment.Event planning services for special events.Meeting room venue with audio-visual equipment for a conference like set up.

8. Blind Burro

4.6

Exceptional(672)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

At The Blind Burro in Downtown San Diego, the spirit and flavors of contemporary Mexican cuisine come alive. Nestled in the vibrant East Village, this restaurant stands out for its fresh, coastal Baja-inspired dishes, which guests adore for their authenticity and creativity. Praised for its exceptional service and lively atmosphere, The Blind Burro offers an array of standout dishes, from sizzling surf & turf tacos to the beloved carne asada chimichangas, described by a patron as "phenomenal." Another diner raved, "The best chips and variety of salsas. Delicious drinks such as the sangria and Margarita on the rocks. Highly recommend the lobster tacos. To die for!" It's clear why this spot is a local favorite, perfect for a pre-game meal or a casual meetup, making every visit a delightful culinary adventure.

9. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 70 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

10. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4387)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 126 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Shawnte
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined today
The Seafood Tower was amazing. Got it in grande and shared with a friend and it was plenty!
More info
SaltwaterPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.3
G
GerardVIP
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Breakfast was really good and our server super nice and attentive. I had the poblano chilaquiles, spicy and good! The regular coffee was good too. We’ll come back to try chilaquiles verdes..
More info
Farmer's Table - Chula VistaPrice: Moderate• American• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.7
B
BrookeVIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had the pleasure of dining here on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful 4-course menu including an amuse Bouche, a choice between two salads, four entrees and two desserts. The service was absolutely on point! Great attention to detail and the server assistants were fabulous too. The food runner was lovely and explained each course. The food was absolutely delicious. By far our best meal in San Diego. Thank you all!
More info
Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
•
4.8
M
Mike
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was fantastic. All their steaks are great but try the bone in wagyu rib eye. Best steak ever. And we have eaten at most downtown steak places. Matt’s drinks were perfect. As usual. The service by Luis was great, but a special thanks to Ruby for taking such great care of us.
More info
Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
C
CathyVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Did “dinner & show” with 4 grandkids & my daughters for an outing to see The Nutcracker. Valet parking made our somewhat tight schedule on a Friday night easier. Kids loved the Brussels sprouts & charcuterie plate. Daughter finessed Shirley Temples for the kids, bartender was unsure, probably not a huge call for them. This was repeat for us, did the matinee with lunch last year. Good food, drinks, great service!
More info
Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6

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Encanto

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encanto

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27 restaurants available nearby

1. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

2. Cowboy Star

3. Grant Grill

4. Bronze Bird

5. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

6. Saltwater

7. El After Social Club

8. Blind Burro

9. Kettner Exchange

10. Great Maple San Diego

See what locals rave about

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