Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encanto

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
1. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2634)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 12 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.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
2. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 40 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.
A photo of The Desmond restaurant
3. The Desmond
4.5
Awesome(149)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4. Grant Grill
4.8
Exceptional(1612)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
5. Bronze Bird
4.1
Excellent(136)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 15 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
6. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista
4.2
Awesome(374)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Chula Vista / Bonita
Booked 2 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.
A photo of Saltwater restaurant
7. Saltwater
4.3
Awesome(584)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 4 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.
A photo of El After Social Club restaurant
8. 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.
A photo of Blind Burro restaurant
9. Blind Burro
4.5
Awesome(672)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 2 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.
A photo of The US Grant Holiday Celebrations restaurant
10. The US Grant Holiday Celebrations
4.5
Awesome(35)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
The US Grant Holiday Celebrations offers a splendid Thanksgiving Buffet featuring traditional and specialty dishes that epitomize Contemporary American cuisine. Located in the historic heart of Downtown San Diego, the restaurant, under the expertise of Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski, transforms classic American flavors into an epicurean delight. Guests are treated to an afternoon of live music and sparkling wine, enhancing the dining experience. Reviewers rave about their experiences, noting the "excellent service" and the restaurant's ability to "check all the boxes." The US Grant not only promises a meal but an unforgettable holiday celebration in an elegant setting.
‘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
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo