Best Southern American Restaurants in National City

101 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant

1. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Southern 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - Chula Vista restaurant

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - Chula Vista

4.4

Awesome(1849)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 35 times today

At Black Angus Steakhouse in Chula Vista, even though renowned for its steaks, the seafood offerings, particularly the salmon, receive glowing praise for their fresh and flavorful qualities. Diners often highlight how well-seasoned and delicious the seafood is, with one patron noting, "My salmon was well seasoned and cooked." This spot not only excels in its meat dishes but also provides a seafood experience that is both high in quality and delightful in taste. Whether it's the zest of perfectly cooked salmon or the appeal of their varied seafood menu, Black Angus in Chula Vista ensures a memorable dining experience for all seafood lovers.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Chula Vista restaurant

3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Chula Vista

4.3

Awesome(45)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 6 times today

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

A photo of Red Lobster - Chula Vista restaurant

4. Red Lobster - Chula Vista

4.1

Excellent(53)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 6 times today

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favorites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo. Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maine Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Lobster Punch and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today. Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options. For parties of 11+, please call.

A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant

5. The Henry - Coronado

4.8

Exceptional(2450)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Coronado

Booked 126 times today

The Henry in Coronado is a standout destination for Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of a warm, neighborhood eatery. With its unique blend of industrial and classical decor, The Henry offers an inviting atmosphere that complements its inventive and delicious dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant, describing it as "one of the best restaurants on Coronado" with "craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails." Favorites like the short rib potstickers, pretzel balls with fondue, and the horseradish potatoes highlight a menu that's both innovative and deeply satisfying. The exceptional service and vibrant ambiance make The Henry a must-visit for anyone seeking a remarkable dining experience in a beautiful setting. Whether it's for a casual brunch or a special dinner, The Henry promises a memorable meal, making it a beloved gem in the Coronado dining scene.

6. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6458)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 81 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

7. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4744)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern 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 Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

8. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.4

Awesome(4548)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 81 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Ironside Fish & Oyster is a gem for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for its dedication to the freshest and highest quality seafood, this restaurant has transformed a historic auction house into a bustling seafood haven with an expansive raw bar and open-air culinary hubs. Patrons rave about their "10/10 plump oysters" and assert that the "fish and chips may be the best in San Diego." Not to be missed are their lobster rolls, described as "the best thing I ever had!" With its cool vibe and exceptional service, Ironside Fish & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience right by the docks where the city's fishing legacy continues to thrive.

9. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1347)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 49 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 Water Grill - San Diego restaurant

10. Water Grill - San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(3596)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District, Water Grill San Diego offers an unparalleled seafood experience that has consistently earned it top ratings among the city’s seafood dining spots. Right from the bustling docks, their boat-to-table strategy ensures only the freshest seafood, including an impressive variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, and oysters, makes it to your plate, often within hours of being caught. Patrons rave about their 'exceptional' seafood dishes, with the Chilean seabass and lobster frequently highlighted as 'possibly the best ever had.' Each dish is crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the high-quality ingredients, earning glowing reviews for both the culinary finesse and the lively, elegant ambiance. Whether it's the 'amazing' oyster sampler or the expertly prepared sea bass, Water Grill promises a memorable dining adventure right in the bustling center of 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.

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Best Southern American Restaurants in National City

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101 restaurants available nearby

1. Farmer's Table - Chula Vista

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - Chula Vista

3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Chula Vista

4. Red Lobster - Chula Vista

5. The Henry - Coronado

6. Herb & Wood

7. Cowboy Star

8. Ironside Fish & Oyster

9. Kettner Exchange

10. Water Grill - San Diego

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