Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

5.0

5 (324)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Mission Valley

About the restaurant

THE NM CAFE located in Neiman Marcus SAN DIEGO has been recently remodeled and is now open 7 days a week, 11 am- 4pm.

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® SAN DIEGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Billvip

Dined 3 days ago

A lovely lunch with my spouse, we enjoyed the beautiful new remodel and the food was delicious as always, love the consume, and popover! Our server, Eddie was great, friendly, and efficient. He was a delight to have as a reminder of the importance of courteous and thoughtful people working with the public.

ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar

4.8

4.8 (673)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Experience ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar at THE LOT La Jolla, where California-Asian fusion meets Mexican flair. Savor signature dishes like Grilled Miso Salmon, Adobada Pork Belly Bao Bun, and Ahi Poke Tacos in a stylish and inviting setting. Pair your meal with Signature Margaritas, Asian-inspired cocktails, or a selection of fine wines and craft beers. Join us for brunch, catch a sporting event, or enjoy a night out with friends—right here in the heart of La Jolla.

Top review

Trifectavip

Dined on Nov 10, 2024

I think the relaunch of this restaurant was much needed. The food has improved (with the exception of the calamari). It was not a busy night when we went, but the service was quite slow. The sushi is a good addition to the menu. Would recommend.

Harlow's Lounge

4.7

4.7 (227)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bonsall

About the restaurant

Harlow's Cocktail Lounge is a unique restaurant focused on traditional classics with modern reinvention. Through the use of specialized ingredients and techniques, international influence and attention to detail, Harlow's offers adventurous creations rooted in comforting familiarity. Our shareable menu and bar selections are crafted for our guests enjoy on any occasion or outing. Come enjoy the lounge, bar, restaurant and private dining areas with friends and family. Harlow's stage features weekly live music showcasing local talent. Call or visit harlowslounge.com for more details

Top review

Nancy

Dined 3 days ago

We loved the decor and design of the restaurant. It was entertaining to look around and see so many relics of the past. We were seated right away near the back of the dining room. Which was perfect, as the night we were there they had live music. Just a single gentleman with guitar who was very good.... BUT way to loud. Even in the back of the dining room, it was difficult to hear the conversation at our table. Luckily the food, service and atmosphere were great. We tried the lamb & bison meatballs and the carpaccio for starters. Meatballs were good. The carpaccio was excellent. I had the Cranberry Smash cocktail and it was yummy. We shared the elk, bison and duck dishes. All were very good and i would definitely have them again. For dessert, we shared the doughnut holes, sweet potato cheesecake and pear tart. All were very good, but the doughnut holes and cheesecake were the winners among us. We will be back to try other dishes on the menu....just not on a night with live music.

Kettner Exchange

4.7

4.7 (1332)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

Top review

Davidvip

Dined 1 day ago

Our waitress, Skye was fabulous! Not only was she knowledgeable, but she had a personality that made the evening even more special. Kudos to the whole staff

Campfire

4.7

4.7 (5206)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A New American restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on market driven live-fire cooking, Campfire is a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, and celebrates the spirit of the name by creating an environment in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.

Top review

Merisavip

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing experience!! Thank you to Campfire for being so accommodating to our group! Many had never been there and they loved it!!

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4.5

4.5 (757)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Coronado

About the restaurant

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Reservations for Lunch are not accepted, however we do accept walk-ins!

Top review

Brayden

Dined on Oct 29, 2024

The staff was very friendly and professional, we waited almost no time and had waters in front of us just after we sat down. The menu is a pretty unique design that is incredibly simple to read, we found what we wanted fast and our waiter (Sean) appeared like he knew we had decided and it felt like he had only just left the table when he was headed back with our appetizer! Took a little time for the entree BUT I wouldn’t trust it if my steak came out too fast, and the wait for that wagyu was worth every second! First time I’ve gotten a steak at a restaurant and it wasn’t mostly fat! Every bite was amazing! If I still lived in the area I would come more often; definitely a new restaurant marked down for visiting!

Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.8

4.8 (187)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

La Jolla

About the restaurant

This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.

Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining.

We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.

Join us for Brunch on weekends;

July 4th hours: 11am-5pm

Top review

Julie

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

Excellent service, food and ambience. Special thank you to our kind and courteous server Sofia. Sofia went above and beyond to ensure our evening was perfect. She was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making us feel truly cared for throughout the evening.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Weekend Brunch 11am-3pm

Experience

Happy Hour at the Bazille!

Sbicca - Del Mar

4.5

4.5 (2510)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Del Mar

About the restaurant

We look forward to having you join us! San Diego's favorite "Neighborhood" restaurant. Located in beautiful, quaint Del Mar and winner of the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Dine up on the Ocean View deck and take in the blue pacific while enjoying our award winning cuisine or sit on our ocean view sidewalk cafe and sip on one of our Wine Spectator award winning wine list wines.

SPECIALS:
1/2 price on Wine Bottles Tuesdays & Thursdays
Happy Hour Daily 3-5pm (excluding holidays)

Please note we cannot guarantee seating requests, we will do our best to accommodate but it is not a guarantee for inside or outside

Top review

Michaelvip

Dined on Nov 15, 2024

Recent change of ownership but very happy to see many of the people, menus, etc. consistent with what we know for many years of loving this restaurant.

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Popular dish

Lobster Shrimp Biqsue

Popular dish

Crispy Chicken Buns

Coco Maya

4.7

4.7 (375)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy and overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia, Coco Maya offers a contemporary twist on classic American dishes. Our diverse menu ranges from light coastal cuisine to robust, flavorful proteins cooked in a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven. Additionally, we pay homage to our neighborhood's roots with several Italian-inspired entrees, featuring unique takes on flatbreads and pastas.

As part of the Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group, Coco Maya is an evolution of our original concept, Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Since our inception, we've continued to explore new flavors and culinary techniques while broadening our scope and enriching our cocktail program. Coco Maya boasts a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, alongside the delicious tropical and rum-based cocktails that have become synonymous with Miss B’s.

Open daily for brunch and dinner, with a weekday Happy Hour from 2-5 pm.

Top review

Arhamon

Dined 3 days ago

Food was great excellent vibe. Everyone had a god time

Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma

4.6

4.6 (53)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Point Loma

About the restaurant

20 Tap Handles featuring our Ketch Brewing beers and several guest taps. Modern Casual Faire overlooking San Diego Bay and the sportfishing fleet of Point Loma

Top review

geralynvip

Dined 7 days ago

Kayla was a wonderful server. And her assistants helped make dining wonderful.

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