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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in National City

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Farmer's Table - Chula Vista restaurant
4.5
Awesome(378)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Chula Vista / Bonita
Booked 6 times today
Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1389)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 64 times today
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian fusion experience that is both inventive and authentic. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s creations have earned the restaurant a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019, showcasing high-quality meals at accessible prices. Diners rave about the "spicy garlic noodles" and "juicy cheeseburger special," underscoring the delightful fusion of flavors. The rooftop patio with stunning harbor views enhances the dining ambiance, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the "stellar service" and "amazing cocktails," solidifying Kettner Exchange as a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4799)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 times today
Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4420)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 55 times today
Great Maple San Diego, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. This modern eatery is celebrated for its "outstanding" food and "exceptional" service, making it a favorite destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Diners rave about the delightful maple bacon donuts and "delectable" brisket hash, highlighting the creative use of fresh, local ingredients. Reviewers consistently praise the "huge portions" and "fantastic flavors," ensuring no one leaves hungry. With its inviting atmosphere and "friendly" staff, Great Maple offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2657)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 64 times today
The Smoking Goat Restaurant in North Park, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Contemporary French / American experience that has garnered rave reviews and awards, including the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Executive Chef Fred Piehl's masterful blend of classic French techniques with the fresh, sustainable bounty of San Diego offers a "rustic, yet refined" culinary journey. Diners have lauded dishes such as the "perfectly cooked" duck l'orange and the "delicious" prime rib, each beautifully presented. With an attentive staff and a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, The Smoking Goat promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Brew 30 restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2170)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 3 times today
Sally's Fish House & Bar offers an exceptional American dining experience right on the picturesque San Diego Bay. Renowned for its "phenomenal seafood and cocktail menu," this charming eatery brilliantly combines authentic American flavors with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Guests revel in the "excellent quality food" and "gorgeous views" that make every meal memorable. The menu features standout dishes like the unforgettable Chilean sea bass fish and chips, described as the "best fish and chips" one reviewer ever had. With its inviting atmosphere and pet-friendly patio, Sally's is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of American cuisine in San Diego.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
4.4
Awesome(385)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 6 times today
Coco Maya in Little Italy, San Diego, is a vibrant cocktail bar that elevates your dining experience with "excellent drinks and ambience." Renowned for its diverse mezcal and tequila selection, this bar seamlessly blends tropical and rum-based cocktails, a hallmark that traces back to its roots at Miss B's Coconut Club. Guests rave about the "perfectly crafted espresso martini," which stands out among their expertly curated beverages. The lively rooftop setting, often accompanied by a DJ, adds a fun and energetic vibe that enhances the entire experience. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail adventure, Coco Maya promises to deliver!
A photo of Tavern restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(769)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Coronado
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the heart of Coronado, Tavern is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine, where "every bite is amazing" and the "food is consistently great." Diners rave about the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make each dish a culinary delight. From the delectable wagyu steak to the inventive cocktails, the menu showcases a commitment to quality and sustainability. The cozy, rustic-chic atmosphere, complemented by "fantastic people" and excellent service, makes every visit memorable. With its "great food, great atmosphere," and an unwavering dedication to genuine Farm-to-table dining, Tavern is the perfect spot for a delightful and authentic dining experience.
A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1310)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
Booked 23 times today
Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar in Mission Hills, San Diego, is a seafood lover’s paradise, celebrated for its "Live Maine Lobster" nights that consistently delight diners. With an emphasis on quality and authenticity, their seafood offerings are praised for being "perfectly cooked" and "delicious." The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with "exceptional service" from a friendly and professional staff, ensures a memorable dining experience. Their commitment to crafting incredible dishes, like the lobster, makes Harley Gray stand out in the seafood scene. If you’re seeking fresh, expertly prepared seafood in a warm neighborhood setting, Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit!
A photo of Topside Terrace restaurant
4.2
Awesome(389)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 5 times today
Topside Terrace is a vibrant gem in downtown San Diego, offering an unforgettable taste of authentic Californian cuisine. With an open-air terrace that perfectly captures the coastal spirit, the restaurant delights diners with its "incredible rooftop brunch experience" featuring dishes like Carne asada chilaquiles and Crab Benedict. The menu seamlessly blends Baja California and Classic American fare, all beautifully plated and complemented by contemporary cocktails. Guests rave about the "great food" and "attentive staff," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Californian flavors. Live music and happy hour specials further enhance this lively venue, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
‘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
  • BarryVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    This visit is my second chance visit and I’m glad the food was great. The wagyu carpaccio was still delicious; however they changed the slices to wider and 6 slices only instead of the thinner 10 slices. The special week Japanese menu snow crab toast was kind of weird and had only wasabi taste to it. Cesar salad was great, bone marrow was on the spot. T bone steak was done just right. The only issue was that our table was close to the neighboring table which was a tad too close.
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Emily
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The polenta and poached eggs was amazing! The atmosphere was welcoming and friendly.
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • Todd
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always great meals at Campfire! For pro's - all the food was fantastic! Started with Oysters, Prawns, Olives, Broccoli, Lamb and a nice red blend (cryptography) - Had Ribeye, Sea Bass, Octopus and baked potato side - all wonderfully presented and flavored. Followed with 1 each of the three available desserts - the standard S'more with in house made marshmallows, the Guava dessert and the ice cream sandwich - fantastic! Love the place and definitely will be back again and again! Servers explained everything and were super friendly! Things that would be cool - still having the Tomahawk on the menu! Also, a better way to make the S'mores would be grand! We rested a cookie on a spoon on the brickets and got the chocolate a bit warm - and did the marshmallows on the sticks - but would be great to get a little more heat on the chocolate for melt-iness levels... Hope we can get there again soon, we enjoy the wonderful food and service - and tell all our friends they have to go!
    More info
    CampfirePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
    4.8
  • Megan
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Sky was an absolute treat to have as our waitress. She made the whole experience and guided us so well with all of our drink and food pairings. Can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • GerardVIP
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    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
    4.5
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