Best American Restaurants in Normal Heights

131 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6490)

Price: Expensive

• American • Little Italy

Booked 51 times today

Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

2. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.5

Awesome(4563)

Price: Moderate

• American • Little Italy

Booked 99 times today

Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4399)

Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 71 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.

4. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1366)

Price: Expensive

• 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.

5. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4764)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 46 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2644)

Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 8 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 Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(690)

Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 44 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, authentic Creole cuisine takes center stage, delighting diners with "flavor-packed, perfectly seasoned" dishes that transport you straight to New Orleans. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, a New Orleans native, infuses each dish with his extensive knowledge and passion for Southern flavors, ensuring an experience that is both genuine and unforgettable. Guests rave about signature items like the "Alligator Cheesecake" and "Rasta Pasta," applauding the rich, bold tastes and generous portions. With its warm, vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, Louisiana Purchase SD promises a truly memorable dining experience for anyone craving a taste of the South.

8. LIPS - San Diego

5.0

Exceptional(59)

Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 14 times today

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant

9. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(3140)

Price: Moderate

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 17 times today

Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Banker's Hill in San Diego, is a hidden gem that has earned its place among OpenTable's "100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021." This charming bistro not only excels in French cuisine but also offers a delightful blend of American flavors, making it a standout choice for those seeking authentic American fare. Diners rave about the "amazing experience" and "excellent food and great service" that make every visit memorable. With a cozy ambiance and a menu that promises both tradition and innovation, Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a must-visit for anyone craving American culinary excellence.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

10. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(969)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 28 times today

Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego is a standout destination for Pizza Bar cuisine, offering a delightful experience in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Known for its woodfire-oven baked pizzas, Provisional serves up authentic Italian flavors that have earned rave reviews for their "extraordinary service and quality." Guests appreciate the "beautiful venue" and "lovely atmosphere," which enhance the dining experience. The pizzas, crafted with fresh ingredients and a perfect crisp crust, are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Provisional promises a memorable culinary journey with its top-notch Pizza Bar offerings.

‘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
shay
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
great attentive service, delicious food, and they have a (small) parking lot! will be returning.
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
M
Melissa
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Get the Japanese sweet potatoes, I promise you will not be disappointed! So amazing! The drinks were great, my BF loved his oysters. Their bread is next level. The grouper with mis soy sauce was just ok for us. Not very flavourful, and it's not fully cooked, which for my BF was fine, but for me was inedible, just bc the texture was not pleasing on top of the lack of flavor. Everything else those exceeded our expectations! Can't wait to go back!
More info
Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
•
4.5
R
RachelVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Amazing waiter, food, wine and ambiance. They were beyond accommodating even though we were 20 mins late for our reservation. They let us stay past closing to finish our wine. Lovely experience all around. Thank you!
More info
CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
•
4.8
K
Kathleen
Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
More info
Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
J
jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7

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Normal Heights

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Best American Restaurants in Normal Heights

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131 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

2. Ironside Fish & Oyster

3. Great Maple San Diego

4. Kettner Exchange

5. Cowboy Star

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

8. LIPS - San Diego

9. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

10. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable