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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encinitas

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of SHELTER restaurant
4.1
Excellent(23)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Encinitas
"Open- air" cocktail lounge and nightclub in the heart of downtown Encinitas. DJ's nightly curating sexy house vibes. Reservations for bottle service are highly recommended. Shelter is a 21+ venue.
A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(124)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Encinitas
Booked 42 times today
Waverly Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in picturesque Cardiff by The Sea, offers an exquisite take on Contemporary American cuisine with a unique European twist. Diners frequently praise its innovative dishes, with the duck meatball and whipped ricotta receiving standout reviews for being "delicious" and "super tasty." The atmosphere is lauded as "lively and fun" with an inviting indoor-outdoor setup, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests are treated to top-notch service, often described as "informative and friendly," contributing to an overall "5-star experience." Whether for a casual outing or a special celebration, Waverly consistently delivers excellence in every culinary aspect.
A photo of Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant
4.2
Awesome(159)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
Booked 2 times today
Vue at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad is a gem for authentic Californian cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience with a mesmerizing view of lush golf courses and rolling hills. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the glowing reviews, with patrons praising the "high-quality and tasty food" and "fantastic dining experience." Guests rave about the exceptional service and the unique craft brews, wines, and cocktails that accompany the creative dishes. Whether you're indulging in the "amazing Chilean sea bass" or a "fantastic brunch," Vue ensures a memorable dining experience that perfectly captures the essence of Californian cuisine.
A photo of Pacific Point - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant
4.2
Awesome(170)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
The perfect chic spot to sip your favorite cocktail and savor a bite to eat while watching one of Carlsbad’s finest sunsets from the indoor dining room or out on the terrace. Pacific Point's seating is available on a first come, first serve basis with limited reservations available.
A photo of Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(56)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
Booked 2 times today
Elevate your golf game. Combined with food, drink, and music, this immersive premium golf experience creates a relaxed atmosphere with an element of playful competition. Each Topgolf Swing Suite features a large digital screen for a variety of multisport games, as well as HDTVs.HOURS:12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Sunday - Thursday$30 per person, per hour12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Friday - Saturday$40 per person, per hour(Last reservation at 9:30 pm)
A photo of Campfire restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5278)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
Booked 87 times today
Campfire in Carlsbad is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Known for its market-driven, live-fire cooking, Campfire truly captures the essence of American dining. Guests rave about the "outstanding dining experience," highlighting the "spectacular food" and "warm, cozy, friendly" atmosphere. Signature dishes like the ribeye steak and broccoli have earned accolades such as "best I've ever tasted." The attentive service is frequently praised, making diners feel not only welcomed but celebrated. With its rustic charm and delectable menu, Campfire is a must-try for anyone seeking a genuine taste of America.
A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(627)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 60 times today
Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, San Diego, South of Nick's stands as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine with a tantalizing Southern California twist. This lively eatery has earned rave reviews for its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, where "Jordan was the best" and "Chase was phenomenal." Diners are consistently delighted by classic favorites like the "Cabo Shrimp" and "toasted coconut drink," which are celebrated for their authentic flavors and creative flair. With high praise for its rich, flavorful dishes and top-notch hospitality, South of Nick's promises a dining experience that's "always consistently good" and utterly unforgettable.
A photo of Sbicca - Del Mar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2520)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Del Mar, Sbicca - Del Mar stands out for its exceptional Seafood cuisine, offering diners a taste of the ocean with stunning views of the Pacific. Awarded the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Sbicca ensures every dish is crafted with authenticity and quality. Guests rave about their "outstanding Lobster Shrimp Bisque" and the "incredible Blackened Shrimp Salad and Salmon." With a menu that perfectly captures the essence of the sea, paired with a "Wine Spectator award-winning wine list," Sbicca promises an unforgettable dining experience that seafood lovers will cherish.
A photo of 7MILE Kitchen restaurant
4.0
Excellent(325)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in the beautiful coastal town of Carlsbad, 7MILE Kitchen is a haven for pizza lovers, offering a delectable array of wood-fired pizzas that capture the essence of authentic Pizza Bar cuisine. Visitors from far and wide rave about the "delectable sausage morsels, flavorful cheese, and a one-of-a-kind sauce" that grace their pizzas. The thoughtful scattering of red peppers adds a delightful kick, making their creations a must-try for any pizza enthusiast. Complementing their main offerings is a warm, welcoming ambiance with attentive service, making 7MILE Kitchen the ideal spot to unwind and indulge in some of the finest Pizza Bar dining around.
A photo of 20|TWENTY restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1162)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Carlsbad
Booked 6 times today
20|TWENTY in Carlsbad serves up a remarkable Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Under the expert guidance of Chef Jason Luke, the restaurant crafts minimalistic dishes that celebrate the freshness and seasonality of Southern California's bounty. Patrons rave about the "excellent food made with unique ingredients and combinations," with dishes like the beet salad and short ribs leaving a lasting impression. The ambiance is described as "chill and unpretentious," making it perfect for any occasion. With stunning Pacific coastline views and a commitment to quality, 20|TWENTY offers a culinary journey you won't want to miss.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Laura
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This restaurant is located in a perfect spot in Cardiff. The decor is lovely and truly speaks to a beach atmosphere. We had a gift card to use so we were able to try a lot of different dishes. They were all very tasty and the drinks are one of a kind. It is a pricey place, but every nice restaurant these days is pricey. My only complaint is the salad (arugula) that came with my fish was so heavily coated in salt that I couldn't eat it. It didn't seem right that it would even have salt on it so I don't know if it was in the dressing or a mistake. At any rate, the main dishes were very good. Our drinks did sit empty for half the meal so the waitress could have come by more often to ask if we wanted anything else. But overall, the ambience, overall decor, and vibe was lovely.
    More info
    Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
    4.7
  • ThomasVIP
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Delicious food, lots of fresh produce and high quality meat. Great service and wonderful chefs.
    More info
    Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt AviaraPrice: Very Expensive• Gastro Pub• Carlsbad
    4.6
  • RuudVIP
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 29 Dec 2024
    As always, the food, the atmosphere, the scenery were great. Only this time around, we had a server who wasn't great. I think he was trying, but for a place like Vue, you should be able to expect a bit more. He forgot several things, seemed unexperienced and could have handled things better. The other staff was very accommodating though, and we'll certainly be back.
    More info
    Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & SpaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
    4.2
  • Rachel
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Dec 2024
    We had the most wonderful experience from start to finish- our table, the service, the food and tea, everything. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.
    More info
    Pacific Point - Park Hyatt AviaraPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
    4.2
  • KittyLyons81
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Mar 2022
    Loved dancing at shelter and the good vibes !
    More info
    SHELTERPrice: Moderate• Dining Bar• Encinitas
    4.1

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Encinitas

Discover the best of contemporary American cuisine in the vibrant locales of San Diego, Encinitas, and North San Diego. This region, known for its culinary diversity and innovation, offers an array of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional American flavors with modern culinary techniques. Patrons can expect menus rich with creatively presented dishes, using locally sourced ingredients that highlight the freshness and quality of the produce available in this fertile area. The dining scene in Encinitas, in particular, is a delightful fusion of casual beachside eateries and sophisticated dining establishments, providing options to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for a relaxed meal with stunning ocean views or an upscale dining experience under the expert guidance of renowned chefs, this area has it all. Each restaurant aims to provide not only a meal but a memorable dining experience, emphasizing impeccable service and a welcoming atmosphere. For those passionate about exploring new and exciting flavors, this region promises an unforgettable culinary journey. With each restaurant striving to offer a unique take on contemporary American cuisine, diners are truly spoiled for choice in this picturesque part of San Diego.

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