Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Old Town

32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

1. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

3.9

Excellent(1147)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Old Town

Booked 15 times today

Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina is an exceptional spot for authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful experience in the heart of San Diego’s historic Old Town. Diners rave about the "great service" and "fantastic views," making it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors. The rooftop setting adds a unique charm, perfect for a sunset dinner. The Sunday Champagne brunch is a standout, described as "excellent" with "lots to choose from." Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, the "impeccable service" and delicious food ensure a memorable dining experience.

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1371)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 57 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4402)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 78 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 Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant

4. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

4.2

Awesome(543)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Bay

Booked 5 times today

Covewood - Mission Bay Resort offers an exceptional American dining experience that captures the essence of California Coastal Cuisine with a delightful twist. Located in the picturesque Mission Bay, San Diego, this restaurant has garnered rave reviews for its "delicious and beautifully presented" dishes, such as the bold Caesar salad and perfectly cooked burgers. Diners appreciate the "wonderful ambiance" and "fantastic food and service," making it an "unexpected gem" for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's ability to pair fresh seafood with wood-grilled vegetables and local wines creates a memorable culinary journey that truly stands out in American cuisine.

5. Coco Maya

4.5

Awesome(380)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 4 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 Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1306)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Hills

Booked 13 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!

7. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4769)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 62 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

8. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(2646)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • North Park

Booked 28 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.

9. Draft

3.9

Excellent(125)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Bay

Booked 3 times today

Located directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk, Draft Restaurant is serving up 54 beers on tap pairing the surf and sand with a wide variety of craft beers. But the appeal doesn’t stop at the #brewsandviews; Come hungry and experience a fresh take on beachside dining featuring casual, handcrafted fare from Executive Chef Luis Romero.

A photo of Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma restaurant

10. Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma

4.6

Exceptional(56)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Point Loma

Booked 27 times today

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

‘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

A
Angelina
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
An absolutely wonderful experience! First time going and certainly not the last. Exceptional customer service from check in all the way till we left. Our waitress was so kind and loved her recommendations :)
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
M
Mariah
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time dining here, I celebrated my 30th birthday. I received a sweet birthday postcard and had an AMAZING waitress named Sky. She was very kind, informative and just sooo sweet!! All of the food was beyond delicious. I have never been to a restaurant where I can say the food, service and atmosphere was all a 10/10. When I say everything was a 100/10, I am not being dramatic. We ordered about 7 or 8 dishes for the table and shared (between 4 people). Each bite was savory and melt in your mouth delicious. The drinks were yummy as well. I wholeheartedly recommend, I can’t wait to go back!!
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
A
AndrewVIP
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Our dinner was amazing! We had apps, entrees and deserts. The macadamia mahi mahi was outstanding. The lobster special was great as well. Don’t forget the mud pie!!!!
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Harley Gray Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Mission Hills
•
4.6
D
DavidVIP
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Great customer service. Great food. Beautiful location, with great views of the sky. Great music with JB Saxx and his magic saxophone… 😎
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Coco MayaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.5
B
Brian
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined on 29 Nov 2024
Amazing food and service. The Prime Rib was amazing. Our server Anna was just perfect and on top of everything. We will definitely be back soon.
More info
Covewood - Mission Bay ResortPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Mission Bay
•
4.2

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Old Town

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

2. Kettner Exchange

3. Great Maple San Diego

4. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

5. Coco Maya

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

7. Cowboy Star

8. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

9. Draft

10. Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma

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