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Best Californian Restaurants in Encanto

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.7
Exceptional(2247)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 75 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
2. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7841)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 71 times today
Step into The Prado at Balboa Park, nestled in the heart of San Diego, where the historic charm of Balboa Park enhances a truly exceptional Cocktail Bar experience. Patrons rave about the "fantastic signature cocktails" like the Sidecar, which pairs perfectly with sunny afternoons and scenic views. The Prado's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by "delicious and healthy food," with standout favorites like the mango margaritas that guests describe as the "BEST!!" Whether it's the bustling Easter brunch or a serene weekday dinner, The Prado consistently delivers "excellent service," making every visit memorable. This spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch cocktails in a stunning setting.
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
3. Bronze Bird
4.1
Excellent(135)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 7 times today
Bronze Bird in Downtown San Diego is your go-to destination for soul-satisfying Comfort Food. Nestled in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, this eatery offers a casual yet refined atmosphere where every dish speaks volumes about its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "amazing" steak frites and the "perfectly seasoned" ribeye, highlighting the culinary craft that Bronze Bird delivers. A diner enthused, "The burger here was amazing, one of the best hidden gems in San Diego," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch comfort dishes. Whether it's a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal, Bronze Bird's delightful array of entrées and shareables, complemented by exemplary service, makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, comforting cuisine in a vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied guests who assure, "We will definitely be back!"
A photo of One Door North restaurant
4. One Door North
4.6
Exceptional(500)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • North Park
Booked 25 times today
At One Door North in North Park, San Diego, seafood aficionados can savor the freshest catches in a setting that exudes adventure and a love for the outdoors. The restaurant's Baja Ceviche is applauded for its "pleasant and above-average" assortment of seafood, paired with house-made tortilla chips, providing a light yet flavorful start to the dining experience. The highlight, the house specialty crispy octopus, is a must-try, featuring "amazing" textures and flavors complemented by a delicious aioli sauce, fresh frisée, and crisp apple slices. These dishes emphasize the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity in its seafood offerings, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. Join the adventure and indulge in a seafood experience that is both unique and memorable at One Door North.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
5. Grant Grill
4.8
Exceptional(1610)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 times today
Grant Grill, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a truly remarkable dining experience with its focus on Contemporary American cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1951, this iconic spot has been celebrated for its "exquisite" food and "superb" service. Diners rave about dishes like the "out of this world" mock turtle soup and perfectly seared ahi, emphasizing the grill's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, described as "perfect for our dinner date," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the innovative libations or the "party in our mouths" flavors, Grant Grill stands out as a pinnacle of dining excellence in San Diego.
A photo of Books + Records restaurant
6. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(362)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Banker's Hill
Booked 38 times today
Books + Records in Banker's Hill, San Diego, is not just a place to dine; it's an experience of culinary and mixological artistry. Renowned for its craft cocktails, this spot stands out with creations like the "Purple Rain," a unique blend of Japanese whisky that captures the essence of the restaurant's innovative approach to drinks. Praised for its vibrant atmosphere and live music that complements every sip, Books + Records has been featured on Eater's Heat Map and listed among San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars. Guests continuously rave about the quality, with one noting, "The cocktails were delish," underscoring the establishment's commitment to excellence in every glass. Whether you're in for the live jazz or the acclaimed "old-fashioned," Books + Records delivers an unforgettable cocktail bar experience.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
7. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 6 times today
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, firmly establishing itself as a culinary gem over the past 40 years. The standout dish, the mussel bisque, has been described as something to "think of heaven" and "absolutely out of this world," making it a must-try for anyone visiting. Additionally, diners consistently praise the sea bass and scallops for their excellence. The cozy and intimate setting of Dobson’s, combined with its innovative California cuisine that infuses elements from Italian, French, Spanish, and Asian influences, ensures a unique and delightful dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Dobson’s promises not only a meal but a memorable seafood adventure in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
8. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1115)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 48 times today
At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.
A photo of Madi restaurant
9. Madi
4.6
Exceptional(402)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Kensington
Booked 31 times today
Madi in Kensington, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, loved for its vibrant and authentic dishes. Praised for its "excellent Mediterranean breakfast" and innovative offerings like shakshuka with the "best carnitas," Madi has become a neighborhood gem where the quality and authenticity of its Mediterranean fare stand out distinctly. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "super flavorful" food, with dishes such as the shakshuka that had one diner proclaiming it had the "perfect texture." The combination of a welcoming atmosphere and standout Mediterranean flavors makes Madi a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in San Diego.
A photo of Tortuga restaurant
10. Tortuga
3.8
Excellent(2)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 1 time today
Experience radiant days and serene nights at Tortuga, the Gaslamp Quarter’s freshest pool bar & restaurant located within The Omni San Diego Hotel. Celebrate the true essence of the California coast with our delicious Baja-California-inspired cuisine - where every moment is a celebration of the coastal lifestyle.
‘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
  • Kylie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    10/10 the happy hour was amazing and the decor was so cute
    More info
    Books + RecordsPrice: Expensive• American• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7
  • Kimberly
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Christmas Magic Our dining experience was golden. The atmosphere was over the top, literally with giant snowflakes, golden ornaments sparkling everywhere. We had a smile on our face the whole evening. Our food was delicious. I had the filet again because it's that good. My friends had the salmon. I tried the 1/2 Caesar salad, the best I’ve had in years. We got a side of crispy red potatoes and garlic bread with dipping au jus. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. They give you umbrellas to use because every hour on the hour Christmas music starts to play and it snows!!!! So much fun. To top it all off we had the Baked Alaska flambé. Our waiter poured a flaming blue caramel sauce over our dessert. What a show! My only regret was we shared it and I didn’t get my own. LOL!! Excellent place for a date night, but a must see for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit. PS We loved our waiter Michael he gave us exceptional service .
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.7
  • Judyvip
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From beginning to the end of our meal, we were extremely satisfied with everything. Scott, our server was the best 👌.
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6
  • Lola
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Top notch dining experience from food to service!!!! You can be near live music or request a quiet table - and get one!!! Cant wait to return!!!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.8
  • Nancy
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is an excellent choice for pre-theatre parking and dining. The Westin hotel valet service, attendants are courteous and helpful about how things work there: free parking during dinner, $10 covers theatre time, pick up afterward, all seamless The restaurant has a bit of off-the-hotel-lobby feel, but in a good way. Varied menu to satisfy any appetite, delicious food delivered promptly, nice bar, and wine selection. There are police/security very closeby, it feels safe - there are homeless people more toward the theatres (who we brought our leftover pizza to), but even that did not seem dangerous. I would choose this again, for pre-theatre and/or overnight.
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.1

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