Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encino

42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Valley Inn Restaurant and Martini Bar restaurant

1. Valley Inn Restaurant and Martini Bar

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sherman Oaks

Booked 2 times today

Step into the timeless elegance of Valley Inn Restaurant and Martini Bar in Sherman Oaks, a beacon of American cuisine for over 65 years. Renowned for its classic American dishes, this family-owned gem offers an experience that is both "delicious and nostalgic." Guests rave about the exceptional service and the standout macaroni and cheese rated as "A+++", alongside other favorites like the "best filet mignon around" and a "fantastic" cheesecake. With its old-school charm, featuring dark leather booths and white tablecloths, Valley Inn is a culinary landmark where every meal is served with a slice of history. Make sure to try their renowned martinis, which perfectly complement a meal that is consistently described as "unbelievable." Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a cozy night out, Valley Inn promises an unforgettable dining experience.

2. On the Thirty

4.3

Awesome(137)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sherman Oaks

Booked 4 times today

On the Thirty in Sherman Oaks is the quintessential spot for sports bar enthusiasts seeking both ambiance and gourmet fare. Celebrated in "Our Ventura Blvd" and "Boulevard Magazine," this eatery shines with its vibrant sports bar atmosphere, perfect for catching the big game on numerous flat-screen TVs. Patrons rave about the unique artisanal pizzas and gourmet sandwiches, complemented by an impressive selection of 30 craft beers and boutique California wines. One guest enthused, "The vibe is good here but the drinks made by Kiké the bartender made our experience a 10 of 10." Whether it's the lively Pay-Per-View events or the crafted cocktails, On the Thirty promises an unbeatable sports bar experience with every visit.

A photo of Firefly - Studio City restaurant

3. Firefly - Studio City

4.7

Exceptional(4117)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Studio City

Booked 47 times today

Firefly in Studio City epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with its innovative dishes that leave diners raving. With an enchanting, romantic outdoor patio complete with fireplaces and hillside views, it offers a unique dining experience that is distinctly American yet influenced by Mediterranean flair, thanks to the culinary expertise of Chef Viet Pham. Guests consistently praise the "amazing food" and "fantastic ambiance," making it a top recommendation for both locals and visitors. Signature dishes like the Tuna Tartare and Lamb Shank are highlighted as must-tries. The glowing reviews speak volumes, with one guest noting, "the food is unbelievable!!!" This spot is not just about dining; it's about creating memorable experiences, as evidenced by the enthusiastic feedback on both the atmosphere and the exceptional service.

4. FIVE on the Hill

4.2

Awesome(946)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Studio City

Booked 50 times today

An elevated bar experience offering handcrafted cocktails, shared plates, and views overlooking the Hollywood Hills.

5. Sur Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(10933)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Hollywood

Booked 43 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of West Hollywood, SUR Restaurant has been a beacon of Mediterranean excellence for over two decades. Celebrated for its luxurious atmosphere and impeccable service, SUR delivers a dining experience that is both sumptuous and authentic. Patrons regularly praise the restaurant's unique South-European flair, with standout dishes like the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Branzino and the "creamy and heavenly" goat cheese balls. Guests are immersed in a setting that feels "right out of a movie," complete with a Zen-inspired garden area that elevates every meal into a memorable event. As one diner raved, the food is "marvelous, delectable, and cooked to perfection," making SUR a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest in Mediterranean cuisine.

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

6. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(4296)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 12 times today

The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is a crown jewel of Mediterranean cuisine with a Californian twist, offering a dining experience that is as spectacular as the panoramic ocean views it provides. Nestled on the 18th floor, this rooftop culinary paradise boasts dishes that are both "spectacular" and "delicious," according to glowing reviews. The fresh oysters, buttery lobster agnolotti, and divine rib eye showcase the authenticity and quality of the Mediterranean flavors, expertly blended with local ingredients. As guests rave about the "incredible environment" and "amazing staff," it's clear that The Penthouse isn't just a meal; it's a Mediterranean feast for the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Santa Monica gem promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.

7. Citrin

4.6

Exceptional(186)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 15 times today

Citrin, nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence, under the masterful guidance of Chef Josiah Citrin. Celebrated as a Michelin 2023 awardee, Citrin offers a modern Californian twist to American cuisine, delivering dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "phenomenal egg caviar" and proclaim it a place where "every dish was perfect." The restaurant's commitment to quality and service shines, with reviewers noting the "superb" service and memorable experiences like the "best chicken I’ve ever eaten." Citrin is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that continues to evolve and impress, making every visit uniquely delightful.

8. Ardor

4.6

Exceptional(751)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Hollywood

Booked 14 times today

Ardor in West Hollywood is the epitome of refined American cuisine, showcasing a vegetable-forward, California-inspired menu that dazzles and delights. Patrons rave about the "exquisite food" and "outstanding service," with favorites like the "delicious" king crab pasta and "amazing" crispy fingerling potatoes. The use of organic, hyper-locally sourced ingredients ensures each dish not only tastes fresh but also embodies the essence of thoughtful American cooking. The ambiance, complemented by live DJs on weekends, makes Ardor a must-visit. As one review puts it, this place is perfect for "a birthday or to impress an out-of-towner," making every dining experience memorable and uniquely American.

A photo of Spago - Beverly Hills restaurant

9. Spago - Beverly Hills

4.8

Exceptional(5829)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Beverly Hills

Booked 2 times today

Spago Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck's iconic flagship restaurant, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with its innovative, farm-to-table philosophy. The meticulously crafted menu, created by Puck and Executive Chef Ari Rosenson, features seasonal dishes that highlight the freshest California produce and products. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, noting the "spectacular" service and "beyond fabulous" meals, from appetizers to desserts. The restaurant's sleek and natural design by Waldo Fernandez enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination in Beverly Hills. With accolades like the AAA Four Diamond Award and Michelin stars, Spago remains a paragon of culinary excellence and innovation.

10. Tom Tom

4.5

Awesome(1436)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

Booked 28 times today

Tom Tom Restaurant & Bar in West Hollywood is a standout destination for Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, combining the flair and expertise of partners Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz with the luxurious style of Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd. Voted Best Bar in Southern California by *Los Angeles Travel Magazine*, Tom Tom offers an exceptional experience with its "decadent, relaxed and bloody good time" atmosphere. Guests rave about the signature cocktails, highlighting them as "oversized and to perfection," while the service is consistently described as friendly and attentive. The unique and vibrant ambiance, coupled with a menu of hearty, healthy, and elegant bar food, makes Tom Tom a top choice for a night out in West Hollywood. Whether it's for the cocktails or the "amazing" DJ, Tom Tom ensures a memorable outing with friends and family.

‘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

D
Derekvip
Indiana •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely fantastic. It was a thanksgiving pre fixe which in past experiences in other restaurants has always been mediocre. This was not the case. Everything was perfect including the wine pairing. Initially, we were bummed it wasn’t the normal menu since we had never dined here before but my fiance and I both agreed we were happy it ended up the way it did. 10/10. Staff were excellent and attentive. They read all the queues perfectly and showcased lots of knowledge in all categories. Go here. You will not be disappointed.
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GwenPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Hollywood
•
4.7
J
Junior
Las Vegas •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time to visit this restaurant. The entrance seems a bit odd but as soon as you open the door and walk in, it has a nice vibe. Dining area is all the way to the back, past the bar and library lounge. Food was great and the complimentary sparkling red wine was a nice touch. I just have an issue with forcing you to order all the food at once (appetizers and entre). I would rather have an option of ordering appetizers first and tasting it and see how large or small the portions are, then I pick my entre. By the way, we did ala carte and not Prix Fixe menu to have the liberty of ordering everything we want to try. Overall, the experience was good, although it could be better.
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Firefly - Studio CityPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Studio City
•
4.7
S
Stacy
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was great and a nice added touch was the live music and heated lamps
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FIVE on the HillPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Studio City
•
4.2
V
Vanessa
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
One of the best vibes of any restaurant I’ve been in… Your classic old-school steakhouse. The owner knows everyone, the martinis are perfection.Tytyyyyttt so glad I visited
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Valley Inn Restaurant and Martini BarPrice: Expensive• American• Sherman Oaks
•
4.5
E
Ellie
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We ended up switching from our table to sit at the bar for a closer view of the game and happy to say it was great! We were able to order full menu and the bartender really gave us great service!
More info
On the ThirtyPrice: Moderate• Sports Bar• Sherman Oaks
•
4.3

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Encino

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42 restaurants available nearby

1. Valley Inn Restaurant and Martini Bar

2. On the Thirty

3. Firefly - Studio City

4. FIVE on the Hill

5. Sur Restaurant

6. The Penthouse Restaurant

7. Citrin

8. Ardor

9. Spago - Beverly Hills

10. Tom Tom

See what locals rave about

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