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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lemon Grove

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1357)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 72 times today
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4386)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 61 times today
Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2641)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 15 times today
At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4752)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 39 times today
Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(378)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 5 times today
Coco Maya in Little Italy, San Diego, is a delightful revelation in Contemporary American cuisine, offering a creative twist on classic American fare. The restaurant's use of a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven brings a unique flavor profile to robust, flavorful proteins, setting it apart in a neighborhood rich with culinary offerings. Reviewers rave about the diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the "delicious" short rib pasta and "amazing" skirt steak. The ambiance, enhanced by sweeping views of Little Italy and a vibrant rooftop setting, is consistently praised. It’s not just the food that receives acclaim; the cocktail program, featuring a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, is also a highlight. Visitors describe their dining experience as “unforgettable,” noting the "fun atmosphere" and exceptional service that make Coco Maya a must-visit spot in San Diego.
A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1302)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
Booked 5 times today
Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Mission Hills, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptional Steak cuisine, particularly the Slow Roast Prime Rib available every Friday night. Diners consistently rave about the quality and flavor of their steaks, describing them as "cooked to perfection" and a highlight of their dining experience. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in the glowing reviews, with one patron noting, "The prime rib was amazing!" Additionally, the ambiance, from its cozy patio seating to its friendly service, enhances the culinary journey, making Harley Gray a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in San Diego.
A photo of Topside Terrace restaurant
4.4
Awesome(387)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Topside Terrace, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, is a celebrated destination for those seeking the finest in Contemporary American cuisine. This open-air terrace blends the essence of coastal living with the urban charm of San Diego, offering a delightful array of Baja California and classic American fare. Guests rave about the "incredible rooftop brunch experience" and the "delicious wagyu slider and beet salad," highlighting the quality and creativity of the dishes. With glowing reviews like "delicious food, efficient service, live music and awesome San Diego weather, you can't go wrong," it's clear that Topside Terrace provides not just a meal, but a spectacular dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a lively evening under the heaters or a sunny brunch with live chill music, Topside Terrace promises a memorable culinary journey.
A photo of Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(761)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Coronado
Booked 26 times today
Tavern, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Coronado, excels in offering an exceptional Comfort Food experience that locals and visitors alike rave about. Known for its cozy ambiance reminiscent of an old Irish pub, Tavern delivers dishes that are both heartwarming and mouthwatering. Patrons particularly praise the "delicious Cavatappi Mac & Cheese with bacon on top" and the "tender, perfectly cooked pork belly tostadas." The service is consistently noted as friendly and attentive, with reviews often highlighting the excellent staff. Whether it's the "amazing churros with hot chocolate dip" or the creatively crafted cocktails, Tavern ensures a memorable dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1622)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 16 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 Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1436)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Coronado
Booked 47 times today
At Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill in Coronado, a seafood experience awaits that is as authentic as it is delightful. Nestled in a historic, picturesque setting by Glorietta Bay, diners rave about the "best swordfish EVER" and the "amazing" seared scallops appetizers. The menu is celebrated for its variety and freshness, with guests frequently complimenting dishes like the miso sea bass that "melted in your mouth" and the rich, flavorful clam chowder paired with fresh sourdough. The ambiance, coupled with "excellent service," creates a perfect backdrop for enjoying top-tier seafood. Whether it's a casual meal or a special occasion, Bluewater Boathouse promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.
‘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
  • Olga
    Baja California •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Very friendly staff and tasty food. Would definitely recommend and come back myself :)
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • Cedric
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The duck meatballs wasn’t the best , the tomatoes sauce that came with it was just too much and was salty. The shrimp was fabulous, the desert wasn’t too enjoyable, but overall, it was a classy environment with people dressing nice on a Saturday and would definitely go again to try other dishes and for the experience
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • Allison
    San Diego •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Probably my favorite Campfire experience yet. We we treating our son’s favorite teacher and his wife to a holiday meal, and we were able to sit at a quiet table out front which was SO nice! I’m hard of hearing and the entire dinner, I was able to hear what everyone was saying! That is rare for me and I loved it. We tried a few different things tonight, and some of the same things we love. We ordered the cornbread which was new for us and it was 10/10. We also ordered the porridge bread as usual. So good, and my son became obsessed with it this time around. It’s a 9/10 for me but if they brought back the gravy drippings to dip it in that they had a couple years ago, it would be an 11/10. We also ordered the broccoli which was a 10/10 per usual. One of our group has food allergies so they were able to make the broccoli without the fish oil which was so great! We also ordered a side of the fried potatoes, which came in a cast iron skillet. Omg they were amazing. 10/10. For entrees we decided to share the pork and also the pasta. The pork was incredibly tender and wonderful flavors. I’d say 9/10 because I wanted more of the sauce or pear flavor. The pasta was amazing. Really unique with the meyer lemon. The texture was so creamy that it almost felt like a gnocchi on the palette. We ordered a few mocktails: The east end 10/10 in taste. You don’t get much of the drink for what you pay so for that I’d say 7.5/10 overall. The other drink was another mocktail and I didn’t taste it but my husband said it was good and my son said it was “tingly.” The s’more’s are always fun. We got five of those. I’m a s’mores purist so I always just like plain old graham and chocolate, but this is fun for a nice change. I’d give them an 8/10 because the cinnamon on the cookie throws me off a bit. The highlight was the waitstaff. So so good. Attentive, knowledgeable, kind, and efficient. 15/10!!!
    More info
    CampfirePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
    4.8
  • DavidVIP
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great customer service. Great food. Beautiful location, with great views of the sky. Great music with JB Saxx and his magic saxophone… 😎
    More info
    Coco MayaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.6
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