Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Normal Heights

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

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

2. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4386)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 63 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

3. The Smoking Goat 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.

4. Cowboy Star

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.

5. Coco Maya

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

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

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.

7. Topside Terrace

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.

8. Grant Grill

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 NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego restaurant

9. NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

5.0

Exceptional(328)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Valley

Booked 10 times today

NM Café in Mission Valley, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian cuisine. Recently remodeled, this café offers a laid-back luxe environment where every dish promises a delightful experience. Guests rave about the "amazing" shrimp with pasta special and the "delightful" fennel salad with grapefruit, highlighting the innovative and fresh flavors that exemplify Californian dining. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is evident as guests mention, "NM Cafe is the ultimate 'go-to' spot for lunch, consistently delivering a wonderful experience." With its understated modern décor and exceptional service, NM Café stands out as a must-visit for both locals and visitors wanting to indulge in true Californian flavors.

10. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(148)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 16 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!"

‘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

O
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
C
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
J
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
D
DanielVIP
Los Angeles •70 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Friday night $21.95 prime dinner special is an amazing deal. Happy Hour is a fun and great deal too. Great service as always and a nice environment. Daily specials are all great both in quality, size and price. You gotta check this out.
More info
Harley Gray Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Mission Hills
•
4.7
D
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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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Normal Heights

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

2. Great Maple San Diego

3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4. Cowboy Star

5. Coco Maya

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

7. Topside Terrace

8. Grant Grill

9. NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

10. Bronze Bird

See what locals rave about

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