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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Grantville, San Diego

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A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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1. Kettner Exchange
4.8
Exceptional(1714)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 54 times today
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian fusion experience that is both inventive and authentic. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s creations have earned the restaurant a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019, showcasing high-quality meals at accessible prices. Diners rave about the "spicy garlic noodles" and "juicy cheeseburger special," underscoring the delightful fusion of flavors. The rooftop patio with stunning harbor views enhances the dining ambiance, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the "stellar service" and "amazing cocktails," solidifying Kettner Exchange as a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
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2. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1409)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 41 times today
We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.
A photo of Fort Oak restaurant
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3. Fort Oak
4.8
Exceptional(635)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
Booked 20 times today
An ode to fire and sea, Fort Oak delivers the bold, wood-fired flavors that define Chef Brad Wise’s signature style. Centered around a live-fire hearth, the restaurant offers elevated yet approachable dishes alongside a refined seafood and raw bar. Smoke is the through line - simple, high-quality ingredients are transformed by flame into plates full of depth and character. Dry-aged ribeyes, duck, and whole branzino showcase the hearth’s intensity, while freshly shucked oysters and seafood towers bring a raw, briny counterpoint. And while the meats and seafood command attention, the vegetables have earned a reputation of their own - charred, caramelized, and layered with surprising complexity. Some say they steal the show - but that’s up to you to decide.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4. Great Maple San Diego
4.9
Exceptional(4757)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 69 times today
Great Maple San Diego, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. This modern eatery is celebrated for its "outstanding" food and "exceptional" service, making it a favorite destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Diners rave about the delightful maple bacon donuts and "delectable" brisket hash, highlighting the creative use of fresh, local ingredients. Reviewers consistently praise the "huge portions" and "fantastic flavors," ensuring no one leaves hungry. With its inviting atmosphere and "friendly" staff, Great Maple offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
5. Rustic Root - Gaslamp
4.4
Awesome(1594)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2844)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 17 times today
The Smoking Goat Restaurant in North Park, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Contemporary French / American experience that has garnered rave reviews and awards, including the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Executive Chef Fred Piehl's masterful blend of classic French techniques with the fresh, sustainable bounty of San Diego offers a "rustic, yet refined" culinary journey. Diners have lauded dishes such as the "perfectly cooked" duck l'orange and the "delicious" prime rib, each beautifully presented. With an attentive staff and a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, The Smoking Goat promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of The Remy restaurant
7. The Remy
4.8
Exceptional(152)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Old Town
Booked 24 times today
The Remy is a Fine Dining experience tucked away in San Diego, CA’s West Mission Valley area. Open seven days a week, we offer a bespoke menu featuring premium meat cuts, crafted cocktails, and vintage wines. Contemporary American classics with western grit and a modern twist.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
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8. Cowboy Star
4.8
Exceptional(5344)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 52 times today
Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.
A photo of JRDN Restaurant restaurant
9. JRDN Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2315)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Pacific Beach
Booked 41 times today
Soak up ocean views and the energetic vibe of Pacific Beach while dining on menu inspired by San Diego's unique culinary influences. The dishes blend California cuisine, with its focus on seasonal ingredients, with Japanese and Baja flavors in surprising ways. Serving steak, sushi and seafood, JRDN's menu artfully balances elevated classics and premium signature dishes. Footsteps from the Pacific Ocean and Crystal Pier, JRDN serves daily brunch and dinner in our ocean view dining room and sun-kissed outdoor patio. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the crowd, hip yet comfortable - all enjoying the view of the ocean while sipping hand-crafted signature cocktails and exploring one of San Diego's most creative wine lists. Complimentary Valet - 2 Hours
A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV restaurant
10. True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV
4.3
Awesome(2087)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Mission Valley
Booked 25 times today
True Food Kitchen in San Diego is a haven for those seeking high-quality Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine. Located in the vibrant Fashion Valley area, this chef-driven restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious and fresh" vegetarian dishes that are both nutrient-dense and full of flavor. Diners rave about standout dishes like the spaghetti squash casserole, which is described as "rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned," and the butternut squash pizza, praised for its "unique and delicious take on pizza." With an "inviting atmosphere" and attentive service, True Food Kitchen promises an exceptional dining experience that combines health and indulgence seamlessly.
‘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
  • Marie-Isabelle
    6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Honestly, one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. Every dish had its own distinct flavor profile and was absolutely phenomenal. The service was equally impressive—knowledgeable, attentive, and incredibly detail-oriented. From start to finish, the entire experience was a 10/10.
    More info
    Trust Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Evelyn
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The server and all the back waiters/bussers were so attentive. They constantly checked in and offered water when we were low, cleared plates at a perfect pace and the food was absolutely delightful. We could not believe the flavors we were tasting with every plate, explosions of beautiful combinations of flavors. It was a night to remember! Thank you everyone 😘
    More info
    Kettner Exchange$$$$• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.8
  • Barbara
    Kansas City / Kansas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our waiter was excellent, service was excellent and the food was excellent. Nice atmosphere and loved that we didn’t have to shout over music to be heard. We will definitely go back when we are next in San Diego.
    More info
    Rustic Root - Gaslamp$$$$• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Yunfei
    3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The Smoked Beef Brisket Hash in the brunch menu is the best dish I would recommend to anyone who tried this restaurant.
    More info
    Great Maple San Diego$$$$• American• Hillcrest
    •
    4.9
  • Kathleen
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 22, 2026
    We ordered all small plates to share and each dish was outstanding in presentation and flavor. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable and didn’t rush us. He brought out each dish at separate intervals so we could enjoy the dish without being overwhelmed. The cocktails were delicious as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening!
    More info
    Fort Oak$$$$• Contemporary American• Mission Hills
    •
    4.8

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