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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Kensington, San Diego

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50 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1748)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 35 times today
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian fusion experience that is both inventive and authentic. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s creations have earned the restaurant a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019, showcasing high-quality meals at accessible prices. Diners rave about the "spicy garlic noodles" and "juicy cheeseburger special," underscoring the delightful fusion of flavors. The rooftop patio with stunning harbor views enhances the dining ambiance, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the "stellar service" and "amazing cocktails," solidifying Kettner Exchange as a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
2. Rustic Root - Gaslamp
4.4
Awesome(1629)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
3. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4779)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 50 times today
Great Maple San Diego, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. This modern eatery is celebrated for its "outstanding" food and "exceptional" service, making it a favorite destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Diners rave about the delightful maple bacon donuts and "delectable" brisket hash, highlighting the creative use of fresh, local ingredients. Reviewers consistently praise the "huge portions" and "fantastic flavors," ensuring no one leaves hungry. With its inviting atmosphere and "friendly" staff, Great Maple offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine.
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
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4. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1432)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 28 times today
We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.
A photo of Fort Oak restaurant
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5. Fort Oak
4.8
Exceptional(655)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
Booked 21 times today
An ode to fire and sea, Fort Oak delivers the bold, wood-fired flavors that define Chef Brad Wise’s signature style. Centered around a live-fire hearth, the restaurant offers elevated yet approachable dishes alongside a refined seafood and raw bar. Smoke is the through line - simple, high-quality ingredients are transformed by flame into plates full of depth and character. Dry-aged ribeyes, duck, and whole branzino showcase the hearth’s intensity, while freshly shucked oysters and seafood towers bring a raw, briny counterpoint. And while the meats and seafood command attention, the vegetables have earned a reputation of their own - charred, caramelized, and layered with surprising complexity. Some say they steal the show - but that’s up to you to decide.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
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6. Cowboy Star
4.8
Exceptional(5402)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 66 times today
Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2850)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 19 times today
The Smoking Goat Restaurant in North Park, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Contemporary French / American experience that has garnered rave reviews and awards, including the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Executive Chef Fred Piehl's masterful blend of classic French techniques with the fresh, sustainable bounty of San Diego offers a "rustic, yet refined" culinary journey. Diners have lauded dishes such as the "perfectly cooked" duck l'orange and the "delicious" prime rib, each beautifully presented. With an attentive staff and a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, The Smoking Goat promises a memorable dining experience.
A photo of The Remy restaurant
8. The Remy
4.8
Exceptional(172)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Old Town
Booked 24 times today
The Remy is a Fine Dining experience tucked away in San Diego, CA’s West Mission Valley area. Open seven days a week, we offer a bespoke menu featuring premium meat cuts, crafted cocktails, and vintage wines. Contemporary American classics with western grit and a modern twist.
A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV restaurant
9. True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV
4.5
Awesome(2094)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Mission Valley
Booked 24 times today
True Food Kitchen in San Diego is a haven for those seeking high-quality Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine. Located in the vibrant Fashion Valley area, this chef-driven restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious and fresh" vegetarian dishes that are both nutrient-dense and full of flavor. Diners rave about standout dishes like the spaghetti squash casserole, which is described as "rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned," and the butternut squash pizza, praised for its "unique and delicious take on pizza." With an "inviting atmosphere" and attentive service, True Food Kitchen promises an exceptional dining experience that combines health and indulgence seamlessly.
A photo of Topside Terrace restaurant
10. Topside Terrace
4.5
Awesome(445)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Topside Terrace is a vibrant gem in downtown San Diego, offering an unforgettable taste of authentic Californian cuisine. With an open-air terrace that perfectly captures the coastal spirit, the restaurant delights diners with its "incredible rooftop brunch experience" featuring dishes like Carne asada chilaquiles and Crab Benedict. The menu seamlessly blends Baja California and Classic American fare, all beautifully plated and complemented by contemporary cocktails. Guests rave about the "great food" and "attentive staff," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine Californian flavors. Live music and happy hour specials further enhance this lively venue, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
‘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
  • Steffanie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great ambiance. Excellent food. All dishes were colorful and most importantly... tasty! The cucumber salad was delicious, the tuna was fresh and great quality, the crispy shrimp was also a delight! Since my son's very particular about his food dishes and wasn't able to eat any of the menu items, they were able to accommodate and made him a fresh bowl of pasta with marinara sauce and he loved the fresh grated parmesan cheese! Come dine here- you won't be disappointed!
    More info
    Kettner Exchange$$$$• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Brenda
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food is always delicious and the staff are very friendly. Never disappointed.
    More info
    Great Maple San Diego$$$$• American• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Gisselle
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food & drinks 10/10 ! Staff was nice and friendly
    More info
    Rustic Root - Gaslamp$$$$• Contemporary American• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Betsy
    Portland / Oregon •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Outstanding restaurant - Great food and service! We would definitely recommend to anyone.
    More info
    Trust Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • TanishaGold
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My fiancé and I had an incredible time at Fort Oak! It was our first visit, and both the food and service were absolutely impeccable. However, our server Jasmine truly stole the show with her amazing energy. We trusted every recommendation she made, and each one was absolutely fantastic!
    More info
    Fort Oak$$$$• Contemporary American• Mission Hills
    •
    4.8

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