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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in La Jolla

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24 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Beaumont's restaurant
1. Beaumont's
4.7
Exceptional(933)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
Beaumont's Neighborhood Eatery, nestled in the charming Bird Rock area of La Jolla, San Diego, is the quintessential hub for Comfort Food lovers. Known as the “heart and soul of Bird Rock,” this vibrant spot has been delighting locals since 2005 with its authentic, hearty dishes. Guests rave about the "outstanding food and excellent service," while the brunch, featuring unique options like Eggs Benedict, receives accolades for being "superb." Beaumont's effortlessly combines its comforting cuisine with a lively atmosphere, complete with live music and handcrafted cocktails, making it a beloved community gathering place. Experience the warm, inviting vibe that keeps patrons coming back for more!
A photo of Paradisaea restaurant
2. Paradisaea
4.7
Exceptional(655)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 33 times today
Paradisaea in the heart of Bird Rock, La Jolla, offers an unparalleled Contemporary American dining experience that delights with its “creative and delicious” culinary creations. This destination restaurant is celebrated for its “outstanding food and service,” making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Guests rave about the chef’s ability to craft “custom vegan and pescatarian multi-course meals,” showcasing the restaurant's commitment to inclusivity and innovation. With an ambiance that is both “hip and fun,” Paradisaea artfully combines “delicious food and cocktails” with a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring every visit is a memorable culinary adventure. Highly recommended for those seeking modern American cuisine at its finest.
A photo of Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant
3. Bernini's Bistro & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(662)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 20 times today
Bernini's Bistro & Bar in La Jolla is a true gem for those who appreciate exquisite Contemporary American cuisine. With over 24 years of culinary excellence, it's no wonder it remains a neighborhood favorite. Guests rave about the “excellent food” and “consistently good” dishes that showcase the restaurant's passion for quality and authenticity. The inviting atmosphere, complete with cozy fire pits and a vibrant patio, enhances the dining experience, making it perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Bernini's dedication to impeccable service and their standout dishes, such as the cioppino and wood-fired pizzas, ensures a memorable visit every time.
A photo of James' Place restaurant
4. James' Place
4.3
Awesome(1114)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 7 times today
James' Place in La Jolla offers a delightful journey into Contemporary American cuisine, making it an ideal spot for pre-theater dining at the nearby La Jolla Playhouse. Guests rave about the "outstanding" dining experience, highlighting dishes like the flat iron steak and crispy rice, which showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With a menu that's both diverse and delicious, James' Place ensures every palate is catered to, blending traditional American tastes with modern flair. The ambiance is described as "elegant and tranquil," making it a perfect setting for a memorable meal. Experience exceptional service and savor the delightful offerings at this beloved local gem.
A photo of Oceana Coastal Kitchen restaurant
5. Oceana Coastal Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1328)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Pacific Beach
Booked 18 times today
Oceana Coastal Kitchen in Pacific Beach, San Diego, truly exemplifies the essence of top-tier Contemporary American cuisine. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Mission Bay, this restaurant elevates dining with its exquisite chef-driven California dishes. The ambiance, as noted by patrons, is "a wonderful setting for Sunday brunch or dinner," enriched by live music and mesmerizing ocean views. Their seafood selections, particularly the Alaskan King Crab and Oceana House Roll, captivate the palate with freshness and flavor. As a 2023 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best awardee, Oceana Coastal Kitchen is celebrated for its "delicious food, beautiful view, and amazing service."
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
6. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4559)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 118 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 Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant
7. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort
4.3
Awesome(566)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Mission Bay
Booked 30 times today
Covewood - Mission Bay Resort offers an exceptional American dining experience that captures the essence of California Coastal Cuisine with a delightful twist. Located in the picturesque Mission Bay, San Diego, this restaurant has garnered rave reviews for its "delicious and beautifully presented" dishes, such as the bold Caesar salad and perfectly cooked burgers. Diners appreciate the "wonderful ambiance" and "fantastic food and service," making it an "unexpected gem" for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's ability to pair fresh seafood with wood-grilled vegetables and local wines creates a memorable culinary journey that truly stands out in American cuisine.
A photo of Fort Oak restaurant
8. Fort Oak
4.8
Exceptional(439)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
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 South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
9. South of Nick's - Del Mar
4.8
Exceptional(805)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 83 times today
Nestled in the heart of Del Mar, San Diego, South of Nick's stands as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine with a tantalizing Southern California twist. This lively eatery has earned rave reviews for its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, where "Jordan was the best" and "Chase was phenomenal." Diners are consistently delighted by classic favorites like the "Cabo Shrimp" and "toasted coconut drink," which are celebrated for their authentic flavors and creative flair. With high praise for its rich, flavorful dishes and top-notch hospitality, South of Nick's promises a dining experience that's "always consistently good" and utterly unforgettable.
A photo of Sbicca - Del Mar restaurant
10. Sbicca - Del Mar
4.6
Exceptional(2558)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 37 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Del Mar, Sbicca - Del Mar stands out for its exceptional Seafood cuisine, offering diners a taste of the ocean with stunning views of the Pacific. Awarded the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant, Sbicca ensures every dish is crafted with authenticity and quality. Guests rave about their "outstanding Lobster Shrimp Bisque" and the "incredible Blackened Shrimp Salad and Salmon." With a menu that perfectly captures the essence of the sea, paired with a "Wine Spectator award-winning wine list," Sbicca promises an unforgettable dining experience that seafood lovers will cherish.
‘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
  • Liz
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent service! The staff is knowledgeable and fun.
    More info
    ParadisaeaPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.7
  • Charlotte
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The service was great, everyone was accommodating and helpful. The ambiance was spacious and clean with beautiful scenery looking out into a eucalyptus forest on one side of the restaurant. I had a lycee martini that was delicious as well as potent. The salmon dish had flavorful sides but the salmon was a bit dry with not much flavor. I had the bread pudding for dessert which was really tasty.
    More info
    James' PlacePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• La Jolla
    •
    4.3
  • Joe
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food and exceptional service. The seafood cioppino was outstanding. Also had the chicken Milanese which was also a hit. Excellent ambiance and the servers went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience.
    More info
    Bernini's Bistro & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • Nicholas
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 14, 2025
    Server was excellent and the food was amazing. We were last there in May 2023 and it was as good this time as in 2023. Beautiful views and venue.
    More info
    Oceana Coastal KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Cory
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 7, 2025
    My friends and I had an amazing evening at Beaumont‘S. I made the reservation on open table with a special request for a hightop table near the band.  we were accommodated with the perfect table. The staff, service atmosphere and band were all amazing. A night to remember, and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Beaumont'sPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• La Jolla
    •
    4.7

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