Best Southwest American Restaurants in Solana Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

CarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaDel MarEncinitasLa Jolla

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

77 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Rustic Root - Solana Beach restaurant

1. Rustic Root - Solana Beach

4.2

Awesome(193)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 66 times today

The concept behind Rustic Root is simple: Create the kind of neighborhood place you can eat at every week and never get tired of going back.

2. Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(618)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Solana Beach

Booked 13 times today

Newly remodeled, the much airier Tavern is all about art, music, and above all great food. Open for lunch and soon to include evening dining, the Tavern adds a distinctly Mexican/Pacific Coast set of flavors to the local fine dining scene.We are located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, within walking distance of the Amtrak station. The style is casual with indoor and outdoor dining ( plus bar seating). The patio, which can accommodate 18 guests, looks out onto the shop-lined Cedros Avenue and can be separated from the main dining area for private events.*Please note* Our restaurant welcomes walk-ins during our Lunch hours from 11:30 am- 3:30 pm. *Tavern restaurant will be closed for dinner (Lunch will remain open Monday and Tuesday when the belly up is dark)*Please check our website for the most up-to-date hours*

3. Sunny Side Solana

4.4

Awesome(95)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Solana Beach

Booked 4 times today

Sunny Side Solana in Solana Beach offers a quintessential American culinary experience that is both authentic and delightful. Known for its “amazing service” and “delicious food,” this cozy spot is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Dishes like the goat cheese and mushroom omelet and strawberry French toast are fan favorites, while the Chicken Marsala is praised as “juicy” and perfectly paired with delicious sides. The vibe is “calming,” making it an ideal venue for enjoying a meal and conversation. Whether it's the fresh juice or delectable mimosas, Sunny Side Solana promises a heartwarming and satisfying American dining experience.

4. Jake's Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(10763)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 139 times today

Jake's Del Mar is a seafood lover's paradise, offering an authentic California coastal dining experience right on the stunning shores of Del Mar. Renowned for its "amazing" halibut and "perfect" Mahi Mahi, the dishes here are meticulously prepared to highlight the freshest flavors of the sea. Guests rave about the "amazing" spot for sunset dining, where the breathtaking ocean views complement the delectable seafood dishes. With attentive service that goes above and beyond to accommodate dietary needs, Jake's Del Mar ensures every dining experience is memorable. Indulge in their delightful seafood offerings while soaking in the "unbeatable" coastal atmosphere.

5. Poseidon

4.8

Exceptional(5764)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 69 times today

Poseidon in Del Mar offers an outstanding American dining experience with its prime beachfront location and breathtaking ocean views. Celebrated by locals and tourists alike, Poseidon is described as a "neighborhood gem" that never disappoints with its delicious American cuisine. Guests rave about the "drool-worthy dishes" like the Mahi fish tacos and the expertly cooked wild salmon. With a setting that captures stunning beach sunsets, Poseidon promises a memorable ambiance, further enhanced by attentive and friendly staff. Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner by the firepit or a casual lunch with beach views, Poseidon's American fare is truly exceptional.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

6. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(239)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Encinitas

Booked 43 times today

Waverly Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in picturesque Cardiff by The Sea, offers an exquisite take on Contemporary American cuisine with a unique European twist. Diners frequently praise its innovative dishes, with the duck meatball and whipped ricotta receiving standout reviews for being "delicious" and "super tasty." The atmosphere is lauded as "lively and fun" with an inviting indoor-outdoor setup, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests are treated to top-notch service, often described as "informative and friendly," contributing to an overall "5-star experience." Whether for a casual outing or a special celebration, Waverly consistently delivers excellence in every culinary aspect.

7. Nick's Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(1520)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 32 times today

Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our intimate restaurant features a chic island bar, walls of glass and a spacious covered patio, perfect for people watching. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant

8. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(110)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Carmel Valley

Booked 73 times today

At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.

A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff restaurant

9. Chart House Restaurant - Cardiff

4.4

Awesome(7419)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Solana Beach

Booked 43 times today

Chart House Restaurant in Cardiff is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, offering an exquisite dining experience with a stunning oceanfront view. Known for its unparalleled service and ambiance, it has captivated diners for over 50 years. Guests rave about the “delicious brunch” and the “filet and shrimp combo prepared to perfection.” The Thanksgiving dinner is a standout, with “turkey that is moist and plentiful,” echoing traditional American flavors. The menu, featuring fresh seafood and slow-roasted prime rib, is complemented by signature cocktails and the irresistible Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. Chart House truly embodies the essence of classic American dining.

A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

10. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.8

Exceptional(810)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Del Mar

Booked 30 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.

‘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

J
Jini
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Friendly service. Notified when earlier reservation became available
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.8
L
LouiseVIP
New York City •13 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall very good food. The guac table side was tasty, as were the complimentary chips and salsa. Chicken mole was flavorful and so were the shrimp tacos. Margarita was a bit strong until mixed more.
More info
Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.7
N
Nancy
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Our group of 6 tried this restaurant for the first time for weekday lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the food and service. Everyone was quite pleased with their orders. Background music was at an acceptable level, allowing us to converse without straining to hear each other. All in all, we were delighted to have discovered this restaurant at Fashion Valley!
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.8
D
Dustin
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
We visited before a Padres day game and had a great time. The restaurant was pretty busy and the service and the food was great. We definitely will be back.
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
•
4.7
J
Jeff
San Diego •19 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 15, 2025
The steak fajitas were sizzling and full of delicious flavors. The pineapple jalapeño margarita was very tasty. We live nearby this restaurant will be our new go to.
More info
MexicanBarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Poway / Rancho Bernardo
•
4.8

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