Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

1. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(111)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Encinitas

Booked 58 times today

Nestled in the charming Cardiff by The Sea in Encinitas, Waverly Restaurant & Lounge is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. It offers a progressive menu infused with a European twist that tantalizes the palate with dishes like the divine burrata "donuts" and adventurous bone marrow paired with beef tartare. The rave reviews emphasize the quality and creativity of the menu. One guest exclaimed, "The duck meatball was flavorful and moist," illustrating the unique culinary delights that await at Waverly. With its chic Tulum-inspired decor and a vibrant atmosphere, Waverly stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience with a contemporary American flair.

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

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(617)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 90 times today

South of Nick's in Del Mar, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a Southern California twist. Renowned for its seamless blend of classic Mexican flavors with prime steaks and seafood, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and wonderful service," with dishes like the steak salad and seafood enchiladas receiving high praise. The ambiance is consistently described as great, with a "beautiful decor" that complements the high-quality meals. Whether it's the complimentary chips and salsa, the finely crafted margaritas, or the attentive service, South of Nick's stands out as a top choice for both locals and visitors. It's no wonder guests are eager to return, making it a "new favorite" in the vibrant San Diego dining scene.

3. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.6

Exceptional(2515)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 12 times today

Nestled in the charming locale of Del Mar, Sbicca is a gem that epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. Praised as San Diego's favorite "Neighborhood" restaurant, Sbicca has been honored with the "Gold Medallion Award" for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. Patrons can savor their meals on an ocean view deck, enhancing the dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific. The menu boasts an array of delectable options, from the divine truffle fries to the exquisite buttermilk fried chicken, consistently earning glowing reviews like "The best food that we've had in a long time." Sbicca's commitment to quality and its vibrant atmosphere make it a standout destination for authentic Contemporary American fare, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every visit.

A photo of Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa restaurant

4. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

4.2

Awesome(158)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 16 times today

At Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine is celebrated with every dish served. Nestled in a picturesque setting with breathtaking views over lush golf courses, Vue offers a dining experience where flavor and culture blend seamlessly. Guests rave about the "outstanding" Mexican selections, such as the corned beef hash with Brussels sprouts and the chimichurri sauce-draped short ribs, which are described as "outstanding." The coconut curry chicken is another highlight, noted for its authenticity and rich flavors. Diners consistently praise the culinary craftsmanship, with comments like "the Chilean sea bass was perfectly prepared" and the papaya salad being "sooo good." Vue's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Mexican meal in Carlsbad.

A photo of Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant

5. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

3.7

Very Good(25)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

At the Ocean View Bar & Grill in Hotel Indigo Del Mar, every bite and sip offers an authentic taste of American cuisine with a stunning ocean backdrop. Known for its "excellent service and great food," this delightful spot in Del Mar captures the essence of coastal dining with dishes like herb crusted pork chop and mahi mahi fish tacos. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "friendly service," emphasizing dishes like the spicey Ahi Tuna sandwich and the perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with pancetta. With live music adding to the ambiance and reviews celebrating the "great views and fantastic service," Ocean View Bar & Grill stands out as a must-visit for genuine American dining. Enjoy a meal here and "you'll dig it the most!" as one enthusiastic diner put it.

A photo of West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant

6. West End Bar & Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(983)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 23 times today

West End Bar & Kitchen in Del Mar is a haven for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a contemporary twist. Situated across from the stunning lagoon at Torrey Pines State Reserve, this restaurant offers a true 'melting pot' of flavors that embody the spirit of American dining. Guests rave about the "best values" and "large portions" that never fail to impress, such as the "fantastic" Halibut special and the "best clam chowder" many have ever had. The blend of casual professionalism and a scenic view provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying their extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. With its consistent praise for great food and service, West End is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience top-notch American fare.

7. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4854)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the picturesque Del Mar Plaza, Pacifica Del Mar shines as a beacon of exceptional seafood dining. Diners rave about the "tremendous taste and texture" of dishes like the celebrated Halibut and the Spanish Octopus on Squid Ink Risotto. The freshness and quality of the seafood are consistently highlighted, with one guest recommending, "Try the Halibut. It's delicious!" The restaurant's ambiance enhances the dining experience, offering stunning ocean views that complement the "extraordinary food." With accolades for both its vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service, Pacifica Del Mar stands out as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in Del Mar.

8. 20|TWENTY

4.2

Awesome(1161)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 25 times today

20|TWENTY in Carlsbad stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of local flair and global inspirations. Helmed by the talented Chef Jason Luke, the restaurant prides itself on its minimalist approach that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced within a 40-mile radius. Patrons rave about the "perfect blend of manchego cheese, pistachio nuts, and lemon citrus in the kale salad" and the unforgettable brunch experience with "omelets loved by all." The spectacular views of the Pacific coastline enhance every meal, making 20|TWENTY not just a meal, but a memorable dining escapade. Whether it’s the "delicious" frittata or the brunch that keeps guests returning, 20|TWENTY captures the essence of Southern California’s coastal palette in every dish.

A photo of Pacific Point - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant

9. Pacific Point - Park Hyatt Aviara

4.2

Awesome(170)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Tucked away in the picturesque city of Carlsbad, Pacific Point at Park Hyatt Aviara offers an authentic and high-quality Pacific Rim dining experience that is not to be missed. Guests rave about the exceptional service and the stunning views, which complement the exquisitely crafted Pacific Rim dishes. One guest enthused, "We really enjoyed our stay...the food at the resort was good especially if you like sushi or fish." The restaurant's ambiance, enhanced by Carlsbad's finest sunsets, ensures a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Whether it's a family dinner or a romantic outing, Pacific Point stands out as a premier destination for those seeking a taste of the Pacific Rim in an elegant setting.

A photo of Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant

10. Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt Aviara

4.6

Exceptional(55)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 4 times today

Experience the essence of Californian cuisine at the Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt Aviara in the charming city of Carlsbad. This venue is a celebration of local flavors, offering signature bites that perfectly embody the fresh, vibrant tastes of California. Guests rave about the "exceptional place for an overwhelming experience" and the "excellent service" that enhances the dining experience. Enjoy an innovative menu that showcases the best of local produce and culinary creativity, making it more than just a meal, but a true Californian gastronomic adventure. Whether it's a family gathering or a fun night out, the authenticity and quality of the food here promise 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

T
Troy
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The ambiance and vibe at Waverly are what you would want for a coastal restaurant. Indoor/outdoor seating with just enough room to move around. The food is always exceptional. The drinks are thoughtfully prepared, and just about every one that I’ve had there has been consistently good. The service was spot on and the waitress was helpful and patient.
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Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
•
4.7
C
Charis
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Most amazing birthday meal tonight. The server was so attentive and made sure we all knew how the menu worked and how to have the best experience. The broccoli was the number 1 at our table followed by the chicken dish and the market fish. The s’mores dessert was so fun and delicious as well! Everything 10/10, worth the wait for a reservation.
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CampfirePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
•
4.8
S
Sogol
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a reservation for our traditional Christmas brunch (11 a.m.), requesting outdoor sitting. We were greeted upon arrival, and our request was honored. They were not very busy. The facility was clean and neathly set up. The view of the golf course was beautiful. The service was fabulous. We were attended to frequently, keeping our coffee and water filled. The drinks (Memosas and Bloody Mary) and food were delicious and freshly made, and the price was decent. The only unfortunate part was that there was no brunch menu, and breakfast had ended, which was a downer, and resulted in several parties walking away. We were really looking forward to having breakfast food.
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Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & SpaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
•
4.2
M
MelindaVIP
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
great christmas eve dinner. was cold evening but we were able to be seated inside in a cozy room. salmon entree was fantastic!
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Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
4.6
J
jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7

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Rancho Santa Fe

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

3. Sbicca - Del Mar

4. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

5. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar

6. West End Bar & Kitchen

7. Pacifica Del Mar

8. 20|TWENTY

9. Pacific Point - Park Hyatt Aviara

10. Topgolf Swing Suite at Park Hyatt Aviara

See what locals rave about

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