Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Harbor Island

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1371)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 57 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.

2. Coco Maya

4.5

Awesome(380)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 4 times today

Coco Maya in Little Italy, San Diego, is a vibrant cocktail bar that elevates your dining experience with "excellent drinks and ambience." Renowned for its diverse mezcal and tequila selection, this bar seamlessly blends tropical and rum-based cocktails, a hallmark that traces back to its roots at Miss B's Coconut Club. Guests rave about the "perfectly crafted espresso martini," which stands out among their expertly curated beverages. The lively rooftop setting, often accompanied by a DJ, adds a fun and energetic vibe that enhances the entire experience. If you're seeking a memorable cocktail adventure, Coco Maya promises to deliver!

3. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4768)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 59 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant

4. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4402)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 88 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.

5. Topside Terrace

4.2

Awesome(389)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 6 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.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(2646)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • North Park

Booked 27 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 Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant

7. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1306)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Hills

Booked 9 times today

Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar in Mission Hills, San Diego, is a seafood lover’s paradise, celebrated for its "Live Maine Lobster" nights that consistently delight diners. With an emphasis on quality and authenticity, their seafood offerings are praised for being "perfectly cooked" and "delicious." The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with "exceptional service" from a friendly and professional staff, ensures a memorable dining experience. Their commitment to crafting incredible dishes, like the lobster, makes Harley Gray stand out in the seafood scene. If you’re seeking fresh, expertly prepared seafood in a warm neighborhood setting, Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit!

A photo of Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma restaurant

8. Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma

4.6

Exceptional(56)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Point Loma

Booked 28 times today

20 Tap Handles featuring our Ketch Brewing beers and several guest taps. Modern Casual Faire overlooking San Diego Bay and the sportfishing fleet of Point Loma

A photo of Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant

9. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

4.2

Awesome(543)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Bay

Booked 8 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.

10. Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(767)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Coronado

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the heart of Coronado, Tavern is a beacon of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine, where "every bite is amazing" and the "food is consistently great." Diners rave about the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that make each dish a culinary delight. From the delectable wagyu steak to the inventive cocktails, the menu showcases a commitment to quality and sustainability. The cozy, rustic-chic atmosphere, complemented by "fantastic people" and excellent service, makes every visit memorable. With its "great food, great atmosphere," and an unwavering dedication to genuine Farm-to-table dining, Tavern is the perfect spot for a delightful and authentic 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

S
Sean
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic food from start to finish. Definitely get the flank steak if you like heavily seasoned and super flavorful steak. The Ribeye was good as well, but the Flank Steak felt like a signature dish.
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
A
Angelina
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
An absolutely wonderful experience! First time going and certainly not the last. Exceptional customer service from check in all the way till we left. Our waitress was so kind and loved her recommendations :)
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
M
Mariah
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First time dining here, I celebrated my 30th birthday. I received a sweet birthday postcard and had an AMAZING waitress named Sky. She was very kind, informative and just sooo sweet!! All of the food was beyond delicious. I have never been to a restaurant where I can say the food, service and atmosphere was all a 10/10. When I say everything was a 100/10, I am not being dramatic. We ordered about 7 or 8 dishes for the table and shared (between 4 people). Each bite was savory and melt in your mouth delicious. The drinks were yummy as well. I wholeheartedly recommend, I can’t wait to go back!!
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
D
DavidVIP
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2024
Great customer service. Great food. Beautiful location, with great views of the sky. Great music with JB Saxx and his magic saxophone… 😎
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Coco MayaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.5
TM
TerriM
Las Vegas •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Had a large group and was interesting how they wanted to do the billing.
More info
Topside TerracePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.2

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Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Harbor Island

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

2. Coco Maya

3. Cowboy Star

4. Great Maple San Diego

5. Topside Terrace

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

7. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

8. Ketch Grill & Taps - Point Loma

9. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

10. Tavern

See what locals rave about

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