Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Sbicca - Del Mar

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 8 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 South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(591)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 61 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.

A photo of Waverly Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

3. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(98)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Encinitas

Booked 60 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 Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant

4. 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.

5. Pacifica Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(4841)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 13 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.

A photo of West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant

6. West End Bar & Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(976)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Del Mar

Booked 12 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.

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

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

4.3

Awesome(156)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Carlsbad

Booked 11 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.

8. James' Place

4.1

Excellent(1060)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • La Jolla

Booked 16 times today

James' Place in La Jolla, San Diego, is a beacon of culinary excellence, particularly praised for its Asian fusion offerings that leave guests both delighted and impressed. Diners frequently rave about the "amazing sauce and perfectly cooked shishito peppers," and the "delicious protein sushi roll," highlighting the authenticity and quality of each dish. The restaurant's ambiance, paired with its proximity to the La Jolla Playhouse, makes it a favorite spot for a pre-theater dinner, where the experience is described as nothing short of "outstanding." Guests like to mention that the "service is top-notch," and the menu variety, from crispy rice to glazed salmon, consistently receives high marks for both presentation and flavor. James' Place truly stands out as a must-visit for an exquisite dining experience in San Diego.

A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant

9. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.8

Exceptional(187)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • La Jolla

Booked 2 times today

This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining. We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends;July 4th hours: 11am-5pm

A photo of Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant

10. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(583)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

Bernini's Bistro & Bar in La Jolla, San Diego, is a treasure trove of Contemporary American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike for over 24 years. Known for its "incredible" Lasagna and wood-fired pizzas, Bernini's offers a menu that is both diverse and bursting with flavor. Reviewers rave about the “delicious” and “well-prepared” meals, highlighting dishes like the blackened salmon and cioppino as must-tries. The restaurant's ambiance is consistently praised, creating the perfect backdrop for dining experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious. With "excellent service" and a "warm" atmosphere, Bernini's stands out as a top choice for those seeking authentic and high-quality Contemporary American fare in a charming neighborhood setting.

‘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

W
Waltvip
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
What a great dining experience! One of the best holiday meals I’ve ever had.
More info
Pacifica Del MarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Del Mar
•
4.5
D
Diane
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was our first time but a fave of our daughters… it was fabulous! The calamari was amazing, as was the crab ravioli and hazelnut gelato… a great wine list, wonderful service, will def be back!
More info
West End Bar & KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
•
4.7
M
Marilyn
San Diego •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
My girlfriend and I go there a lot. We usually split the Caesar salad, which is the best ever Caesar! Today we split the avocado toast. It was pretty bland for our taste. We usually think of avocado toast as having some sort of little kick, but this had none. Salt and pepper helped a little, then we asked for some aoli, which was chipotle mayo, which also helped. But we both decided that we wouldn’t order it again.
More info
Waverly Restaurant & LoungePrice: Expensive• American• Encinitas
•
4.6
M
Michaelvip
Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Recent change of ownership but very happy to see many of the people, menus, etc. consistent with what we know for many years of loving this restaurant.
More info
Sbicca - Del MarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
4.5
KK
KennyKazvip
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 30, 2024
It was a great evening eating dinner with an ocean view!
More info
Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del MarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Del Mar
•
3.7

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Sorrento Valley

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Sbicca - Del Mar

2. South of Nick's - Del Mar

3. Waverly Restaurant & Lounge

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

5. Pacifica Del Mar

6. West End Bar & Kitchen

7. Vue - Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

8. James' Place

9. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

10. Bernini's Bistro & Bar

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