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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant
1. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center
4.7
Exceptional(190)
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 West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant
2. West End Bar & Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(1006)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 13 times today
West End Bar & Kitchen in Del Mar is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a delightful blend of flavor and freshness in every dish. Nestled across from the serene lagoon at Torrey Pines State Reserve, this restaurant is praised for its "amazing food" and "great service." Diners rave about the exceptional clam chowder, described as "full of clams," and the crab-stuffed ravioli in lobster sauce, hailed as "delicious." The creative and authentic seafood offerings, combined with a menu that boasts local craft beers and eclectic wines, make West End a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable seafood dining experience.
A photo of James' Place restaurant
3. James' Place
3.7
Very Good(1072)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 27 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 Bernini's Bistro & Bar restaurant
4. Bernini's Bistro & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(610)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 22 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant
5. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4453)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 49 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 Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar restaurant
6. Ocean View Bar & Grill Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Del Mar
3.7
Very Good(25)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Hotel Indigo's Ocean View Bar & Grill serves authentic local favorites, creative appetizers, sharable plates and signature cocktails. Along with its enticing menu, guests enjoy ocean views and contemporary décor. The grill also features live local music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Bring your furry friend and enjoy al fresco dining by the fire pit, or belly up to the bar for one of our signature cocktails.
A photo of South of Nick's - Del Mar restaurant
7. South of Nick's - Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(668)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Del Mar
Booked 70 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 Paradisaea restaurant
8. Paradisaea
4.7
Exceptional(597)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 12 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 Beaumont's restaurant
9. Beaumont's
4.7
Exceptional(928)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • La Jolla
Booked 10 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 Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant
10. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort
4.3
Awesome(551)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Mission Bay
Booked 9 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.
‘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
  • Mitchell
    Atlanta •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Incredible dining experience. Incredible flavors and service. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • TomVIP
    San Diego •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always a great experience with fantastic food. Staff never lost their smile while addressing some last minute changes to our reservation. I most highly recommend trying this restaurant if you haven’t already
    More info
    Bernini's Bistro & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
    •
    4.8
  • GuyVIP
    San Diego •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We went to dinner to celebrate Valentines Day. Everything about the evening was perfect. The service provided by our waiter, Ricky, was just wonderful. He was attentive but not obtrusive and seemed to intuitively know when to check on us. The dinners my wife and I were magnificent. We shared the wedge salad and a cup of clam chowder- perhaps the best we have ever had. My wife had the linguini with clams and I had the crab ravioli in lobster sauce. Both were delicious. However, the jewel of the evening was the tiramisu- absolutely wonderful and the best we have had in a restaurant in a long time. Overall this was a magnificent meal and the perfect way to celebrate our 56th Valentines Day together. We will certainly be returning soon.
    More info
    West End Bar & KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.7
  • Rose
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Went here for Valentine’s dinner! This is legit the best food in La Jolla! We had the fried chicken sandwich with Caesar salad, French dip (unreal) with fries and cheddar chive biscuits for app. The biscuits and butter were incredible, and we’ve both spent time in the south. Our service was also incredible, she was very on top of everything, friendly and attentive. Thank you Bazille! What a dinner
    More info
    Bazille - Nordstrom University Town CenterPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• La Jolla
    •
    4.7
  • ThomasVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    Charming staff. Great location before the play at La Jolla playhouse. Food is always delicious and interesting
    More info
    James' PlacePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• La Jolla
    •
    3.7

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