Best American Restaurants in Encanto

114 restaurants available nearby

1. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4752)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 41 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant

2. Water Grill - San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(3600)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District, Water Grill San Diego offers an unparalleled seafood experience that has consistently earned it top ratings among the city’s seafood dining spots. Right from the bustling docks, their boat-to-table strategy ensures only the freshest seafood, including an impressive variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, and oysters, makes it to your plate, often within hours of being caught. Patrons rave about their 'exceptional' seafood dishes, with the Chilean seabass and lobster frequently highlighted as 'possibly the best ever had.' Each dish is crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the high-quality ingredients, earning glowing reviews for both the culinary finesse and the lively, elegant ambiance. Whether it's the 'amazing' oyster sampler or the expertly prepared sea bass, Water Grill promises a memorable dining adventure right in the bustling center of San Diego.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

3. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.

4. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7102)

Price: Moderate

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 43 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2641)

Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 17 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

6. KINDRED

4.7

Exceptional(211)

Price: Expensive

• American • South Park

Booked 32 times today

KINDRED in South Park, San Diego, is not your ordinary cocktail bar; it's a vibrant Victorian oasis that offers a unique, whimsical experience with its world-class vegan cuisine and ambitiously inventive cocktails. Garnering accolades such as Best Restaurant Bar in the West by the Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation, KINDRED's drink menu stands out for its creativity and quality. Guests rave about the experience, with one patron noting, "The cocktails are truly art." Another impressed visitor claimed, "Drinks are 1000/10." Whether it's the artfully crafted Serpentine cocktail or the robust selection during brunch, KINDRED ensures every sip is memorable, making it a must-visit for both cocktail aficionados and curious explorers alike.

7. Huntress

4.5

Awesome(798)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Huntress, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a vibrant and modern steakhouse experience that is unmatched. Known for serving "the tastiest steak I ever had at a restaurant," as one diner raved, Huntress specializes in high-quality cuts like the Australian Wagyu and the Bone-In Ribeye, which are seasoned to perfection. The ambiance is enhanced by a selection of Japanese whisky and a lively atmosphere where music uplifts every culinary delight. Patrons consistently praise not only the steak but also the "knowledgeable" staff and the "amazing" overall dining experience. Whether it's the impeccable service or the finely crafted dishes, Huntress promises a memorable steak dining adventure that keeps guests returning for more.

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

8. Saint James French Diner

4.6

Exceptional(237)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

9. Books + Records

4.7

Exceptional(377)

Price: Expensive

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 8 times today

Books + Records in Banker's Hill, San Diego, is not just a place to dine; it's an experience of culinary and mixological artistry. Renowned for its craft cocktails, this spot stands out with creations like the "Purple Rain," a unique blend of Japanese whisky that captures the essence of the restaurant's innovative approach to drinks. Praised for its vibrant atmosphere and live music that complements every sip, Books + Records has been featured on Eater's Heat Map and listed among San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars. Guests continuously rave about the quality, with one noting, "The cocktails were delish," underscoring the establishment's commitment to excellence in every glass. Whether you're in for the live jazz or the acclaimed "old-fashioned," Books + Records delivers an unforgettable cocktail bar experience.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

10. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(682)

Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 32 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, you're treated not just to a meal but a vibrant Southern experience true to its roots. Designed to embody the spirit of New Orleans, the restaurant offers an authentic Southern cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, who brings a treasure trove of culinary expertise straight from New Orleans. Patrons rave about the unique and flavorful dishes such as the "incredible gumbo" and "delicious catfish," not to mention the innovative Alligator Cheesecake. Reviews consistently highlight not just the food but also the atmosphere, describing it as a place where "everything was amazing" and urging others to "definitely try a potion or two." With such passionate endorsements and a commitment to seasonal, bold flavors, Louisiana Purchase SD is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of the South.

‘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

N
nicki
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Asked for a box because we had about half our 16oz left. Got home and realized they only gave us what was left of our sides and none of the steak.
More info
HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.5
J
Joanne
Greater Boston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
F
Fred
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Really good food and excellent service. A truly enjoyable evening to celebrate our anniversary.
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Water Grill - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.7
L
LynnVIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
One of my favorite places in San Diego that remains at the top Of its game after many years. The wine marketplace has great selections as does the wine menu. Food is exquisite- from the squash blossom appetizer, beet, persimmon and burrata salad to our entrees- wild mushroom ravioli and whole branzino. Service is impeccable. It can get a bit noisy but love the vibe
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CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
•
4.7
J
jimVIP
New York City •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 10, 2024
nice food and nice ambience. good menu choices and variety. gluten free was easy. would go back again for sure loved the buttermilk pancakes and the steel cut oatmeal with blueberries, granola and brown sugar
More info
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.7

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Encanto

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Best American Restaurants in Encanto

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114 restaurants available nearby

1. Cowboy Star

2. Water Grill - San Diego

3. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4. CUCINA urbana

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

6. KINDRED

7. Huntress

8. Saint James French Diner

9. Books + Records

10. Louisiana Purchase SD

See what locals rave about

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