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Best Californian Restaurants in Encanto

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.8
Exceptional(2319)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 35 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
2. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7903)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 54 times today
Step into The Prado at Balboa Park, nestled in the heart of San Diego, where the historic charm of Balboa Park enhances a truly exceptional Cocktail Bar experience. Patrons rave about the "fantastic signature cocktails" like the Sidecar, which pairs perfectly with sunny afternoons and scenic views. The Prado's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by "delicious and healthy food," with standout favorites like the mango margaritas that guests describe as the "BEST!!" Whether it's the bustling Easter brunch or a serene weekday dinner, The Prado consistently delivers "excellent service," making every visit memorable. This spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch cocktails in a stunning setting.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
3. Grant Grill
4.7
Exceptional(1622)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Grant Grill, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a truly remarkable dining experience with its focus on Contemporary American cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1951, this iconic spot has been celebrated for its "exquisite" food and "superb" service. Diners rave about dishes like the "out of this world" mock turtle soup and perfectly seared ahi, emphasizing the grill's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, described as "perfect for our dinner date," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the innovative libations or the "party in our mouths" flavors, Grant Grill stands out as a pinnacle of dining excellence in San Diego.
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
4. Bronze Bird
4.5
Awesome(148)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Bronze Bird in Downtown San Diego is your go-to destination for soul-satisfying Comfort Food. Nestled in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, this eatery offers a casual yet refined atmosphere where every dish speaks volumes about its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "amazing" steak frites and the "perfectly seasoned" ribeye, highlighting the culinary craft that Bronze Bird delivers. A diner enthused, "The burger here was amazing, one of the best hidden gems in San Diego," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch comfort dishes. Whether it's a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal, Bronze Bird's delightful array of entrées and shareables, complemented by exemplary service, makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, comforting cuisine in a vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied guests who assure, "We will definitely be back!"
A photo of One Door North restaurant
5. One Door North
4.5
Awesome(504)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • North Park
Booked 14 times today
At One Door North in North Park, San Diego, seafood aficionados can savor the freshest catches in a setting that exudes adventure and a love for the outdoors. The restaurant's Baja Ceviche is applauded for its "pleasant and above-average" assortment of seafood, paired with house-made tortilla chips, providing a light yet flavorful start to the dining experience. The highlight, the house specialty crispy octopus, is a must-try, featuring "amazing" textures and flavors complemented by a delicious aioli sauce, fresh frisée, and crisp apple slices. These dishes emphasize the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity in its seafood offerings, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. Join the adventure and indulge in a seafood experience that is both unique and memorable at One Door North.
A photo of Books + Records restaurant
6. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(377)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Banker's Hill
Booked 11 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 RustiCucina restaurant
7. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1139)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 47 times today
At RustiCucina in Hillcrest, San Diego, contemporary Italian cuisine takes center stage, wowing diners with its authenticity and innovation. The restaurant's charm lies in its dedication to farm-to-neighborhood sourcing, ensuring every dish, from the "hearty, rustic" pasta to the diverse and sumptuous entrées, bursts with freshness and flavor. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, noting dishes like the Pappardelle Al Brasato as "the most flavorful and delicious pasta I’ve ever eaten." The ambiance, described as warm and inviting, complements the top-notch service, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the handcrafted cocktails or the impressive cheese wheel pasta, RustiCucina stands out as a beacon of exemplary contemporary Italian dining in San Diego.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
8. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1430)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, firmly establishing itself as a culinary gem over the past 40 years. The standout dish, the mussel bisque, has been described as something to "think of heaven" and "absolutely out of this world," making it a must-try for anyone visiting. Additionally, diners consistently praise the sea bass and scallops for their excellence. The cozy and intimate setting of Dobson’s, combined with its innovative California cuisine that infuses elements from Italian, French, Spanish, and Asian influences, ensures a unique and delightful dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Dobson’s promises not only a meal but a memorable seafood adventure in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Madi restaurant
9. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(417)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Kensington
Booked 44 times today
Madi in Kensington, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, loved for its vibrant and authentic dishes. Praised for its "excellent Mediterranean breakfast" and innovative offerings like shakshuka with the "best carnitas," Madi has become a neighborhood gem where the quality and authenticity of its Mediterranean fare stand out distinctly. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "super flavorful" food, with dishes such as the shakshuka that had one diner proclaiming it had the "perfect texture." The combination of a welcoming atmosphere and standout Mediterranean flavors makes Madi a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in San Diego.
A photo of Wild Hare Bar Garden restaurant
10. Wild Hare Bar Garden
4.2
Awesome(13)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, Wild Hare Bar Garden offers a sublime escape into a rabbit-themed wonderland, perfect for vegetarian and vegan cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant's unique approach to vegetarian and vegan dishes is evident in their creative menu, which includes standout items like their renowned Brussels sprouts, praised for their exceptional flavor. A patron raved about the "fabulous food," especially highlighting the Brussels sprouts as a must-try. With a whimsical garden atmosphere and a commitment to quality, Wild Hare Bar Garden ensures every dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also artfully presented, making it a top destination for both locals and visitors seeking excellent vegetarian and vegan options in San Diego.
‘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
  • Jamie
    Portland / Oregon •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our dinner at Grant Grill was absolutely phenomenal! From start to finish, every detail was perfect and mad even better by Sarah who guided us through the whole night. She was phenomenal. We started with their homemade bread and butter, which was an amazing way to begin the meal—fresh, warm, and downright irresistible. The famous turtle soup lived up to its reputation, offering a rich, flavorful experience that was both unique and memorable. It was the perfect prelude to the main course. Speaking of which, the steak was nothing short of perfection. Cooked to absolute precision, it was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—easily one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The potatoes were some of the most flavorful and unique as well. Grant Grill provides not only exquisite dishes but also impeccable service and a sophisticated ambiance. If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, this is the place to go. I can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Martina
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I dined on a busy Saturday night. The food was excellent. As a party of two I tried the layered potatoes, calamari appetizer, sea bass and short ribs. I am gluten free and very happy with the options. We sat out on the patio which I highly recommend. All the staff was professional and responsive. I look forward to returning
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • CathyVIP
    San Diego •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Did “dinner & show” with 4 grandkids & my daughters for an outing to see The Nutcracker. Valet parking made our somewhat tight schedule on a Friday night easier. Kids loved the Brussels sprouts & charcuterie plate. Daughter finessed Shirley Temples for the kids, bartender was unsure, probably not a huge call for them. This was repeat for us, did the matinee with lunch last year. Good food, drinks, great service!
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Janet
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I guess this is my 5th times @ InsideOut, during my birthday; Thanksgiving; regular days without occasion & this is our first time for Holidays Oasis Experience with my husband. It was beautiful experience especially the ambiance was so fantastic, our server Jonathan, he’s so great. The food kind salty (oven chicken) but the filet mignon was so good very tasty tender, and juicy it was perfect, my husband love it so much that his favorite. It’s 10 score for me. I love the place and definitely is a must to come back and highly recommend 😘
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Jillian
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    The vibes were great and the food was also wonderful.
    More info
    One Door NorthPrice: Moderate• American• North Park
    •
    4.5

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