Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Banker's Hill

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 63 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.

2. Coco Maya

4.6

Exceptional(378)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 8 times today

Coco Maya in Little Italy, San Diego, is a delightful revelation in Contemporary American cuisine, offering a creative twist on classic American fare. The restaurant's use of a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven brings a unique flavor profile to robust, flavorful proteins, setting it apart in a neighborhood rich with culinary offerings. Reviewers rave about the diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the "delicious" short rib pasta and "amazing" skirt steak. The ambiance, enhanced by sweeping views of Little Italy and a vibrant rooftop setting, is consistently praised. It’s not just the food that receives acclaim; the cocktail program, featuring a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, is also a highlight. Visitors describe their dining experience as “unforgettable,” noting the "fun atmosphere" and exceptional service that make Coco Maya a must-visit spot in San Diego.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4390)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 121 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

4. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4757)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 55 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2643)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • North Park

Booked 26 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. Topside Terrace

4.4

Awesome(387)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Topside Terrace, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, is a celebrated destination for those seeking the finest in Contemporary American cuisine. This open-air terrace blends the essence of coastal living with the urban charm of San Diego, offering a delightful array of Baja California and classic American fare. Guests rave about the "incredible rooftop brunch experience" and the "delicious wagyu slider and beet salad," highlighting the quality and creativity of the dishes. With glowing reviews like "delicious food, efficient service, live music and awesome San Diego weather, you can't go wrong," it's clear that Topside Terrace provides not just a meal, but a spectacular dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a lively evening under the heaters or a sunny brunch with live chill music, Topside Terrace promises a memorable culinary journey.

A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant

7. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1304)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Hills

Booked 15 times today

Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Mission Hills, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptional Steak cuisine, particularly the Slow Roast Prime Rib available every Friday night. Diners consistently rave about the quality and flavor of their steaks, describing them as "cooked to perfection" and a highlight of their dining experience. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in the glowing reviews, with one patron noting, "The prime rib was amazing!" Additionally, the ambiance, from its cozy patio seating to its friendly service, enhances the culinary journey, making Harley Gray a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in San Diego.

8. Grant Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1625)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 14 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 Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant

9. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

4.2

Awesome(540)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Bay

Booked 7 times today

Covewood at Mission Bay Resort in San Diego is the epitome of exquisite American cuisine, offering a unique California coastal flair that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh seafood and wood-grilled vegetables, perfectly paired with local wines and innovative cocktails. Diners rave about the "bold" flavors, such as the anchovy-enhanced Caesar salad and perfectly cooked burgers, stating that every dish is "exceptional" and "worth every penny." The ambiance, described as "barefoot-chic," complements the high-quality service provided by staff members like Jorge and Juan, who are frequently praised for their attentiveness. Covewood is not just a meal; it’s a "wonderful" dining experience that leaves guests planning their next visit before they've even departed.

10. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(150)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 8 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!"

‘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

A
Anna
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our dinner at Great Maple in Hillcrest was an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The food was delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor. We particularly enjoyed the truffle fries and the rich, tender maple bacon doughnuts—both of which were perfect starters. For the main course, the fried chicken sandwich was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, and the French toast was ENORMOUS and delicious. What truly made the evening special was the service. Our waitress was terrific—attentive, friendly, and incredibly kind to our children. She took the time to engage with them, making sure they felt comfortable and taken care of throughout the meal. It’s not often you experience such genuine warmth from a server, and it truly added to the overall positive vibe of the evening. The atmosphere of Great Maple is cozy and welcoming, with a modern yet comfortable vibe that made us feel at home. We left feeling satisfied and already looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend for both families and anyone looking for a great dining experience in San Diego!
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
J
jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
M
Mike
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was fantastic. All their steaks are great but try the bone in wagyu rib eye. Best steak ever. And we have eaten at most downtown steak places. Matt’s drinks were perfect. As usual. The service by Luis was great, but a special thanks to Ruby for taking such great care of us.
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
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
•
4.6
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
•
4.4

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Banker's Hill

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Banker's Hill

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

2. Coco Maya

3. Great Maple San Diego

4. Cowboy Star

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

6. Topside Terrace

7. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

8. Grant Grill

9. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

10. Bronze Bird

See what locals rave about

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