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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Little Italy

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33 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1325)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 56 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.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
2. Coco Maya
4.7
Exceptional(373)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 2 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 Petrini's restaurant
3. Petrini's
4.5
Awesome(424)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Little Italy
Booked 8 times today
Petrini's in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a culinary gem, celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine with a unique twist. This eatery stands out for its dedication to quality and authenticity, drawing diners back time and again. Guests rave about the "delicious and homemade tasting" dishes, highlighting the smoked salmon alfredo and the innovative diablo shrimp as must-tries. The restaurant's atmosphere is consistently praised, with one visitor noting it as a "quiet, quaint, and beautiful eatery with old world recipes." Petrini's commitment to excellence is evident in every dish, making it a top destination for those seeking authentic American flavors in San Diego.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4718)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 44 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant
5. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4363)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Hillcrest
Booked 97 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.
A photo of Topside Terrace restaurant
6. Topside Terrace
4.0
Excellent(385)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 2 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2630)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • North Park
Booked 22 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.
A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant
8. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(1299)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Mission Hills
Booked 9 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.
A photo of The Desmond restaurant
9. The Desmond
4.5
Awesome(149)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
10. Grant Grill
4.8
Exceptional(1610)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Shanda
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Had to continue to listen to the child screeching next to us. Which kinda put a damper on celebrating my husband’s birthday. A little disappointed by that but everything else was perfect like always
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • Sean
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Overall a great experience. I was entertaining some colleagues and a business partner in town for a conference as a local and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Several of our dishes were great. Most notably the hot oil seared salmon that our server recommended and spicy garlic noodles. I wasnt really a fan of the meatball and spicy shrimp plates (but I may be biased having had similar dishes in the past) We arrived almost 30 minutes and the host Erika was exceptionally welcoming and got us seated promptly which was awesome. Definitely would come back, great for a date night or entertaining guests.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Lynnvip
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Sindone
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Everything was fantastic. Amazing food and atmosphere! Perfect for a birthday brunch
    More info
    Coco MayaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Gigivip
    Las Vegas •67 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    Love this place. The be e food is great and we’re going back again this same trip.
    More info
    Petrini'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.5

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the vibrant flavors of Contemporary American cuisine in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy. This area, known for its rich culinary diversity, offers a unique scene where innovative American cooking meets the bustling ambiance of one of the city's most charming neighborhoods. The restaurants here are celebrated for their creative use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, emphasizing seasonality and regional quality. Each dining spot in Little Italy provides a distinctive experience, from expertly crafted dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern twists to elegantly casual settings perfect for any occasion. Patrons can expect top-notch service and a knowledgeable staff that enhances the dining experience with their expertise and passion for food. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to indulge in San Diego's dining scene, Little Italy's Contemporary American restaurants offer a memorable culinary journey that consistently earns high praise from diners. Embrace the opportunity to explore this dynamic dining landscape, where each meal is not just eaten but experienced.

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