Best Southwest American Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

186 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

1. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3527)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 160 times today

Javier's in La Jolla stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, delighting patrons with its vibrant atmosphere and a rich heritage of elevated dishes. Located in the scenic area of San Diego, the restaurant offers a captivating ambiance, perfect for enjoying their hand-shaken margaritas and a wide selection of rare tequilas. Patrons rave about the quality of the meals, with reviews highlighting the "spectacular" carne asada and the "mouth-watering" lobster enchiladas. As one diner puts it, "Absolutely loved the food and experience." Javier's consistently provides not just a meal but a delightful culinary journey steeped in Mexican tradition, making it a must-visit location for both locals and visitors.

A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant

2. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(2576)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 18 times today

The Butcher Shop Steakhouse in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, is a treasure trove for lovers of authentic American cuisine, particularly those with a penchant for a classic steakhouse experience. Evoking the charm of a Chicago-style steakhouse, it offers a seductive ambiance with its rich dark wood paneling and comfortable leather booths. The restaurant is celebrated for its USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, such as the signature Prime Rib, lauded for being "cooked to perfection" and providing a "rare bit of old world charm." With glowing reviews like, "Best steak dinner ever!" and "Amazing prime rib," it's clear that The Butcher Shop masters the art of American steakhouse cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors in San Diego.

3. Forbidden Cove

4.4

Awesome(57)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Forbidden Cove in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, offers an immersive Tiki bar experience that promises not only a visual feast but also an exceptional array of handcrafted cocktails and delightful small plates. Hidden within Kilowatt Brewing, this speakeasy-style lounge is praised for its "strong and plentiful" drinks and "wonderfully designed and executed theme." Visitors revel in the adventure of entering through a secret door and are greeted by an atmosphere that one reviewer describes as having a "very cool vibe." The Lapu Lapu and Zombie are standout favorites among patrons, with many noting the authenticity and quality of each concoction. The service is consistently highlighted as "fun and attentive," making Forbidden Cove a must-visit for those seeking a unique bar and lounge experience with top-notch bottle service.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3214)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 29 times today

At the 94th Aero Squadron in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, diners are transported back in time to a World War I French farmhouse, offering an authentic and unique American dining experience that's second to none. Celebrated for its "outstanding service" and "excellent food," this restaurant has been a beloved landmark for over 40 years. With cozy stone fireplaces and views of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, it provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Reviewers rave about the "best buffet in town," with special mentions of the "bottomless Champagne Brunch" and a variety of dishes that leave guests planning their next visit. As one reviewer puts it, this place is "the fucken best place ever!" making it a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch American cuisine in a memorable setting.

5. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(128)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Serra Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

6. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1991)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 30 times today

Puesto Mission Valley in San Diego epitomizes the essence of authentic, innovative Mexican cuisine, delighting diners with its fresh, non-GMO organic ingredients and heirloom Masienda blue corn tortillas. Celebrated for its "Mexico City-inspired tacos," each dish is a burst of flavor and tradition, with "the filet mignon tacos" often hailed as a must-try. The restaurant prides itself on its vibrant ambiance and exceptional service, making every dining experience memorable. Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," noting that the coconut margarita and pozole taco are standout choices. Puesto consistently exceeds expectations, offering a culinary journey that is both genuine and extraordinary, right in the heart of Mission Valley.

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

7. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(207)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 22 times today

Gravity Heights Mission Valley in San Diego is a gem in the American cuisine scene, celebrated for pairing quality craft beers with sublime gastronomic offerings. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this establishment stands out not just for its fine brews but also for its commitment to top-notch American dishes that receive glowing praise. Patrons frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "exceptional service," noting dishes like the chicken tikka masala pot pie as "outstanding." The ambiance, described as a "refreshingly open and light" space, perfectly complements the culinary experience, making Gravity Heights a must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable American dining adventure.

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

8. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2687)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 33 times today

Experience the vibrant heart of contemporary Mexican cuisine at RED O Taste of Mexico in La Jolla, San Diego. Known for its unique blend of prime steak and seafood with the authentic, rich flavors of Mexico, courtesy of Rick Bayless' culinary influence, RED O stands out for its high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and artful presentations. Guests rave about the "smoky chipotle crema & cotija mashed potatoes" and the "passion fruit butter cake," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to elevating traditional Mexican dishes. The luxurious resort-like interior and impeccable service, including a "table side tequila cart," make dining here a memorable affair. Whether it's for the innovative dishes or the specialty cocktails, RED O brings an exceptional Mexican dining experience to the heart of San Diego.

A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla restaurant

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(1447)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar epitomizes the essence of sophisticated American dining. This gem has consistently been recognized for its exceptional service and culinary prowess, with Chef Yvon Goetz leading the kitchen. His wine country-driven menu perfectly complements an impressive wine selection of over 650 choices, meriting multiple accolades including 'Restaurant of the Year.' Patrons rave about the "outstanding service and ambiance" and the "delicious food," with favorites like the "perfectly cooked" steak and "tender" slow-braised beef short ribs. The Winery is not just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of the finest American flavors and hospitality.

A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant

10. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

4.8

Exceptional(4984)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 69 times today

Seasons 52 in San Diego's UTC area stands out as a premier Wine Bar, offering an extensive list of meticulously curated wines that beautifully complement their seasonal, oak-fire grilled, and brick oven roasted dishes. Patrons rave about the ambience and the wine selection, consistently noting how each visit is enhanced by the perfect pairing of wine and food. Reviews like "great wine selection" and "the wines perfectly complemented our meals" exemplify the authentic Wine Bar experience that Seasons 52 provides. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a sophisticated yet approachable wine and dining experience, where every sip and bite is a celebration of seasonal freshness and culinary excellence.

‘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

S
Shanta
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Blanco is a hidden jewel in Coronado. The prices are very reasonable and the food and service are outstanding. The staff is extremely professional and very kind. I highly cannot say enough kind things about our dinning experience. We are looking forward to our next visit, keep up the great work.
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.7
A
Anne
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
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Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
D
Donna
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
We made last minute reservation and enjoyed a quiet lunch. We have always like going to Fred’s as it is a festival environment and fun to be there and hear the music and laughter of others. This time it was quiet due to it being a Monday afternoon and not much going on in the area. The food was very tasty and service great. And it was pleasant and relaxful to enjoy lunch in the unusual quiet environment . DJ
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Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.4
L
Lattie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
Better than expected! Great service, food & ambience. We enjoyed it!
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern)• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6

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Kearny Mesa

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

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186 restaurants available nearby

1. Javier's - La Jolla

2. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

3. Forbidden Cove

4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

5. Boujiemana

6. Puesto Mission Valley

7. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

8. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

10. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

See what locals rave about

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