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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Encanto

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149 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
1. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 29 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(3581)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2634)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 4 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 Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
4. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(951)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 17 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.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
5. CUCINA urbana
4.7
Exceptional(7085)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Banker's Hill
Booked 11 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 Books + Records restaurant
6. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(367)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Banker's Hill
Booked 4 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 Saint James French Diner restaurant
7. Saint James French Diner
4.6
Exceptional(224)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Huntress restaurant
8. Huntress
4.6
Exceptional(785)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 19 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 Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
9. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.5
Awesome(658)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 14 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.
A photo of KINDRED restaurant
10. KINDRED
4.7
Exceptional(203)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • South Park
Booked 8 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.
‘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.

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