Best American Restaurants in Kensington

132 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6425)

Price: Expensive

• American • Little Italy

Booked 69 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

2. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.4

Awesome(4529)

Price: Moderate

• American • Little Italy

Booked 87 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Ironside Fish & Oyster is a gem for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for its dedication to the freshest and highest quality seafood, this restaurant has transformed a historic auction house into a bustling seafood haven with an expansive raw bar and open-air culinary hubs. Patrons rave about their "10/10 plump oysters" and assert that the "fish and chips may be the best in San Diego." Not to be missed are their lobster rolls, described as "the best thing I ever had!" With its cool vibe and exceptional service, Ironside Fish & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience right by the docks where the city's fishing legacy continues to thrive.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

3. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(654)

Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 57 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant

4. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4363)

Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 99 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.

5. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1325)

Price: Expensive

• American • Little Italy

Booked 55 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2630)

Price: Moderate

• 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.

7. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4718)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 49 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.

8. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7080)

Price: Moderate

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 60 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 Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

9. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(191)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 17 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 Water Grill - San Diego restaurant

10. Water Grill - San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3570)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 65 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.

‘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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From verified diners like you

S
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
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
S
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.
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
A
Andy
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
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Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
N
Nataliavip
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
What can I say? This is easily one of the best happy hour spots in San Diego! The ambiance is stunning, the service is outstanding, and the food is absolutely incredible. We had yet another fantastic experience here, this time for an early dinner to celebrate my kid’s birthday. The oysters were incredibly fresh, the Japanese sweet potatoes are a must-try, the fish and chips were amazing—so fresh and moist—and the clam chowder was perfection. The smoked trout dip wasn’t my favorite this time, but it was still a solid appetizer. Our server, Mike, was exceptional—attentive, polite, and spot-on with his food recommendations. We’ll definitely be back, and if you’ve never been to this place, make a reservation now. You can thank me later!
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Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
•
4.4
R
Recia
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I brought my boyfriend and his parents here to eat for his birthday. We ordered the busicuits for appetizers, they were so delicious 10/10. The margaritas was a perfect blend 10/10. Overall there were no complaints about the food at the table. Everything was well portioned. 10/10!! I would most definitely go back and recommend to friends and family.
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Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
•
4.5

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Kensington

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Best American Restaurants in Kensington

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132 restaurants available nearby

1. Herb & Wood

2. Ironside Fish & Oyster

3. Louisiana Purchase SD

4. Great Maple San Diego

5. Kettner Exchange

6. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

7. Cowboy Star

8. CUCINA urbana

9. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

10. Water Grill - San Diego

See what locals rave about

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