Best American Restaurants in Vista

36 restaurants available nearby

1. The Landings

4.5

Price: Moderate

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 12 times today

The Landings Gastropub is not your typical airport restaurant or bar. We pride ourselves on our focus on quality, service, creativity and atmosphere. Everything from our unique cocktails to our pub-inspired menu and carefully curated craft beer list are locally-sourced and of the highest quality. Both our dining room and large patio have a panoramic view of the Palomar Airport runway. Bring the family, enjoy a cocktail and watch the planes come and go. We accept reservations for groups up to 8 people. Please call for larger parties. Please note: For Friday and Saturday concert nights, we enforce a $30/person minimum to cover the cost of the bands.

2. Campfire

4.7

Exceptional(5208)

Price: Moderate

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 47 times today

Campfire in Carlsbad is the epitome of Contemporary American cuisine, delivering a dynamic and innovative dining experience centered around live-fire cooking. The restaurant’s commitment to market-driven ingredients is evident in every dish, from the wood-grilled specialties to the uniquely crafted cocktails. Customers rave about the "fantastic vibe" and "creative and delicious cuisine," highlighting favorites like the roasted broccoli and the ambiance-enhancing s’mores for dessert. Praised for both its food and atmosphere, Campfire is celebrated as a place where "the wood fire brings a great flavor to everything!" making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and high-quality American dining experience.

A photo of Brickmans Restaurant & Bar (formerly The Grill) restaurant

3. Brickmans Restaurant & Bar (formerly The Grill)

4.5

Awesome(114)

Price: Moderate

• American • San Marcos

Booked 21 times today

Brickmans epitomizes the essence of a charming golf-side eatery, exuding a laid-back country club ambiance that effortlessly cultivates a sense of camaraderie and relaxation. Serving as a beloved community hub, it seamlessly transitions from the ideal 19th hole for golf enthusiasts to the cozy familiarity of your best friend's living room or the lively charm of your fun uncle's country club.

4. 20|TWENTY

4.4

Awesome(1149)

Price: Expensive

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 18 times today

20|TWENTY in Carlsbad stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of local flair and global inspirations. Helmed by the talented Chef Jason Luke, the restaurant prides itself on its minimalist approach that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced within a 40-mile radius. Patrons rave about the "perfect blend of manchego cheese, pistachio nuts, and lemon citrus in the kale salad" and the unforgettable brunch experience with "omelets loved by all." The spectacular views of the Pacific coastline enhance every meal, making 20|TWENTY not just a meal, but a memorable dining escapade. Whether it’s the "delicious" frittata or the brunch that keeps guests returning, 20|TWENTY captures the essence of Southern California’s coastal palette in every dish.

A photo of Canyons at The Crossings restaurant

5. Canyons at The Crossings

4.4

Awesome(726)

Price: Moderate

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 8 times today

Canyons at The Crossings in Carlsbad is the go-to spot for top-notch Comfort Food that leaves guests raving about their dining experience. Located with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, this restaurant offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Patrons frequently commend the "exceptional" food and "beautiful" ambiance, highlighting dishes like the chicken and waffles and short rib hash as "so so good!" The service is praised for being warm and welcoming, with special mentions of attentive staff members like Brandon and Jen. Whether it's the gigantic portions of shareable meals or the $89 prefix-type dinners with perfectly prepared New York steaks and generous crab cakes, Canyons consistently delivers a satisfying culinary delight. This spot is a must-visit for anyone craving genuine, heartwarming Comfort Food.

6. Matsu

4.7

Exceptional(49)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Oceanside

Booked 1 time today

Matsu in Oceanside is a beacon of Creative Japanese cuisine, offering a delightful exploration of modern culinary artistry while deeply respecting traditional Japanese techniques. Patrons rave about the "stellar and unique" dishes, particularly noting the chef's signature offerings like the Sunflower dish which continues to draw guests back. The restaurant's 10-course tasting menu is a rotating celebration of the seasons, ensuring every visit is a fresh, mesmerizing experience. Enthusiastic reviews highlight the meticulous attention to detail, with one guest proclaiming, "the pairing of wine/sake is highly recommended," enhancing the dining experience. Matsu's ability to blend impeccable service with an intimate, thoughtful ambiance makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional meal that is "definitely Michelin worthy."

7. Ember & Rye

4.6

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 20 times today

Ember & Rye, nestled on the picturesque 18th green of Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, is a prime destination for authentic American cuisine. Acclaimed chef and TV personality Richard Blais has crafted a menu that showcases exceptional steaks and fresh seafood, emphasizing high-quality local ingredients. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" dishes and the "outstanding" service, with one guest noting, "the steak and salmon were delicious!" The vintage clubhouse setting offers a splendid view, enhancing the dining experience. Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual meal, Ember & Rye delivers a culinary delight that is both genuine and innovative in its American offerings.

A photo of Black Rail Kitchen + Bar restaurant

8. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

4.6

Exceptional(292)

Price: Expensive

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 23 times today

Black Rail Kitchen + Bar in Carlsbad offers an extraordinary Mediterranean dining experience that consistently delights its guests. Executive Chef Moises Hernandez expertly crafts dishes that highlight the rich flavors and authentic essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Reviewers rave about the quality and presentation of the menu items, with one guest exclaiming, "The lamb chops were incredible!" and another noting the "scrumptious" short rib empanadas. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by live jazz music, adding to the authentic and enjoyable dining ambiance. Guests also commend the excellent service and the thoughtful touches, such as cozy firepits and lap throws on the patio, making each visit memorable. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Mediterranean meal in a lively and welcoming setting.

A photo of Dave & Buster's - Carlsbad restaurant

9. Dave & Buster's - Carlsbad

3.9

Excellent(95)

Price: Moderate

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 7 times today

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

A photo of King's Fish House - Carlsbad restaurant

10. King's Fish House - Carlsbad

4.6

Exceptional(3981)

Price: Moderate

• American • Carlsbad

Booked 52 times today

King's Fish House in Carlsbad, established in 2003, is a gem for authentic American seafood. Nestled near local attractions like the Carlsbad Premium Outlets and LEGOLAND, this restaurant offers a fresh, innovative menu that features everything from succulent oysters to live shellfish. Patrons rave about the "world-class gourmet menu" and the "exceptional service," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and comfort. Whether it's the fresh catches changing daily or the family-friendly atmosphere celebrated in reviews, King’s Fish House stands out as a premier destination for seafood lovers. Guests consistently praise the "very good" food and "terrific" service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic American seafood experience.

‘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

E
Earl
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent venue for lunch with view of Aviara Golf Course in foreground and Batiquitos Lagoon beyond, very scenic. Dependent on weather, outdoor seating would be the best option! Richard Blais' preparations for lunch for our party of 4 was delicious! I plan to return for dinner as today's lunch was our first visit to Ember & Rye. My wife and I have followed Richard Blais since he first came to San Diego. We enjoyed his fine dining presentations many years when he was Chef/Owner at Juniper & Ivy. We look forward to many more meals at Ember & Rye!
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Ember & RyePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Carlsbad
•
4.6
M
Mike
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A lunch with friends we haven’t seen for a long time went very long. The staff understood the situation and made us comfortable through out our very enjoyable meal
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Bluewater Grill - CarlsbadPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Carlsbad
•
4.6
B
Brandievip
Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Tony and Ray took great care of our table. We had a lovely dining experience, food was absolutely delicious and perfectly curated.
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CampfirePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Carlsbad
•
4.7
C
Courtneyvip
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Horacio is an exceptional server and got all of our special requests correct. It was an evening with live music on the patio so quite busy. Food was good and the ambience was nice on the cold evening.
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The LandingsPrice: Moderate• American• Carlsbad
•
4.5
S
Sobee
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food was very good. The service was more than acceptable. We had a very enjoyable time and will return as we always do.
More info
King's Fish House - CarlsbadPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Carlsbad
•
4.6

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Best American Restaurants in Vista

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36 restaurants available nearby

1. The Landings

2. Campfire

3. Brickmans Restaurant & Bar (formerly The Grill)

4. 20|TWENTY

5. Canyons at The Crossings

6. Matsu

7. Ember & Rye

8. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

9. Dave & Buster's - Carlsbad

10. King's Fish House - Carlsbad

See what locals rave about

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