Top Best American Restaurants in Sunset Cliffs

"The centrally located, award-winning Bertrand at Mister A’s penthouse restaurant offers fine American cuisine and spectacular views of San Diego, including the skyline, bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma, and the zoo. Relish in the amazing flavors of the classic lobster bisque, steak tartare, or gourmet beer-battered fish and chips. French restaurateur, Bertrand Hug, bought Mister A’s in 2000 and invited Chef de Cuisine, Stephane Voitzwinkler, to create simplistic, yet delectable dishes with European influences made from seasonally available, locally-sourced ingredients."

"Owned by restaurateur Bertrand Hug, the eponymous Bertrand at Mister A’s is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant featuring modern American cuisine imbued with French and Mediterranean flavours as well as an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. Whether in the casual yet elegant interior or outside on a balcony complete with stunning views of San Diego, diners can feast upon seasonal lunch, dinner and brunch dishes. Between the incredible view, delectable fare and attentive service, it is one culinary experience not to be missed."

"Where: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 You'll indulge on sophisticated cuisine and panoramic views of downtown and San Diego Bay from the 12th floor patio of the iconic Mister A's. Located next to Balboa Park, the restaurant is one of San Diego's cherished and formal culinary landmarks and is the perfect setting for a special occasion or date."

"Owned by Top Chef Richard Blaise, think of The Crack Shack as a modern, hipster, casual eatery that takes the humble Chick-Fil-A and kicks it out of the barn and into the stratosphere. This is not fast food, this is foodie worthy chicken sandwiches and cocktails served in a fun and lively vibe. Great for families, and though not inexpensive you always get your moneys worth due to their excellent ingredients and incredible execution on their menu."

"What is it: This stylized outdoor coop slings fried chicken and good times. Why go: The adorable setting features picnic tables and red farm chairs set under strung Edison bulbs, a lively al fresco bar and kitchen housed in a modern barn structure. Yet, there’s some serious brawn behind all the playfulness."

"Described as a ‘left coast cookery’ and serving creative New American cuisine, this Little Italy venue has Executive Chef and partner Richard Blais at the helm and features a frequently changing menu. Within a modern and inviting space complete with exposed beams and colourful art guests can feast upon a host of delectable treats from snacks and raw dishes to plates both small and large."

"2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 269-9036Reserve Your Table Here$$$ | Bar | Modern. From the owner of the Crack Shack, Juniper & Ivy also makes my list of good restaurants in San Diego. Their classy take on the farm-fresh movement."

"The food here is delicate and unique, with flavors meant to be slowly enjoyed just like your experience there. Fish and other high end meats are the top selections here for one of the best dinner spots in San Diego ."

"I loved Carnitas Snack Shack when it was a hole in the wall in a not-so-glamorous section of town. It was so good that word soon got out and Carnitas Snack Shack expanded, then contracted, and now has the ideal location right on the Embarcadero on the bay. Pork-centric and Farm-to-Table, Carnitas Snack Shack is foodie paradise."

"We hadn’t either until we went to Carnitas Snack Shack, home of all things pork related, from the carnitas they’re named for to bacon and pulled pork. Carnitas’ unique takes on pork, like the decadent pork belly appetizer, are worth treating yourself to if you’re headed to North Park or Del Mar."

"Carnitas Snack Shack is what some may call a pork lover’s dream. This trendy take on Southwestern cuisine is a fresh look at old favorites. Whether you order their life-changing BLT or their classic carnitas tacos, you will be in a pork-flavored heaven!"

"When you walk into this jewel of a restaurant on Columbia Street, it seems like the food couldn’t possibly live up to the panoramic view of the city and its harbor through its vast wall-length windows. Sitting on the bar seats facing out, you can drink in the sunset over the skyline with the hanging lanterns creating ambiance behind you. Luckily, the food definitely delivers as well – as do the drinks!"

"What is it: Wes Anderson would feel at home inside this clubby, atmospheric cocktail bar with fanciful taxidermy and oil paintings of animals. Why go: Dimly-lit den attracts a cocktail crowd with serious talent behind the bar, but a menu that showcases exotic meats—ergo, the wild animal decor—more than measures up. Highlights include quail-topped deviled eggs, antelope sliders with smoked gouda and braised rabbit hand pies with duck fat crusts."

"This classic and stylish bar in the City Walk section is one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. Stop into this lush and relaxing bar and pub for some local brews or a cockta..."

"Head to Lion’s Share for a delicious and totally unique meal at one of the most famous restaurants in San Diego!. They serve modern American fare and the menu features exotic meats"

"This local bistro and chocolatier sells flavored bars, truffles, cupcakes, and many other confections, as well as breakfast favorites (buttermilk...Read More"

"Don’t miss Pigment, my favorite store in ALL of San Diego! If you’re more of the outdoorsy type, head over to Cabrillo National Monument. You can check out the vintage Point Loma lighthouse and take in gorgeous views of the city harbor. Try to time your visit with low tide, because you’ll be able to check out the tide pools for creatures."

"Organized by color, Pigment is a huge home and gift shop stocked with all kinds of stuff, from kid's shoes to vintage-style barware. You'll definitely find something you want to take home, but at the very least, you'll have fun looking around."

"This is a store in North Park that looks like it’s made for instagram. If you visit, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Don’t forget to pick up some of my favorite postcards designed by our friend, Katie Hart at Odd Daughter Co."

"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."

"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."

"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."