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Best Contemporary Asian Restaurants in National City

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8 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Animae restaurant
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1. Animae
4.8
Exceptional(4144)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Downtown
Booked 99 times today
Animae, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, is a shining beacon of Californian cuisine, masterfully intertwined with Asian influences. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey elevates the dining experience by harnessing the essence of California cooking, using local produce and seasonal ingredients in every dish. The restaurant's coal-fired oven and grill bring a delightful depth to creations like the "melt-in-your-mouth" A5 Wagyu and the "incredibly flavorful" tomahawk tocino, leaving diners in awe. Animae's vibrant atmosphere and artful presentation make it a "must-visit" for those seeking an authentic and innovative taste of California's culinary landscape.
A photo of Nobu San Diego at The Hard Rock Hotel restaurant
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2. Nobu San Diego at The Hard Rock Hotel
4.6
Exceptional(3924)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Nobu San Diego is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary Asian cuisine, nestled in the vibrant Downtown area. With Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at the helm, the restaurant offers a culinary adventure that has diners raving. Known for legendary dishes like the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, guests are treated to "world-class dining" that leaves a lasting impression. Executive Chef David Meade brings unique creations to the menu, ensuring every dish is "perfectly prepared." The ambiance is both sophisticated and lively, making it ideal for special occasions. As one satisfied diner put it, "Nobu is an experience definitely worth having."
A photo of Fortunate Son restaurant
3. Fortunate Son
4.7
Exceptional(491)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • North Park
Booked 35 times today
Fortunate Son in North Park, San Diego, is a true gem for those seeking authentic Asian cuisine with a creative twist. "The food is absolutely delicious," with standout dishes like Broccoli Beef and Szechuan Green Beans that are "so flavorful, so fresh." The intimate ambience and "magical oriental decor" transport diners to another place, offering a unique dining experience. This restaurant embraces the ingenuity of Chinese American culinary traditions, serving dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative. With "amazing decor, food, and service," Fortunate Son is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy delightful Asian flavors in a welcoming setting.
A photo of Choi's San Diego restaurant
4. Choi's San Diego
4.5
Awesome(341)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
An Asian Fusion RestaurantWritten by Jiwoo Choi Founded at just 23, chef Jiwoo Choi built Choi's on raw ambition, curiosity, and a love for Asian flavorsexpressed through San Diego's local ingredients.​The food reflects that spirit - unrestrained, creative, and thoughtfully unconventional- offering a largely gluten-free menu with a strong commitment tosustainability and balanced eating.Choi's is driven by continuous learning and improvement,with one simple promise:every visit will be better than the last.​Two-hour complimentary parking garage validation.Choi's is the perfect spot for a comforting yet exciting evening. Join us at Choi's tonight!
A photo of Sake Bar Gaga restaurant
5. Sake Bar Gaga
new
4.8
Exceptional(4)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Downtown
Booked 2 times today
San Diego’s first sake-forward bar, owned and curated by certified sake sommelier Ayaka Ito.Ito has built every experience around three elements in harmony - sake, food, and glassware. Change the glass, and the same sake tastes different. Add the right dish, and something unexpected comes alive. Get all three right, and the result is something you can’t quite explain, but will never forget.The food side of that magic is shaped in collaboration with Marie Chiba, owner of EUREKA!, Tokyo’s legendary sake bar, and one of the few people in the world to hold the title of Sake Samurai, one of the highest honors in sake culture. Her influence on how we think about food and sake runs through every dish on our menu executed by Head Chef Ryan Miller.Sake Bar Gaga has shaped a menu where sake, food, and glassware are chosen with that magic in mind. We can't wait to welcome you for this unique experience!
A photo of James' Place restaurant
6. James' Place
4.5
Awesome(1185)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • La Jolla
Booked 3 times today
James' Place in La Jolla offers a delightful journey into Contemporary American cuisine, making it an ideal spot for pre-theater dining at the nearby La Jolla Playhouse. Guests rave about the "outstanding" dining experience, highlighting dishes like the flat iron steak and crispy rice, which showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. With a menu that's both diverse and delicious, James' Place ensures every palate is catered to, blending traditional American tastes with modern flair. The ambiance is described as "elegant and tranquil," making it a perfect setting for a memorable meal. Experience exceptional service and savor the delightful offerings at this beloved local gem.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
7. Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar
4.8
Exceptional(355)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Carmel Valley
Booked 10 times today
Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar, located in Carmel Valley, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian dining experience, revered for its authentic and fresh cuisine. The restaurant captures the essence of Asian flavors with a modern twist, as noted by customers who describe their meals as "SOOOOO GOOD" and "spectacular." Master Chef Ethan's expertise shines through in every dish, with many diners praising the "super fresh fish" and the incredible omakase offerings. From the delightful poke nachos to the exquisitely prepared sushi, Glass Box provides a "transparent authentic cultural experience" that keeps patrons coming back for more.
A photo of Xina Chinese bistro restaurant
8. Xina Chinese bistro
4.7
Exceptional(4)
$$$$
• Contemporary asian • Tijuana
Booked 2 times today
Restaurante de cocina china americana, complementada con platillos emblemáticos de la cocina china regional de Tijuana. En un ambiente elegante y contemporáneo, XiNa invita a compartir platillos al centro de la mesa, acompañados de una cuidada selección de bebidas y coctelería.Un espacio ideal para cenas especiales, reuniones y celebraciones.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Gary
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were there before the Padre game for their happy hour. The oysters were fresh and tasty! I had the crab taco and it was a tasty little bite! One of the best deals oysters in town! I enjoyed their hazy IPA!
    More info
    Choi's San Diego$$$$• Asian• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • Sarah
    Anchorage / Alaska •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a great experience all around. The food was fun and we tried new things. We would definitely recommend the Taiwanese fried chicken, the buns and the scallop crudo. Portions are generous- we happily took home some of the pork tomahawk for a late night snack. The music set the tone and made the atmosphere fun and playful. The service was exceptional. Chef Tara was on the floor which added a level of hospitality you don’t see often. We look forward to coming back!
    More info
    Animae$$$$• Contemporary Asian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • JJ
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent food, excellent service, and a great atmosphere. Every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made our dining experience memorable. We highly recommend Nobu San Diego and look forward to returning soon.
    More info
    Nobu San Diego at The Hard Rock Hotel$$$$• Japanese• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Roy
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Cozy Hidden gem. If you are looking for an authentic, intimate, and vibrant spot to enjoy incredible sake and Japanese small plates, Sake Bar Gaga is an absolute must-visit. Ayaka is a Wonderful host with her beautiful description of the sake pairs. I'll definitely be back
    More info
    Sake Bar Gaga$$$$• Dining Bar• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Amber
    Exclusive •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We’re from out of town and I saw videos of this place online. I’ve really been wanting to go for months and we finally got the chance! I scared Myself on the way there after reading reviews, I was Worried it was going to be mid and I was Gonna disappoint my friends. All was well! We got there for our reservation at 6 and they didn’t even mind that 3 people dropped out of our group. Food was amazing!! The restaurant was so cute!! Really happy it worked out, maybe the reviews vary because it’s take out or Maybe they ate too late but it was fresh for us and tasted great. I loved The chicken fried rice and the mushroom dish! My boyfriend loved the orange Chicken! I think We got general tso as well and it was a little too soy sauce forward for me but that’s just preference!
    More info
    Fortunate Son$$$$• Chinese• North Park
    •
    4.7

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