Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in San Diego

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Juniper & Ivy

4.6

Exceptional(7997)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 56 times today

Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

2. Cellar Hand

4.8

Exceptional(104)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 19 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

3. ARLO San Diego

4.3

Awesome(738)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 15 times today

ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.

A photo of CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant

4. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

4.7

Exceptional(112)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 2 times today

From My Heart and Soul to Your Table...Chef Gigi Monaco, Born in Capri, Italy where his passion for cooking took root starting from Mamma Rosa & Papa Giovanni… Gigi was trained in Culinary School in Capri, Italy and has over 30 years experience—Let Gigi take you to his home with the finest Italian meal you have ever had!Cucina Caprese is a restaurant that uses traditional Italian culinary techniques including il Forno a Legna –old style wood-fired oven– cooking. We use seasonal, local and organic ingredients as well as meats, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil(EVOO) imported from Italy.Our dough is prepared the authentic way of old Napoli–made only with special ‘OO Flour’, yeast, and water (no sugar oil, or vinegar). Our pizza is then prepared the traditional Neapolitan way, il Forno a Legna, in a wood-fired pizza oven on the side made to order!

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2507)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 35 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant

6. Beeside Balcony La Jolla

4.2

Awesome(155)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • La Jolla

Booked 9 times today

Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in La Jolla Village, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from interior and the balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of La Jolla, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu. Ask About our Speakeasy!

A photo of Theresa's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

7. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

4.2

Awesome(92)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 2 times today

Enjoy authentic Italian Steakhouse cuisine right in the heart of Mission Valley in central San Diego. Theresa’s Italian Steakhouse combines a dynamic atmosphere with traditional dishes. From housemade pasta dishes to prime cut steaks and fresh seafood, you will fall in love with our chef’s recipes, transporting you back to Italy. Take pleasure in every dish with perfectly paired selections from a carefully assembled wine collection.We believe in supporting local farmers and suppliers that produce fresh, sustainable and traceable ingredients. By working together, we can help protect the environment and ensure all animals are treated humanely through modern farming practices. We hope you'll enjoy these local ingredients and have an outstanding dining experience with us.

8. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(173)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

9. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.5

Awesome(2322)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Jolla

Booked 51 times today

The Grill is a popular dining destination at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, one of Southern California's most notable resorts. A favorite place for gathering with friends and family, The Grill invites locals and visitors to lounge beside five cozy fire pits, taste local craft beers beneath an artfully designed trellis, and enjoy meals from the restaurant's custom-built wood-burning suite. The latter serves as the foundation for the slow-cooked, farm-fresh menu, including the trademark Drugstore Burger, a true San Diego classic. Whether coming together for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Grill's welcoming ambiance and thoughtful team promise a memorable experience for guests and an ongoing dedication to local ingredients, sound craftsmanship, and the creative California spirit.

10. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1415)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 29 times today

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sandy
Oxford/Oxfordshire •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Food and service were both exceptional. Highly recommended and worth five stars. Only issue was noise since we were seated outside (planes fly very close overhead). Also a bit chilly sitting next to the screen, which doesn’t go down all the way so cold air comes in underneath. Better to sit inside at the high tops if tables aren’t available.
More info
Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
•
4.6
E
Ellen
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Awesome unique sauces on all dishes, fun drinks, attentive staff
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Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
•
4.8
P
Paradorn
Orange County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a lovely time. Service, food, and atmosphere were exceptional!
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ARLO San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
•
4.3
D
Denis
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Cucina Caprese is an Italian pizzeria that specializes in Pizza Napoletana, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. The pizza was incredibly fresh, with flavors that surpassed even the ones I enjoyed in Naples! The service was top-notch, making the visit even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect spot for a delightful lunch. Highly recommended
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CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIAPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
4.7
A
Ambervip
Chicago / Illinois •352 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
What an outstanding brunch experience - all the toasts are amazing with housemade bread. You need to get the chocolate babka and the basic breakfast is anything but basic, with pork belly bacon, sesame toast with housemade ham, herby potatoes and eggs your way. I’m surprised it’s not more crowded. Usually space for walk ins and right next to the Hillcrest farmers market.
More info
Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.8

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Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in San Diego

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Juniper & Ivy

2. Cellar Hand

3. ARLO San Diego

4. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

6. Beeside Balcony La Jolla

7. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

8. Callie Restaurant

9. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

10. Little Frenchie

See what locals rave about

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