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Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Downtown

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
1. Callie Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(231)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 34 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 Juniper & Ivy restaurant
2. Juniper & Ivy
4.7
Exceptional(8040)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 64 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.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
3. Cellar Hand
4.7
Exceptional(111)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 7 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. 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!
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
4. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1437)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 41 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.
A photo of Isola Little Italy restaurant
5. Isola Little Italy
4.7
Exceptional(753)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 1 time today
My Nonna's name was Isola, a wonderful cook who gave me a passion for food and fresh, simple ingredients.I have vivid memories of my grandmother turning plain bread into amazing desserts, simple apples into incredible fritters sprinkled with a little sugar and honey, and even treating my sunburns with olive oil. Thirty years later, I still savor every meal and moment.Isola is proud to serve the finest local ingredients, dalla vite, from the vine. I hope you enjoy every bite, plucked from my family tree for your table. Buon appetito!
A photo of ARLO San Diego restaurant
6. ARLO San Diego
4.3
Awesome(756)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 25 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 Above Ash restaurant
7. Above Ash
4.2
Awesome(151)
Price: Moderate
• Global, International • Little Italy
Booked 2 times today
Race You to the Rooftop! Above Ash Social is an intimate, welcoming rooftop bar on the 16th floor and rooftop of Carte Hotel. With glorious sunset views of San Diego cityscapes, relax near one of our fire pits and enjoy local focused beverages of every kind, from beer and wine to craft cocktails.Sign off a great day with a hand-crafted cocktail and delectable shared bites. Offering daily Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and shareables. Age Policy: Above Ash welcomes guests 21+ only after 10pm. All ages are welcome at our lobby restaurant, Watercolors, located on the first floor.
A photo of CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant
8. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA
4.6
Exceptional(114)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
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 ALBACA restaurant
9. ALBACA
4.2
Awesome(104)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Coronado
Booked 13 times today
Enjoy the California sunshine while eating dishes created with local ingredients at ALBACA, Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa's signature restaurant. Gather with family and friends with a cocktail and fresh cuisine by the pool or around a fire pit.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(2541)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 16 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CeliaVIP
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Callie’s never fails to provide impeccable service and an outstanding dining experience. Each course is beyond expectations. Callie is simply the very best restaurant San Diego has to offer!.
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.8
  • Barbara
    Los Angeles •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Whenever we are in Coronado we make sure to have Brunch @ Little Frenchie. The menu provides diverse options. The food is delicious. Be sure to make a reservation. I am ready for the next visit. You won’t be disappointed. Yum.
    More info
    Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
    •
    4.7
  • Davi
    Coastal North Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I had a phenomenal experience at Juniper and Ivy. I made a reservation for my wife’s birthday and once I got there they had valet service for 15$ which for Downtown SD isn’t bad at all. Upon arriving we waited at a very nice, comfortable lounge area by the bar while our table got ready. Once we were seated the server Andrew gave us greeted us phenomenally, remembered the request I made upon making the reservation and fulfilled it expertly. I had initially checked the restaurant’s menu online to have what I wanted to order planned and my only critique is that there was a good amount of menu items in the website that either weren’t available or had different prices however I still rated them 5 stars because all the issues I had related to the website were smoothly resolved by both the manager and the server which easily removed all potential problems both regarding price and the availability of menu items. The food was just as good as the service and I would highly recommend anyone visiting San Diego or looking for a quality dining experience. The price is on the high side but I refuse to call it expensive because the amount you pay is on par with the experience you receive and I will absolutely be dining there again in the future. In conclusion 10/10 to Juniper and Ivy and a special shoutout to the server Andrew and to Whatever manager was on the floor the night of 20Dec2024.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Paul
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Dec 2024
    Love this place. It has been one of the most consistently GREAT dining experiences in San Diego since I moved here 10am years ago. I brought a group of 8 people to enjoy the pizza there and everyone said the same thing. I’ll be back soon. 😎🎈
    More info
    Isola Little ItalyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • scottVIP
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Dec 2024
    The food was amazingly fresh. Overall a great experience.
    More info
    Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
    •
    4.7

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