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Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Downtown

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1344)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 63 times today
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(327)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 97 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 Cellar Hand restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(125)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 16 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
4.7
Exceptional(1486)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 54 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
4.6
Exceptional(766)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 33 times 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 Above Ash restaurant
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 Carté 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 ALBACA restaurant
3.7
Very Good(109)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Coronado
Booked 6 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 CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(115)
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 ARLO San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(787)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 17 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 Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2596)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 19 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
  • RaquelVIP
    Baja California •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Isola is a fantastic spot in Little Italy! My party of four and I had an amazing experience from start to finish. We began with the burrata as an appetizer, which was rich and creamy. Our waiter, Alexandri, treated us exceptionally well, making us feel special and welcomed. The Tuscany wine we ordered was outstanding, as always. For the main course:    •   My friend ordered the gnocchi (potato-based pasta) and kindly shared a piece with us—it was delicious.    •   Another friend had the eggplant parmigiana, which he also shared, and it was incredibly flavorful.    •   My salmon, cooked in the wood oven with vegetables, was perfectly prepared and full of flavor.    •   My husband ordered the steak, and it was tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. To finish, we had the chocolate budino with caramel and sea salt, and it was pure indulgence! Overall, Isola never disappoints—the food, service, and atmosphere make it a must-visit in Little Italy!
    More info
    Isola Little ItalyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Natthan
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I took my girlfriend here for Valentines day and the whole experience overall was amazing. They were gonna sit us on the bottom floor for our reservation, but we asked if they could sit us on the top floor, and even though it was Valentines Night and they we're BOOKED they still made it work for us, and throughout the rest of our time there the service was amazing. The food was definitely 5 star if not better and had no regrets. It was a nice romantic vibe and setting, would definitely recommend this place, in my opinion one of the best in Downtown.
    More info
    Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.5
  • Joe
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Cellar Hand is wonderful date night spot. The food is amazing: locally sourced and prepared with skill. Bonus: if you’re a member of the Pali Wine Co club, then you can bring their bottles with you for no corkage fee.
    More info
    Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
    4.6
  • Vic
    San Diego •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.8
  • JenniferVIP
    San Diego •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The restaurant is always a delight! Little Frenchies has wonderful food and fun staff members. Thank you for the great date night.
    More info
    Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
    4.7
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