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Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in University Heights

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 12 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!
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(188)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 46 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
4.6
Exceptional(8009)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 42 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 ARLO San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(748)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 12 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(2515)
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
A photo of CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(113)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 6 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 Isola Little Italy restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(750)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 20 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 Theresa's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.2
Awesome(92)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Valley
Booked 1 time 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.
A photo of Above Ash restaurant
4.1
Excellent(150)
Price: Moderate
• Global, International • Little Italy
Booked 3 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 ALBACA restaurant
4.1
Excellent(103)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Coronado
Booked 3 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Krista
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We came for the 3-course fixed Thanksgiving menu. The food, drinks, and service were outstanding. There was virtually no wait between courses and though it was a holiday, their menu was reasonably priced! Will definitely be coming back!
    More info
    Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
    4.8
  • esther
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Went for Thanksgiving buffet and everything was outstanding. Turkey was juicy, prime rib was tender, salads, sides, desserts too many to mention. Will do this again.
    More info
    ARLO San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
    4.3
  • Carmen
    San Diego •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Having Callie on our list of food experiences for a while now, we treated ourselves to Thanksgiving there. It was the best! We were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome by the hosting staff. Love the ambiance and the background music that was playing! Just the right volume that was enjoyable to hear but not too much that you could hold a conversation with your party. The food was delicious, we had the traditional turkey meal with the sides, every dish was perfectly seasoned, and paired with the perfect wine. The service staff are so friendly and work so well with each other leading to a wonderful presented meal from start to finish. We even were sent home with a turkey sandwich to enjoy at home! Had the opportunity to meet Chef Travis to thank him and his staff for such a wonderful meal! We will be back for sure !
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.8
  • William
    New York City •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Overall our dining experience was terrific. We started with a beet salad that was as beautiful as it was delicious. One of our best ever dishes. We also had the pork belly that was also good but not even close to the salad. We also had wagyu butter biscuits. They were served in a smoked filled glass. A new dining experience for us. Very cool. When our waitress came back for our entree order, my wife selected the Rock fish special. I then ordered the flat iron steak. My wife told me after dinner she meant to pick the black cod but got confused. It's not a big deal but the Rock fish dish was $70 vs $36. The Rock fish was grilled perfectly. The only issue I have is our waitress should have told us the fish was big enough for two. I felt like she was padding my bill because it was a Tuesday night. I gave her ample opportunity to apologize for not telling us but she didn't seem to care. I mentioned how big a piece of fish it was. How it's big enough for two. Nothing!! I didn't eat my steak dinner at all, so I took it home. Overall it was still a great place to dine. I would go back , but be mindful of what you order. Our bill was $300. I would expect more honesty from the wait staff. Kudos to the chef.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Lisavip
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Chef Logan and the team here are top tier. We came for brunch and I had the best breakfast potatoes I’ve had anywhere—perfectly crispy and seasoned. The Bluefin schnitzel is the best schnitzel my bf says he’s had stateside (he travels to Germany a lot for work). The dark chocolate babka is soft, chocolatey and balanced. The music is hella fun while you eat and the service is warm and attentive. We’ll be back for sure!
    More info
    Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
    4.7
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