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Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Downtown

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13 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1434)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 60 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(520)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 72 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 Little Frenchie restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1584)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 38 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(785)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 8 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 31ThirtyOne restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(44)
Price: Expensive
• Regional Mexican (Baja Med) • North Park
Booked 17 times today
Culinary gem in North Park, San Diego, known for its commitment to sustainability and exceptional Baja-Mediterranean cuisine. Led by Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman & Paulina Deckman, the restaurant features fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques in a warm atmosphere.The "zero-kilometer" philosophy at 31ThirtyOne emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries, ensuring fresh flavors while supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact. The menu changes daily, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of Southern California and Baja.Diners can embark on a journey with an “À-la-carte” menu. Experience the essence of sustainable dining at 31ThirtyOne, where every meal is a celebration of freshness and flavor.Every evening, from Tuesday through Saturday, you are invited to unwind and indulge 31ThirtyOne’s “Happiest Hour and a Half” - just a little longer, from 5 to 6:30 PM!(NO RESERVATIONS, first come first serve.)
A photo of ARLO San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(839)
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 Above Ash restaurant
3.6
Very Good(160)
Price: Moderate
• Global, International • Little Italy
Booked 1 time 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 Cellar Hand restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(163)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
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 weekend brunch!
A photo of ALBACA restaurant
3.7
Very Good(114)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Coronado
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
4.4
Awesome(122)
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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MariaVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Shawn is the best!!!! He is a great person and a fantastic server!!
    More info
    Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
    4.8
  • TaniaVIP
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were already fans of Deckman’s from our years of exploring the Valle. This was our first experience at 31ThirtyOne, and it was exceptional. Every dish was unbelievably fresh (when was the last time you marveled at peas?), perfectly executed, and so fun to eat. Lovely service. Truly an outstanding and memorable experience. Bring good friends and share everything.
    More info
    31ThirtyOnePrice: Expensive• Regional Mexican (Baja Med)• North Park
    4.6
  • Nancy
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Always Delicious food and Awesome wine pairings. Fabulous staff
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    One of the best happy hours I've been to. The level of coctail you get for the price is unmatched and the food was delicious!!
    More info
    Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
    4.3
  • Brennan
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 8, 2025
    Amidst the many options in Little Italy, Isola is a standout. You can’t go wrong with their authentic pasta dishes, which taste like they were made with the love and care only a Nonna would be capable of crafting. We chose to sit outside, 2 of the 4 outdoor heaters were not working. But the hostess kindly moved us closer to a functional one as soon as it was available. The serving assistants were great and even offered to take pictures for us. I appreciate their attentiveness and care. Overall this is a must try. While they may be a little short staffed with servers, you can’t have a bad meal here. The food and atmosphere won’t disappoint.
    More info
    Isola Little ItalyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
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