Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in University Heights

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Cellar Hand

4.7

Exceptional(111)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 18 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!

2. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(241)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 60 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.

3. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8048)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 90 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.

4. ARLO San Diego

4.2

Awesome(766)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 21 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

5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2550)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 24 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

6. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

4.6

Exceptional(114)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 5 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

7. Isola Little Italy

4.7

Exceptional(754)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 26 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

8. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

4.1

Excellent(98)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 3 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.

9. ALBACA

3.8

Excellent(106)

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.

10. Above Ash

4.2

Awesome(151)

Price: Moderate

• Global, International • Little Italy

Booked 6 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sashi
San Diego •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Exceptional service and food--each dish was unique, and had a flavor profile that we had never tasted before. The miso black cod was our favorite. The wagyu bread was 'wow', and the Thai salad burst in our mouth with amazing flavors. The service from those bussing to our server were outstanding. A true gem--we will be back!
More info
Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
•
4.7
M
Melanie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was excellent. A lot of great dishes for their buffet. Wide variety of proteins, veggies, seafood and desserts to select from. Atmosphere was relaxed with a sense of refinement. Attentive service all the way around. And parking was easy and validated. Great place!
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ARLO San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
•
4.2
N
Nadia
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent service, staff was very attentive and skilled with accommodating my husband and I even with taking our photos! What we had from the preset menu was well beyond our expectations, looked appetizing, tasted scrumptious and satisfied our palate as well as our bellies for an overall lovely experience 🤩 Thank you and we will be back!
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Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
•
4.8
E
Ethelyn
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Attended the 5-course Christmas Eve dinner. It was worth every penny- from start to finish it was coursed beautifully, ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly to temp, plating was festive and colourful; and all this with just the right timed check-ins from my bartender/server James. The couple next to me did the wine pairing and everything was explained nicely and paired well... along with some fun history & stories- I opted for the cocktails which were creative and utilized some lovely ingredients as well as being well balanced.
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Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
S
scottVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
The food was amazingly fresh. Overall a great experience.
More info
Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in University Heights

Price

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Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

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Award-winning

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Cellar Hand

2. Callie Restaurant

3. Juniper & Ivy

4. ARLO San Diego

5. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

6. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

7. Isola Little Italy

8. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

9. ALBACA

10. Above Ash

See what locals rave about

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