San Diego Restaurants that use locally grown food
This list of restaurants are those that we know of that make a point of purchasing fresh, seasonal food from local farms, with seasonally changing menus designed around what is currently available. This resource is here to help you find the freshest, healthiest and tastiest food being served by San Diego's best chefs, and is not an endorsement of or advertisement of these establishments.
We list only those restaurants who are committed to the core principles of local, fresh and tasty. To be included, we need to know the names of the farms that the restaurant buys from and the frequency of those purchases (occasionally is not good enough).
Alchemy Restaurant Managed by partners Ron Troyano and Matt Thomas, Alchemy is a warm neighborhood rendezvous offering choice local cuisine with an eclectic, artistic flare. Chef Ricardo Heredia works in close partnership with numerous local farms to source some of the freshest and most impressive spreads in San Diego. 1503 30th Street (South Park) 92102, 619.255.0616.
Arterra Executive chef Jason Maitland makes San Diego's bounty of produce and seafood. The restaurant has recently changed some of it's main emphasis to be more locally oriented and green, while maintaining affordable dining and exquisite ingredients. Located in the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Rea (Del Mar) 92130, Reservations 858.369.6032.
A.R. Valentien An elegant restaurant located within the Torrey Pines Lodge, A.R. Valentien embodies the essence of Southern Californian cuisine and design. Chef Jeff Jackson leads the culinary team by sourcing market driven, seasonal and local ingredients and following a deep commitment to traditional culinary craftsmanship. 11480 North Torrey Pines Road (La Jolla) 858.453.4420.
Blind Lady Ale House The guys behind the blinds at Blind Lady Ale House are doing things right when it comes to quality and connection in food and drink. The majority of their produce comes from Suzie's Farm and Crows Pass Farm. They shop the neighborhood weekly markets, fabricate many of their meats and cheeses, and order their beers all other ingredients from neighborhood sources. Usually every month they host fun, charitable event, like movies about sustainable living, fundraising dinners for local charities, etc. 3416 Adams Avenue (Normal Heights) 92116, 619.255.2491.
Blue Water Grill Offers some of the freshest fish in town, caught locally and served 3 ways with a variety of side dishes. 3667 India Street (Mission Hills) 619.497.0914.
Blanca Just recently entering the San Diego food scene, Executive Chef Gavin Schmidt demonstrates his ability to bring unexpected dimensions to sometimes familiar or simple menus. A forager by nature, Schmidt designs his menu entirely around ingredients he grows at the restaurant or purchases from well known local growers. 437 S Highway 101 #301, (Solana Beach) 92075, 858.792.0072.
Cafe Chloe A cozy corner eatery that brings the sophistication of a Parisian cafe with a more modern, urban tone. Located in San Diego's East Village, Chef Katie Grebow strives to use all produce from local farms and all meats and seafood from sustainably raised sources. 721 9th Avenue (Downtown East Village) 92101, 619.232.3242.
Cucina Urbana Laurel on 5th remodel, Cucina Urbana has found it’s niche as a modern kitchen combined with the history and comfort of an old rustic country farmhouse. They focus on raw, sustainable, local, and reclaimed materials throughout their restaurant, and the culinary creations they offer are an incredible display of flavor, balance, and dedication to local. Chef Joe Magnanelli and Pastry Chef Ben Rollins’ menu offers affordable selections of vasi + antipasti + boards + insalate + pizza + pasta + piatti + dolce. Their whimsical expression of Italian classics coupled with the use of the freshest local produce, and organic and sustainable products comprise a diverse menu. 505 Laurel Street (Bankers Hill) 92101, 619.239.2222.
Eco Caters Local, organic cuisine for weddings, private parties and corporate luncheons of all sizes. They source directly from local farms to ensure the highest quality product available, and offer full service wedding and event coordination. 4934 Voltaire Street (Ocean Beach) 92107, 858.246.6129.
El Take It Easy A one of a kind gastro-cantina serving some of the most carefully chosen, interesting, and sustainable food in San Diego. Celebrated for its true dedication to local, regional flare, ELTIEZ also offers a wide array of world class craft beers and wines, all their own house cured charcuterie, and a comfortable, unpretentious dining atmosphere. 3926 30th Street (North Park) 92104, 619.291.1859.
Farm House Cafe Serving rustic and sophisticated in the same spoonful, Farm House owner and chef Olivier Bioteau relies on the fresh, seasonal spread of produce, meats, and specialty foods provided year round by San Diego growers to accommodate his genuinely French cooking technique. Brunch is served on the weekends, and is in every way a dazzling affair; affordable, healthy, and completely satisfying. 2121 Adams Avenue (University Heights) 92116, 619.269.9662.
George's at the Cove "Rediscovering what we should already be doing" is one of the things Executive Chef Tree Foshee is leading at all three of the dining experiences at Georges at the Cove. Fresh ingredients, grown locally and harvested at their peak flavor is the key to creating savory, high quality meals. 1250 Prospect Street (La Jolla) 92037, 858.454.4244.
1500 Ocean (Hotel Del Coronado) One of the featured restaurants of San Diego's most historic hotel, 1500 Ocean serves an exceptional selection of seasonal dishes with a fresh, "Southland" coastal flare. Head Chef Brian Sinnot works closely with many local growers to acquire top notch ingredients. 500 Orange Avenue (Coronado) 92118, 800.HOTEL.DEL.
JSix Restaurant Gaining reputation as one of the best kitchens in San Diego, Executive Chef Christian Graves devotes his culinary practice to using wholesome, local ingredients. Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch, from vinegars and dressings to the charcuterie. His commitment to creating lasting relationships with local farmers contributes to the reshaping and development of San Diego's food scene. 616 J Street (Downtown Gaslamp Quarter), 619.531.8744.
Kensington Grill The menu at Kensington Grill, led by culinary extraordinaire and "hog de-constructer" Hanis Cavin, is a very upscale, neighborhood watering hole, combines "local trends with global influences", is under the culinary direction of Chef Hanis Cavin. 4055 Adams Avenue (Kensington) 92116, 619.281.4014.
Kitchen 1540 Executive Chef Paul McCabe leads an impressive team of culinary talents to create sustainable, fresh, and innovative meals that give diners not only a connection to their food, but also an organic, exploratory experience through it. Located in the L'Auberge Hotel, 1540 Camino del Mar )Del Mar) 92014, Reservations: 858.793.6460.
Laja (website is in Spanish) Located in the beautiful Guadalupe Velly wine country, south of Tecate Mexico, about 2 hours from downtown San Diego. Tecate Cove Road, KM 83, Tecate-Ensenada Highway, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico, 011.52.1.646.155.2556.
The Linkery Owner Jay Porter comments on the true sustainable nature of his restaurant the best, informing customers "Our menu changes often based on what we've got from our farmers and artisans, and our whim". One of the leading examples of farm-to table principle, The Linkery is commited to supporitng and devleoping long lasting relationships with local growers. Plus the food tastes phenomenal. 3794 30th Street (North Park) 619.255.8778.
Local Habit Made 100% from scratch daily, Local Habit's food is sourced directly from local organic farms, ranches and fisheries. Pair that with 12 rotating craft beers, California wines, delicious homemade sodas and kombucha on tap for an unbeatable experience. 3827 5th Avenue (Hillcrest) 92103, 619.795.4770.
Michele Coulon Dessertier They take pride in creating spectacular wedding cakes and desserts that are both applealing to the eye and tantalizing to the taste. All of their cakes are baked from scratch using only the finest natural ingredients, many of them from local farms. 7556-D Fay Avenue (La Jolla) 92037, 858.456.5098.
MIHO Gastrotruck This "farm-to-street" food wagon uses fresh, local, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients to create hand crafted street food that is affordable, convenient, and delicious.
Mille Fleurs Executive Chef Martin Woesle has created a lasting imprint in the culinary world by creating a deep commitment and tradition of knowing and serving the farmer. Mille Fleurs offers an extravagant, French dining experience. 6009 Paseo Delicias (Rancho Santa Fe) 92067, 858.756.3085.
Mistral Chef Patrick Ponsaty synthesizes his many years of extensive kitchens with a beautiful menu supported and encouraged by not only local farms but its own 3,800 square foot on-site garden. Located in the Lowes Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road (Coronado) 92118, 619.424.4477.
Nine Ten Restaurant and Bar A fine dining establishment in the heart of downtown La Jolla, the talented duo of Head Chef Jason Knibb and Pastry Chef Jack Fisher serve dazzling, straightforwards dishes featuring San Diego seasonal, local ingredients. 910 Prospect St. (La Jolla), 858.964.5400.
O'Brother's Burgers A new, hip-hopping burger joint in the center of Horton Plaza, O'Brother's offers naturally raised, grass fed beef, free range chicken, and creative, organic salads for both the mainstream crowds and hardcore foodies. Keep up with their growing menus as they keep expanding their options. 188 Horton Plaza (downtown) 92101, 619.615.0909.
Quality Social Recognized as the “new contemporary dive bar”, Quality Social transcends the typical stereotypes of just your neighborhood dive. Chef Sam Burman strives to make local and seasonal ingredients the foundation of much of his creative dishes. From tasty oyster dishes to incredibly colorful veggie burratas, the quality of what’s going on at Quality Social must be recognized by those searching for great food and a great local hangout. 789 Sixth Ave. (Downtown), 619.501.PORK.
Red Velvet This gem in the heart of little Italy buzzes with warmth and the promise of nourishing,delicious meals. Chef Luke Johnson re-invents wine bar food by frequenting local farmers markets and sourcing produce mainly from local organic farms. 750 West Fir Street #101 (Downtown) 92101, 619.501.4561.
Ritual Tavern The owner and chef from one of North Park’s best taverns frequently shops the farmers’ market for his fresh produce, acting as a great model for local chefs and families too. At Ritual Tavern, they “like to think that once you cross the threshold of the ritual, you enter a different time and space - a simpler time, when people knew all the ingredients in the food they ate and the names of the people who farmed them.” 4095 30th Street (North Park) 92104, 619.283.1720.
Sea Rocket Bistro This neighborhood rendezvous is one of the more well rounded, truly sustainable restaurants in San Diego. Everything from craft beers and specialty wines, to an ample variety of fresh caught, local seafood and organic, local produce, Sea Rocket is an excellent choice for locals and visitors alike to experience a true taste of San Diego. 3382 30th Street (North Park) 92104, 619.255.7049.
Spread Their mission is to stimulate and challenge the culinary imagination of their diners by working with and serving only locally grown, organic ingredients. With an uncompromising belief in eating a diet predominantly vegetarian and/or vegan, Spread is 100% dedicated to providing the best of the best; and accomplishes that by scouring the local Farmer's Markets and local farms, often picking out of the ground that very evening's bounty! 2879 University Avenue (North Park) 92104, 619.543.0406.
Stone Brewing Co. Co-founders Greg Koch and Steve Wagner endeavor to use as much in-season, locally and organically grown produce as possible, not just because they believe in the very simple principles of freshness and sustainability, but also because fresh, local and organic tastes better. 1999 Citracado Parkway (Escondido) 92029, 760.471.4999.
Terra After 13 years serving food to the community of Hillcrest, Terra has relocated to East County. Owner/Chef Jeff Rossman upholds a longstanding commitment and joy in creating and recreating dishes informed by regional, seasonal food. From produce to cocktails, Terra features a bountiful arrangement of New American food. 7091 El Cajon Blvd (La Mesa/San Diego) 92115. 619.293.7088.
Whisknladle Since opening in 2008, their mission has been to bring good food, good wine & great people together. Culinarily speaking, they take a back-to-the-future approach to cooking by working with seasonal & farm to table products and taking the time to make most of their food from scratch; the way it used to be, they way it ought to be. 1044 Wall Street (La Jolla) 92037, 858.551.7575.
Zenbu (meaning "All") is driven by a concept of oceanic and environmental sustainability with a one-of-a-kind sushi bar and a lavish atmosphere. They rely on their own local seafood company, Ocean Giant, to provide fresh fish daily. True to their vision, Zenbu also offers locally raised, grass-fed beef from Palomar Ranch. 2003 San Elijo Avenue (Cardiff by the Sea) 92007, 760.633.2223; and 7660 Fay Avenue (La Jolla) 92037, 858.454.4540.
This page is edited by SD Roots' volunteer Britta Turner. If you would like to be listed here, have your listing updated, or know of a restaurant that should be included, you can contact her at .
NOTE: these resources are listed solely as a service to the public and are not an endorsement of, nor solicitation on behalf of these businesses. San Diego Roots is not paid for these listings nor can listings here be bought. They are listed solely to help folks looking for locally grown food find it.
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