Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in University City/Golden Triangle

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

1. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 60 times today

Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.

A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

2. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.7

Exceptional(2361)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Jolla

Booked 30 times today

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.

3. Isola La Jolla

4.8

Exceptional(787)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 22 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 Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant

4. Beeside Balcony La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(163)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • La Jolla

Booked 12 times today

Beeside Balcony is a hidden gem in La Jolla Village, CA with a relaxed seaside chic décor where guests enjoy global mediterranean cuisine and ocean views from interior and the balcony. A third generation chef of Spanish and Italian descent, and hailing form Paris, France, Christophe's restaurant career began at 17 in the kitchen of his father's restaurant in Pasadena when they first emigrated to the USA. Upon returning to southern California in 2011, Christophe spent 8 years as the managing partner of Eddie V's Prime Seafood in La Jolla. Here he deepened his knowledge of sourcing and cooking the freshest seafood available, while delivering world class service. The laid back coastal vibe of La Jolla, combined with the attention to detail from Christophe's fine dining background, infuses Beeside Balcony with an easy elegance that elevates any gathering, and makes the perfect backdrop to showcase his global mediterranean menu. Ask About our Speakeasy!

A photo of Mosaic Restaurant and Bar restaurant

5. Mosaic Restaurant and Bar

4.0

Excellent(1)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Del Mar

Fusing California, Baja and Mediterranean cuisine into artistic and creative dishes, like that of a mosaic. Our philosophy is simple. We select the finest local products and ingredients and create wonderful “from scratch” cuisine. Enjoy casual dining, craft cocktails, beer and wine at our indoor/outdoor bar. Our outside terrace seating features communal areas around fire pits and looks over our resort-style pool. If interested in booking the restaurant, terrace or dining room for a private event, please call our catering manager at (858) 764-0269.

6. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(116)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 21 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!

7. ARLO San Diego

4.2

Awesome(771)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 22 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 CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant

8. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

4.6

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 Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

9. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.9

Exceptional(2554)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 23 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 Theresa's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

10. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

4.1

Excellent(98)

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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Alfredo
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food and ambiance are very strong. No pretense, but solid food. The service is top notch, especially from Willow, who was kind and excellent and thoughtful.
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The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey PinesPrice: Moderate• American• La Jolla
•
4.7
P
Paula
Tampa / Central Florida West •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time to Isola La Jolla. Starting with being immediately greeted and very accommodating with our request for seating, even though they were busy, to the wait staff, our phenomenal waitress Stephanie, and the food...our visit exceeded our expectations. The decor is charming and inviting. We had the Wood Fired Cannelini beans and the Margherita DOP. Both were delicious. All the food coming out looked like I wanted to try.
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Isola La JollaPrice: Moderate• Italian• La Jolla
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4.8
B
Bob
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We travel around the country and try to make the dining experience part of our vacation. We had learned about red O the last time we went to San Diego and didn’t have time to experience the restaurant. So we made a point of it this year. I will say that it has to be one of the best restaurants we’ve ever had the pleasure of dining. We come from a state that serves a lot of beef and I will say that the 18 ounce ribeye was better than anything I had from our home state. My spouse had the half a pound lobster and it was done to perfection. So I highly recommend anyone experiencing this restaurant if they have the opportunity. The weight staff was incredible. And we will definitely put in our plans for next time we’re in San Diego.
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RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
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4.4
T
Thea
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on 29 Dec 2024
We came for the drinks. Place was super cute and cozy. Unfortunately, no DJ but Would come back
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Beeside Balcony La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• La Jolla
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 23 June 2024
The food was very good and the cocktails were delicious. Very friendly staff and nice, relaxing atmosphere .
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Mosaic Restaurant and BarPrice: Moderate• Californian• Del Mar
•
4

Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in University City/Golden Triangle

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

2. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

3. Isola La Jolla

4. Beeside Balcony La Jolla

5. Mosaic Restaurant and Bar

6. Cellar Hand

7. ARLO San Diego

8. CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA

9. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

10. Theresa's Italian Steakhouse

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