The Linkery - North Park
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Sustainable Restaurants in San Diego
Over the last five years or so, the Slow Food Movement has taken root in San Diego County. San Diego's soil is rich with local farmers providing fresh produce to eager chefs. In turn, the chefs have been able to convince or, in some cases, cajole restaurateurs into promoting farm to table cuisine as a draw to both residents and visitors alike. Some of their patrons have tasted the difference and have made a commitment to buy local.
Others are taking their time in introducing themselves to these new kinds of restaurants as well as the growing network of Farmers Markets. Others have heard about the Slow Food Movement through various media and have been curious to know what it is.
Slow Food
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What matters most is that people have come to realize that buying local has many advantages - it reduces climate change by decreasing the distance of goods traveled and it directly supports the local farmers. The restaurants benefit by having less waste and the seasonal availability of produce helps keep the chefs on their best game. In other words, it is a win-win situation for everyone.
Some may be concerned with the increase in price that is usually associated with the sustainable dining. However, many of San Diego's casual and fine dining establishments have been increasing their prices for years and the people still keep coming. Sustainable restaurants try to use local purveyors as much as possible thus the diner can take comfort in knowing that their dollar is being recirculated more in the region.
LIST OF SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS
Arterra Restaurant at the Marriott San Diego (11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130)
This "Art of the Earth" restaurant features contemporary seasonal cuisine.
(858) 369-6032
A.R. Valentien at the The Lodge at Torrey Pines (11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037)
Daily menu of California cuisine changes with fresh seasonal items.
(858) 453-4420
Barona Casino (1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040)
Believe it or not, the one of San Diego's most popular casinos has several dining establishments that using local suppliers.
(888) 7-Barona
Bread and Cie (University Avenue between 3rd & 4th Avenues, San Diego, 92103)
Traditional European artisan breads, sandwiches, and desserts.
(619) 683-9322
Café Chloe (721 Ninth Avenue, #1, San Diego CA 92101)
This very popular bistro features French classics with a California twist.
(619) 232-3242
Cardiff Seaside Market (2087 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff, CA 92007)
Locally grown produce, fresh fish, sushi, artisan meats and cheeses. Dishes prepared daily.
(760) 753-5445
Croces Restaurant & Jazz Bar (Corner of Fifth & F, San Diego, CA 92101)
Contemporary American fine dining set in a historic building. Live music nightly.
(619) 233-4355
Extraordinary Desserts (2929 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 & 1430 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101)
This is one of San Diego's best dessert spots. So popular, Karen Krasne opened another one.
Balboa Park: (619) 294-2132 & Little Italy: (619) 294-7001
JSix (616 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101)
Coastal California cuisine feauturing fresh seafood.
(619) 531-8744
The Linkery (3794 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104)
It's all about the meat. This restaurant highlights heritage breeds, and independent local farms.
(619) 255-8778
Lotsa Pasta (1762 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109)
Fresh pasta available daily at this casual neighborhood restaurant.
(858)-581-6777
The Marine Room (2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037)
Global cuisine with spectacular oceanfront view.
(866) 644-2351
Michele Coulon Dessertier (7556-D Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037)
European style desserts in La Jolla.
(858) 456-5098
Mille Fleurs (6009 Paseo Delicias Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067) This superb French restaurant has been getting its fresh produce from Chino Farms for years.
(858) 756-3085
Mistral (4000 Coronado Bay Road San Diego, CA 92118)
Mediterranean cuisine that features locally-caught seafood, and fresh herbs from the resort's private herb garden.
619-424-4477
Modus (2202 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101)
California inspired traditional Europenan dishes in a hip lounge atmosphere in Banker's Hill.
(619) 236-8516
NINE-TEN (910 Prospect, La Jolla, CA, 92037)
California cuisine with menu that changes daily.
(619) 964-5400
Ocean Beach People's Food Co-op (4765 Voltaire Street, San Diego, CA 92107)
This is probably one of the most organic and sustainable buildings in San Diego. The market is on the main floor and the deli is upstairs. The deli features organic and vegan specialties prepared daily to eat in or take out.
(619) 224-1387
Ritual Tavern (4095 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104)
An unexpected gem in an up and coming neighorhood (North Park) that features organic and sustainable food and drink.
619-283-1618
Romesco (4346 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902)
Farm to table cuisine is available in San Diego's South Bay. Romesco features Mediterranean cuisine with a Baja California twist.
(619) 475-8627
Sea Rocket Bistro (3382 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104)
This charming establishment specializes in offering new twists on local and sustainable seafood.
(619) 255-7049
Starlite (3175 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103)
The Starlite burst on the scene a couple of years ago and paired great interior design with inventive food and drink.
(619) 358-9766
Stingaree (454 6th Avenue, San Diego, California 92101)
Italian influenced cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Note: This venue is known more for being a night club.
(619) 544-9500
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029)
Contemporary menu features fresh organic and locally grown products.
(760) 471-4999 ext. 1
Tender Greens (2400 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106)
This fast casual restaurant in Liberty Station has a sister restaurant in Culver City. Their focus is seasonal produce.
(619) 226-6254
Terra (Uptown District at University & Richmond, San Diego, CA 92103)
American contemporary cuisine.
(619) 293-7088
Waters Fine Catering at the San Diego Museum of Art (1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101)
Handcrafted menus featuring sustainable, organic products from local vendors at the Museum's Sculpture Garden.
(619) 276-8803
Whisknladle & Prep Kitchen (1044 Wall Street & 7556 Fay Avenue, La Jolla California 92037)
These two sister establishments offer diners with locally grown produce and meat as much as possible.
(858) 551-7575 & (858) 875-PREP
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