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Welcome to

Little Italy

Where top chefs and brewers have set up shop

Photo By Paul Body

Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood with cozy patio cafés, international restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels, and the festive Piazza della Famiglia.

Italian Restaurants in Little Italy - San Diego's Dynamic Culinary Hot Spots

Today, San Diego's most dynamic food and drink scene is centered in Little Italy. It's a place where the past meets the present, where Top Chef alums have set up shop next to old-school eateries that remain treasured landmarks.

A slew of luminary chefs have gravitated to Kettner Boulevard, giving it the moniker of "Top Chef Alley" with distinctive eateries including Juniper & Ivy, Cloak & Petal, Born and Raised, The Crack Shack, Herb & Wood and Kettner Exchange. India Street is lined with restaurants featuring cuisines of both Southern and Northern Italy, including the classic Filippi's Pizza Grotto, featuring an old-fashioned Italian dining experience.

No Little Italy neighborhood would be complete without a true Italian market and Mona Lisa Italian Foods fits the bill. The deli offers a selection of foods, wine and delicious deli sandwiches.

Since 1934, the Waterfront Bar & Grill has been a favorite local watering hole serving locally brewed ales and burgers. And the British-owned and -operated Princess Pub and Grille serves British and Irish beers, along with traditional pub fare such as fish and chips for patrons watching soccer and rugby via satellite TV.

Craft Beer is also in the spotlight here with establishments such as Ballast Point Brewing and Bottlecraft  Beer Shop & Tasting Room. And for wine lovers, Carruth Cellars Wine Garden and Pali Wine Co. are perfect places for local wine tasting.

The Heart of Little Italy, San Diego

The central gathering point in Little Italy is a European-style piazza known at Piazza della Famiglia. The 10,000-square-foot plaza connects India and Columbia streets and features a dramatic tiled fountain. Enjoy an afternoon stroll across the cobblestone street while relaxing before dinner. The piazza, in the "heart" of Little Italy, is dedicated to the past, present, and future families of the Little Italy neighborhood.

Just steps from the plaza, savor the flavors of Italy in the Little Italy Food Hall. This new social dining concept offers six locally-driven food stations and a full bar with local beers and craft cocktails.

Things to Do in Little Italy - Shopping and Farmers Markets

Little Italy also features some great local boutiques including Rosamariposa, Vocabulary Boutique, and Stroll where you can find fun women’s fashions and handmade local items, and the NoLi Art & Design District which encompasses a group of retail shops, design stores and art galleries. Klassic and Architectural Salvage are both worth a visit for home goods and unusual finds.

Each Saturday from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, several blocks of Little Italy are shut down for the weekly Little Italy Mercato—a dynamic farmers market where locals shop for fresh produce along with gourmet goods, flowers, crafts and ready-made foods.

Events in Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy San Diego is also known for several fun festivals including the Mission Federal Artwalk each Spring.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Getting to Little Italy

The aroma of fresh baked bread and Italian seasonings should be enough to get you close to Little Italy. But on a more practical sense, Little Italy is nestled between the downtown core and San Diego's glistening waterfront. If you're arriving from the North, exit on Front Street, and immediately turn right on Cedar. Welcome to the neighborhood! From the airport, take Harbor Drive to Grape Street (turn left) - you're in the center of Italian cuisine bliss. You could walk from downtown, or grab a pedi-cab for a romantic ride to your favorite Italian spot, but however you get there, save room for cannolis. Mangia!

 

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Walk to the Waterfront

Little Italy is just a short walk from San Diego's big bay and the activities along the embarcadero. 

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Ciao! Little Italy

Little Italy is a place where the past meets the present, where Top Chef alums have set up shop and old-school eateries remain as treasured landmarks.

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San Diego Farmers Markets

Don't miss Saturday mornings at the Little Italy Mercato farmer's market. 

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Romantic Wine Tour - Available Year Round

Oct 8, 2024 - ongoing

Romantic Wine Tour-Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

Book your tour NOW or buy a gift certificate to use in the future. It's the perfect romantic or Valentine or ANY DAY celebration. 

Enjoy door-to-door transportation, award-winning wines, a full meal and romantic vineyard views.

This luxurious chauffeured winery tour will take you through San Diego's scenic countryside, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the finest wines in the region. You'll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, as well as learn about the history and culture of San Diego.

Relax and unwind as you soak up the sun and take in the stunning views of the vineyards. Our expert guide will ensure that you have a fantastic time and that your needs are taken care of.

Celebrate love with a delightful day of wine and treats!

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Live Music on the Piazza

Sep 17 - ongoing

Join us for Live Music on the Piazza with awesome local artists! Grab food and cocktails from our stations and enjoy it on our outdoor patio or the Piazza della Famiglia.
Order Food and drinks from select stations through online ordering!
Dog-Friendly Patio! Free to attend.

Every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm: Ratpack Reborn

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Live Music on the Piazza

Sep 16 - Dec 13, 2024

Join us for Live Music on the Piazza with awesome local artists! Grab food and cocktails from our stations and enjoy it on our outdoor patio or the Piazza della Famiglia.
Order Food and drinks from select stations through online ordering!
Dog-Friendly Patio! Free to attend.

September Summer Series:

Fri 9/6: 6-9 pm Dakota Ringer

Sat 9/7: 6-9pm Blu Gruv

 

Fri 9/13: 6-9 pm Blaise Guld

Sat 9/14: 6-9pm Steve Antti

Sat 9/21: 6-9pm Dominic Pizarro & Band

 

Fri 9/27: 6-9pm Steve Antti

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Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas - Little Italy Food Tour

Oct 22, 2024 - ongoing

-  A walking tour of the exciting history of Little Italy
-  Taste a combination of Italian flavors and unique bites from 4 restaurants that represent the area
-  Learn about the early fishing industry of San Diego
-  Meet some of the local Italians who’ve been a part of the revitalization of the area
-  Wine, sangria or local beer tasters

The Pizza, Pasta and Piazza tour is the perfect way to get to know the city’s best neighborhood for food and fun!  San Diego’s Italian quarter has grown in popularity for not just Italian fare, but also for the rich array of local restaurant hot-spots that have opened up in the last 10 years, or so.  In addition to the traditional pasta and pizza dishes, Little Italy offers up top chef cuisine, vegan breakfasts, juicy burgers, and lounges for dancing and fine cocktails.  Join our guides for tasty fun!

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What's Hot

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Walk to the Waterfront

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Ciao! Little Italy

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San Diego Farmers Markets

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What's On

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Romantic Wine Tour - Available Year Round

Oct 8, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

Live Music on the Piazza

Sep 17 - ongoing
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Live Music on the Piazza

Sep 16 - Dec 13, 2024
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Pizza, Pasta and Piazzas - Little Italy Food Tour

Oct 22, 2024 - ongoing
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Little Italy on Instagram

 

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Activities

Create Memories Any Day-Just Add Wine!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK YOUR CHAUFFEURED VINEYARDS ADVENTURE  and receive a FREE souvenier tote bag when you call and mention this ad.  MEMORIES! What's better than sipping wine with the backdrop of...

Team Building

Show Your Badge and Save on Winery Tours!

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 17, 2024 - ongoing

SHOW YOUR BADGE and receive 10% off San Diego's Favorite Winery Tour! Enter promo code when booking:  SDBWSTBADGE Indulge on the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure  as we discover San...

Restaurants

HAPPY HOUR AT ALLEGRO

Allegro Restaurant and Bar
Valid: Apr 18, 2024 - ongoing

Join us at Allegro for our Happy Hour Specials! Available Sunday - Thursday from 4-6pm. $6 House Wine by the Glass, $8 Well Drinks, Oysters and more!   See why we've been rated one of Little...

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