Little Italy, which developed as a thriving residential and commercial area beginning in the 1920s and was once home to San Diego’s vast tuna fishing sector, is today the center of one of San Diego’s most dynamic and fast-growing eating scenes.
The lively neighborhood boasts a diverse collection of restaurants, craft breweries, urban wine taverns, cocktail hotspots, and laid-back cafés run by old-school Italian families and Top Chef alums alike.
If you’re looking for a delicious dining experience, we highly recommend Little Italy. This historic neighborhood is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
From classic dishes like pasta and pizza to more modern takes on Italian cuisine, there’s something for everyone here. In this foodie’s guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best restaurants in Little Italy and what they have to offer.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or something lighter, these places will not disappoint!
Juniper & Ivy
Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 858-481-3666
Hours: Closed (Monday), 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Tuesday – Thursday), 5:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M. (Friday), 4:30 P.M> – 10:30 P.M. (Saturday), 4:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Sunday)
Website: www.juniperandivy.com
Richard Blais, an award-winning chef with a “West Coast edge,” has been creating innovative New American cuisine since 2014 at his enormous 7,500-square-foot warehouse restaurant/showcase. The inventive menu mixes molecular cooking with elegance thanks to the sophisticated wine list, excellent cocktail program, and exceptional service.
The former warehouse has been transformed into a stunning social dining area with a huge open kitchen where guests may witness the action of the Chef team. And, with a little creativity, they’ve turned their outdoor space into a dreamy dining haven called Under the Stars.
Reservations are highly recommended. Choose from an indoor table with a great view of the kitchen, the Chef’s counter, the cozy covered patio, or the re-imagined “Under the Stars” outside dining.
Herb & Wood
Address: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-955-8495
Email: info@herbandwood.com
Hours: 5:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Monday – Sunday)
Website: www.herbandwood.com
Brian Malarkey’s sophisticated yet elegant 8,500-square-foot mansion has several areas to unwind and dine, including an opulent bar, informal lounges, and several distinct dining rooms. Dishes on the menu are a straightforward explanation of each course’s seasonal ingredients, while cocktails use fresh fruits and herbal bitters.
He is one of the most renowned and highly regarded restaurant entrepreneurs in the country. He has created over 15 successful restaurant concepts throughout his career. With longtime business partner Christopher Puffer, he formed Puffer Malarkey Collective, a restaurant company with six restaurants in San Diego and Orange County. ANIMAE, Herb & Wood, and Herb & Sea are located in San Diego, while Herb & Ranch is in Orange County.
The cuisine elevates simple ingredients and spices while also incorporating a Californian value of seasonality and sustainability into each course.
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine
Address: 2034 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-269-9341
Email: tomtarantino2@gmail.com
Hours: Closed (Monday – Tuesday), 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Wednesday – Thursday), 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. (Friday – Saturday), 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Sunday)
Website: www.rovinosd.com
Creating the concept of RoVino Rotisserie was brought full circle around the idea of Italy. They are committed to Sicilian and Northern Italian cuisine, based on traditional, fresh recipes served at the table. When it comes to supporting local farmers, RoVino will be similar to a rustic Italian village. They have both Sicilian and Italian wines on the wine list; imported and domestic wines will also be available. Our chicken will be free-range with no hormones used in its production, as well as their pasta and sauces that are prepared daily in-house.
With breakfast served every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until noon, the restaurant’s cuisine is led by classically trained Italian chef David Mendiola, who runs a menu that includes rotisserie chicken, crispy porchetta sandwiches, and seasonal specials; plus homemade pasta.
Bencotto Italian Kitchen
Address: 750 West Fir St. Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-450-4786
Email: info@lovebencotto.com
Hours: 4:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Monday), 11:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Tuesday – Friday), 12:00 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Saturday – Sunday)
Website: www.lovebencotto.com
The term “Bencotto” refers to a meal that has been “done well,” or prepared perfectly. In Bencotto’s kitchen, culinary expertise meets the highest standard – quality and genuine taste.
Bencotto was founded as a natural extension of Italy’s culinary history. Our basic belief is that excellent cuisine need not be complicated or exceptional. Bencotto was born out of the conviction that an Italian kitchen with modern design may be both authentic and amazing.
It serves traditional Italian cuisine as well as regional specialties to share. Bencotto’s most famous dish is its pasta, which may be ordered al dente or cooked to customer preference.
Customers may also select from eight different sauces for their pasta. The restaurant boasts excellent client service, so go and see for yourself and ask the staff for a suggestion if you’re unsure about anything.
In a space that reflects who we are as a young generation of Italians who value their culinary history and present it in a modern, laid-back, and inviting restaurant kitchen.
Bencotto is the finest Italian eating experience, drawing inspiration from the kitchens where Italians grow up, cook, and consume. It’s inside the new “Q” building in Little Italy’s historic core.
Parking might be a little tough at first. The Little Italy Valet corner of India Street and Fir Street is offered at $12 on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 P.M.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Address: 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-269-3033
Hours: 11:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. (Sunday -Thursday), 11:30 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. (Friday -Saturday)
Website: www.ironsidefishandoyster.com
Visit Little Italy and stop by Ironside Fish & Oyster for delectable seafood. They advocate a native oyster culture that has been embraced by coastal regions from New England to the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant is housed in a 4,500-square-foot 1920s warehouse at the heart of Little Italy.
Happy Hour is also back from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekdays only.
Harumama
Address: 1901 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-269-7122
Hours: 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 A.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Friday – Saturday)
Website: www.harumamasd.com
Harumama Noodles & Buns is a minority-owned and managed business that spans from downtown San Diego to Carlsbad Village. These chefs reinvent classic Japanese dishes and give them a cute, modern spin at Harumama Noodles & Buns. There’s something for everyone at one of San Diego County’s most Instagrammable eateries!
Asian cuisine takes a backseat at this little restaurant, which specializes in delectable bun characterizations. Seasoned ground beef, purple potato, chicken, Nutella, or sweet custard fills delicious buns that resemble pigs, chickens, pandas, Totoros, and cats.
Conclusion for the Best Restaurants in Little Italy
Little Italy in San Diego is one of the city’s most popular eating destinations. With so many alternatives concentrated in one place, deciding on a Little Italy San Diego restaurant to eat at might be difficult.
As you can tell, Little Italy is known for its Italian dining spots. However, if you’re not feeling like pasta, there are numerous options to choose from listed here. Feel free to try them all!
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