If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, Little Italy is the place to be!  This neighborhood is home to some of the best coffee shops in the city.  Whether you’re in the mood for a quick caffeine fix or want to sit down and relax with a cup of joe, these places have got you covered.  Here are our picks for the best coffee shops in Little Italy!

Pappalecco

Address: 1602 State St, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-238-4590

Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 9:30 P.M. (Monday – Friday), 7:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. (Saturday – Sunday)

Website: www.pappalecco.com

In San Diego, Italy, Francesco and Lorenzo Bucci decided to emigrate to share their culture and family’s gelato recipe with the city one day.  

Today, Pappalecco has three sites that offer more than simply coffee and gelato; a full variety of entrees, particularly Tuscany-inspired pizza at their Kensington location.  The atmosphere is what keeps most of them coming back.

Pappalecco is a one-stop-shop for everything delicious.  They not only offer renowned gelato, coffee beverages, and regional cuisine but also extend the hospitality typically reserved for friends and family.

You’re sure to enjoy your experience at this wonderful coffee shop.  The flavor of the coffee is better than anything I’ve ever tasted before, and it’s incredibly tasty.  You can taste the roast of the coffee as if it had just been freshly cracked.  The employees were extremely nice and made an effort to greet you, welcome you, and even make a funny comment to brighten your day.

Portal Coffee

Address: 1495 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 916-718-2606

Hours: 6:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. (Monday – Friday), 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. (Saturday – Sunday)

Website: www.portalcoffeesd.com

This is a lovely location in Little Italy, but finding a spot may be challenging.  You’ll need to seek street parking, which is a bummer.

You’ll first go through the process at a kiosk to acquire your drinks.  It might be difficult for first-timers since you’re not ordering directly from someone.  However, there are people on hand to walk you through each stage so you can place an order.

Because of the popularity of this business, both the indoor and outside seats may be utilized on weekends or during peak hours.

This popular spot is known for its delicious coffee and friendly service.  If you’re looking for a place to chat with friends or get some work done, Portal Coffee is the perfect spot.  They also have a great selection of pastries if you need a little something to go with your coffee.

The Mudbar

Address: 1230 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-971-2914

Hours: 7:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. (Monday – Friday), Closed (Saturday – Sunday)

The Mudbar’s charming sidewalk kiosk is the ideal place to get a strong dark roast Americano, an iced Vietnamese coffee, or a genuine Mexican mocha with a smile!  Grab it and go, stay for a conversation, or sit at one of the tables and watch the world go by.  A cup of coffee here will add some spring to your step and brighten your day!

Tim Chambers and San Diego Espresso Co started the trend of bringing small-batch coffees to shops in 1989.  Tim and his team served up a delectable cup with a side of friendliness and charm from wooden wagon wheel carts throughout downtown, including this one at 1230 Columbia.  He met him while working one day in 1994, appealing for work, and the rest is history!  After nine years as a barista, he was rewarded with ownership of The Mudbar!

Caffe Italia

Address: 1704 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-234-6767

Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (Monday – Thursday), 7:00 AM. – 10:00 P.M. (Friday – Sunday)

Website: www.caffeitalialittleitaly.com

Caffee Italia is in the Little Italy section of San Diego, where it is housed in the LA PENSIONE HOTEL, which was awarded for excellence.

The ideal location to get your morning coffee, catch up on the news, or have a light lunch is Caffe Italia.  This San Diego family-owned and -operated Italian cafe offers not only the greatest gelato in the region but also an incredible variety of breakfast sandwiches, salads, and a one-of-a-kind espresso bar where you may pick from different blends of strong coffees, cappuccinos, and espressos.  With its relaxing courtyard featuring a peaceful fountain, you’ll be sure to unwind.

They’ve been declared the best gelato in San Diego, and they were even chosen as such by the public.  Take a break from studying to enjoy your favorite ice cream flavor or let their expert staff help you discover something new.

This is an ideal early-morning breakfast.  It’s a nice location to have the California toast with a good coffee.  In addition to indoor seating, there is also outside seating available.  There’s a lot of natural light inside.  It’s located in Little Italy, which is great because there is plenty of free parking during the day.  Finding parking might be difficult at night, so it’s a nice way to unwind after a long day walking around Little Italy. The daytime is more laid-back and you can simply stroll around Little Italy and absorb the atmosphere.

Lofty Coffee Little Italy Café and Bakery

Address: 444 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 760-230-6747

Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. (Daily)

Website: www.loftycoffee.com

Lofty Coffee Co. is a family-owned, locally operated organic coffee shop in San Diego’s historic Little Italy district.  Fresh micro-batch roasted organic coffees and hand-picked organic teas are available.  In the bakery, Lofty serves delicious gluten-free foods and handmade organic pastries.  Lofty also offers an artisan breakfast and lunch menu with organically grown products.

The inside is quite clean and modern, making it an excellent location to get a cup of coffee or simply unwind for a few moments.  They also have a lovely covered outdoor patio with plenty of seating.  People do enter and depart constantly, though.  We would strongly suggest stopping by here for your daily cup of coffee!!

Frost Me Café and Bakery

Address: 555 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-287-2253

Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. (Daily)

Website: www.frostme.com

Frost Me began as a bakery that specialized in small-batch gourmet cakes and cupcakes.  The boutique, which opened in Seaport and later La Jolla, grew into our first brick-and-mortar shop after winning Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in Season 9.  The ideal location has always been Little Italy, now the only location remaining.  First opening its doors in 2018 and currently operating as a full-service bakery & cafe!

They are a San Diego-based artisan bakery and cafe that specializes in aesthetically beautiful sweets, as well as serving Ritual Roasters’ handcrafted coffee.

Frost Me is a full-service event planning company with a focus on large and small events.  They handle everything from weddings and business events to intimate dinner parties.

Parakeet Café

Address: 1680 India St San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-255-1442

Hours: 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. (Monday – Sunday)

Website: www.parakeetcafe.com

Established in 2017, Parakeet Cafe in Little Italy is a great place to start your day.  The coffee is excellent, and the breakfast options are delicious.  From organic, local, breakfast, lunch, dinner, specialty coffees, healthy, vegan options, gluten-free, or paleo options, Parakeet Café has it all.

This is one of the most popular spots in San Diego to get a Matcha Latte!

The matcha is wonderful and invigorating, with just the right amount of sweetness, especially when served with oat milk.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to work or read, this is the perfect spot.

Conclusion for the Best Coffee Shops in Little Italy

Some of these shops can always seem busy, so it’s the perfect place to people-watch while you enjoy your coffee.  They also have a wide variety of food options if you need a snack.

They have a wide range of different flavors to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that you’ll love.  Plus, their espressos are some of the best in the city.

If you’re ever in Little Italy, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these amazing coffee shops.

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