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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
1. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6438)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 59 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
2. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 49 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
3. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(944)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 17 times today
Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.
A photo of Monello restaurant
4. Monello
4.5
Awesome(2620)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 44 times today
As Bencotto's brother located next door,Monello lives up to its sibling's reputation as Best Italian restaurant in San Diego.From the 800 LB of fresh pasta handcrafted every week, Monello displays up to 27 different recipes of pasta. Mediterranean style seafood is served along with gourmet pizza.Monello delivers Pasta & Risotto tossed in the Parmigiano cheese wheel tableside.Unique Italian-style brunch is served on weekends.Voted Best Happy Hour 2016, Monello's Milanese Aperitivo offers small plates on the house with drinks every night.UN­ABLE TO FIND A TABLE? CHECK OUT OUR BROTHER RESTAURANT BENCOTTO NEXT DOOR
A photo of Fisher's restaurant
5. Fisher's
4.0
Excellent(135)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 4 times today
Fisher's is a foodie paradise in San Diego's Little Italy, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Reviews rave about the 'amazing' and 'superb' food, with one review saying 'foodies get it, locals feels at home'. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic recipes, fresh seafood, and unique decor. As one reviewer put it, 'Great food, authentic delicacies from the city know for amazing food and experiential dining. Foodies get it, locals feels at home.'
A photo of Animae restaurant
6. Animae
4.8
Exceptional(3189)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 60 times today
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
7. Coasterra
4.5
Awesome(7534)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 86 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
8. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 46 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
9. Nobu San Diego
4.5
Awesome(3731)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 45 times today
Nobu San Diego is a foodie hotspot known for its award-winning 'New Style' Japanese cuisine. As per reviews, the food is consistently and exceptionally delicious, with each dish being a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The ambience is described as sophisticated yet lively, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's not just about the food, the service is equally praised, making it a fantastic dining experience.
A photo of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant
10. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(2329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 16 times today
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection in a breathtaking atmosphere.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JoAnnvip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Unmatched hospitality! The server was knowledgeable about the food and able to describe them well. We didn’t have great luck with the clams, they were very chewy & overcooked but the broth was delicious. They took it back and a sweet manager, (I’m forgetting names) sent a hamachi that was to die for! Everything else that hit the table was delicious and we were very impressed. The bubbly and celebration desert was super appreciated as well. Honestly made my birthday dinner feel extra special, some places really don’t go the extra mile but they sure know how to impress.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Leighvip
    Atlanta Metro •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We ordered several items but the monthly pasta wheel was our favorite. Friendly staff and great service.
    More info
    MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • Michael
    Berlin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Recommend to sit at the bar with a Sushi chef! Great food and nice staff
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Mikel
    Calgary / Southern Alberta •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 21, 2024
    Service was great, food was amazing. Loved how interactive and friendly the owner was with us. Will definitely be going back and recommending to friends and family.
    More info
    NonnaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Ernesto
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    I've been there many times and the consistency of the food quality, taste and flavor is outstanding. Friendly service, quiet atmosphere. Excellent!
    More info
    Fisher'sPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4

Discover best foodies restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the culinary delights of San Diego's Little Italy, a true paradise for food enthusiasts. This vibrant neighborhood is famed for its diverse array of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences, making it a prime destination for foodies. Each restaurant in Little Italy offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences, from contemporary Mexican dishes to innovative Italian cuisines, all crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The dining scene here is characterized by its creative menus that change regularly, ensuring a new culinary adventure with every visit. Patrons can expect not only mouth-watering meals but also exceptional service and atmospheric settings that enhance the dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a trendy rooftop bar scene, a cozy Italian bistro, or a lively contemporary eatery, Little Italy in San Diego promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey tailored to delight the palate of every food lover.

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