Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
1. Herb & Wood
4.6
Exceptional(6495)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 76 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 Nonna restaurant
2. Nonna
4.6
Exceptional(957)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 12 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
3. Monello
4.5
Awesome(2630)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 25 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
4. Fisher's
4.2
Awesome(136)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy
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
5. Animae
4.8
Exceptional(3259)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 113 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 Cowboy Star restaurant
6. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4772)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 86 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 Coasterra restaurant
7. Coasterra
4.6
Exceptional(7602)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 92 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 Nobu San Diego restaurant
8. Nobu San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(3752)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 67 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
9. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(2358)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 27 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.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
10. CUCINA urbana
4.8
Exceptional(7119)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 51 times today
CUCINA urbana is a foodie haven, offering a unique blend of contemporary art and a country farmhouse ambiance. The reviews rave about its 'exquisite food and ambiance', 'exceptional and exciting food' and 'delicious food options'. It's also noted for its 'excellent service', 'interesting flavors', and 'creative and delicious food options'. The restaurant's wine program, which allows guests to hand-select wines for a minimal corkage fee, adds to the foodie experience.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CherylVIP
    San Diego •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was exceptional here! Attentive service, great choices of food and drinks, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. We ordered way too much food because we wanted to try everything.
    More info
    AnimaePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.8
  • Richard
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food was very good but the exceptional service is what really stood. Of course the waiter having been born and raised within an hour or two of my family home town is Sicily made it very special
    More info
    NonnaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Apoorva
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The cheese wheel pasta was amazing!!! Loved wine too.
    More info
    MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • ElizabethVIP
    San Diego •53 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Very nice fish broth as a complementary appetizer. Then we shared the table side Caesar salad and the molcahete hot appetizer with chicken, shrimp, beef, asparagus etc. Plenty for a light dinner for two. Excellent lime margaritas, too.
    More info
    Fisher'sPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.2

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo