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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Little Italy

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92 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8045)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 95 times today
Juniper & Ivy is a go-to place for special occasions. With its unique, creative, and delicious menu, it's a perfect spot for birthdays, anniversaries, and any other celebrations. The reviews are glowing with praises for the outstanding service, wonderful ambiance, and unforgettable dining experience. One reviewer even mentioned a special menu for their anniversary and a champagne toast. With its top-notch service, locally sourced food, and award-winning wine list, Juniper & Ivy makes any celebration truly memorable.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6477)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 118 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 Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4312)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 108 times today
Barbusa is a lively, modern Sicilian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. Known for its authentic Italian dishes, craft cocktails, and stone-fired pizza, it's a favorite for celebrating special occasions. Reviews highlight the 'authentic, delicious' food, 'fast service', and 'great atmosphere'. Whether it's for business, family, or a romantic evening, Barbusa delivers an 'exquisite dining experience' with 'outstanding service' and a 'fun atmosphere'.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3305)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 104 times today
ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR DESIRED TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE.We are proud to offer 75 kinds of different pasta recipe, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day."Bencotto" means cooked well: this is what authentic Italian food is about.It tastes as it should and would in Italy.Bencotto offers two different eating environments: guests can either enjoy their meal at our “kitchen-esque” bar downstairs, or they can relax in the intimate low-ceiling dining area upstairs. The décor creates a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, where old-world charm and warmth blend with contemporary appeal.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2408)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 28 times today
Civico 1845 is a special occasion spot, with many reviewers praising it as the 'best place for an anniversary dinner'. The restaurant is commended for its 'amazing food', 'great vegan menu', and 'great drinks'. The ambiance is described as 'terrific' and 'cozy and inviting', making it an excellent choice for date nights or large groups. With excellent service and a 'fresh and delicious' menu, Civico 1845 sets the bar high for special occasions.
A photo of Allegro restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1284)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 45 times today
Allegro Restaurant and Bar in Little Italy San Diego offers a true Amalfi coast Italian dining experience. Featuring a combination of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, Allegro San Diego is the perfect venue for your special occasions and party celebration.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.5
Awesome(627)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 27 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Monello restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2627)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 62 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 Vinarius restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(379)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 17 times today
Vinarius is an Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Little Italy San Diego. We offer an extensive wine list with wines coming from different regions of the world; the best meat and cheese board with Italian cured meats and different cheeses to pair with our wines. Our chef Alex makes homemade pasta enriched with our homemade sauces, entrees, pizza, different appetizers to choose from, and desserts that pair well with our port wines and after-dinner drinks. You definitely have to try our daily specials! Our cozy full bar is also the perfect place to enjoy your drink and food while watching some sports!
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7577)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 102 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicole
    Toronto / Ontario •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Incredible food and wonderful service! I absolutely loved sitting at the counter - got to take in the whole kitchen experience. I will certainly come back any time I’m in San Diego!
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
    4.6
  • JeanVIP
    Fort Lauderdale •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Great food at reasonable prices. Good service, floor was a bit cold initially but we eventually got used to it.
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Kylee
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    very nice! overall 5 stars bc there’s nothing bad, but it’s not like uniquely special. the food was great and my family and i have no complaints!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Cindy
    Indiana •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    AMAZING. A rare combination of a place that seemed like a semi-casual neighborhood gem and also super special. The food was amazing - authentic with a touch of wow. We had eggplant, chicken, and mushroom/sausage pasta. Everything was amazing - including the lovely sac with warm focaccia that arrives first with an herby pesto dipping olive oil. It was very busy, but the service was wonderful - friendly and welcoming, check this place out!
    More info
    Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.4
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    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
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Little Italy

San Diego's Little Italy is a vibrant culinary hotspot, perfect for special occasions, offering an array of restaurants that cater to every taste and celebration. Whether it's for an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or a significant celebration, Little Italy provides a diverse selection of dining environments from modern Sicilian eateries to upscale steakhouses. The restaurants in this locale are renowned for their exceptional service, unique atmospheres, and outstanding cuisine, ensuring every special event is memorable. Guests can expect to enjoy everything from authentic Italian dishes and Japanese sushi to creatively crafted local cuisine. Each establishment focuses on delivering a high-quality dining experience with attention to detail in both service and dish presentation, which is frequently highlighted in rave reviews by patrons. The dining scene here combines traditional charm with contemporary sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those looking to celebrate life's milestones in style. This combination of quality, atmosphere, and culinary excellence makes Little Italy in San Diego a prime destination for special occasion dining.

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