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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Little Italy

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89 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6435)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 40 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(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 66 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2394)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 9 times today
A new generation of Italian cuisine - fresh, light and authentic. By using proper cooking techniques, our flavors are natural and pure. Our menu is a homage to our region Calabria and southern Italian roots reflecting what is being served in Italy today. You can also find an extensive vegan menu that incorporates many of the best Italian dishes. We have been the first restaurant in the USA to have a full Italian Vegan menu since 2015! We believe in sustainability, both in our food and in the design of our restaurant. While our menu focuses on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, our bar and dining areas were created using reclaimed, natural materials. Nothing goes to waste at Civico 1845!
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 49 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 Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 11 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 Monello restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2620)
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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(620)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 5 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 Vinarius restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(371)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 4 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 Petrini's restaurant
4.5
Awesome(424)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Petrini's, in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, serves homemade Italian dishes with a traditional authentic dishes. If you go to Music box, stop by for a dinner and a cup of wine before the show. We offer Brunch, Lunch and Dinner menus 7 days a week.The diablo shrimp in spicy wing sauce with lemon and cream, served with garlic cheese bread makes the perfect starter to your meal. Some of Petrini's' specialty entrée dishes include the smoked salmon alfredo sautéed with tomatoes and basil, garlic and rosemary served with spaghetti with tangy Pomodoro sauce and the baked white fish coated in seasoned bread crumbs in wine, butter and garlic sauce with Tuscan vegetables. Handhelds, such as the classic meatball hoagie, the vegetarian caponata sandwich with tomato-stewed eggplant and the craft-your-own pizzas, are other diner favorites.For a sweet end to your meal at Petrini's, enjoy a homemade classic Italian dessert, the layered tiramisu cake.
A photo of Books + Records restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(367)
Price: Expensive
• American • Banker's Hill
Booked 4 times today
Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Toddvip
    New York City •25 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Dining here again after a four-year absence. Calabrian food was excellent as always. Very attentive service. But, contrary to Italian custom, the food was rushed to the table. Mains came while we were only halfway through the antipasti. Quite obviously they now want to turn tables quickly. The website states that a two-top is alloted just an hour and 15 minutes. As good as the food was, and as friendly and attentive as the service was, we will not return.
    More info
    Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.4
  • JoAnnvip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 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
  • Vartanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food, service and environment makes it a must visit when we are in town. The riso fritto…the best!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Michael
    Berlin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 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
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the charm of Little Italy, San Diego through its delightful dining scene, where each restaurant is a treasure in its own right, widely recognized as a neighborhood gem. These eateries offer a unique blend of ambiance, exceptional service, and culinary creativity that consistently draws both locals and visitors. From cozy, traditional settings that feel like a slice of Italy to innovative spaces serving up locally sourced, sustainable cuisine, each location promises a memorable dining experience. Patrons rave about the variety of options available, from exquisite craft cocktails and extensive wine lists to meticulously prepared dishes that showcase both classic and contemporary flavors. Whether you're seeking a special spot for date night, a festive gathering with friends, or a casual yet quality meal, Little Italy's dining gems cater to all occasions with warmth and sophistication. The neighborhood's vibrant culinary culture not only satisfies the palate but also enchants the heart, making every meal a cherished moment. Join the multitude of satisfied diners who have discovered these hidden jewels, and experience the best of San Diego’s hospitality and taste.

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