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Little Italy Restaurants

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Award-winning restaurants in San Diego

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Little Italy

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Moderate
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Wine Bar
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4.8
(142)
Pali Wine Co. is located in famous Little Italy, San Diego, steps from the main strip. The family-owned winery highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. From our Pali Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays, to our Tower 15 bold, nuanced wines, and Neighborhood zippy, natural cuvées, our three wine labels are sure to please any pallet.
Stop in for a tasting flight where you can sample wines from our portfolio, step up to the bar for a customized guided tasting or grab a bottle to-go. Our menu features small and sharable plates with locally sourced ingredients ideal for sharing and sipping, including our best-selling burger, charcuterie boards, and seasonal specials.
Join our wine club to enjoy complimentary tastings, receive 20% off all wine, & more exciting benefits!
Weekly events include Comedy Night on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, as well as live music Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, happy hour deals weekdays 4-6pm!
A photo of Camino Riviera restaurant
Camino Riviera
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Mexican
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4.8
(32)
Join us for a full sensory journey through the Yucatán in our sultry dining room and open air lounge. SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has curated an eclectic menu that integrates his unique style with Mexican cuisine. The bar program is built on classic cocktails while celebrating the spirits and flavors from all over Latin America. We source rare expressions of mezcal and tequila from some of the most revered producers in Mexico.
We accept requests for both environments but cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all requests.
A photo of Sorrento Ristorante restaurant
Sorrento Ristorante
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.8
(26)
Sorrento Ristorante offers traditional Italian cuisines in its warm and hospitable ambiance. The restaurant is decorated with simplicity. Washed in decent shades of brown, it has a decorate ceiling. Tiny bulbs hang from the ceiling to create a romantic environment. Large pillars in the dining room are decorated with fresh flower arrangements and glasswork. The restaurant has a native Italian staff. It has a beautiful outdoor patio, serving the warmth of San Diego nights. Sorrento Ristorante is popular for its variety of authentic Italian dips and sauces. Guests can customize their meals by pairing up the sauces with their main meals. Pesto sauce makes a nice combination with all pastas. Chocolate mousse is served with chopped dark chocolate chunks and white chocolate cream topping. The lightly tossed bleu cheese is prepared in the craft kitchen. The bar at Sorrento Ristorante serves Italian wines and beer.
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Isola Little Italy
Top-rated food
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Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.7
(752)
My Nonna's name was Isola, a wonderful cook who gave me a passion for food and fresh, simple ingredients.
I have vivid memories of my grandmother turning plain bread into amazing desserts, simple apples into incredible fritters sprinkled with a little sugar and honey, and even treating my sunburns with olive oil. Thirty years later, I still savor every meal and moment.
Isola is proud to serve the finest local ingredients, dalla vite, from the vine. I hope you enjoy every bite, plucked from my family tree for your table. Buon appetito!
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
Herb & Wood
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.7
(6458)
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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
Kettner Exchange
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.7
(1347)
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
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Nonna
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.7
(948)
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 Wilma's Carousel Bar restaurant
Wilma's Carousel Bar
Price: Expensive
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Cocktail Bar
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4.7
(65)
As one of only two carousel bars in the United States, Wilma’s Carousel Bar offers a truly unique experience.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this nostalgic retreat with Executive Corporate Chef Brian Redzikowski’s French-Creole inspired dishes and Beverage Director Eric Johnson’s a selection of cocktails including both innovative spins on traditional favorites and imaginative new concoctions.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
Roman Wolves
Price: Moderate
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Contemporary Italian
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4.6
(310)
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
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Queenstown Public House
Great vibe
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Price: Moderate
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Organic
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4.7
(546)
We are a New Zealand inspired whimsical restaurant set in a craftsman house that dates back to 1905. We are one block off the main drag in Little Italy. Sink your teeth into one of our organic beef or lamb burgers. We also have many salads and dinner entrees to try. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable.
For parties of 8 or more please visit our website!
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
Born & Raised
Price: Very Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.7
(6391)
The American steakhouse is an iconic restaurant institution. We’d wanted to tell that story for years, but waited until we had the skill, talent and ability to execute it properly, and the right space to be our canvas, an important corner in Little Italy, a neighborhood where we have deep roots. We brought an almost academic appreciation for steakhouse history and tradition to Born & Raised, while trying to stay relevant and authentic to ourselves and our city. Our dry-aged beef pays tribute to earlier, earthier, pre-government grading practices and is the centerpiece of a meal best savored at a slow pace. A timeless celebration of everything that makes restaurants so special. - Consortium Holdings. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
Coco Maya
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.7
(377)
Nestled in the heart of Little Italy and overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia, Coco Maya offers a contemporary twist on classic American dishes. Our diverse menu ranges from light coastal cuisine to robust, flavorful proteins cooked in a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven. Additionally, we pay homage to our neighborhood's roots with several Italian-inspired entrees, featuring unique takes on flatbreads and pastas.
As part of the Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group, Coco Maya is an evolution of our original concept, Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Since our inception, we've continued to explore new flavors and culinary techniques while broadening our scope and enriching our cocktail program. Coco Maya boasts a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, alongside the delicious tropical and rum-based cocktails that have become synonymous with Miss B’s.
Open daily for brunch and dinner, with a weekday Happy Hour from 2-5 pm.
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Petrini's
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.5
(424)
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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
Mimmo's Italian Village
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.5
(624)
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 Barbusa restaurant
Barbusa
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.6
(4302)
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 Available
WHILE 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!

Outdoor dining in San Diego

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See what locals rave about in Little Italy

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was incredible. Started with Hamachi and Crudo apps. Followed by Wagyu NY Strip and husband had the lamb leg. Side of carrots were so good. Wrapped up with the toffee date cake with black walnut ice cream. One of our favorite meals of the year. Ambience was good but a little loud and tables for two was on the small side but overall a fantastic meal and we will be back for sure.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Bill
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Truly one of the finest dining establishments in all of San Diego. The fact that it is in the heart of the most vibrant community SD has (Little Italy) puts this place over the top. Whether its an intimate date or a corporate Christmas Dinner (like we hosted last night), this place is always the perfect option. Food is 5 stars, ambiance is too! See you soon Barbusa!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Nestor
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Definitely I’ll go back! Food was beyond the words, good ambience good drinks and the best service. My parent and me enjoyed this place! We are planning our new visit!
    More info
    Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
    •
    4.4
  • Aakashvip
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Variety of food that satisfies every person. We had a group of 8 - and we had all the small plates and some good steaks.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Barbara
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had an amazing time at Lala especially since it was during their Christmas pop up. We ordered family style of apps and mains. The food was delicious. We loved their calamari and spicy Caesar. Definitely order the toasted baguette, fresh hot bread is always a good thing at the table. We also ordered the gambera busalacchi which was a bed of potatoes with giant shrimp and gnocchi rosa…both great choices. Katie was our server and she made our friendmas dinner extra special with her exceptional service and genuine down to earth personality. Her service is a reason why we would return. Thanks Katie!
    More info
    LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

Trending dishes in Little Italy

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Gnocchi
Gnocchi
Herb & Wood
•
4.7
Brioche French Toast
Brioche French Toast
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
•
4.8
Short Ribs Ravioli
Short Ribs Ravioli
Monzu Fresh Pasta
•
4.9
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's San Diego Waterfront
•
4.4
Margherita
Margherita
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
•
4.7
Rigatoni Bolognese
Rigatoni Bolognese
il Sogno Italiano
•
4.3

Restaurant experiences trending in San Diego

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Discover Little Italy

As the name implies, San Diego's Little Italy is best known for its Italian cuisine. From meatball sandwiches to wood-fired pizzas to handmade pasta, Italian food fans will all find a favorite dish to enjoy in this area of the city. Despite that fact, a visit to Little Italy doesn't have to be restricted to Italian food. Break away from the pizza-and-pasta approach to dinner by taking in the neighborhood's hot seafood scene. Oyster bars are a particularly interesting way to enjoy seafood in this part of the city. Whatever cuisine you choose, finish off your meal in Little Italy with a scoop of locally handcrafted gelato. In fact, if you skip dinner and go straight for dessert, no one will blame you one bit.

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Little Italy is Ballast Point Little Italy

The best vegan restaurants in Little Italy are Civico 1845, Juniper & Ivy and Herb & Wood

The best vegetarian restaurants in Little Italy are Civico 1845, Juniper & Ivy and Herb & Wood

The restaurants with the best service in Little Italy are Ballast Point Little Italy, Petrini's and Nonna

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Little Italy are Wilma's Carousel Bar, Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room and Camino Riviera

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