Neighborhood Guide: Little Italy

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: November 20, 2008

Founded by the Italian and Portuguese tuna fisherman decades ago, today's Little Italy casts a wider net, blending a modern Italian asthetic with the old-world feel of the neighborhood. And, of course, the pizzerias and gelato are still the stars of the show.

On this page:Mangia! Little Italy's Best Restaurants, Little Italy Bars, Spas, Shopping, and More in Little Italy.

Mangia! Little Italy's Best Restaurants

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Indigo Grill
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    1536 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The Cohn Group's trendy, West Coast fusion grill in Little Italy pushes the envelope beyond the Italian standards featured at neighboring pizzerias. If you're looking for something more edgy, or a good stiff cocktail, Indigo Grill is it.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Filippi's Pizza Grotto
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    1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    With red-checkered table clothes and Chianti bottles dangling from the ceiling, this classic pizza parlor anchors Little Italy's old-school dining scene.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Extraordinary Desserts
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    2929 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    A romantic, modern dining room just off India Street's main drag features a desserts-only menu and imported Illy coffee.

  4. 4 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Buon Appetito
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    1609 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Situated at the southern entrance to Little Italy, consider this the neighborhood's welcome mat. And don't worry about the long wait for tables on weekend evenings--have a glass of wine at the wine bar next door (owned by the same family) and the hostess will come fetch you when your table's ready.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Mona Lisa Deli Quality Italian
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    2061 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Historic restaurant offers Old World charm, reasonable prices and hefty portions of traditional Italian favorites.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Zia's Bistro
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    1845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Italian specialties are just the beginning at this Little Italy bistro with a more modern Mediterranean flare. You also get great bay views from the outdoor tables on the corner of the restaurant.

  7. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Cafe Zucchero
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    1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The clothes lines draped across the patio in the back of the restaurant are straight out of an Italian movie. If only they could get the owner's grandmother to sit out back and fold the clothes while making pasta. Don't miss the gelato here, either.

Little Italy Bars

  1. 8 The Airport
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    2400 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Exclusive retro lounge hyped for swank, all-white decor and an outdoor patio that lies directly in Lindberg Field's flight path.

  2. 9 Sogno Di Vino
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    1607 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    It's kind of like the neighborhood welcome mat. This little trattoria sits perched at the southern entrance to Little Italy, serving pastas, paninis and an Italian-only wine list.

  3. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Waterfront Bar & Grill
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    2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Downtown's oldest tavern stays local with no-frills burgers, local beers and a bar staff that remembers your name

  4. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Princess Pub & Grille
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    1665 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The princess of San Diego's pub scene continues its reign, ironically enough, thanks to die-hard local fans in Little Italy.

Spas, Shopping, and More in Little Italy

  1. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Niche Boutique
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    621 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Little Italy's tiny boutique beckons serious shoppers looking for big-name designers like Marc Jacobs. Don't miss the shoe sale rack or the cute children's section, either.

  2. 13 3 Star Rating: Average India Ink Papers
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    1907 Columbia St Ste 1, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Little Italy shop with cards, gifts and paper, plus custom wedding and party invitations.

  3. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Architectural Salvage
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    1971 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    For history, art and restoration buffs, it's a treasure trove of salvage pieces and a champion of sustainable building and reuse in Little Italy's Design District.

  4. 15 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hyde Edwards Salon & Spa
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    2308 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Sleek, urban salon in Little Italy's design district offers a full-service day spa with an amazing mani-pedi room. The deep, individual tubs are all positioned below an Italian leather banquette up in the front of the salon in their own private room.

  5. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Pappalecco
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    1602 State St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    At this Little Italy neighborhood gelato shop, the real scoop is the irresistible Italian owners behind the counter.