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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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Wilma's Carousel Bar
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Expensive
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Cocktail Bar
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4.9
(26)
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 Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room restaurant
Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room
Price: Moderate
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Wine Bar
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4.9
(136)
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 Herb & Wood restaurant
Herb & Wood
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.7
(6332)
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.
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Nonna
Top-rated food
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Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.6
(930)
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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
Kettner Exchange
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.7
(1283)
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.
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
Born & Raised
Price: Very Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.6
(6230)
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.
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Zinqué - San Diego
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Moderate
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French
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4.5
(400)
zinqué is a beloved neighborhood hotspot & all-day restaurant serving French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails & a uniquely curated wine selection. Inspired by the zinc countertop bars & cafés of Paris, many of its customers consider it a second home—a place to work, linger & socialize.
Open from 7am till late, the space transforms from a European-style bistro & café, serving full breakfast with La Colombe coffee drinks & its famous Le Bowl for lunch, to full service dining at night. (zin-kæ)
A photo of Camino Riviera restaurant
Camino Riviera
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Mexican
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4.7
(22)
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 Basta! restaurant
Basta!
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.6
(39)
Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com
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Nolita Hall
Great vibe
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Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Italian
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4.4
(704)
Nolita was inspired by the famous neighborhood in New York City – coined as such for being “North of Little Italy”. Upon opening in 2018, Nolita Hall was awarded an Orchid Award for the stunning interior design provided by Tecture Design and Fabrication.
Nolita Hall provides Little Italy with a much needed communal space to enjoy a first class dining and craft cocktail experience, without missing the big games. Our kitchen boasts a Fiori woodfire oven, contributing to most of our Italian inspired menu. Our beverage program provides approachable cocktails with uncompromising integrity of ingredient procurement.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
Coco Maya
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.7
(369)
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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Ristorante Illando
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.5
(793)
From the owner Leonardo Landini "When I decided to open Ristorante Illando, I had a vision in my head...my cozy house back in Firenze, Italy; my family dining table filled with the food I grew up with. Now I can surround you with the warmth of my Italian home and an authentic Italian meal here at Illando. Benvenuti e buon appetito a tutti!!"
A photo of Petrini's restaurant
Petrini's
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.3
(418)
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 Barbusa restaurant
Barbusa
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.6
(4226)
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

Trending dishes in Little Italy

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Brioche French Toast
Brioche French Toast
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
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4.8
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's San Diego Waterfront
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4.1
Margherita
Margherita
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
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4.6
Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs
Verbena Kitchen
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4.3
Waffle Churro Sticks
Waffle Churro Sticks
Madi
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4.6
Wedge Salad
Wedge Salad
Claim Jumper - La Mesa
•
4.1

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 The Yasai: Vegan Japanese Experience at Little Italy

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

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

The restaurants with the best service in Little Italy are The Yasai: Vegan Japanese Experience at Little Italy, Indigo Grill - Permanently Closed and Ballast Point Little Italy

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Little Italy are Indigo Grill - Permanently Closed, Wilma's Carousel Bar and Camino Riviera

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