San Diego County has no shortage of things to do and places to see. San Diego’s Little Italy has been around since the 1920s. At the time, it provided residential living space as well as business space to Italian immigrants and families. This lively neighborhood with a rich history of Italian culture has evolved into a bustling area, preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the diverse nature of San Diego. 

Now Little Italy San Diego creates a community of both Italian and non-Italian businesses and business owners. Saturday mornings are particularly busy thanks to the Little Italy Mercato and weekend festivities.

Things to Do in Little Italy San Diego

  • Check out the Little Italy landmark sign. The Little Italy sign address is 1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
  • Explore the Neighborhood by walking around.
  • Walk along India Street.
  • Relax by the fountain at Piazza Della Famiglia.
  • Attend Events in Little Italy San Diego. There are plenty of events throughout the year.
  • Go to mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.
  • You can also browse the Little Italy Association of San Diego website to learn more about the neighborhood.

Grab a Bite to Eat in San Diego Little Italy

The streets are lined with traditional trattorias, cozy cafes, gelato shops, and other small businesses, enticing visitors with tantalizing aromas and authentic flavors. 

The Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego is a fantastic hub filled with Italian cuisine, cultural events, and plenty of things to do. There are several restaurants where you can find farm fresh produce, delicious food and Italian food, pizza, sandwiches, and more. 

  • Check Out happy hours at Little Italy San Diego's Italian restaurants.
  • Book Little Italy Walking Tour with Wine Tasting.
There are over 70 eateries and restaurants such as:
  • ALLEGRO 1536 India Street 
  • AMBROGIO15 550 West Date Street 
  • BALLAST POINT TASTING ROOM & KITCHEN RESTAURANT 2215 India St 
  • BAR ONE 1532 India St 
  • BARBUSA 1917 India St
  • BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL 555 West Ash St 
  • BENCOTTO ITALIAN KITCHEN 750 West Fir Street 
  • BOLT BREWERY 1971 India St
  • BORN & RAISED 1909 India St
  • BREAKFAST AT STEPHANIE'S 1501 India St 
  • BUN & PATTI 2171 Kettner Boulevard 
  • BUON APPETITO 1609 India St
  • BURGER LOUNGE 1608 India St 
  • CAFÉ GRATITUDE 1980 Kettner Boulevard 
  • CIVICO 1845 1845 India Street 
  • CLOAK AND PETAL 1953 India St 
  • COCO MAYA BY MISS B'S 1660 India St 
  • COOCOO'S NEST 550 West Date Street 
  • THE CRACK SHACK 2266 Kettner Boulevard 
  • CRAFT & COMMERCE 625 West Beech Street 
  • CRUDO CEVICHE & OYSTER BAR 1608 India St 
  • DAVANTI ENOTECA 1655 India St 
  • EL CAMINO 2400 India St
  • FABRISON'S 1425 India St 
  • FARMER'S TABLE 550 West Date Street 
  • FILIPPI'S PIZZA GROTTO 1747 India St 
  • THE GLASS DOOR 1835 Columbia Street 
  • GRAZE BY SAM 555 West Date Street 
  • HARBOR BREAKFAST 1502 India St
  • HERB & EATERY 2210 Kettner Boulevard 
  • HERB & WOOD 2210 Kettner Boulevard 
  • IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER BAR 1654 India St 
  • ISOLA PIZZA BAR 1526 India St
  • JUNIPER AND IVY 2228 Kettner Boulevard 
  • THE KEBAB SHOP 303 West Beech Street 
  • KETTNER EXCHANGE 2001 Kettner Boulevard 
  • KING AND QUEEN CANTINA 1490 Kettner Boulevard 
  • LANDINI'S PIZZERIA 1827 India St
  • LITTLE ITALY FOOD HALL 550 West Date Street 
  • LITTLE ITALY'S LOADING DOCK 2400 Kettner Boulevard 
  • MEIN ST. ASIAN KITCHEN 550 West Date Street 
  • MIMMO'S 1743 India St 
  • MONA LISA ITALIAN FOODS 2061 India St 
  • MONELLO 750 West Fir Street 
  • MR. MOTO PIZZA 1702 India St 
  • MUSIC BOX 1337 India Street 
  • NOLITA HALL 2305 India St 
  • NOT NOT TACOS 550 West Date Street 
  • PETRINI'S 610 West Ash Street 
  • PRINCESS PUB & GRILLE 1665 India St 
  • PUERTO LA BOCA ARGENTINIAN RESTAURANT 2060 India St
  • QUEENSTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE 1557 Columbia Street RISTORANTE ILLANDO 1825 India St 
  • ROVINO ROTISSERIE + WINE 2034 Kettner Boulevard 
  • SAMSBURGERS 555 West Date Street 
  • SEMOLLA 550 West Date Street 
  • SHINO SUSHI & KAPPO 838 West Ash Street 
  • SOGNO DI VINO 1607 India St 
  • SOLUNTO 1643 India St
  • SORRENTO 1646 India St 
  • UNDERBELLY 750 West Fir Street 
  • VINARIUS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT 1445 India St
  • WATERCOLORS 401 West Ash Street 
  • WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 2044 Kettner Boulevard 
  • THE YASAI 2254 India St 
  • ZINQUÉ 2101 Kettner Boulevard

Little Italy in San Diego by Carmen Varner Hernandez food and travel writer Italy San Diego San Diego's Little Italy

Stop by the San Diego Little Italy Food Hall

Get gelato or take a gander at the different options. Little Italy Food Hall has different stations so you can find a little something for each person in your party. 

  • Ambrigio15
  • Bobboi Natural Gelato
  • Coocoo's Nest
  • Graze by Sam
  • Little Italy Food Hall Bar
  • Mein St. Asian Kitchen
  • Not Not Tacos
  • Olala Crepes
  • Samburgers
  • The Mini Donut Company

Shop the Little Italy Mercato

You can find the Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM as well as every Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, year-round, rain or shine. There are loads of vendors selling produce, flowers, eggs, meat, fish, baked goods, groceries, crafts, products, and local food that you can support. The Mercato farmers market is 3 blocks, located from Kettner Blvd to State Street.

Explore Little Italy's Waterfront Park 

Located at 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 Waterfront Park is a public park that has spray fountains, grassy areas, and lots of space. This large space is often home to different events and festivals.

  • Take your pup to Little Italy Dog Park.
  • Head to Amici Park at 1660 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
  • Art Galleries in Little Italy San Diego
  • Visit San Diego Firehouse Museum 
  • Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tours 
Little Italy in San Diego by Carmen Varner Hernandez food and travel writer Italy San Diego San Diego's Little Italy

Is Little Italy Considered Downtown San Diego?

Yes, Little Italy is in the downtown San Diego area, close to the Embarcadero. India Street runs through the heart of Little Italy. Downtown is a thriving area with a few neighborhoods. According to the San Diego tourism website, downtown SD consists of the Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, Little Italy, East Village, and Barrio Logan. Little Italy is bordered by West Laurel Street, West Ash Street, the I-5, Front Street, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Highway.

Is Little Italy San Diego Safe at Night?

Just like most places, keep your wits about you.

What are the best hotels to stay in Little Italy San Diego? 

Hotels

  • Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown 
  • Hotel Republic San Diego Autograph Collection 
  • Best Western Plus Inn Bayside 
  • La Pensione Hotel 
Little Italy in San Diego by Carmen Varner Hernandez food and travel writer Italy San Diego San Diego's Little Italy

San Diego Art Walk

If you're in the area you can also visit Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and other fun spots nearby.

  • Stroll through the neighborhood to admire colorful murals, public art installations, and unique boutique shops.

San Diego Little Italy

From the Little Italy landmark sign to lobster rolls, Little Italy is the perfect place to explore during your trip to San Diego County. For generations, Italian families and businesses have made this area their home.