San Diego's

Little Italy

Neighborhood Guide

What's it like to live in Little Italy, San Diego?

Little Italy, a vibrant neighborhood in San Diego, is a bustling hub of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. This lively district is renowned for its authentic Italian eateries, such as the award-winning Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, and its bustling Mercato Farmers’ Market, where locals gather to buy fresh produce every Saturday. The neighborhood is also home to the picturesque Amici Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The annual Little Italy Festa, a celebration of Italian culture, is a highlight of the community calendar, drawing crowds with its live music, art exhibits, and delicious food. With its mix of historic buildings and modern condos, Little Italy offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary living.

Insights from Little Italy locals

“The absolute best place for dessert in Little Italy is Extraordinary Desserts. Then I like heading to the Waterfront Bar, which is one of the oldest bars in San Diego to play pinball.” – Subterranean Coffee Boutique

“Our favorite things to do in Little Italy is to hang out at the Piazza in front of the Little Italy Food Hall on Friday evenings and listen to live music while watching the sunset over the water. This place attracts locals as well as tourists and has an Italian vibe as people of all ages enjoy the music, have a drink, and people watch.” – April, owner of Remedy Holistic Pharmacy

“Our favorite thing to do in Little Italy is stroll down India Street on a Saturday afternoon to visit the best farmers market in San Diego. There are amazing restaurants and craft cocktail bars lining the streets with amazing energy that leaves you buzzing on any night of the week. One of our favorite pastimes is visiting our favorite crystal shop, Earth Elements. They have many wonderful spiritual texts, crystals, and sage.” – Natasha McKeon, founder of Choice Superfood Bar & Juicery

“The community of Little Italy has so much to offer residents. In addition to our thriving restaurant scene, we have one of the best farmers’ markets in the nation. Each Saturday, you can find the freshest locally harvested produce, honey, and flowers right outside your door.” – Erika Mikolich, owner of Mikolich Honey

“To start the day [in Little Italy], Lofty Coffee offers superb coffee with housemade nut milks followed by brunch at Frost Me. For happy hour, I frequent Crudo or Ironside, and I like to end the day with a rooftop cocktail at Kettner Exchange.” – Stefanie Bales of Stefanie Bales Fine Art

“Walk around the fabulous India Street in Little Italy to discover a variety of shops and restaurants that will satisfy your palate and interest in arts and crafts.” – The team at Nibble Chocolate, a local sweets shop serving chocolate truffles and more

What is the housing market like in Little Italy, San Diego?

Median Sale Price

$720,000

Median Rental Price

$3,297

Interested in moving to the area?

What’s the best way to get around Little Italy, San Diego?

Little Italy is well-served by public transportation, with numerous bus routes and a trolley system providing easy access to downtown, the airport, and other major hubs. Parking can be challenging due to the neighborhood’s popularity, but there are several paid parking lots and garages available.

italian restaurants in little italy san diego

Apartment building in Downtown San Diego, CA

busy courtyard in little italy san diego, ca

Things to do & see

San Diego’s Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market: This bustling market is held every Saturday and offers a wide range of fresh produce, artisan foods, and unique crafts from local vendors.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church: A beautiful Italian Catholic church that stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s Italian heritage, with stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows.

Little Italy Food Hall: A vibrant food hall that showcases the culinary diversity of San Diego, offering a variety of delicious food and drink options from local artisans and chefs.

Amici Park: A charming park in the heart of Little Italy, featuring a bocce ball court, a large grassy area for picnics, and an amphitheater that hosts community events.

ArtWalk San Diego in Little Italy: An annual two-day arts festival that transforms the streets of Little Italy into an outdoor art gallery, featuring works from more than 350 artists from around the world.

Where to eat & drink

Ironside Fish & Oyster: This seafood restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including oysters, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.

Herb & Wood: Upscale dining in a stylish atmosphere, featuring a diverse menu of New American cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes and craft cocktails.

Civico 1845: A family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Kettner Exchange:A bustling restaurant and rooftop bar offering inventive cuisine and craft cocktails in a sleek, contemporary space with stunning views of the city skyline and harbor.

James Coffee Co.: A hip cafe and roastery, known for its specialty coffee drinks, artisanal pastries, and industrial-chic ambiance.

Living in Little Italy, San Diego FAQs

Where is Little Italy located in San Diego?

Little Italy is located in downtown San Diego, bordered by the Pacific Highway to the east, the San Diego Bay to the west, Laurel Street to the north, and Ash Street to the south.

Is Little Italy a good neighborhood in San Diego?

Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood in San Diego known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling food scene. The area is full of authentic Italian restaurants, quaint cafes, and unique boutiques, making it a food lover’s paradise and a shopper’s delight. The weekly farmers market is a highlight, offering a variety of fresh produce and local goods. However, the neighborhood can get quite crowded, especially during peak dining hours and market days. Parking can also be a challenge due to the high volume of visitors. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively high compared to other neighborhoods, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.

What is Little Italy, San Diego known for?

Little Italy is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, with a plethora of Italian restaurants, craft breweries, and trendy cocktail bars. The neighborhood is characterized by its lively farmers market, charming boutiques, and the iconic Our Lady of the Rosary church. The overall vibe is a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

How far is Little Italy from downtown San Diego?

Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood located just a few minutes away from downtown San Diego.

How should i spend a day in Little Italy, San Diego?

A great way to spend your day exploring Little Italy is by first grabbing a steaming cup of coffee from the renowned James Coffee Co. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the neighborhood by visiting the weekly Mercato Farmers’ Market, where you can sample local produce and artisanal goods. Finish off your day with a delicious Italian meal at the award-winning restaurant, Bencotto Italian Kitchen, and a stroll through the beautiful Amici Park.