Little Italy
Little Italy
Downtown San Diego
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Downtown San Diego that was originally a predominately Italian fishing neighborhood. It has since been become a scenic neighborhood composed mostly of a variety of restaurants, sidewalk cafe's, Italian retail shops, home design stores, art galleries, and residential units.
The San Diego Experience
Little Italy is hands down my favorite area of Downtown San Diego. It is a highly walkable 48 square block area that includes some of the regions newest and best restaurants. Unlike other areas of Downtown, such as the Gaslamp and East Village, Little Italy offers a more upscale experience.
With the opening of the 10,000 square foot Piazza della Famiglia in 2018, this has become the new center and prime gathering space for Little Italy visitors and residents. The Piazza is on Date Street between India and Columbia Streets. The cobblestone street includes a beautiful tiled fountain with tables and chairs where people can enjoy a coffee or snack from any of the nearby restaurants. There is often live music, concerts and cultural events. The annual Little Italy Christmas tree lighting takes place on the Piazza every December using the 20 foot live tree that was planted in 2016. The Piazza is a mix of public, residential, retail and restaurant space. In January 2019, USA Today named The Little Italy Food Hall one of the top 10 best food halls in the country! Here you can choose from six locally owned restaurant stations, a full bar with craft cocktails or enjoy an outdoor cooking demonstration from local chefs.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Little Italy Farmers' Market, also known as the Little Italy Mercato, takes place on the Piazza and adjoining streets. But the Piazza is just one block of the enormous market that includes more than 200 tents along Date Street that stretch from Kettner Blvd to Front Street. Here you will be able enjoy a selection of fresh produce, meat, fish, poultry, local artisan foods and even fresh flowers. Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there is a much smaller market that stretches three blocks from Kettner Blvd. to State Street.
Restaurants
Maybe it's just me, but when people say Little Italy I immediately think of food. There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from that range from fine dining, casual restaurants or just grab and go. I will be featuring many of my favorite restaurants on this site, so please check back often because this is the neighborhood we go the most often for a good meal. Some of my favorites right now are Cloak & Petal, Monello, Juniper & Ivy, Herb & Wood, the Crack Shack, and Indigo Grill.
It's a Dog's Life
Just about everyone in San Diego seems to have a dog, but I think it must be a requirement if you live in Little Italy. The Little Italy Association reports that more than 2,000 dogs call this area neighborhood their home. Of course our four legged friends are welcome at any outdoor patio, but when it is time for them to play you can take them to Amici Dog Park. It has a nice artificial grass for the dogs to run around and play with plenty of shaded areas for the dog owners to sit, enjoy a coffee and brag about your pooch.