21 Best Little Italy Restaurants in San Diego in 2025
Ask any local where to go for dinner and you’ll get more than a few recommendations pointing you to Little Italy restaurants in San Diego. And it’s not just Italian food: Little Italy, San Diego restaurants offer a wider range of cuisines than the name suggests.
In fact, it’s one of the best San Diego neighborhoods for eating out, no matter what you’re craving. But it can be hard to narrow down a good place to eat in such a food-focused area.
So if you’re wondering where to eat in San Diego’s Little Italy area, let this list of the 21 best restaurants in Little Italy, San Diego, be your tour guide.
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The 21 Best Restaurants in Little Italy, San Diego
1. Herb & Wood
We guess Italian food is technically “Mediterranean,” but that’s not the kind of Mediterranean you’ll find at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy area. At Herb & Wood, you’ll find dishes with a variety of Mediterranean inspiration taken from Turkish food, Greek food and even coastal French cuisine.
The Vibe
Herb & Wood is set in an expansive industrial space with a sleek aesthetic; think high ceilings and straight lines.
What to Order
Diners at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy can’t get enough of the pork belly appetizer. If you’re feeling like seafood, Herb & Wood’s swordfish is notably excellent.
Herb & Wood | 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
2. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
This beloved Southern California chain serves hefty portions of favorite Italian dishes across San Diego County. There are countless Italian restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, but Filippi’s Pizza Grotto stands out for its comfort food. It’s grandma’s kitchen-style Italian cooking, and San Diegans can’t get enough.
The Vibe
No-frills, with red checkered tablecloths and lots of streetside patio seating. It’s welcoming and delightfully Italian, and it isn’t the place to worry about calories or wear anything white.
What to Order
Filippi’s has just about every Italian dish you could hope to order on the menu, but it’s the pizza that you really shouldn’t miss. It doesn’t matter what flavor you pick — this Little Italy restaurant in San Diego is renowned for its chewy crust and perfectly balanced sauce.
Filipi’s Pizza Grotto | 1747 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
3. The Crack Shack
Fried chicken probably isn’t what you were expecting to find at a Little Italy restaurant in San Diego, but The Crack Shack is looking to change that. Serving creative takes on one of the most beloved American dishes, The Crack Shack has gained traction in a competitive Little Italy market with its impeccably crunchy chicken.
The Vibe
Just like its menu, The Crack Shack’s ambience is elevated-casual. Are there more romantic restaurants in San Diego? Most definitely. But neither is this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant your average chicken joint.
What to Order
Keep it simple here: plain old fried chicken and fries are the best things on this menu. The biscuits are well worth a try as well.
The Crack Shack | 2266 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
4. Born and Raised
Little Italy restaurants in San Diego aren’t all about pizza and pasta. Born and Raised is a refined steakhouse offering big-city glam. Booking a table here is also a hidden gem of a date idea in San Diego, and the eatery offers sweeping views of the San Diego skyline.
The Vibe
The classy surroundings at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood get a boost from its high-rise location. Choose the sumptuous interior or brave the (slight) chill to dine outside for unbeatable city views.
What to Order
Beef Wellington is a fan favorite, but so are some unlikely sides: the Caesar salad and free brioche bread are some of the most talked-about dishes on the menu.
Born and Raised | 1909 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
5. Petrini’s
In a sea of white-tablecloth Italian restaurants in Little Italy, San Diego, Petrini’s laid-back atmosphere offers something a little different. At this brunch-and-dinner spot, you’ll find a blend of American brunch classics, Italian street food and generous portions of favorite pasta dishes.
The Vibe
Agreeably no-fuss, this friendly eatery is the kind of place you can easily relax. It’s best enjoyed as a meeting place with friends or for a weekday lunch date.
What to Order
If you’re a lasagna fan, this is one of the best restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy to visit. And if that plate-full of meat and pasta doesn’t fill you up, the tiramisù is worth leaving room for. The burrata is also recommended if you want an appetizer for a three-course feast.
Petrini’s | 1660 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
6. Barbusa
This favorite Little Italy restaurant in San Diego is loved for its Sicilian dishes. While Barbusa is a polished, high-concept eatery, it’s not a fussy one.
The Vibe
Sleek and classy enough to be a popular spot for those looking for foodie birthday ideas in San Diego, but with accessible and filling menu offerings that keep it from feeling too fancy. This winning formula makes it a top pick among locals and visitors, so make sure you call ahead to make a reservation if you have your heart set on this Little Italy restaurant in San Diego.
What to Order
Short rib lasagna and pistachio pesto gnocchi are two dishes that visitors to this restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, rave about.
Barbusa | 1616 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
7. Kettner Exchange
It’s impossible to describe Kettner Exchange as anything but “eclectic,” so it goes without saying that it’s one of the more unique restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy. Kettner Exchange is as well-known for its award-winning architecture as for its inventive menu of small plates. It even has Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
The Vibe
Come for the food, stay for the eclectic architecture. There’s always something to look at in this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant’s chic interior. It’s a date-night ambience if there ever was one.
What to Order
You may not think you love duck, but you will after you try Kettner Exchange’s duck meatball. However, this isn’t a place to dine solo or try only one dish: go with friends or family so you can order a sampling of small plates.
Kettner Exchange | 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
8. Landini’s Pizzeria
If you’re a native New Yorker, you’re never going to be satisfied with a West Coast slice of pizza (it’s okay — the Mexican food here is better!), but Landini’s Pizzeria makes a great case for the SoCal pizza scene. This restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy area serves its pies exactly the way a New York pizza joint would: thin, fresh and by the slice.
The Vibe
Although Landini’s Pizzeria has some eat-in seating, it’s mostly a takeaway kind of place. This restaurant in the Little Italy area of San Diego is best experienced by taking a few slices to go.
What to Order
It doesn’t really matter which slice you order: choose whatever looks good behind the counter and take it to go.
Landini’s Pizzeria | 1656 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
9. Extraordinary Desserts
For 30 years, Extraordinary Desserts has been San Diego’s go-to spot for superior cake, pastry and other sweet creations. Prices are a little high, but so is quality: you won’t find a single dessert on this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant’s rotating menu that isn’t perfectly executed or stunningly photogenic.
The Vibe
Although Extraordinary Desserts is more of a place to browse and carry out than to eat in, admiring its display case is an experience in and of itself. Give yourself a few minutes to take in the beauty of the thoughtfully crafted menu before you order.
What to Order
Flourless Chocolate Cake is Extraordinary Desserts’ standby, so if you enjoy chocolate even a little bit, it’s a must-try. Otherwise, the menu at this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant rotates, so you never know what you’ll get when you go in.
Our advice: spend a little time contemplating the dessert case, and then go with your gut. If you have a celebration coming up, any of the beautifully decorated cakes are worth splurging on as well.
Extraordinary Desserts | 1430 Union St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
10. Lala
Though it’s one of the swankiest restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy, Lala refuses to take itself too seriously. Wine glasses hung upside-down like chandeliers and stilettos as wall décor are just a few of the cheeky touches that make this classic Italian restaurant a breath of fresh air.
The Vibe
There’s nothing stuffy about this pasta-and-cocktails-geared Italian restaurant. You’ll find fan-favorite menu items in an intimate, playful setting.
What to Order
When dining at this Little Italy restaurant in San Diego, start with an appetizer of blistered tomatoes with burrata cheese. Then, follow up with an order of lasagna pinwheels for a heartier main course.
Lala | 4190 Bonita Road, San Diego, CA 92110 | $$
11. Postino Little Italy
This restaurant in San Diego’s Little Area district is more about socializing while tasting the best of the varietals from renowned Italian wine regions than multi-course meals. That said, you won’t be disappointed with its culinary offerings. At Postino Little Italy, expect a focus on small plates and appetizers to complement your glass of wine.
The Vibe
Fun and unfussy. Monello aspires to be a point of connection, and that’s exactly what this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant is designed for: casual, intimate conversation and good food in unintimidating portions.
What to Order
Bruschetta (any flavor you fancy, from tomato, mozzarella and basil to unique options like pepper jam with goat cheese or ricotta with dates and pistachios) pairs well with the wine and conversation at this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant. For dessert, indulging in the crunchy hazelnut bar is a must.
Postino Little Italy | 1065 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
12. Monello
“Timeless, not trendy” is the tagline of this upscale spot for Milanese cuisine. Monello sticks to the classic and beloved, but with an overwhelming array of options at your disposal, there’s something to be said for a well-executed take on a classic. That’s what you can be sure you’ll get at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
The Vibe
A pared-down industrial space allows the subtleties of Monello’s dishes to shine. It’s polished without having to call attention to itself.
What to Order
If you’ve ever wanted to try pasta made in a cheese bowl, this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant is the place to do it.
Monello | 750 W. Fir St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
13. Juniper & Ivy
If fine dining is what you’re after, this is the Little Italy, San Diego restaurant for you. Juniper & Ivy ticks all of the fine-dining boxes: an elegant, intimate setting; a seasonally rotating tasting menu. As one of only a few Michelin star restaurants in San Diego, it's a go-to stop for creative, seasonal and high-end cuisine.
The Vibe
There’s nothing ambiguous about it: this is an upscale place. Everything from the presentation of its small plates to the warm woods used in its interior decoration exudes quality.
What to Order
For the best sampling of what Juniper & Ivy has to offer, try the Chef’s Table tasting menu at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy. You can even get caviar service if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Juniper & Ivy | 2228 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$$
14. Coco Maya
Italian, Latin American and local influences converge at Coco Maya. This bright, upscale-casual restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy area is especially strong at brunch and happy hour, with an expansive breakfast menu and creative small plates.
The Vibe
Just like the city itself, Coco Maya is a bright, spacious and open spot. Patio seating plays up the tropical vibe of this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant on a sunny day.
What to Order
Start with an order of ceviche, or maybe the lobster gnocchi if you’re feeling something a bit more indulgent. And if you’re here at for some of the best breakfast in San Diego, the dulce de leche French toast or lobster caviar Benedict are great picks.
Coco Maya | 1637 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
15. Bencotto
This restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood aims to elevate Italian menu standbys with artisanal ingredients and careful preparation. Expect excellent pasta and panoramic city views at Bencotto.
The Vibe
Understated chic. If you’re here at lunchtime, we highly recommend asking for outdoor seating to take advantage of San Diego’s average annual 251 days of sunshine.
What to Order
Fan favorites include squid ink pasta (it’s not just for the ‘gram) and meatballs. Meatballs? You might be surprised to see such a simple ingredient on this list, but it’s worth the mention. Be sure to get a dessert as well; you won’t regret it!
Bencotto | 1670 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
16. Mona Lisa Italian Foods
From its exterior alone, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy for a specialty grocery store. And it’s true: Mona Lisa Italian Foods does do a brisk business in Italian groceries. But it’s just as well-known for its prepared foods, and if you’re looking for a welcoming place to get some hearty Italian favorites, this is a true hidden gem.
The Vibe
This is a versatile place: you’ll find both white-tablecloth place settings and family-sized booths. Casual at heart, this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy nevertheless transitions well between lunch and dinner, date night and family meal.
What to Order
For carry-out, Mona Lisa Italian Foods offers sandwiches par excellence. Dine-in customers would do well to consider the lasagna: it’s as gloriously sloppy and meaty as you’d expect.
Mona Lisa Italian Foods | 1435 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
17. Nonna + Zucchero
Nonna is the Italian word for grandmother, so this restaurant’s name gives you a pretty good idea of the kind of place it is. Notably, Nonna + Zucchero is one of the best restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood for Italian comfort food.
The Vibe
Casual but smart, with an extensive glass case of desserts for your browsing pleasure. In keeping with its accessible menu of favorites, Nonna + Zucchero is a friendly place.
What to Order
You might not associate ribs with Italian food, but at this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant, the short ribs are a must-order. So is an order of focaccia to start and the tiramisù to finish.
Nonna + Zucchero | 1735 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
18. Morning Glory
Breakfast is severely underrepresented on this list of restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, which is what makes Morning Glory such a gem. Though this brunch spot has some Italian influences, it’s much more focused on decadent morning meals, both sweet and savory.
The Vibe
Think pink: that’s the color of nearly every part of Morning Glory’s punchy décor. You’ll never mistake this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood for any other.
What to Order
If you’re in the mood for Italian (and the rest of this list didn’t do it for you), breakfast carbonara is a bold choice. If not, Japanese-inspired soufflé pancakes are a trending option.
Morning Glory | 550 W. Date St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$$
19. Roman Wolves
Many of Italy’s most famous exports come from Rome: carbonara and Alfredo are just two notable examples. So there’s plenty for a restaurant focused on Roman cuisine to work with. At Roman Wolves, that means elevated takes on familiar and unfamiliar dishes.
The Vibe
Roman Wolves’ interior is an eclectic mix of Italian trattoria and Roman villa. It’s exactly the taste of Rome you’d hope for.
What to Order
When in Rome (or at this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy), try a classic Roman pasta dish: carbonara, cacio e pepe or fettuccine Alfredo (nothing like the chicken-heavy American dish you know).
Roman Wolves | 777 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
21. Queenstown Public House
Ever wondered what New Zealand cuisine tastes like? There’s a decent chance you haven’t — it’s not exactly the most feted international cuisine in Southern California. That’s what this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy area is trying to change, and there’s always a crowd at Queensland Public House for good reason.
The Vibe
An open-air dining area lets in plenty of light and fresh air at this always-buzzing lunch spot. Much like the country that inspired it, Queenstown Public House is a friendly and fun place for a hearty meal.
What to Order
New Zealand famously has a higher population of sheep than people, so you’ve got to try something with lamb. We recommend the meat pies.
Queenstown Public House | 1557 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
20. Civico 1845
This Sicilian-focused restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood has one very unique offering: a special vegan menu. That’s a rare find at an upscale Italian restaurant, so if you’re looking for vegan options in San Diego, Civico 1845 is a shining light on the local food scene. However, there are also meat, vegetarian and seafood offerings, making this a great place to dine for groups with varied diets.
The Vibe
Civico 1845’s interior is an airy space decorated in Mediterranean style that recalls this Little Italy, San Diego restaurant’s Sicilian roots as clearly as the menu does.
What to Order
Vegans and non-vegans alike have great things to say about Civico 1845’s vegan funghi lasagna. So even if you aren’t going to this restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy for the vegan menu, you’d be remiss not to consider it. If that’s not your thing, bruschetta ricotta e prosciutto, followed by the seafood pasta, would be an excellent choice.
Civico 1845 | 1845 India St., San Diego, CA 92101 | $$
More Culinary Experiences in San Diego
Eating out in Little Italy might seem to be the only way to enjoy the best San Diego food, but what if it weren’t? There are more ways to explore the best of San Diego’s culinary scene.
Craving pasta but unable to get a table (or a parking spot) at a restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy? Consider trying Italian cooking classes in San Diego. Not quite sure what you feel like? Luckily, cooking classes in San Diego aren’t limited to Italian cuisine, there is a range of sweet and savory options to choose from.
And if you don’t feel like picking just one place to eat, food tours in San Diego will give you insight into the local food scene and the chance to sample many of the best dishes with the help of an expert local guide.
Restaurants in Little Italy, San Diego, are at the heart of the city’s growing culinary ecosystem, and you won’t want to miss out. So, whether you live in America’s Finest City or you’re looking for the best places to eat during your visit, let these 21 restaurants inspire you to pursue new culinary adventures at restaurants in San Diego’s Little Italy.
For even more ways to explore San Diego and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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