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Little Italy (San Diego) Restaurants

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Award winning restaurants in Banker's Hill

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Little Italy (San Diego)

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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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Craft & Commerce
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Expensive
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American
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4.7
(972)
Providing shelter from the storm since 2009.
A photo of Bun & Patti restaurant
Bun & Patti
Price: Moderate
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American
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4.8
(11)
Bun & Patti opened March 2023, owned and operated by Elion and Amy Prodani, and inspired by Elion's two decades managing fine dining restaurants in NYC and Las Vegas and has already been featured in the San Diego Union Tribune, Eater, and recently rated #2 best burger restaurant in San Diego by Yelp.
The family restaurant gets its name from Amy's mother "Patti" who enjoyed serving burgers with the perfect glass of wine. Bun & Patti specializes in burgers that are higher-end yet approachable using the finest quality ingredients including Flannery Farm 14 day dry-aged patty, Gold Canyon custom chuck and brisket blend, brioche buns from Rockenwagner Bakery and thick-cut sous vide Bakers Bacon.
In addition to burgers, Bun & Patti offers starters featuring Patti's Pretzel and Boujee Tots, fried and grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, steak frites and sides including signature onion rings, truffle fries and macaroni and cheese.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
Herb & Wood
Price: Expensive
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Californian
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4.7
(5562)
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
(817)
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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
Price: Moderate
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Mexican
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4.7
(65)
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
Juniper & Ivy
Price: Very Expensive
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Contemporary American
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4.6
(7395)
Juniper and Ivy delivers a chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Daily offerings rotate, based on the top ingredients brought in by local farmers and fishermen that morning.
Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, with James Beard Nominated Chef Anthony Wells at its helm, Juniper’s kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town. Pair that with pristine attention to detail and unsurpassed breadth of knowledge from our front of house team and award-winning wine list for an unforgettable dining experience.
For all groups 9 and larger contact Kirsten Trelenberg: events@juniperandivy.com or call 619.487.9627
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The Heights
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Italian
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4.5
(28)
Welcome to The Heights, where we redefine Italian classics with a modern twist inspired by the vibrant coastal charm of our Italian shores. At The Heights, our mission is simple: to treat each guest like family, providing delightful Italian cuisine accompanied by a touch of playfulness. We believe in celebrating the finer aspects of life, free from assumptions or expectations about our guests’ backgrounds. Here, it’s not about where you come from but who you are. Our carefully crafted menu truly reflects our passion for food, our love for family, and our deep appreciation for our coastal city. Developed in collaboration with renowned Michelin Star Chef Marco Provino, our menu showcases a delightful selection of coastal-inspired Italian dishes that will transport you to our cherished coastal destinations. Whether you're savoring a delicious meal, sipping on exquisite wines, or indulging in a moment of connection with loved ones, The Heights promises an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
Barbusa
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.6
(3757)
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!
A photo of Queenstown Public House restaurant
Queenstown Public House
Price: Moderate
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Organic
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4.6
(413)
For parties of 7 or more please give us a call at 619-546-0444
We are a New Zealand inspired whimsical restaurant set in a craftsman house that dates back to 1905. We are one block off the main drag in Little Italy. Sink your teeth into one of our organic beef or lamb burgers. We also have many salads and dinner entrees to try. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable.
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Born & Raised
Great vibe
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Price: Very Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.6
(5302)
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.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Price: Moderate
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Seafood
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4.6
(4062)
Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating.
We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.
A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
Coco Maya
Price: Expensive
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Contemporary Latin
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4.6
(258)
Coco Maya is inspired by exploring the history of the Islands and Latin American regions of the Caribbean Ocean.
The dishes are a contemporary link from the past to the present using local produce and Seafood guided by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. European influence in flavor and cooking techniques are echoed throughout the menu with the core of the kitchen coming from the Coal Fired Josper Oven. Hints of the Ocean, smoke, and char will reverberate through all the dishes.
A daily Brunch Menu is centered around composed Latin American and Caribbean breakfast dishes with rotating pastries and a unique Sandwich called Bokit (a stuffed fry bread from the French Islands of Guadeloupe).
Snacks vary from a simple play on Chex Mix to a fun tableside version of a Raclette queso fundido.
Dinner transitions into a more select atmosphere with the food offering a variety of plant-based small plates and large format proteins cooked over coals
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Ballast Point Little Italy
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Brewery
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4.6
(36)
Ballast Point Brewing Company's research & development location in Little Italy with 25+ beers on tap, cider, hard kombucha, full wine list, and an eclectic New American menu. Our dedicated team of brewers constantly explore new tastes and techniques to create adventurous and GABF award winning beers. Just like our approach to beer, the kitchen only sources the best possible ingredients, including steroid and antibiotic free proteins, line-caught fish and local produce when available. Come for a flight of beer, enjoy a smash burger, fill a growler, or get a keg - whatever the reason, we'd love to see you.
A photo of Ristorante Illando restaurant
Ristorante Illando
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.5
(683)
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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
Mimmo's Italian Village
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.5
(478)
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated .
Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce .
Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria.
Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.
Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.

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See what locals rave about in Little Italy (San Diego)

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Get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in Little Italy (San Diego)

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 (San Diego) is Bun & Patti

The best vegan restaurants in Little Italy (San Diego) are Civico 1845, Herb & Wood and Cloak + Petal

The best vegetarian restaurants in Little Italy (San Diego) are Herb & Wood, Civico 1845 and Bencotto Italian Kitchen

The restaurants with the best service in Little Italy (San Diego) are Juniper & Ivy, Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar and Bun & Patti

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Little Italy (San Diego) are Coco Maya, Born & Raised and Queenstown Public House

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