ULTIMATE ITINERARY: ONE DAY IN LITTLE ITALY SAN DIEGO

Located in the Northern portion of San Diego’s downtown district, this once renowned tuna fishing neighbourhood has now become the United State’s of America’s largest Little Italy, spanning forty eight blocks.  This guide will help you choose how to spend one day in Little Italy, San Diego, with the best things to see, do and where to drink and eat. 

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The History of Little Italy 

Around the end of the nineteenth century, San Diego had a flourishing tuna industry, with it’s location on the coast thus seeing an influx of many Italian and Portuguese migrants. They were primarily looking for work in the tuna fishing industry. Generations of Italian families made their living from the sea. Unfortunately during the 1980’s there was decline in the tuna fishing industries so many were closing. Little Italy did start to spring back in the 1990’s and In 2015 the Tuna Harbour Dockside Market, located close to Seaport Village, was opened and things were looking on the up again for local businesses and fishermen. If you take a tour of Little Italy, the history i fteh area is explained in some depth.

Did you know? Little Italy in San Diego is known as the largest one in the USA? It spans 48 blocks, which is pretty large to even envisage!

Today, you’ll see Little Italy is a bustling neighbourhood with lots of cafes, international as well as Italian eateries, wineries, craft beer outlets, art galleries, boutique hotels and shops. At the heart of it all, just like in Italy is a square, The Piazza della Famiglia. Little Italy is also the perfect base to explore, The Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla along the coast as well as Coronado Island, which can both be reached by Uber or public transport.

How to Get to Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy is located very close to the airport and you can experience how close by the airplanes flying low above you on India Street, the main road in the neighbourhood.

San Diego to Little Itay

• Bus – the cheapest way to get from San Diego airport to Little Italy is via the bus, this costs around $2-$5 and takes less than nine minutes in standard traffic.
• Taxi – this is a more convenient way, jump in a taxi at the airport designated point for taxi rides. This should cost no more that $15 and takes only 3-4 minutes in moderate traffic. 
• Car – If you’re hiring a car and are driving from the airport, just drive down Harbor Drive and turn left when you get to Grape Street and you’re there!

San Diego Downtown or anywhere else in the city

• Taxi/Car – Follow signs for India street and it should take no more than ten minutes from the Gaslamp district.
• Walking – it is 100% possible to walk to Little Italy from the Gaslamp District. This is what we did regularly and it takes around 20-30 minutes and much of the way is a straight main road. 
• Buses – look out for MTS bus numbers, 3. 11 and 20 and refer to timetables and route maps at Metropolitan Transit Systems
• Trolley – Little Italy is situated on the Green Line. For more details refer to The Metropolitan Transit System

Parking in Little Italy

Street parking is available in the neighbourhood along the main and side streets but be aware to look at the street signs and parking metre regulations on the curbs. If you are eating at restaurants they can offer valet parking or it is possible to find parking lots close by.

We were based in the Gaslamp district and just found it easier to walk to Little Italy or rake an Uber after dark.

Be-lavie Tip: Little Italy is an extremely walkable area. We would advise walking using India Street as an anchor point and steering off to the smaller side streets and see where you end up. It’s the easiest way to discover the neighbourhood.

When is The Best Time to Visit Little Italy

In our opinion, the absolute best time to visit is on Saturday mornings. This is when the largest Farmer’s Market in San Diego is held, Little Italy Mercato Farner’s Market. It’s a must see and the neighbourhood is most definitely at its liveliest at this time. It’s a great family atmosphere and the produce is fabulous. 

It is of course possible to head to Little Italy at any time, it’s a great area for lunch, drinks, gelato, stocking up on authentic ingredients, having dinner or just sitting in the Piazza della Famiglia, people watching.

Be-lavie Tip: We would recommend always making dinner reservations ahead of your visit as many of the popular places can get very busy – we also found this to be the case during the week as well as weekends.

How to Spend One Day in Little Italy, San Diego

This itinerary has been tailored around a Saturday visit, our preferred day to hang out for an authentic and real feel for the neighbourhood.

1. Breakfast – Farmers Table 

One of our favourite farm-to-fork restaurants, is ideally located on Piazza della Famiglia and has  a lovely laid back vibe about it. Sit at the outdoor bar and enjoy some mean bloody Mary’s or grab a seat outdoors and people watch.

The idea behind Farmer’s Table is to deliver fresh produce straight from the farm to the table, just as the name suggests. They have been awarded many accolades for their initiatives in sourcing local food. They do an extensive breakfast menu with all the usuals, placing great emphasis on freshness and quality.

The outlet in Little Italy is a good place to have breakfast on a Saturday morning when the weekly market is on and the perfect spot to take a seat outside and people watch.

Farmer’s table have been voted by ‘The Food Network’ as having the most over the top Bloody Mary options in America. you’ll have to go and check it out!

Related Article: Coffee & Breakfast spots in San Diego

• Location: 550 West Date street A, san Diego, CA 921011 Tel. +I 6l9 255 U956 I Menu I Find on Map.
• Reviews: What fellow breakfast lovers are saying 
• Reservations: Not necessary but advisable at weekends.
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: We opted for a healthy fruits and grains bowl with fresh fruit, strawberry, yoghurt and house made granola. Of course a latte to sip on to start.

2. Discover The Mercato Farmer’s Market 

After breakfast, it’s time to hit the once-weekly farmers market. It takes place every Saturday from 08:00-14:00 with a few blocks of Little Italy being closed off. It’s a well organised affair with traffic also being controlled and 150 vendors lined vertically between Date Street, Columbia streets and India Street. A pretty bustling farmers market where you’ll be sure to see locals shop for fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables along with gourmet items such as sauces, preserves, speciality teas and coffees to mention a few. You’ll also find a wonderful range of fresh flowers, crafts, sustainable leather handbags and shoes, plants and freshly made foods like crepes, cakes, biscuits, frittatas, breads, tacos and lots more. It really is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds and definitely worth a visit. 

The atmosphere at the market is very friendly and suitable for families. You get plenty of opportunities to taste ingredients before purchasing, knowing that you’re supporting a local small business too.

Some of our favorite vendors are the mushroom stall, you will never have seen so many varieties of mushrooms in your life – its mind boggling!, the scavenged sea urchin shells filled with plants as well as the tea and baked good outlets. 

Be-lavie Tip: You could pick up some picnic items from here if you are planning a walk down to the Waterfront Park. Also most of the stalls take card payment but cash is always great for a speedy payment. 

• Location: 600 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 233 3901 I More Information.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

3. Look Out For The Recipe Tables in Amici Park

This may sound a little strange but try and take a piece of paper and a pencil to the park. You will be able to take recipe rubbings if you do. The park has a number of sculptures of tables covered in red and white checked table cloths, which are glass mosaics. Each of the tables has a sculpture of plates of food such as marinara sauce, stuffed artichokes, spaghetti. Adjacent to the sculpture is a plaque which has the recipe written out in slightly raised writing. All you have to do is place your paper over the top and rub with your pencil. 

The installation is named, ‘A Recipe for Friendship’ and was created by Nina Karavasiles in 2001. 

Photo Courtesy: Recipe for friends

There are ten brass plaques in total and they read:

• The less things change, the more they remain the same.  Sicilian Proverb.
• Las cosas claras y el chocolate espreso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb.
• A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.  Old New York Proverb.
• The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you’re hungry again.   George Miller.
• Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.  Beethoven.
• No man is lonely while eating spaghetti, it require so much attention.  Christopher Morley.
• Cappuccino  2oz of fine Italian expresso, 2 ox of steamed milk, top it off with froth. Sprinkle with chocolate and cinnamon if desired.  Steve Galasso  Enjoy the cappuccino with a pizzell.
• Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing. Walt Kelly.
• El gusto de sabores. cilantro parsley, chives, cinnamon, garlic, tamarando, oregano, epazote.
• The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays.

• Location: 1660 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 525 8213 I Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Further Information: The Recipe for Friends website 

Fun Fact: Bocce Ball is a common hobby for Italians back in the homeland. and of course, Little Italy actually has it’s own set of bocce ball courts in the Amici Park.

4. Mooch Around Architectural Salvage 

If you love quirky home decor and architectural salvage yards, then Architectural Salvage is a treasure trove of cool doors, door knobs, fireplaces, lamp shades, and so much more.  We literally wanted to purchase everything here! Speak to the owners as they may be able to help with international shipping – we were very tempted!

• Location: 1861 Main St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92113 I Tel. +1 619 550 9244 I Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

5. Have Lunch at Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto 

After all the shopping and walking, you may well be ready for lunch and we’re suggesting Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto for a quick and easy delicious Pizza. The once deli grocery opened in the 1950s and is now frequented by pizza fans all around San Diego.

This pizza spot is a firm favourite in San Diego and has the original hop front, behind which Mamma Filippi lived. The pizzeria comes with a lot of history attached, so pop inside to see the old photographs and decor.

Situated on the main India Street in Little Italy, Filipi’s comes with a great history and is as authentic as lt comes with the food. 

They do a variety of Italian favourites in generous portions. Take a seat outside on the patio or inside which has a traditional trattoria teel.

Be-lavie Recommendations: Simplicity is best and we’d suggesting having a glass of red accompanied by a Margherita pizza.

• Location: 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 232 5094 I Menu I Find on Map.
• Reservations: Not essential.
• Reviews: What fellow diners are saying.
• Price range: $$

Related Article: Vegetarian-Friendly Places to Eat in San Diego

6. Head to Bobboi, Natural Gelato for Dessert

Bobboi specialises in making a natural healthier gelato by using only fresh, real ingredients.. They pick the best local farms, producers and suppliers, which has been a testament to their success over the past ten years. They use traditional Italian gelato making techniques which are headed by Monica Maccioni, the mastermind behind the gelato flavours at Bobboi.

Monica was raised in Sardinia and became a gelato expert after completing her studies at the Università del Gelato in Bologna, Italy.

The store in Little Italy is fun and bright. The staff here are super friendly and give you tastings of the gelato before you commit to a number of scoops. Note the red Vespa in the corner and the window seats with huge windows that let you spot the planes coming into San Diego airport.

• Location: 2175 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 858 2148 240 I Menu I Find on Map.
• Reservations: Not required.
• Reviews: What fellow diners are saying.
• Price range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Try a scoop each of the Dragon lemon and berry lavender.gelato.

7. Walk Down To The Waterfront Park

If you’re looking for a green space fix, then why not head down to Waterfront Park, which is classed as being in Little Italy, although we didn’t realise it at first. Its located on the harbour.

Waterfront Park, is the perfect relaxing place to spend a couple of hours with views of the yachts and harbour in front of you and the downtown San Diego skyline in the back. There are beautiful water features to admire and splash pools which seem popular with the young children in the heat. 

It is also a nice open area to enjoy a picnic or snacks amongst the lawned patches and gardens. If you prefer to eat al fresco and more casually then this is a great pocket friendly option.

• Location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 232 7275 I Website.

• Find it Here: Map Location.

8. Take in The Local Museums

Culture vultures and museum enthusiasts will be pleased to learn, Little Italy has two museums.

The San Diego Firehouse Museum

The building that once housed Little Italy Fire Station No. 6, was 100 years old in 2015 and was awarded historic status. This was the first fire station in San Diego downtown but now has been set up as a museum. Visitors can see fire fighting memorabilia from the 1800s as well as important equipment used in helping to control and put out fires. The star of the show is the very first fire engine in La Jolla. 

They also have a portion of steel from the World Trade Center from New York City.

• Location: 1572 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 I +1 619 232 3473 I Opening Times & Admission.  
• Find it Here: Map Location.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego

Technically located on the Embarcadero (a part of downtown San Diego), a very very short walk from Little Italy, If you’re a fan of ships, then get yourself down to the Maritime museum, which is essentially a collection of four vessels that have historic distinctions on the National Register. They are the PCF 816 Swift Boat, 1914 Pilot boat, the world’s oldest active sailing ship Star of India, and the 1898 steam ferry boat Berkeley – listed as National Historic Landmarks.

Our personal favourite is the Star of India, from 1863 which holds the title of the world’s oldest active sailing ship.

• Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +16192349153 I Opening Times & Admission.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

9. Pay a Visit to The Italian Food Market

Of course each Little Italy has to have an authentic Italian market and Mona Lisa Italian Foods is the go to! It’s been open since 1973 and providing traditional Italian food to the fishermen and their families as well as local and visitors ever since.

The deli-style market offers a fine selection of foods and wines as well as lovely sandwiches to take out and enjoy.

• Location: 2061 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +16192344893 I Information & Opening Hours.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

10. Piazza Della Famiglia

The heart of Little Italy is a Piazza, just like in any town or city in Italy. The Piazza della Famiglia is a 10,000 square foot square connecting India and Columbia Streets with a medium-sized eye-catching tiled fountain.

The piazza is scattered with tables and chairs with cobblestones and is the perfect place to relax or meet friends. It is a place dedicated to the past, present and future families of Little Italy.

• Location: 523 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 233 3898 I Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

11. Pop into The Little Italy Food Hall

A few strides from the Piazza della Famiglia, is the Little Italy Food Hall. This is a local dining initiative with six local food stations and a full bar with local beers and craft cocktails. It’s a great spot to meet friends, especially when everyone has different tastes in food. We did pop in but were way too full to eat again.

• Location: 550 W Date St suite b, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 269 7187 I Information & Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

12. Discover  Little Italy by Foot

Little Italy is very walkable, infact you can take your very own walking tour of the neighbourhood, 48 blocks worth should you wish! Although you’ll only need to walk a few blocks to discover the delights in the form of eateries, boutique shops and the deep history of Little Italy. 

Here are a few stops you may want to add to your walk whilst wandering around the area.

The San Diego Macaroni Factory

Stop at the Hyde Edwards Salon & Spa, this is where the historic San Diego Macaroni Factory once stood. This little business is marked by a portion of original pavement. The factory doesn’t exist but the site is marked to remember the former tenants and is now a designated San Diego Historical landmark.

• Location: 2308 A Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

Hidden Ring in The Pavement on India Street

When you head to Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto for lunch, look at the painted electrical box on India Street to see the imprinted ring. 

• Location: 1747 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

The Little Italy Landmark Sign

This sign was constructed and erected to pay tribute to the immigrants who established the neighbourhood. Each side of the sign has a colorful bright mosaic design on each side of the street – this charts the story of how Little Italy is associated with the bay area and the fishing past,

• Location: 1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

Count The Trees Planted on The Sidewalks (10 Strides Apart)

Yes, that’s right, as you walk count the distance between the trees. Thsi was quite a fun thing to do and you’ll discover, they are ten strides apart. The flowers & Trees along the streets correspond to seasons. The Little Italy Association has a team of landscapers that provide a seasonal feel to the community by changing the flora and foliage around the neighbourhood. So in summer you see the tulips, Christmas time there will be Poinsettias and autumnal coloured leaves around September. Although we haven’t seen the poinsettias yet as we haven’t visited in December!

Read Local Stories

Whilst walking around, stop and take a look at the stories of locals that have helped this community and neighbourhood become what it is today. Notable people are mentioned on plaques and stonework in the area – such as those that served in the military as well as families who made the area what it is today.

The Neighbourhood Lights

One of the local restaurant owners told us the lights in the square change at certain times of the year. Apparently in February they have a focus on red. Something to note if you are visiting during the month of love! Our last visit was in November 2023, so we missed this!

The Neighbourhood Seats

You may notice that there are lots of seats in Little Italy as well as tables and umbrellas. This is to allow residents and visitors to take a seat and enjoy their drinks, converse, take in some fresh air and relax, just as they would when having their morning Cappuccino in Italy.

These chairs are completely intentional as the Little Italy Association chose chairs rather than benches so that people can move around and arrange their own seating.

The One Mile Walking Route

Little Italy actually has a marked one mile walking route in the middle of the neighbourhood, minus the busy roads, it’s a safe walking route.

Enjoy a Glass of Vino

Stop by M Winehouse, which was built in 1888 and was  A.W Pray House back then. Now it’s definitely a lot more fun with it’s Victorian exterior. It now has historical protected status awarded by the city of San Diego. Make a pit stop to enjoy some wine.

• Location: 1918 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 546 226 I Website.
• Find it Here Map Location.

Spot The Sausage Stuffer

Keep your eyes peeled when walking along Mimmos Italian Village, where you’ll see a sausage stuffer right outside on the pavement area. This is the original and dates back to 1968. We completely missed this but were told about it after we left so be vigilent and add it to your list!

• Location: 1743 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +16192393710 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.

The Love at First Site Tile

Head to Café Zucchero, located on India Street and peek at the floor in front of the cash desk – you will see the ‘love at first site’ tile. It has a very romantic story behind it and was added by Anthony Napoli, with the permission of the cafe owners, to commemorate where he first met his wife Sara Wilensky in 2003. Again another spot we missed, even after multiple visits.

• Location: 1735 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 234 1735 I Menu.
• Find it Here Map Location.

The Oldest Tavern in San Diego

The Waterfront Bar Tavern is said to quite possibly the oldest in San Diego. It dates back to 1934. Back in the day, the sea came right up to the bar and was a popular local hangout frequented by Italian boat captains and tuna fishermen following their shifts.

• Location: 2044 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 232 9656 I Website.

• Find it here: Map Location.
• Reviews: What fellow visitors are saying.

Visit Our Lady Of The Rosary Church Mural

Founded by Father Rabagliati, his face is included in one of the nationally recognised murals here. It’s actually located on the left side of the church, close to the altar. We couldn’t visit on two of our stays but it was recommended to us by many. local residents.

• Location: 1668 State St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 234 4820
• Find it here: Map Location 

13. Shop at The Local Boutique & Galleries

Little Italy has some great local boutiques as well as Stroll, which stocks women’s fashions and handmade local items,

There’s A Little Italy App: You can download this on the iTunes Store as well as Google Play. We saw it on La Jolla Mom’s website (a really good resource if you are visiting San Diego). The app takes users on a walking tour of Little Italy BUT we found it only worked in the USA and we couldn’t download it in the UK prior to visiting. It may be better now but was quite glitchy hence we included the above spots.

14. Have Drinks at Wolfies Carousel Bar

Originally built in 1881 by German carousel master carver and builder, Charles I.D. Looff — nicknamed “Wolfie” by friends — the revolving centerpiece is now the centre point of Wolfie’s Carousel Bar.

It’s a really interesting classy circus themed space with booths, tables and of course patrons can take a seat at the carousel bar and sip their drinks. 

We’d recommend booking on weekends as things do get pretty busy here. The bar also serves a selection of lite bites to accompany drinks such as classic cocktails, wines, beers, non alcoholic options as well as signature cocktails. 

• Location: 2401 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 255 7533 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reservations: Not essential but advised. 
• Reviews: What fellow drinkers are saying.
• Price range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: They have a small entrees menu so you can choose to accompany your beverage of choice or glass of fizz with a lite bite such as a heirloom tomato salad, baguettes or pomme frites. They also have more elaborate choices for the non-veggies like escargot!

15. End Your Day With Dinner

Choose one of these wonderful options, both of which we love for different reasons.

Herb & Wood

By far, one of our favourite, San Diego restaurants, Herb & Wood, is a total elevation in terms of service decor, creativity and Mediterranean food that has been notched up and lightly flavoured to perfection. It even has a Cali-twist that just hits!

The creation of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, the decor is very different from the exterior. Its open and airy with an immense amount of details, like the black horse statue the detailing around the bar, the little accents and the grand central bar right in the middle resting under a barrel vaulted ceiling. The restaurants has different seating areas as well as a secret courtyard garden.

It is no wonder why Herb & Wood gets filled each night, it’s  popular and we’d highly recommend making a reservation to avoid disappointment. 

The servers are particularly well versed in the menu and there is a good range of vegetarian to non-vegetarian offerings.

• Location: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 955 8495 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reservations: Strongly advised as it’s busy daily.
• Reviews: What fellow diners are saying.
• Price:$$$ 

Be-lavie Recommendations: Try two of the refreshing cocktails; Bourbon & cherry and Mezcal & peach. Order a medley of dishes to share, our favourites are the seven spice caulilini, Baba Ganoush, focaccia with whipped ricotta, Scarpinocc with brown butter, feta, caramelised onion, 50 year old aged whiskey. Stay for dessert and indulge in the lightest, raspberry souffle and date cake.

Monello

Located in Little Italy, Monello makes twenty five kinds of pasta a day, handcrafted to perfection. They serve traditional Milanese street, pasta in a cheese wheel as well as having an Italian happy hour plus weekend brunch. 

The dishes are simple and made right before you in the open kitchen. Take a seat at the counter for a casual dining experience where you can see the food being served and drinks being made up. You have to end with a housemade Tiramisu and espresso.

Also each lunchtime and dinnertime they sell the famous pasta in a cheese wheel as well as having a choice of at least 25 different freshly made varieties of pasta.

• Location: 750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 501 0030 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Reservations: Not essential.
• Reviews: What fellow diners are saying.
• Price range:$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Start with a bottle or glass of Montepulciano D’abruzzo 2020 followed by a plate of pasta for a quick dinner. The pasta is made fresh and the penne with a simple arrabbiata tomato sauce is delicious as is the Gnocchi with pesto. Just add black pepper and some Parmiggiano for a perfect dish of pasta. 

Markets Not To Miss In Little Italy

Little Italy Mercato – Our favourite farmer’s market in San Diego and a great place to check out the local small businesses, food ie stalls as well as live music such as singers, didgeridoo solos as well as saxophone and drum acts.

Little Italy Wednesday market – Yep Little Italy requires two markets to  meet the demands of the residents but this one we were told is where many of the chefs head to to grab ingredients for their service. Anyone can go though and shop!

Where to Stay In Little Italy 

Little Italy is the perfect place to stay with its perfect location to many of the landmarks in San Diego, such as Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, Gaslamp District, Downtown as well as Balboa Park. It’s location also makes it very easy to grab an uber to the airport, Old Town San Diego, Coronado and La Jolla. 

We didn’t’ stay at these hotels however we did throughly research them when looking for where to stay in San Diego. They were also recommended to us by friends who live in the city. The below is from our research.

Related Article: Quirky Boutique Hotels in San Diego.

Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

Style: Luxury 

Distance to Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy: 7 minutes walk.

One of the newest hotels in LIttle Italy and is perfect if you love a spot of healthy lifestyle on your holidays as its built into a 28,000-square-foot Fit Athletic Club and outdoor swimming pool.

The hotels, 246 luxury rooms are very comfortable with all the latest mod cons and together are water refill stations on each floor. Many have great views of the downtown area and sea via the embarcadero. 

The Above Ash Bar is on the rooftop and as well as offering views over San Diego and the bay, it also serves up cocktails and is the perfect fancy hang out after  a day of sightseeing. 

The Watercolours restaurant inside the hotel specialises in seafood with the coastal location of the city, amongst other things and does great lunch options as well as set menus for dinner.

• Location: 401 W Ash St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 546 9600 I Website.

• Find it here: Map Location. 
• Details: Check in: 16:00, Check Out: 11:00.

Porto Vista Hotel

Style: Mid-range

Distance to Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy: 4 mins walk .

This definitely a hotel for those who love a bit more fun.colour, and an artistic playful vibe. There are 190 rooms including five suites, which have also been recently refurbished. They are decorated in neutral clean tones with a splash of colour from pieces of art. Some have balconies too.

The hotel features contemporary local and international artists throughout the hotel from their collaboration with 1805 Gallery Director Lauren Story. The murals around the hotel are forever changing and being such a cool vibe to the hotel. 

There is a rooftop ‘spool’ which is a heated mini pool with spa jets and is perfect for hanging out with a good book or just relaxing. The inhouse restaurant, Glass Door serves up locally sourced ingredients in dishes as well as cocktails that can be sipped with panoramic views of the Bay area as well as Little Italy

Guests can take two dogs up to the weight of 40 lbs and they will be in the ideal location as the Amici Park is across the road. 

• Location: 1835 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 544 0164 I Website.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Check in: 15:00, Check Out: 11:00.

Urban Boutique Hotel 

Style: good value for money

Distance to Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy: 2 mins walk.

This is a lovely boutique hotel perfect for those on a tighter budget yet love a good mix of old and modern style. Rooms are tastefully finished with everything you would need for a stay in the city such as a small kitchenette, coffee/tea making facilities, deluxe bedding, flat-screen TVs, wireless internet, and an in-room safe. It also offers spa amenities. There is even a close by parking lot you can use if required. 

It’s cosy, contemporary and a very friendly establishment.

• Location: 1654 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 232 3400 I Website.

• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Check in: 12:00, Check Out: 11:00.

Recommended Little Italy Tours

Here are some tours that we’d personally recommend, especially if you’d like more of an insider or locals insight into the best places to discover especially for food. We love the food and wine tour which encompasses so many of the top spots in the neighbourhood but if you love breweries and craft beers, then the small bites and booze is for you!

The Best Photography Locations in Little Italy

If you’re planning to capture some lovely images in Little Italy, we’d recommend early morning or golden hour as a great time to avoid light bleaching. Many areas will be quieter in the morning but busier in the evenings with restaurants and nightlife. Here are a few locations we think make memorable photo spots if you like shooting instagram style content.

• Little Italy Landmark Sign
• Bobboi Natural Gelato
• Carousel Bar (extremely Instagrammable)
• Little Italy is great for taking shots of planes coming into land at the airport
• Carte Hotel rooftop pool and bar
• Herb & Wood Restaurant interiors
• Morning Glory brunch spot
• Piazza del Famigilia Fountain

One day in Little Italy FAQs

How to Spend One Day in Little Italy Round Up 

When in San Diego, spending one day in Little Italy really is worth adding to your wider itinerary. It’s heritage and culture, incredible food scene, walkability as well as markets, boutiques, shops and museums is enough to keep visitors entertained. It’s also a great place to take things slowly and tailor time to suit individual travellers needs. The hotels located in close proximity to the neighbourhood make it easy to decide on a base, which not only is easily access to lIttle Italy but also many other points of interest in the city.

Little Italy in San Diego, is the largest of it’s kind in the whole of the USA, with its rich Italian history and it is definitely worth a visit. You’ll be hooked!

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