Eating and drinking in Little Italy

What are your favorite spots to eat and drink in Little Italy? Is it best to grab a small bite, or slice of pizza, from a few different places?

Little Italy in San Diego is a vibrant neighborhood with a great mix of traditional Italian cuisine, modern eateries, and craft cocktail bars. It’s perfect for both a full meal or sampling multiple small bites while strolling the area.

If you’re looking to experience a variety of flavors, grabbing small bites or pizza slices from different places is an excellent approach. This way, you can enjoy the diversity without committing to a single restaurant.

• Pizzeria: Try Buona Forchetta or Filippi’s Pizza Grotto for classic Italian-style pizza slices or small plates. These are great for grabbing a quick bite while walking around.
• Gelato/Dessert: Grab a scoop at Pappalecco or Salt & Straw for a sweet treat. Sampling a couple of flavors is a fun way to taste-test the neighborhood.
• Charcuterie/Small Plates: Ironside Fish & Oyster or Barbusa offer small plates and shareable options if you want something more substantial than pizza but still light.
• Coffee/Bakery: Con Pane Bakery or Civico 1845 are excellent stops for espresso, pastries, or focaccia if you prefer a lighter snack during your walk.