Little Italy, CA - San Diego's Secret Sauce Scene (top things to see and do)
Little Italy, CA. The secret (or maybe not so secret) sauce scene packed full of flavor and fun! Little Italy offers a historic neighborhood charm full of people watching and people meeting opportunities! There is a variety of both modern and Ma and Pa style restaurants guaranteed for a full belly and good time. I’m all for sharing the places I love to create memories at so I hope you enjoy all of my favorites and recommendations below.
Getting there: Public transportation is the easiest and most convenient when visiting this quaint and cute area. For one, parking rates in San Diego are $$$ and two, you can gallivant all around town using the Metro Trolley Station, no need for a car. The Metro is stress free and saves you money!
Take the Amtrak train to get the the San Diego area. Who doesn’t prefer sitting there and just chillin’ gazing out of a window facing the ocean over traffic and stress on the 5 freeway???
Once Amtrak arrives in the San Diego area, prepare to get off the train at the Santa Fe Depot (it’s near the waterfront, Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter). Once you arrive, stay there and prepare to use the Metro Trolley.
Go to the Metro Trolley Station kiosk vending machines (there are multiple outside of the Santa Fe Depot) and get either a one-way pass, a one-day pass, OR a Metro Trolley Card to load up as needed if you’re staying multiple days. The kiosk is intuitive to follow along so pick what best suits what you plan to see and do that day.
Once you have this Metro Trolley Card or day pass, stay at the station and wait for the GREEN line trolley to take you anywhere up and down the map. Intuitive and easy to read map found here. Take the trolley one stop away to Little Italy.
I LOVE the one-day pass because look at all the places you can visit!!! The trolley takes you to ALL the hot spots in the main locations.
Places/things to see & dining:
Piazza della Famiglia The ultimate European-style piazza in sunny CA. It’s in a central location in Little Italy so it’s pretty much next to everything. It’s a landmark fountain with tons of lights, tables/chairs, opportunity for people watching/meeting galore, and also where they host the weekend Farmer’s Market.
Little Italy Street Sign Neon landmark in middle/restaurant district. Must have photo, amiright? Take a picture mid way in the street (look for the large red chair) to get a photo op that’s full of movement, bright neighborhood colors, and the 360 scene!
Ristorante Illando You need a reservation here. Why? Because it’s a TINY (I mean TINY) place. Head up the stairs and you’ll literally feel like you’re in someone’s apartment loft. What I love most is the service here is NOT full of thrills, fluff, and contrived customer service. They mean BIZness!!! It’s like a ‘what are you having, no questions, no modifications’ type feel. And that’s their vibe. And I love it! Don’t be so sensitive or think they’re rude because they’re not. That’s their form of service and you have to respect it. I feel it’s that way because their food speaks for itself. It’s tiny but it’s huge because it’s exclusive; and it’s popular because it doesn’t need to brand or market itself. Good is good!!! Check it out, I think you’ll agree.
Landini’s Pizzeria There is ALWAYS.A.LINE.HERE to get pizza. It’s classic. It’s authentic. It’s the best!
Born & Raised This gem is a must to enjoy cocktails. They don’t even have a proper website to market. Why? They don’t need to. Rooftop views, midcentury cocktails, and luxe interior. Must do: go to the bathroom area for a good catchy conversation starter! ;) I prefer the upstairs patio but downstairs is just as popular and glam too.
Morning Glory OK, so, this place is smack dab in the middle and it’s crazy popular. It’s a LITTLE touristy for my taste but it definitely is a must-see. Why? The Souffle Panckaes. PERIOD.
Bobboi Natural Gelato Of all the gelato places in the area, this one is my fave. It’s not as hyped up as some of the neighbored gelato joints nearby that are more commonly known. In my opinion this gelato is the creamiest and richest. Also, it’s right near the Piazza della Famiglia so it’s the ultimate spot to enjoy dessert next to the fountain with ample seats.
I hope you love Little Italy, CA as much as I do.
Ciao,
J9
