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Best Authentic Restaurants in Little Italy

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111 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 79 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1332)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 38 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 29 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2393)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 18 times today
Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 54 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen serves up authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. With 75 kinds of pasta recipes, it's no wonder customers rave about the 'authentic and delicious' food. The ambiance is described as having 'old-world charm and warmth', capturing the essence of Italy. The reviews consistently praise the food, service and ambiance, making it clear that Bencotto is a genuine Italian dining experience.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 82 times today
Barbusa is an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. It's praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, with reviewers stating 'Food is amazing…authentic, and delicious' and 'Amazing meal and service!! An authentic Sicilian feeling'. The restaurant's attention to detail in presentation and its handmade pastas, freshest seafood, and stone-fired oven pizza add to the authenticity. It's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(298)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 42 times today
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
A photo of Ristorante Illando restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(805)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 17 times today
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 Rovino restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1044)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 5 times today
Ciao Amici- We can't wait to see you!AL FRESCO Dining in the Heart of Little Italy! Small indoor restaurant with covered patio and outdoor patio! Rovino, located in San Diego, California, offers Italian cuisine for dinner. Rovino features an extensive wine selection and a knowledgeable staff who can help pair wine with each entrée. We also feature a wonderful creative selection of Craft Cocktails. Try the fried calamari or the saffron rice balls filled with ground beef, peas and mozzarella cheese to start out your meal at Rovino. Choose from dinner entrées like the prosciutto and arugula flatbread or the pasta al sugo. Top off your Italian experience with a cup of specialty coffee and a dessert such as the tiramisu or the cannoli.
A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.0
Excellent(215)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 17 times today
Founder and restaurateur, Vincenzo Loverso, invites guests to savor a groundbreaking experience at San Diego’s first ever cheese wheel bar. This unique concept will invite guests to sit at a one of a kind cheese wheel pasta bar (reservation only) in the heart of San Diego.Located on the best corner of Little Italy (India & Date St), step into the modern chic restaurant as the sight and smell of irresistible Italian flavors ignite your senses.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Davidvip
    Miami - Dade •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our waitress, Skye was fabulous! Not only was she knowledgeable, but she had a personality that made the evening even more special. Kudos to the whole staff
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • William
    New York City •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Overall our dining experience was terrific. We started with a beet salad that was as beautiful as it was delicious. One of our best ever dishes. We also had the pork belly that was also good but not even close to the salad. We also had wagyu butter biscuits. They were served in a smoked filled glass. A new dining experience for us. Very cool. When our waitress came back for our entree order, my wife selected the Rock fish special. I then ordered the flat iron steak. My wife told me after dinner she meant to pick the black cod but got confused. It's not a big deal but the Rock fish dish was $70 vs $36. The Rock fish was grilled perfectly. The only issue I have is our waitress should have told us the fish was big enough for two. I felt like she was padding my bill because it was a Tuesday night. I gave her ample opportunity to apologize for not telling us but she didn't seem to care. I mentioned how big a piece of fish it was. How it's big enough for two. Nothing!! I didn't eat my steak dinner at all, so I took it home. Overall it was still a great place to dine. I would go back , but be mindful of what you order. Our bill was $300. I would expect more honesty from the wait staff. Kudos to the chef.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Jeff
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great place for dinner. I’m a vegan and absolutely love this restaurant. It was a birthday dinner and (as usual) the staff treated me like a king! The food is excellent, the atmosphere is a bit noisy on a Saturday night, and parking is hell on earth. But always a great experience! Recommend the vegan caprese salad—the rice milk mozzarella is absolutely delicious!
    More info
    Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.4
  • Vartanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food, service and environment makes it a must visit when we are in town. The riso fritto…the best!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Michael
    Berlin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Recommend to sit at the bar with a Sushi chef! Great food and nice staff
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the heart of authentic Italian cuisine right in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy. This bustling neighborhood is renowned for its array of restaurants that serve genuine Italian fare, drawing inspiration directly from Italy's rich culinary traditions. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not only traditional flavors but also a unique dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. From handmade pastas and stone-fired pizzas to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients, the emphasis on authenticity and quality is evident in every dish served. Whether you're seeking a classic Italian meal or a modern twist on old favorites, Little Italy in San Diego caters to all palates, maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere that's steeped in Italian charm. Dive into a culinary journey where each meal is a celebration of authentic Italian culture, right here in the heart of San Diego. Experience the dining scene in Little Italy—it's a vibrant testament to Italy's gastronomic legacy, tailored to offer a genuinely delightful experience to everyone who visits.

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