Restaurants in Little Italy San Diego CA: Your Guide to the Best Eats

Start your flavor adventure at Davanti Enoteca, a neighborhood staple known for its rustic charm and killer wine wall. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Little Italy San Diego and earns bonus points for that house focaccia with honeycomb—chef’s kiss.

You must try the Riccio di Mare pasta (hello, sea urchin lovers) or the mascarpone polenta with ragu that basically hugs your taste buds. Kids will feel right at home with simple pasta dishes and personal pizzas, and outdoor seating makes it pet-friendly too.

The cozy patio space gives you European vibes without needing a passport. It’s the kind of place where wine flows freely and second helpings are a guarantee.

Slide into Monello for an Aperitivo Hour that might just ruin a happy hour anywhere else. As one of the most stylish and best restaurants in Little Italy San Diego, Monello brings Milanese street food energy to every table.

The Gnocchi Neri (squid ink gnocchi) and Fresh Tortelli are absolute standouts, but don’t sleep on the rotating pasta specials served straight from a cheese wheel. Picky kids? Grab them a gourmet pizza or buttered pasta with a side of fresh bread and you’re golden.

Pets are welcome in their outdoor seating area, so bring your furry third wheel. It’s chic, casual, and gives you a reason to order another negroni—just because.

Buon Appetito is like stepping into a warm Italian hug—with red sauce. One of the longest-standing restaurants in Little Italy San Diego, it’s all about comfort food done the old-school way.

Fresh handmade pastas and traditional spaghetti and meatballs are the order of the day, especially when paired with one of the 200+ wines on the list. The kid-friendly menu hits all the right notes, and there’s plenty of room for strollers and families in the cozy setup.

Outdoor seating means pets can lounge while you sip a Chianti. If you’re looking for family-friendly vibes without sacrificing quality, this is your spot.

Crave something a little modern? Bencotto blends sleek design with hearty dishes for a memorable dining experience. More than 1,000 lbs of organic fresh pasta are made here weekly, and yes—you can taste the difference.

Go big with the cheese wheel pasta or try the Tagliatelle al Cinghiale if you’re feeling bold. Kids love the “build-your-own” pasta and sauce combo, while the clean, minimalist vibe keeps things calm and easy.

There’s pet-friendly patio seating for anyone bringing their four-legged food critic. It’s polished, flavorful, and everything a modern Italian meal should be.

Civico 1845 keeps things breezy and bright with Calabrian flair and a serious eye on sustainability. Located in the heart of San Diego, this restaurant balances classic comfort with innovative vegan options.

Don’t miss the Spaghetto Italiano made with almond ricotta or the traditional Fettuccine Bolognese if you’re not plant-based. The kids’ menu covers the basics—pizza, pasta, and smiles all around—and the covered, heated patio is great for pets and parents alike.

Compostable containers and plastic-free packaging give it eco-bonus points. It’s a guilt-free indulgence you’ll actually feel good about.

Ready for a little Sicilian drama? Barbusa brings it, from the bold decor to the bolder dishes. This Italian restaurant doesn’t mess around—order the Arancini Trio to start, then move to the Short Rib Carpaccio or the spicy Dolce E Piccante Pizza.

It’s a feast for the senses with a side of Italian sass. Kids will love the pizza and pasta options (who doesn’t love a spaghetti twirl?), and the buzzy vibe keeps everyone entertained.

Pets are welcome outside, where the music and energy spill out onto the street. This is where you go when you want to eat, drink, and feel something.

Craving something upscale and a little unexpected? Juniper & Ivy takes everything you know about Italian restaurants in Little Italy San Diego and flips the script.

Their “In-N-Haute” Burger (a secret menu nod to In-N-Out) is legendary, and the seasonal menu always has something show-stopping like the dry-aged duck or fancy-pants oysters. Kids are welcome but the food leans grown-up gourmet—though fries and desserts are always a crowd-pleaser.

The airy space and valet parking make it an easy yes for date night or group dinners. It’s high-end without being high-maintenance, and the wine list will have you texting photos to your group chat.

Seafood stunners await at Ironside Fish & Oyster, where nautical meets next-level flavor. One of the most sought-after restaurants in Little Italy San Diego CA, this spot does a Lobster Roll so good it could make a grown adult weep.

You’ll also want the Octopus a la Plancha and a creamy Clam Chowder with cheddar biscuits that defy all soup expectations. While there’s no kids’ menu per se, the Mac & Cheese and Fish & Chips are always a win with younger diners.

Pets are welcome outside, making this a great spot for families with paws and people alike. Come for the oysters, stay for the vibe!