Best Family Style Restaurants in Little Italy

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Barrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaDowntownHillcrestKearny MesaKensington

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

31 restaurants available nearby

1. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(170)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 32 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

2. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.6

Exceptional(4642)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 89 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

A photo of Queenstown Public House restaurant

3. Queenstown Public House

4.3

Awesome(582)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Organic • Little Italy

Booked 6 times today

We are a New Zealand inspired whimsical restaurant set in a craftsman house that dates back to 1905. We are one block off the main drag in Little Italy. Sink your teeth into one of our organic beef or lamb burgers. We also have many salads and dinner entrees to try. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. For parties of 8 or more please visit our website!

4. Basta!

4.4

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com

5. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(981)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 5 times today

Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.

6. Coco Maya

4.5

Awesome(394)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy and overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia, Coco Maya offers a contemporary twist on classic American dishes. Our diverse menu ranges from light coastal cuisine to robust, flavorful proteins cooked in a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven. Additionally, we pay homage to our neighborhood's roots with several Italian-inspired entrees, featuring unique takes on flatbreads and pastas. As part of the Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group, Coco Maya is an evolution of our original concept, Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Since our inception, we've continued to explore new flavors and culinary techniques while broadening our scope and enriching our cocktail program. Coco Maya boasts a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, alongside the delicious tropical and rum-based cocktails that have become synonymous with Miss B’s.Open daily for brunch and dinner, with a weekday Happy Hour from 2-5 pm.

7. Fisher's

4.1

Excellent(137)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Little Italy

Booked 1 time today

With only four tables back in 1989 "Don Simon" and his family; Jazmin his wife, and their three children; Charles, Simon and Gabriel opened the first Fisher's in Mexico City. With only 12 items on its menu, Fisher's became a destination in the northern area of Mexico City.Since its founding in 1989, Grupo Fisher's has developed seven brands in more than 30 locations, one of them in Madrid Spain. Al of them family style restaurants with the freshest and most innovative way to prepare sea food products. Grupo Fisher's has become the most successful sea food restaurant chain in Mexico with more than 2500 associates and capable of hosting more than 200,000 guests per month. We are pleased to welcome you to the second international location of Grupo Fisher's right here in San Diego's Little Italy.

8. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4395)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 104 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

9. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(377)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 67 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

10. Cesarina

4.8

Exceptional(5720)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 188 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Juan Carlos
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
So accommodating, easy booking, no snobbing, food was better than anticipated especially with so much competition around. Service and location was great
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
T
TeresaVIP
Indiana •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
In San Diego on business and went to Little Italy. If you have the opportunity you have to try Nonna’s! Amazing food and service.
More info
NonnaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.7
A
Alex
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great date spot had the butternut squash which was fantastic. She had a steak salad. Presentation was awesome as well. Staff was super friendly over all great experience.
More info
Queenstown Public HousePrice: Moderate• Organic• Little Italy
•
4.3
R
RichardVIP
Charlotte •92 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful place to relax and enjoy great seafood and drink, in an otherwise busy and crowded area.
More info
Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
•
4.6
K
kirk
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
4.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
overall, the experience was pretty good, just not what i'd call great. we had the valentine's special price fixe menu. the oysters were actually too frozen, too much ice. but the two entrees were quite good, and the chocolate fondue was quite tasty. the waiter was nice, courteous, friendly, helpful. the atmosphere was really a bit too loud for casual conversation; a lot of music from outside.
More info
Basta!Price: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Family style

Little Italy

Point Loma
Encinitas
South Park
Del Mar
San Diego
Grantville
Linda Vista
Hillcrest
Scripps Ranch
University Heights
Ocean Beach
Oceanside
Tierrasanta
La Jolla
La Mesa
University City/Golden Triangle
Chula Vista / Bonita
Little Italy
San Marcos
Mira Mesa