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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Little Italy

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92 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8000)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 58 times today
Juniper & Ivy is a go-to place for special occasions. With its unique, creative, and delicious menu, it's a perfect spot for birthdays, anniversaries, and any other celebrations. The reviews are glowing with praises for the outstanding service, wonderful ambiance, and unforgettable dining experience. One reviewer even mentioned a special menu for their anniversary and a champagne toast. With its top-notch service, locally sourced food, and award-winning wine list, Juniper & Ivy makes any celebration truly memorable.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 102 times today
Barbusa is a lively, modern Sicilian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. Known for its authentic Italian dishes, craft cocktails, and stone-fired pizza, it's a favorite for celebrating special occasions. Reviews highlight the 'authentic, delicious' food, 'fast service', and 'great atmosphere'. Whether it's for business, family, or a romantic evening, Barbusa delivers an 'exquisite dining experience' with 'outstanding service' and a 'fun atmosphere'.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6427)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 72 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 31 times today
Cloak + Petal is a unique, intimate spot perfect for special occasions. With its Tokyo subway-inspired decor and an ambiance that's both hip and cozy, it's a place where you can enjoy authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates, and drinks. The rave reviews speak of the excellent food, great service, and lovely ambiance, making it a perfect spot for celebrations, date nights, and birthday parties.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2393)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 22 times today
Civico 1845 is a special occasion spot, with many reviewers praising it as the 'best place for an anniversary dinner'. The restaurant is commended for its 'amazing food', 'great vegan menu', and 'great drinks'. The ambiance is described as 'terrific' and 'cozy and inviting', making it an excellent choice for date nights or large groups. With excellent service and a 'fresh and delicious' menu, Civico 1845 sets the bar high for special occasions.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 52 times today
ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR DESIRED TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE.We are proud to offer 75 kinds of different pasta recipe, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day."Bencotto" means cooked well: this is what authentic Italian food is about.It tastes as it should and would in Italy.Bencotto offers two different eating environments: guests can either enjoy their meal at our “kitchen-esque” bar downstairs, or they can relax in the intimate low-ceiling dining area upstairs. The décor creates a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, where old-world charm and warmth blend with contemporary appeal.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(619)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Allegro restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1267)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 24 times today
Allegro Restaurant and Bar in Little Italy San Diego offers a true Amalfi coast Italian dining experience. Featuring a combination of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, Allegro San Diego is the perfect venue for your special occasions and party celebration.
A photo of Monello restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2619)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 35 times today
As Bencotto's brother located next door,Monello lives up to its sibling's reputation as Best Italian restaurant in San Diego.From the 800 LB of fresh pasta handcrafted every week, Monello displays up to 27 different recipes of pasta. Mediterranean style seafood is served along with gourmet pizza.Monello delivers Pasta & Risotto tossed in the Parmigiano cheese wheel tableside.Unique Italian-style brunch is served on weekends.Voted Best Happy Hour 2016, Monello's Milanese Aperitivo offers small plates on the house with drinks every night.UN­ABLE TO FIND A TABLE? CHECK OUT OUR BROTHER RESTAURANT BENCOTTO NEXT DOOR
A photo of Ristorante Illando restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(805)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 7 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!!"

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jeff
    San Francisco Bay Area •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day 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
  • Michael
    Berlin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 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
  • Sandy
    Oxford/Oxfordshire •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food and service were both exceptional. Highly recommended and worth five stars. Only issue was noise since we were seated outside (planes fly very close overhead). Also a bit chilly sitting next to the screen, which doesn’t go down all the way so cold air comes in underneath. Better to sit inside at the high tops if tables aren’t available.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Andy
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Little Italy

San Diego's Little Italy is a vibrant culinary hotspot, perfect for special occasions, offering an array of restaurants that cater to every taste and celebration. Whether it's for an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or a significant celebration, Little Italy provides a diverse selection of dining environments from modern Sicilian eateries to upscale steakhouses. The restaurants in this locale are renowned for their exceptional service, unique atmospheres, and outstanding cuisine, ensuring every special event is memorable. Guests can expect to enjoy everything from authentic Italian dishes and Japanese sushi to creatively crafted local cuisine. Each establishment focuses on delivering a high-quality dining experience with attention to detail in both service and dish presentation, which is frequently highlighted in rave reviews by patrons. The dining scene here combines traditional charm with contemporary sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those looking to celebrate life's milestones in style. This combination of quality, atmosphere, and culinary excellence makes Little Italy in San Diego a prime destination for special occasion dining.

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