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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Little Italy

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6499)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 98 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 Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4325)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 80 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2424)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 27 times today
A new generation of Italian cuisine - fresh, light and authentic. By using proper cooking techniques, our flavors are natural and pure. Our menu is a homage to our region Calabria and southern Italian roots reflecting what is being served in Italy today. You can also find an extensive vegan menu that incorporates many of the best Italian dishes. We have been the first restaurant in the USA to have a full Italian Vegan menu since 2015! We believe in sustainability, both in our food and in the design of our restaurant. While our menu focuses on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, our bar and dining areas were created using reclaimed, natural materials. Nothing goes to waste at Civico 1845!
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3313)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 57 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 Monello restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2631)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 55 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 Mister A's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8712)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 67 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4773)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 81 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7608)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 118 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Island Prime restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8404)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 63 times today
Island Prime is a hot spot due to its unique and flavorful menu, professional service, and beautiful view overlooking San Diego Bay. As one reviewer puts it, 'The food was amazing, the service was great, and the vibe was so cool, it's a very beautiful place!' The restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions and has high ratings for ambience, food, and service.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5015)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 97 times today
Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in San Diego, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Giovanna
    San Antonio •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Incredible. The food and service was excellent. It was so vibey. Can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • JeremyVIP
    San Diego •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Continues to be reliably one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Emily
    Dallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a spectacular time at Civico 1845 for a Sunday night date! Having never been, we chose to make a reservation just to be sure. Upon arrival, we were seated right away and saw the restaurant was about half empty. Our table was in a cozy corner of the restaurant next to an open window - it was very peaceful and romantic. We loved the interior decor; it felt well curated and authentic without trying too hard. My husband ordered an amaretto sour and I ordered a Bellini. Both drinks were delicious! The server brought out the complimentary focaccia and pesto, both of which were super fresh and tasty. The bread was soft, chewy, and the outside was perfectly oiled and crispy. I could've eaten the pesto with a spoon. We also had the "pompette" meatball appetizer. This was just divine. Three large, perfectly cooked meatballs in a simply delicious tomato sauce with whipped ricotta. YUM! For entrees, I had the fusilli alla norma and my husband ordered the pappardelle brasato. I loved how simple my dish was, yet so full of flavor. The short rib ragu that covered my husband's pasta was so tender and again, simply delicious. Every staff member we interacted with from start to finish was friendly, kind, and attentive. We just could not believe what a great meal and time we had a Civico 1845! We are not local, so we don't know when we'll be back, which is a shame because we already are craving it again!
    More info
    Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.4
  • Apoorva
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    The cheese wheel pasta was amazing!!! Loved wine too.
    More info
    MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Laura
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    The food, service and atmosphere were all wonderful. Stefano was our server and he was amazing! They were able to accommodate a simple cheese pizza for our kids, Stefano provided an exceptional wine pairing recommendation, and overall a great experience. Can’t wait to return.
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the vibrant dining scene in San Diego's Little Italy, a true hotspot for food enthusiasts. This eclectic neighborhood is renowned for its array of restaurants that offer everything from gourmet steakhouses and chef-driven menus to authentic Italian cuisine and innovative rooftop dining experiences. Each restaurant in Little Italy brings its own unique flavor and style, creating a culinary hotspot that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Patrons can expect exceptional service, meticulously crafted dishes, and atmospheres that range from the sophisticated to the whimsically casual. Whether you're in the mood for dry-aged beef, seasonal local ingredients, or a relaxed country-style Italian meal, Little Italy in San Diego has a spot that will delight your palate. Enjoy stunning cityscape views or cozy, inviting vibes at these top-rated locations, perfect for special occasions, casual outings, or simply enjoying great food with great company. Experience the essence of San Diego's dining excellence in Little Italy, where every meal is a memorable event.

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