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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Little Italy

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47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(169)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 12 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.0
Excellent(214)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 15 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.
A photo of Fisher's restaurant
4.0
Excellent(135)
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.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7529)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 59 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 Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5448)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 193 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.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4181)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 60 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(656)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 43 times today
Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &
A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.5
Awesome(620)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego near the marina district, Salvatore's inspired by the elegant minimalist details of nature. Salvatores is walking distance from the San Diego convention center and downtown hotel/resort district. The kitchen draws influence from the shores of the Mediterranean and Italy, while creating a visionary express of flavorful and modern California Mediterranean cuisine. Salvatores San Diego embodies a multi-sensory culinary sanctuary for our guests to escape, disconnect and have a great time. EUDAIMONIA' the contended, happy state you feel when you travel.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4369)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 46 times today
Great Maple in San Diego is totally worth the drive. It's a modern American eatery with outstanding food and service, as the reviews rave. With their high-end diner ambiance and unique menu, customers love the fresh house made pies and local produce cocktails. The restaurant is also known for its great atmosphere and consistently top-notch food and service. So, if you're in the area, you definitely should stop by!
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4106)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 35 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Martyvip
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    If you’re looking for a spot with a lively New Orleans vibe and flavorful dishes, this restaurant hits the mark. The menu was packed with tasty options, and everything we tried was well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, capturing that Southern charm perfectly. However, the Cognac Espresso Martini was a bit of a letdown. I’d suggest sticking with their other beverage offerings or pairing your meal with a classic cocktail or wine instead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a flavorful meal and a fun experience, but I’d pass on the espresso martini.
    More info
    Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
    4.5
  • Dillonvip
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was a pleasant dining experience. We sat between two heat lamps just outside of the restaurant. The special crudo of the day was refreshing and clean tasting. The two-face tostada was also good. The memorable dish of the night was the risotto. It was creamy but not overly rich and the rice had a good bite to it.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.5
  • Lynnvip
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • chris
    Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 16, 2024
    We are at the bar and Tommy the bartender was amazing. Best in class service. We were celebrating a birthday and he made us feel so welcome and taken care of. The food and drink were equally as amazing.
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    4.5
  • Angel
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 12, 2024
    Had an awesome for experience at the melting pot for Veterans Day. Our waitress said this was her first shift working but she gave us a very welcoming and descriptive experience. My favorite parts were the strawberry salad and the turtle chocolate fondue from their 4 course meal.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the culinary treasures of Little Italy, San Diego, where dining is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Nestled in this vibrant neighborhood, a selection of restaurants stands out for being "worth the drive," each offering distinctive flavors that capture the essence of authentic and innovative cuisine. From time-honored Italian traditions to modern culinary innovations, these eateries excel in combining superb service, quality ingredients, and a captivating atmosphere. Patrons can expect dishes prepared with locally sourced produce and a commitment to sustainability, reflecting San Diego's rich agricultural heritage. The dining scene in Little Italy is a dynamic blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these establishments promise a memorable dining adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, solidifying Little Italy's reputation as a gastronomic hotspot that is indeed worth the drive.

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