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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Little Italy

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6477)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 114 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(174)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Fisher's restaurant
4.3
Awesome(136)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy
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
4.6
Exceptional(7580)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 111 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(5519)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 191 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(4227)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 148 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 Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(629)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 25 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 Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4137)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 51 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.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2580)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1322)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 61 times today
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dr . SamVIP
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Been before and loved it, so we took our brother for his birthday. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees, sharing all the dishes. Outstanding service (thank you Paolo) and off the charts delicious. The flavors of some the dishes were so brilliant that it's memorable. Try the cheesecake dessert. They make it fresh. Love, love, love.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.5
  • Samantha
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing! My family & I came here to celebrate my dad’s birthday & it was lovely :) Food is so good & tasty!! The service is also wonderful—the staff is all welcoming. We will definitely be back, thank you so much!!
    More info
    Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
    4.9
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6
  • Wes
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The first thing you noticed about Salvatore‘s is the decor and the ambience. It really sets the mood. The service was great. The drinks were perfect. As a starter, we had the margarita pizza and it was delicious. We both have the specials of the day. The fish was a striped mass And beef was a bone in ribeye which was cooked perfectly only it was already cut off the bone into pieces, which I prefer not. However it was delicious so I give them 4.5 , everything was perfect except the portion size of the fish . Should be a full filet
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    4.4

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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