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Best restaurants near me in Little Italy, San Diego

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654 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
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1. Born & Raised
4.7
Exceptional(8147)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Little Italy
Booked 121 times today
The American steakhouse is an iconic restaurant institution. We’d wanted to tell that story for years, but waited until we had the skill, talent and ability to execute it properly, and the right space to be our canvas, an important corner in Little Italy, a neighborhood where we have deep roots. We brought an almost academic appreciation for steakhouse history and tradition to Born & Raised, while trying to stay relevant and authentic to ourselves and our city. Our dry-aged beef pays tribute to earlier, earthier, pre-government grading practices and is the centerpiece of a meal best savored at a slow pace. A timeless celebration of everything that makes restaurants so special. - Consortium Holdings. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
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2. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(7511)
$$$$
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 105 times today
Herb & Wood is a wood-fired restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy. Led by Chef Brian Malarkey the restaurant is known for its ingredient-driven menu, seasonal cooking, and warm, design-forward dining experience.The menu centers around live-fire cooking, with signature dishes like housemade pastas, roasted vegetables, and wood-grilled meats and seafood that highlight the quality of locally sourced ingredients. Partnerships with nearby farms and fisheries shape a menu that evolves with the seasons, balancing simplicity with bold, satisfying flavor.Inside, Herb & Wood blends rustic warmth with modern elegance—featuring an open hearth, natural textures, and a spacious dining room that feels both inviting and refined. The restaurant also offers private and semi-private dining spaces, making it a go-to for group dinners, celebrations, and special occasions in Little Italy.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
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3. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.7
Exceptional(5338)
$$$$
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 116 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks. For group reservations of 7 guests or more, please contact the restaurant at 619-269-3033 or via email to info@ironsidefishandoyster.com.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4895)
$$$$
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 77 times today
Barbusa | Award-Winning Modern Sicilian Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, San DiegoLocated in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, Barbusa is an award-winning, family-owned modern Sicilian Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Our menu features homemade pasta made fresh daily, authentic Sicilian specialties, fresh local seafood, premium steaks, our signature Sicilian Ribeye, authentic stone-fired pizza, house-made desserts, handcrafted cocktails, and an exceptional wine list. Perfect for date nights, birthdays, family dinners, business meals, celebrations, and group dining, Barbusa is a favorite of both San Diego locals and visitors. We proudly offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.Seating Preference: Indoor or outdoor seating requests are welcome but cannot be guaranteed due to availability, especially during the busy summer months. We will always do our best to accommodate your preference.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
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5. Juniper & Ivy
4.8
Exceptional(8959)
$$$$
• Farm-to-table • Little Italy
Booked 50 times today
Featuring Executive Chef, Alex Penkin. Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
6. Roman Wolves
4.7
Exceptional(803)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 66 times today
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
7. Cloak + Petal
4.5
Awesome(1254)
$$$$
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 50 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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8. Kettner Exchange
4.8
Exceptional(1786)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 46 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
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9. Civico 1845
4.5
Awesome(2720)
$$$$
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 24 times today
A new generation of Italian cuisine - fresh, light and authentic. By using proper cooking techniques, our flavors are natural and pure. Our menu is a homage to our region Calabria and southern Italian roots reflecting what is being served in Italy today. You can also find an extensive vegan menu that incorporates many of the best Italian dishes. We have been the first restaurant in the USA to have a full Italian Vegan menu since 2015! We believe in sustainability, both in our food and in the design of our restaurant. While our menu focuses on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, our bar and dining areas were created using reclaimed, natural materials. Nothing goes to waste at Civico 1845!
A photo of Lala restaurant
10. Lala
4.6
Exceptional(425)
$$$$
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 26 times today
Lala | Modern Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Little Italy, San DiegoFrom the owners of Barbusa, Lala is a modern Italian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego, where classic Italian cuisine meets contemporary creativity in a stylish, intimate setting. Perfect for date nights, celebrations, business dinners, happy hour, and group gatherings, Lala offers warm hospitality, handcrafted cocktails, an exceptional wine list, and an unforgettable dining experience.Our menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, house-made Italian specialties, premium meats, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, shareable appetizers, handcrafted pastas, signature entrées, and house-made desserts, all inspired by the rich flavors of Italy with a modern twist.Whether you’re looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego, a romantic dinner in Little Italy, or one of the city’s best cocktail bars, Lala delivers an elevated Italian dining experience in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Dining near Little Italy, San Diego at a glance

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Sake Bar Ikkon

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Exceptional reviews

Most popular cuisine

popular cuisine

Italian

Average check amount

$30 and under

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Anne
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a pleasure to share a table with my husband -- especially on our anniversary -- at Juniper & Ivy! We look for innovative food, and the restaurant scored well on that front. The shared plates were generous and the variety of tastes delightful. We loved being at bar level overlooking the busy room of diners and the open kitchen at work. A bottle of prosecco, great conversation and a complimentary pumpkin cheesecake helped to mark our 42nd year with style. Thank you team J&I!
    More info
    Juniper & Ivy$$$$• Farm-to-table• Little Italy
    •
    4.8
  • Joy
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food, service and overall experience was amazing! Staff were so kind and attentive and went above and beyond to celebrate my husband’s birthday.
    More info
    Ironside Fish & Oyster$$$$• Seafood• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • nickGold
    Orange County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Incredible food and experience we had. Pichanche steak was amazing
    More info
    Herb & Wood$$$$• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Mike
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I just had apps but three of them and they were so delicious especially the Bone Marrow
    More info
    Barbusa$$$$• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Hillary
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 27, 2026
    Fabulous experience, some of the best, most thoughtful service we’ve gotten. Our server Jake was outstanding, made great suggestions and had a knack for knowing just when to stop by. The dry-aged ribeye was phenomenal, the mushrooms were delicious, the cocktails were on point, and the seasonal macaron was a perfect last bite. The atmosphere is classic without being pretentious, and we appreciated the great music at a volume that allowed us to easily converse without hearing the people around us. We sat in the dining room but took in the gorgeous view from the second floor open air space after dinner. 10/10, would recommend, ask for Jake!
    More info
    Born & Raised$$$$• Steakhouse• Little Italy
    •
    4.7

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Here are the most popular cuisines: Italian, American, Seafood, Steakhouse, Mexican and many more.

There are 709 restaurants on OpenTable in San Diego.

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