Little Italy, San Diego is a very popular destination where you can find great foods! Here are my best restaurants & cafes including places for a perfect brunch, famous Bib gourmand, local business, fast food from SD, vegan cafe and cute cafe that you’d enjoy taking pictures!
Little Italy, San Diego
It’s located In downtown SD, there are a lot of Italian restaurants. Both locals and tourists visit this area for good foods and vibes.
Access To Little Italy, SD
It takes about 10 minutes from San Diego airport (SAN), you can rent a car or use uber/Lyft. There is no train from airport, but you can use a train if is convenient from where you are.
The closest station is “County Center/Little Italy Station”, also you can walk from Santa Fe Station.
Parking in Little Italy
It’s quite rare to find a parking space of the restaurant/cafe you’d go.
There are some parking lots and street parkings that could be limited time with/without cost. Better to decide where to go, and find a spot close by.
The Best Restaurants in Little Italy, SD
Morning Glory : Best For Brunch
Looking for a place for a perfect brunch? You should check out “Morning Glory” which is selected by Big Gourmand! The restaurant looks very pretty, they have couch seats, outdoor seats, and counter too. The champagne vendor machine must surprise you!
You can go with a typical American breakfast, but also soufflé pancake is the famous one!🥞💓 It’s nice to order multiple dishes and share with your loved one(s).
- Vegan menu : Available
- Terrace/Outside seat : Available
Ironside Fish & Oyster：Seafood Restaurant & Bar
This restaurant always comes up when I talk with people about restaurant in little Italy, or downtown San Diego.
Their interesting decorations are also a must check.
They have a lot of seafood dishes, like fresh oyster, sea urchin, lobster roll, clam chowder, fish & chips, etc. 🦪🦞 If you like seafood, this is the place!
At evening, people get here more and more for drinks, and it gets pretty busy.
I’d recommend you to make a reservation if you go for dinner on weekend.
- Terrace/Outside seat : Available
- Reservation : Strongly Recommended * especially on weekend
The Crack Shack : Fast Food From San Diego
This is the origin of The Crack Shack! Their fried chicken is great, crispy outside and juicy inside.
There are a lot of sauces at sauce bar, you should get some and try them! Personally I like dipping fries on their BBQ sauce. It’s fun to find your favorite and own style. I also like their sandwich named Senor Croque.
- Kids menu : Available
- Terrace/Outside seat : Available
San Diego : The Best Cafe in Little Italy
Parakeet Cafe :
They have some locations in San Diego 🦜 The wallpaper is parakeets in orange in Little Italy, but there are other colors in other locations.
On beverage menu – Tea, coffee, matcha, etc. Food menu, they have healthy dishes and pastries too.
Also you can check their original products and goods like coffee beans, water bottle, etc.
- Vegan menu : Available
- Terrace/Outside seat : Available
Cafe Gratitude : Vegan Cafe
Cafe Gratidude is a vegan cafe from LA. 🌿 The interior is based on white and wood, plus greens (plants) that help you feel relaxed. In addition, look at this tile on the floor, so pretty!
The name of each beverage/food is affirmation, so that you can “gratitude” when you order. There are many people who are a fan of their avocado toast. 🥑 I haven’t tried it yet though. I feel their coffee is a bit weak. 😭
- All vegan
- Terrace/Outside seat : Available
Extraordinary Desserts : The Fancy Sweets
Extraordinary Desserts have 2 locations – Little Italy and Hillcrest. I personally I don’t like desserts which are too sweet, but it’s perfect sweetness 😊
The desserts displayed look gorgeous with fruits, flower petals, gold powder, etc. I immediately get attracted to them!
If you or your accompanies don’t like sweets, don’t worry. There are also salad, soup, sandwich, and etc.
Also they are selling coffee beans, a package of chocolate, cookie, that are perfect for a small gift to someone. 🍫🍪
- Vegan menu : Available
- Gluten Free menu : Available
Little Italy Mercado – Farmer’s Market
It’s one of famous things in Little Italy, San Diego. I’d recommend you to go if you are there on Wednesday at 9:30-13:30 or Saturday at 8:00-14:00.
A various of food venders, vegitables & fruits, gift shops, flower shops, and many more! It’s fun to walk and look around! You can also find a huge sea urchin that is famous in San Diego!
Let me know your best restaurants & cafes in Little Italy, San Diego so that I can try them!
