Did you know that Little Italy is the oldest business district in San Diego? It started in 1920 and at one point there were more than 6,000 Italian families who lived here, working hard to build up the tuna industry.
The neighborhood is close to the Embarcadero and surrounded by Waterfront Park, bike trails, the Star of India, the USS Midway Museum and Portside Pier. It’s a quick walk to Seaport Village, and just minutes from the airport.
There are two Farmer’s Markets in Little Italy, held every Wednesday and Saturday. Saturday’s market is the largest in San Diego County.
There are at least 70 restaurants in Little Italy. Local faves include: Civico, Bencotto, Born And Raised, Barbusa and Lala. Other great non-Italian options include Crudo, Coco Maya, Shino and Cloak and Petal (for sushi), Herb & Wood, Juniper and Ivy, Kettner Exchange, and Queenstown for a great lamb burger.
There’s no shortage of cocktail bars — check out Craft and Commerce, The Glass Door, Nolita Hall, and the oldest bar to hold a continuous liquor license in San Diego – Waterfront Bar & Grill. Saluti, Little Italy! SDSun
(Kaushal Patel is a former international CNN anchor who’s also worked in local news in San Diego. She’s a downtown resident and co-founder of Seller’s Corner Real Estate.)
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