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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Little Italy

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
1. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6428)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 72 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 Barbusa restaurant
2. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 66 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
3. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 34 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 Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 44 times today
ONLINE RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR DESIRED TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE.We are proud to offer 75 kinds of different pasta recipe, fresh and hand-crafted 12 hours a day."Bencotto" means cooked well: this is what authentic Italian food is about.It tastes as it should and would in Italy.Bencotto offers two different eating environments: guests can either enjoy their meal at our “kitchen-esque” bar downstairs, or they can relax in the intimate low-ceiling dining area upstairs. The décor creates a clean and sophisticated atmosphere, where old-world charm and warmth blend with contemporary appeal.
A photo of Monello restaurant
5. Monello
4.5
Awesome(2619)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 32 times today
As Bencotto's brother located next door,Monello lives up to its sibling's reputation as Best Italian restaurant in San Diego.From the 800 LB of fresh pasta handcrafted every week, Monello displays up to 27 different recipes of pasta. Mediterranean style seafood is served along with gourmet pizza.Monello delivers Pasta & Risotto tossed in the Parmigiano cheese wheel tableside.Unique Italian-style brunch is served on weekends.Voted Best Happy Hour 2016, Monello's Milanese Aperitivo offers small plates on the house with drinks every night.UN­ABLE TO FIND A TABLE? CHECK OUT OUR BROTHER RESTAURANT BENCOTTO NEXT DOOR
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
6. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 62 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
7. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8621)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 71 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
8. Coasterra
4.5
Awesome(7531)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 63 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 STK- San Diego restaurant
9. STK- San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3313)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 36 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
10. Water Grill - San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(3576)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 63 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Vartanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food, service and environment makes it a must visit when we are in town. The riso fritto…the best!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • Michael
    Berlin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Recommend to sit at the bar with a Sushi chef! Great food and nice staff
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Andy
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Yvette
    Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    The meet and greet was promptly inviting and their service on point. I went for the cheese wheel and it definitely did not disappoint. I opted for the parmigiana wheel they also have the Grana Padano. The pasta was perfectly al dente, giving the perfect bite as you coat it with the luscious creamy sauce. I will definitely be returning upon my next San Diego visit.
    More info
    MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.5

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Little Italy

Discover the vibrant dining scene in San Diego's Little Italy, a true hotspot for food enthusiasts. This eclectic neighborhood is renowned for its array of restaurants that offer everything from gourmet steakhouses and chef-driven menus to authentic Italian cuisine and innovative rooftop dining experiences. Each restaurant in Little Italy brings its own unique flavor and style, creating a culinary hotspot that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Patrons can expect exceptional service, meticulously crafted dishes, and atmospheres that range from the sophisticated to the whimsically casual. Whether you're in the mood for dry-aged beef, seasonal local ingredients, or a relaxed country-style Italian meal, Little Italy in San Diego has a spot that will delight your palate. Enjoy stunning cityscape views or cozy, inviting vibes at these top-rated locations, perfect for special occasions, casual outings, or simply enjoying great food with great company. Experience the essence of San Diego's dining excellence in Little Italy, where every meal is a memorable event.

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