Located in the northwest end of downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a charming neighborhood with a rich history. Once a fishing village that made San Diego the “tuna capital” of the west, the neighborhood is now a vibrant destination filled with a colorful variety of local boutiques, art galleries, outdoor cafés, gorgeous hotels, the finest Italian restaurants, and more.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the many reasons that make Little Italy such a wonderful place to call home.
Festive events year-round
There are a lot of exciting annual events for you to look forward to when you’re living in Little Italy.
There’s the Little Italy Carnevale, a Venetian-inspired evening of dining, shopping, entertainment, and people in colorful carnival costumes. There’s also Little Italy Festa, the ArtWalk, the Gran Fondo bicycle ride, the Sicilian Festival, the Labor Day Stickball Tournament, the Gesso Italiano Street Painting Festival, and so much more.
Accessibility and transit options
Little Italy is a very walkable neighborhood, so everything you need is just a short walk or bike ride away.
There are numerous public transit options available too, like the nearby Union Station (which serves San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Orange and Green Line trolleys), Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, and the Coaster train from North County District. The neighborhood is also served by several San Diego bus lines, and is minutes away from the San Diego International Airport.
Mercato
Little Italy’s very own Mercato Farmers Market is the perfect place to get farm fresh produce, top-quality meats, delicious relish and sauces, coffee beans, spices, artisan concoctions, and so much more.
Held every Saturday along W. Dale Street, Little Italy’s Mercato draws both tourists and locals with live music, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of delicious specialties prepared by local chefs.
The finest Italian food in San Diego
The neighborhood isn’t named Little Italy for nothing – having a rich Italian heritage is certainly evident in the neighborhood’s dining scene. This is the place if you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, as there’s no shortage of great restaurants to choose from.
If you’re looking for some of the best Italian dining venues, be sure to check out Pappalecco, Buon Appetito, Landini’s Pizzeria, and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto.
Outstanding family-friendly venues
You don’t need to look far if you’re searching for the perfect place to relax, unwind, and spend some quality time with your family, as Little Italy is home to several family-friendly attractions.
There’s the Waterfront Park, which features sprawling grassy areas, interactive fountains, picnic areas, playgrounds, and gorgeous views of the harbor. Looking for a great place to take your dog out for a walk? Amici Park has scenic walking paths and its own dog park, in addition to bocce ball courts and an amphitheater. There’s also the San Diego Firehouse Museum, which features exhibits, memorabilia, and authentic firefighting equipment, some of which date back to the late 1800s.
Looking for the perfect condo in Little Italy? Get in touch with me anytime by calling (619) 322-2262 or sending an email to Jorge(at)LittleItalyCondos(dotted)com.