Little Italy

San Diego, CA

Little Italy - San Diego, CA

Area Guide

The ultimate haven for foodies offers abundant amenities along the dazzling San Diego Bay

Upscale • Dining • Bayfront • Exciting • Entertainment • Artistic • Trendy • Historic •

Nestled beside the North San Diego Bay, Little Italy is a small neighborhood in Downtown San Diego that is true to its name. The area is filled with local restaurants and shops influenced by Italian culture or history. Previously home to families who made their living on the sea from the tuna industry, Little Italy is now a dynamic neighborhood filled with craft breweries, wineries, art galleries, boutique shops, alfresco cafes, urban parks, and award-winning restaurants.

Little Italy is a food-lovers paradise. A popular local spot since 1933, Waterfront Bar & Grill provides a casual dining experience to Little Italy residents and visitors. For an upscale Italian eatery, visit Buon Apetito. Try out nationally acclaimed eats featured in publications and on television at Extraordinary Desserts or Juniper and Ivy, a modern American fare in an artsy, wooded environment. If the plethora of restaurants in Little Italy isn’t enough, head a few blocks south to the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s bustling downtown neighborhood with locally-owned eateries and lively nightlife venues.

Along with a love for food, Little Italy residents adore the strong sense of community. Little Italy’s community provides an abundance of entertainment with outdoor summer concerts, farmers markets, summer film festivals, food and art festivals, and so much more. The Piazza della Famiglia is a European-style square that features an intricately tiled fountain. This 10,000 square feet piazza is considered the heart of Little Italy since it’s a central gathering spot and is also home to the Mercato Farmers Market and the Little Italy Food Hall.

Though rent might be expensive, Little Italy’s gorgeous views of Waterfront Park overlooking the San Diego Bay and close proximity to downtown San Diego’s attractions are undeniable perks. Find your perfect apartment and begin enjoying everything Little Italy has to offer!

Explore the Neighborhood

The popular El Camino restaurant is located off India Street

Little Italy borders the scenic San Diego Bay

Enjoy a cup of coffee from house-roasted beans at James Coffee Co.

Waterfront Park features fountains, a playground, and scenic bay views

Rent Trends

As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Little Italy is $2,598 for a studio, $3,292 for one bedroom, $4,420 for two bedrooms, and $4,852 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Little Italy has decreased by -0.4% in the past year.