Prendi E Vai Brings 50 Years of Sicilian Tradition to San Diego
The name translates to “grab and go,” but Prendi E Vai delivers far more than convenience. This Sicilian-inspired café in the heart of Little Italy San Diego draws on over 50 years of Southern Sicilian tradition, blending authentic Italian café culture with the ease of fast-casual service.
Located at 801 W. Hawthorn St. Ste. R-1A, Prendi E Vai ships its cannoli shells directly from Sicily, a detail that sets the tone for everything else on the menu. Freshly baked bread, imported Italian ingredients and a traditional espresso bar atmosphere make this a destination for anyone hunting the best Italian lunch in San Diego.
The Sicilian Cannoli arrives with shells made overseas and filled to order. The Sfogliatella, a flaky Italian pastry layered with sweet ricotta, delivers the kind of texture and flavor you’d expect from an Italian bakery in Little Italy. These aren’t approximations. They’re the real thing.
The espresso bar turns out handcrafted drinks that go beyond the standard menu. The Tiramisu Latte layers espresso with mascarpone-inspired sweetness. The Banana Crema Latte offers a creamy, fruit-forward twist. Both drinks showcase the café’s commitment to Italian café culture in San Diego without losing sight of what actually tastes good.
The schiacciata sandwiches anchor the savory side of the menu. The Truffle Parma loads up with Prosciutto di Parma, burrata, sun-dried tomato, arugula and truffle cream. Il Siciliano stacks mortadella di pistachio, capocollo, salami di Genova, provolone, muffelatta, pepperoncini and tomato with oil and vinegar. The muffelatta alone is worth the trip. Each sandwich uses imported Italian ingredients and house-baked bread.
The space maintains a relaxed vibe despite the pace, with the warmth of a traditional Italian coffee shop and none of the wait. It’s a setup that works particularly well in Little Italy, where foot traffic runs high and locals want quality without the wait. The café opens at 7 a.m. daily. Sunday through Tuesday, it closes at 3 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, hours extend to 5 p.m.
Authentic Sicilian food in California, served with the kind of confidence that comes from decades of tradition. Whether you’re searching for where to get cannoli in San Diego, hunting down the best coffee in Little Italy, or simply craving Italian desserts, Prendi E Vai delivers.
Erik Hale is the visionary and publisher behind LOCALE Magazine. He launched the magazine in 2010, wanting to give the community of OC a premiere lifestyle magazine that knew all the native knowledge behind OC. “Six years ago Ashley and I sat at a table scratching the name LOCALE (among some other names) onto a sheet of paper,” says Erik, “coming up with story ideas and basically dreaming. Everything we imagined has happened and we have been blessed with so much more. I am so grateful as we start another year for my family, my two wonderful children, my health, our amazing writers, designers and photographers, our advertising partners and you.”
