From Luxe Living and Chef-Driven Dining to Bayfront Access, Little Italy Has It All
Written By: Anna Keeve Best Place to Live Little Italy
Little Italy is undeniably one of the hottest ‘hoods in San Diego right now. With luxury housing options, an incredible chef-driven restaurant scene (where nearly every hot restaurateur has an eatery) and proximity to the airport and waterfront, Little Italy is the hotspot to live. Residents
enjoy the big-city perks of walkability to nearly everything while still experiencing a charming community feel.
Best Place to Live Little Italy
High on Luxury
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The latest in ultra-luxury high-rise living has arrived in San Diego. Luma Apartments are situated in the Little Italy neighborhood just steps from nightlife, shopping, dining and entertainment. Inside you’ll find sleekly-designed apartments (from studios to three bedrooms and penthouse homes) all equipped with smart home technology. Amenities include a high-tech 24-hour Fitness Center with sweeping views, a rooftop pool, outdoor theatre and a resident clubhouse with full kitchen.
Luma Apartments
1440 Columbia St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.492.3809
Best Place to Live Little Italy
It Was the Freshest of Times
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Little Italy’s farmers market, every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., has grown to become the most well-known in San Diego. While it’s known for a diverse set of food vendors, you can also find unique handcrafted goods and gifts. With over 175 vendors, come hungry and ready to nab some samples, which are plentiful. Market favorites include Carlsbad-based Bitchin’ Sauce, sweets from The Cravory Cookies and family-owned J.R. Organics. There is also a scaled-down version of the market on Wednesdays, perfect if you want to avoid the Saturday crowds.
Native Knowledge: Traffic can get tough at peak hours on Saturday. If you can walk from your place, do. Or simply park in Bankers Hill and walk or ride a Bird scooter in. Good thing residents don’t have to worry about the increasingly difficult parking in Little Italy!
Little Italy Mercato
600 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.233.3901
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Best Place to Live Little Italy
Music to Our Ears (and Tastebuds)
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On the south end of Little Italy sits music venue and event space Music Box. With in-house gourmet dining and signature cocktails, patrons experience an ultra comfortable and hip music-going experience. The three stories and large outdoor balcony are a bonus, making the venue feel spacious while still maintaining the intimacy you desire from a musical performance. They also offer VIP rooms and event space available for private parties.
Native Knowledge: Avoid ticket fees by purchasing directly from the Box Office, open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Music Box
1337 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.795.1337
Best Place to Live Little Italy
#FashionGoals
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Little Italy was in desperate need of some fashion-forward shopping—finally it has Stroll, a boutique that delivers on all fashion fronts. Stroll offers a modest but effective collection of on-trend clothing, shoes, and accessories and even a little section for babies. Its sister store (which is connected), Stroll Home, is the perfect destination for gifts, home accents and décor including adorable mix-and-match air plants and custom-made pots. Follow @SDStroll Instagram to get first looks at its latest items…and for some serious fashion inspo.
Native Knowledge: Stroll does periodic Ambassador promo codes so make sure to follow and keep an eye on their Instagram Stories for the deets.
Stroll
2360 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.431.5225
Best Place to Live Little Italy
Meet Me at the Piazza
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This highly-anticipated piazza finally opened in March 2018 making Little Italy finally feel complete. The 10,000-square-foot European-inspired piazza gives Little Italy a city center with ample outdoor seating and a picture-perfect view of San Diego Bay. Surrounded by all new eateries, the piazza is a perfect place to kick back in the sun with your pup, kids, friends or family.
Native Knowledge: Grab some ice cream at the ever-popular Salt & Straw (just cattycorner to the piazza) and enjoy your scoop as you people-watch and relax on the edge of the piazza’s
giant fountain.
Piazza della Famiglia
523 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.233.3898
Born to Eat
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Let’s just start by saying the $6.5 million build-out undisputedly fashioned the most stunning restaurant in San Diego. Beneath the overwhelming ambiance and 5-star service, you can expect a fine-dining experience and a selection of seafood, meats and surprising vegan options, too. If the glamorous ambiance inspires a martini-sort-of-mood, opt for one made with the ultra smooth Fugu vodka from San Diego-based Cutwater distillery.
Native Knowledge: The upstairs indoor/outdoor bar and lounge serves as a perfect place for a post-work wind down or pre-dinner drink and appetizer. It’s also a hotspot for late-night drinks and transforms into a partying grounds for 20 and 30-something socialites making it quite busy and hard to find a seat on weekends…but still absolutely worth it!
Born and Raised
1909 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.202.4577
Italian Stallion
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This Sicilian-inspired eatery on the main India St. corridor offers the perfect ‘transitional’ dining experience; from a casual bite for lunch to a romantic dinner, Barbusa is right for any occasion. The spacious restaurant houses an open-air kitchen where you can watch pizzas being made and pasta being rolled. Alternative eaters will find plentiful options including a delicious vegan pizza. Plus, all Housemade Pasta can be made gluten-free on request.
Native Knowledge: Who wants bread service when you can have pizza service? Little cheese slices are brought out as complimentary eats while you wait for your food.
Barbusa
1917 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.238.1917
Mo’ Pasta Please
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Monello delivers an authentic Italian feel serving Milanese-inspired food. If its 25 made-in-house pasta dishes don’t do it for you, try the wood-fired oven-cooked pizzas which are just one of the items on the extensive menu. Monello also does a delicious American-inspired brunch on Sundays, and a quick grab-and-go lunch menu Tuesday through Friday.
Native Knowledge: Monello is one of the few Italian spots that does Aperitivo, which is like happy hour, but better. Between 4-7 p.m., guests get a small complimentary plate of food with a drink purchase.
Monello
750 W Fir St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.501.0030
Come Hither, My Friends
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This light and airy elevated dining spot is Little Italy’s go-to neighborhood hang out. Within its beautifully designed space ushering is a perfect amount of class; you will find 22 beers on tap, a solid selection of biodynamic wines and some serious craft cocktails. The food menu offers classic Italian fare plus a massive cheese board and other items perfect for sharing. Large screens play important sports events and a giant shuffleboard will keep you entertained.
Native Knowledge: Stuck on what wine to choose? Ask the resident sommelier to drop some wine knowledge on you, and help you pick. She’ll also give you a few samples if you are torn.
Nolita Hall
2305 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.255.8000
Healthy Never Tasted So Good
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Choice is the perfect grab-and-go spot for delicious cold pressed juices, smoothies, bowls plus pre-made salads and healthy eats. The best part is everything is 100 percent plant-based and gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy all the Choice deliciousness. Some of their popular items include the ‘Cheddar’ Kale Chips, the Eco Suntuna Sushi Roll and the Mint Chip bowl. The staff is knowledgeable and super-friendly, making the ordering experience pleasant every time. Choice also recently launched catering service offering salads and some of its other most popular bites. You will be a hero at your next work function or party if you bring Choice!
Native Knowledge: Choice offers a 1-Day and 3-Day cleanse, a perfect way kick-start (or re-start) your New Year’s resolution.
Choice Juicery
1425 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.450.7970