Best of Little Italy

Lissa
Best of Little Italy

Fine Dining

This is probably the hands down favorite in the city with a ridiculously opulent build-out with grandiose booth seating, great music and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you just stepped into the Great Gatsby. Reservations are wise but I personally like dining at the downstairs bar making it also a great spot to dine alone. The menu and wine list are superb and they always have both black and white truffles when in season. After dinner, make your way upstairs to the very posh rooftop bar. Little Italy closes down early, but you can finish your night at nearby False Idol, a tiki speakeasy hidden inside Craft & Commerce. Ask someone inside to show you the entrance concealed just to the left of the bar when you enter. It's one of the rare places in the area open until closing time.
124 locals recommend
Born and Raised
1909 India St
124 locals recommend
This is probably the hands down favorite in the city with a ridiculously opulent build-out with grandiose booth seating, great music and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you just stepped into the Great Gatsby. Reservations are wise but I personally like dining at the downstairs bar making it also a great spot to dine alone. The menu and wine list are superb and they always have both black and white truffles when in season. After dinner, make your way upstairs to the very posh rooftop bar. Little Italy closes down early, but you can finish your night at nearby False Idol, a tiki speakeasy hidden inside Craft & Commerce. Ask someone inside to show you the entrance concealed just to the left of the bar when you enter. It's one of the rare places in the area open until closing time.
Wonderful Canape Menu to get your appetite awakened for a truly unique menu. I love the peanut macaron, corn dog, fig tart, and beef tartar served in a little cone. These are one-bite canapes so you want one per person... trust me they are literally one bite. Can't go wrong making an entire meal out of an assortment of these little guys, but if you want an entree ask the servers for a recommendation because they're all very helpful! If they have the seasonal squash stuffed ravioli-like dish in the thai curry sauce because its unforgettable and you definitely need that in your life! There is a patio but I like eating at one of the tables in the bar perched over the restaurant. This place is better for a solo meal, a couple or maybe a double-date at most as the tables are primarily small. Little Italy closes early in general, but this place even more so. Snag a drink a block away at Born & Raised if its still early enough, otherwise head to False Idol a much-acclaimed Tiki speakeasy (yes its about exactly as it sounds) hidden inside Craft & Commerce... entrance concealed just to the left of the bar when you enter if the hostess isn't there. But you may have to specifically ask for False Idol in true speakeasy style.
123 locals recommend
Juniper & Ivy
2228 Kettner Blvd
123 locals recommend
Wonderful Canape Menu to get your appetite awakened for a truly unique menu. I love the peanut macaron, corn dog, fig tart, and beef tartar served in a little cone. These are one-bite canapes so you want one per person... trust me they are literally one bite. Can't go wrong making an entire meal out of an assortment of these little guys, but if you want an entree ask the servers for a recommendation because they're all very helpful! If they have the seasonal squash stuffed ravioli-like dish in the thai curry sauce because its unforgettable and you definitely need that in your life! There is a patio but I like eating at one of the tables in the bar perched over the restaurant. This place is better for a solo meal, a couple or maybe a double-date at most as the tables are primarily small. Little Italy closes early in general, but this place even more so. Snag a drink a block away at Born & Raised if its still early enough, otherwise head to False Idol a much-acclaimed Tiki speakeasy (yes its about exactly as it sounds) hidden inside Craft & Commerce... entrance concealed just to the left of the bar when you enter if the hostess isn't there. But you may have to specifically ask for False Idol in true speakeasy style.

Drinks

168 locals recommend
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner Blvd
168 locals recommend
47 locals recommend
False Idol
675 W Beech St
47 locals recommend
86 locals recommend
Waterfront Bar & Grill
2044 Kettner Blvd
86 locals recommend

Brunch

Food done right... plain and simple.
Arguably the most critically lauded breakfast/brunch spot in San Diego County with fantastic details from decor to music and the staff is known for their friendly demeanor! Can be a long line on the weekends so plan accordingly but it’s worth it!Don’t miss the souffléd pancake!
72 locals recommend
Morning Glory
550 W Date St
72 locals recommend
Arguably the most critically lauded breakfast/brunch spot in San Diego County with fantastic details from decor to music and the staff is known for their friendly demeanor! Can be a long line on the weekends so plan accordingly but it’s worth it!Don’t miss the souffléd pancake!

Lively Dinner and/or Drinks

Sip or Eat as planes land over your head! Literally! Nolita Hall takes advantage of being directly under the flight path during final descent by having hilarious sayings on a rapidly updating board that tells you the origin and flight data of each incoming plane. Enjoy wonderful food and craft cocktails. The bar area is wonderful lounge for solo travelers or small groups and the restaurant area is lively and has unexpected games like shuffleboard! Great for that night when you want to play it by ear or I love to take friends here for their last meal or drink before their flight... you'll likely see a lot of suitcases around the room!
41 locals recommend
Nolita Hall
2305 India St
41 locals recommend
Sip or Eat as planes land over your head! Literally! Nolita Hall takes advantage of being directly under the flight path during final descent by having hilarious sayings on a rapidly updating board that tells you the origin and flight data of each incoming plane. Enjoy wonderful food and craft cocktails. The bar area is wonderful lounge for solo travelers or small groups and the restaurant area is lively and has unexpected games like shuffleboard! Great for that night when you want to play it by ear or I love to take friends here for their last meal or drink before their flight... you'll likely see a lot of suitcases around the room!