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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Little Italy

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1426)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
2. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.4
Awesome(657)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 16 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Nonna restaurant
3. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(979)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 23 times today
Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.
A photo of Basta! restaurant
4. Basta!
4.4
Awesome(59)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
5. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(887)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant
6. Topsail at Portside Pier
4.8
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
7. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1501)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 23 times today
Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
8. Trattoria Don Pietro
3.9
Excellent(826)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 1 time today
Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.
A photo of Sally's Waterfront Dining restaurant
9. Sally's Waterfront Dining
4.5
Awesome(2169)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 2 times today
Sally’s is taking a fresh approach to bayfront dining with an expansive remodel! Currently closed, we will reopen in April 2025 with a reimagined space designed to maximize our stunning bay views and embrace San Diego’s open-air lifestyle. For large-party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.com
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
10. Bleu Boheme
4.7
Exceptional(3612)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 12 times today
"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a small birthday celebration over lunch on lovely setting on the patio, with a wonderful waiter and excellent food. The weather was beautiful. Couldn’t ask for more. Very memorable.
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • JennyVIP
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •31 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent entrees and wine selection. Service was impeccable. Only complaint is that the desserts (ordered 3 at remote counter) weren't as fresh as would've liked.
    More info
    NonnaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • SheilaSVIP
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was our first time at this restaurant and it was terrific! Highly recommended.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Michael
    Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Feb 2025
    Ate outside along the sidewalk. Heaters were on so it was plenty comfortable. Fun setting and ambiance. Food was delicious! Looked like a cute indoor setting as well. They ran out of meatballs (huh? - isn't this an Italian restaurant?). But lots to choose from on the menu. A delightful evening.
    More info
    Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.4
  • kirk
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on 15 Feb 2025
    overall, the experience was pretty good, just not what i'd call great. we had the valentine's special price fixe menu. the oysters were actually too frozen, too much ice. but the two entrees were quite good, and the chocolate fondue was quite tasty. the waiter was nice, courteous, friendly, helpful. the atmosphere was really a bit too loud for casual conversation; a lot of music from outside.
    More info
    Basta!Price: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.4

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