With its year-round sunshine, abundance of attractions, beaches, and parks—plus arts, culture, and entertainment—San Diego is a destination that people love to visit in every season.e It’s also celebrated as a hot spot for dining, and among some of the most enticing eateries in the city include San Diego’s Little Italy restaurants. Because Italian restaurants in Little Italy San Diego are a foodie’s paradise, and there are a host of other venues featuring dishes from around the globe, menus here feature beloved classic Italian specialties, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, and much more. There’s an abundance of options for both visitors and locals to indulge in; so much so that it can be challenging to figure out what to choose. That’s where we come in. This Little Italy San Diego Food Guide will help you determine where to go and what to eat—on the water and off. Are you ready get to started? Then ciao bella, let’s mangia!
Where to Go for a Restaurant in Little Italy San Diego?
If you choose to spend some time off the water, there are still plenty of fantastic foods and restaurants you can find in San Diego’s Little Italy. Whether it’s sweet treats in a palatial place like Extraordinary Desserts, amazing espresso at James Coffee Co , an established Italian restaurant specializing in Milanese dishes like Bencotto, or cozy, family-run Civico 1845 featuring Calabrian cuisine, there’s something to please every palate—including slices at Landini’s Pizzeria. Another unique trait we love about this neighborhood? The foods found here aren’t just Italian-focused. Foodies will also discover chicken at The Crack Shack, seafood at Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar, and steak at Born and Raised.
Bon Voyage on a Delectable Dining Cruise with City Cruises San Diego
One of the most desirable aspects of San Diego is its spectacular water views. The landscape is simply breathtaking to behold from the San Diego Harbor where the stunning skyline and city sights all come into one’s vantage point—if you’re lucky enough to book some time on a boat. With local landmarks such as the Coronado Bay Bridge, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Star of India, and Naval Air Station North Island all around, it makes sense that people prefer this mode of travel. So, it comes as no surprise that a range of City Cruises’ packages—which include food and drinks in this enviable environment not far from San Diego’s Little Italy—are popular options for everyone in the area. In fact, with our trio of tasty choices, you’ll have every meal covered throughout the day including brunch, happy hour, and dinner.
Brunch on the Water in San Diego
First thing’s first: Let’s start with the most important meal of the day—brunch. Because there’s no better way to enjoy San Diego than a cruise in the harbor with unlimited mimosas, delicious cocktails, a chef-prepared brunch buffet menu, and exceptional hospitality to boot. In fact, our San Diego Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise boasts the chance to enjoy all of it as you soak in the city skyline and local sights from our open-air rooftop decks or from our climate-controlled interiors. Over the course of 2 hours, you’ll be casually relaxing while you cruise and chill to soothing background music. You can also opt to upgrade and customize the experience with beverages from our well-stocked cash bar or a request to guarantee a table for your specific party size. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available so you can update your socials in real time. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a hat, sweater, light jacket, and sunglasses. That way you’ll be shielded from the elements as needed.
Have a Happy Hour in San Diego Bay
Next up: Happy hour is on the horizon. Since nothing celebrates a gorgeous sunset better than a cruise on San Diego Harbor, City Cruises wants you to make the most of the golden hour. That’s why we created the San Diego Sights & Sips Cruise. This tantalizing, one-of-a-kind happy hour combines drink specials with displayed hors d’oeuvres and tray-passed desserts, which can all be enjoyed indoors or out. Over the course of 1.5 hours, you’ll be taking in incredible views under the stars while listening to your favorite tunes courtesy of the live DJ entertainment on board. In addition, a full bar is available in this casual yet comfy setting where you can also request upgrades to customize the experience with add-ons such as signature cocktails and monthly drink specials (available for purchase). Plus, you won’t have to worry about posting to your socials during the trip because complimentary Wi-Fi is part of the package.
A Floating Restaurant is Perfect for Dinner in San Diego
Last but certainly not least on our list is the main meal of the day—and the San Diego Premier Dinner Cruise does not disappoint. Indulging in an elegant night on the Bay promises to include flavorful cocktails, chef-prepared, plated dishes, and exceptional service. As the live DJ entertainment sets the mood for an unforgettable evening, everyone onboard can immerse themselves in scenic San Diego skyline views from the open-air rooftop decks or from the climate-controlled interiors. Over the course of 2.5 hours, guests will indulge in yacht life (and will be dressed to the nines in cocktail attire…) as they enjoy drinks available from the full bar onboard. You can also opt for extras and upgrades to customize the experience including a guaranteed table for your party size, your own private table, and specialty cocktails from our well-stocked cash bar. Plus, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids options are available by request. As an added bonus, free Wi-Fi is available on board so you can post your pics while you cruise.
San Diego’s Little Italy is a Foodie’s Dream
Making the most of San Diego’s Little Italy is a breeze—both on land and off. When you choose to book with City Cruises San Diego you’ll relish unforgettable meals, views, and hospitality the whole time. When you’re not onboard, you’ll have plenty of options to consider as well. Combining both experiences will be a foodie’s dream come true just like the five-star dining we constantly crave.