Amore is in the Little Italy Air!

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we can’t help but notice the love in the air throughout our community. Although the World looks a little different right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a night of romance safely. Everyone knows Italians are in love with love and Little Italy sure knows how to keep that passion and romance alive.

Start the day off right by heading outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as you stroll down the tree-lined downtown streets. If you really want to follow the theme of Valentine’s Day, be sure to walk through the “heart” of Little Italy – the Piazza della Famiglia or hop into #TheBigRedChair for that perfect photo opp. Fuel up nearby for a day full of fun dates with a classic cappuccino at Caffé Italia or James Coffee Co.

Keep the fun going with a day of exploration. Little Italy is filled with local boutiques to help you find that special gift just as unique and special as the recipient. Pick up fashionable accessories from Vocabulary Boutique, give the gift of fine art from Meyer Fine Art and a handmade candle or home gift from Often Wander. Show your love and pamper your significant other with luxurious soaps, fragrances, and candles from Love & Aesthetics; or make the night truly memorable by finding something shiny and sparkly at Irelia Fine Jewelry.

Now for the best part of the evening: enjoying a romantic meal for two at home with some bites and sips from local favorites. Little Italy has everything your culinary heart desires. For the true pasta lovers, indulge in handmade pastas from Bencotto, Monello or Barbusa. Nothing screams romance more than pizza, so be sure to get your favorite hand-tossed pizza from Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. Other options include picking up a delicious MICHELIN Guide recognized Japanese bento boxes from Cloak & Petal or fresh oysters and seafood from Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar.

You could also plan an intimate night of cooking dinner at home. Every romantic dinner should be paired with a great bottle of wine so swing by Carruth Wine Cellars or Pali Wine Co. to find the perfect bottle to complement your meal. And, if you want a classy snack while you cook, stop by The Market by Buon Appetito to pick up a variety of meats and cheeses for a quality charcuterie board.

Let’s not forget about dessert! Grab a scoop or two of ice cream from Holy Paleta or Pop Pops Paleta gelato topped with espresso from Pappalecco. If you don’t know what you’re craving, Extraordinary Desserts lets you choose from an assortment of petit desserts.

Want to really surprise your amore for Valentine’s this year? Book a room for a romantic staycation at Porto Vista Hotel, Carté Hotel or La Pensione Hotel. Nothing like a nice glass of prosecco to end your evening.

For the latest updates on Little Italy, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.