Little Italy Stories

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love we just can’t get enough of! Whether you’re celebrating with your friends, famiglia, or significant other, we’re rounding up the top places and experiences to make your weekend one to remember!

We are so excited to announce we have begun a partnership with the San Diego Rescue Mission in an effort to support those experiencing homelessness in our neighborhood.

National Ice Cream Day is Sunday (or Sundae), July 18th and Little Italy’s finest dessert stops are waiting for you with open arms and sweet treats!

Pride: the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of the LGBTQA+ community. In commemoration of 1969’s Stonewall Riots, annual Pride celebrations happen nation-wide so that gay, lesbian, transgender and allies alike come together in affirming support of one thing we all know to be true; Love is Love!

Father’s Day is near and for all the dads that we hold dear, it’s time to celebrate! Little Italy has the perfect options to choose from when it comes to doting on Dad. Coordinate the family, book a reservation and make it a “festa del papa” to remember!

The sun is shining and the California is reopening, giving us the much-anticipated greenlight to bring Taste of Little Italy back in a full out fashion! It’s been a whirlwind last 13 years, so we’re excited to bring the foodie delight back with a fresh new feel. From Tuesday, June 22-Wednesday, June 23, foodies will delight in mouthwatering bites from 20+ culinary gems in the neighborhood. Stretched across our 48-square blocks, you can take a summer stroll with you Taste Passport as a guide to the culinary fest.

Mother’s Day is few weeks out, but it’s never too early to start thinking of gift ideas for the best mothers out there! Let’s face it, this past year has been extremely difficult for all moms especially those who had to work a full-time schedule, supporting their families, while also homeschooling their kids.

With Little Italy being home to over 2,000 pups, we know how to celebrate and make their day special! This Sunday is National Pet Day and what better place to treat your furry friend on their special day, than Little Italy?

Father’s Day is a holiday honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood. People celebrate this special day all around the world, but not always on the same date. The US celebrates this day in June every year. However, Italians celebrate Father’s Day on March 19th, which is also a day dedicated to San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph).

The best things in life are always dolce (sweet)! If you have a sweet tooth or are simply looking for the best desserts in the area, then you have come to the right place. Anything from gelato and pastries, to cakes and donuts, we guarantee you there’s a spot in Little Italy that has what you’re craving. Below are some of our top picks!

This year for International Women’s Day on March 8th, we would like to take the time to recognize and celebrate the powerful women of Little Italy. We’re proud to say there are so many incredible businesses in our community that are female-owned and operated.

Every Saturday from 8 am - 2 pm you can explore the awe-inspiring Little Italy Mercato here in Little Italy. The Mercato offers a selection of farm produce, artisan foods, meat and eggs, plus crafts and plants at an excellent value.

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.

After being a few weeks into 2021, we’re starting to approach the time when people start giving up on their New Year’s Resolutions. Luckily, Little Italy has everything you need to stay strong and still make this your best year yet.

This holiday season we invite you to learn more about the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration called Festa dei sette pesci – The Feast of Seven Fishes. Originating in Southern Italy, this long held tradition commemorates togetherness and involves gathering the family for a feast of seafood dishes.

Are you a last-minute holiday shopper or did you already have all of your gifts wrapped before Thanksgiving? Either way, the Little Italy Wednesday Holiday Market has just what you need to plump up that stocking or add a few final touches to your holiday décor!

After years of spreading holiday cheer throughout our community by transforming Little Italy into a winter wonderland and creating magical evenings, we are looking forward to another year filled with seasonal festivities to enjoy from home and in person. From weekly holiday markets and virtual cocktail classes to a traveling elf and letters to Santa, there is something for everyone of all ages.

In an effort to help all of our local businesses, we’ve created an official Little Italy Holiday Gift Guide. Here are a few of our favorite gifts that earn the title of “best gift giver”.

Many businesses in Little Italy have quickly adapted to find new and innovative ways to engage with their customers. From the accessory queen to the coffee lover there is something special for everyone!

Grab your pumpkin spice lattes and plaid scarfs, because restaurants in Little Italy are saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall with brand-new dishes full of seasonal ingredients. While temperatures in San Diego might not be dropping any time soon, that is no excuse to not embrace the fall bounty.

October is Italian-American Heritage & Culture Month! Born from Italian descent, Little Italy would not be the thriving neighborhood it is today without the hard work and dedication of Italian and Sicilian immigrants from nearly 100 years ago. Today, Little Italy has preserved its rich Italian heritage from its charming European piazzas and culturally themed events/farmer’s market to traditional rich Italian flavors.

As Little Italy safely and slowly reopens, we are always looking for new and creative ways to allow people to enjoy the neighborhood and experience some of the best restaurants in San Diego. The Taste of Little Italy is an experience that brings the community together and showcases the incredible eats throughout our charming neighborhood. This year, we have redesigned this highly-anticipated experience as “Taste of Little Italy: Take-Out Edition” which will bring the community a new curated prefix meal experience highlighting some of your favorite Little Italy establishments.

August is coming to an end, and soon our warm summer days will be replaced by autumn’s cool nights. However, before you exchange that tank-top and sandals for a cozy sweater and boots, we invite you to spend your last day of August here, with us, for National Eat Outside Day!

As the seasons change, so do your tastes and preferences when it comes to the interior décor of your home.

The community of Little Italy has always been known for its resilience and determination, dating back to nearly 100 years ago when the neighborhood was known as the “Tuna Capital of the World.”

While PRIDE might look a little differently this year, the spirit and purpose remains the same. This year we honor and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community, both in San Diego and around the world. We are so thankful to be part of a community that accepts everyone regardless of who you love.

Ciao Bella! As the neighborhood reopens, we want you to know we are incredibly grateful to be part of a strong, supportive community like Little Italy. The last few months have taken a toll on our local businesses and residents but with your help, we know we can bring life back to our favorite little neighborhood.

This month we launched “Ciao Bella!”, our reopening campaign, which included Al Fresco dining, and officially began welcoming the community back to our beloved neighborhood. Two nights of Al Fresco dining took place on Saturday, June 13th and Saturday, June 20th, where we closed India Street from W. Beech to W. Grape Streets including W. Date and W. Fir Streets between Kettner Boulevard and Columbia Street to vehicular traffic to allow some of your favorite restaurants wine and dine in the open-air.

Ciao Bella! We welcome you back to Our Little Italy, Your Famiglia. Earlier this month we kicked-off our reopening campaign “Ciao Bella!” which included in-house restaurant dining, in-store shopping, special merchandise to support local businesses, Al Fresco street-side dining, plus an upcoming social media “Air Kiss Challenge” giveaway.

Our vibrant community continues to stand strong with the entire globe amid these challenging times. While our streets may be quieter, the love our community shares for one another is evident in each person’s commitment to the safety and well-being of themselves and their neighbors.

Why eat fresh only on Saturdays? Plan a mid-week grocery trip or a take your lunch break to wander through three blocks of the Little Italy Wednesday Market. As the newest year-round addition to the treasured Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays, locals and visitors can now shop mid-week for fresh foods and ingredients every Wednesday on W. Date Street from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. rain-or-shine.

Lovebirds everywhere are called to San Diego’s Little Italy to celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day in the hip and trendy downtown neighborhood.

San Diego’s Little Italy has seen a complete transformation since Italian tuna fisherman originally built the community in the 1920’s. Expanding the neighborhood into 48-square blocks, this vibrant downtown hub is positioned as the largest Little Italy in the U.S.

With 2020 upon us, make sure to plan a visit to San Diego’s Little Italy to take part in the neighborhood’s wildly popular annual events. Among our 48-square blocks, there is always something cultural and festive to do that brings the community together.

Saying goodbye to 2019, the neighborhood welcomes 2020 with an abundance of new projects and area restorations to help this hip and historical neighborhood thrive.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year this winter at the best happy hour hotspots in our festive Little Italy! Explore an endless array of hidden gems, providing a variety of food, drinks and ambiance to enjoy with great friends.

Bundle up for some holiday fun at this year’s 21st Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village! On Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Little Italy Association (LIA) will kick off this year’s seasonal festivities with exciting enhancements to the event with the reveal of a new custom-designed Christmas tree, located in the center of the Piazza Basilone. Guests will experience a magical evening filled with festive décor, seasonal vendors, a tree lighting ceremony in the Piazza della Famiglia with a live Christmas tree over 25-feet tall, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, a surprise visit from Santa and more!

Indulge yourself in San Diego’s best dining, views and treats in Little Italy! With 48-square blocks, San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the U.S., Che Fico! As one of the top community hubs in the area, Little Italy prides itself on creating a neighborhood that is walkable and creates an enjoyable experience for people to stop, sit and enjoy all of what the area has to offer!

Looking for holiday gifts or a special treat for yourself? Go on a shopping spree in San Diego’s Little Italy for Small Business Saturday on November 30.  As the largest Little Italy in nation, this 48-square block neighborhood is home to many one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries and shops for quality items that can only be found in the neighborhood.

It’s the spookiest time of the year, which means Little Italy’s annual Trick-or-Treat on India Street is returning to the neighborhood! Taking place on Friday, October 25th, little witches, goblins and ghouls will roam the streets of Little Italy to enjoy an evening of traditional Halloween festivities. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their most elaborate costumes to participate in the trick-or-treating fun.

Prepare for a special evening in one of San Diego’s premier neighborhoods as the entire community gathers for Little Italy’s Annual State of the Neighborhood. Taking place on Thursday, September 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the beautiful 10,000 square foot Piazza della Famiglia, this event provides the perfect opportunity for neighbors to socialize amongst each other and learn about the past, present and future of San Diego’s Little Italy.

In an effort to make it easier for locals and visitors to explore the 48-square-block community, the Little Italy Association of San Diego has been working to create efficient parking solutions.

Ferragosto’s “Pirates Invade Sicily” will Set Sail for its Final Year After a Decade!

To express our gratitude for the individuals who work to protect our communities each and every day, Little Italy will host First Responder’s Celebration Month!

Summer in San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a visit to San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Whether you’re a local San Diegan or visiting for a quick weekend getaway, there’s always something to see and do in this bustling 48-square block, urban community!