Is there a Little Italy in San Diego? (condos, homes)

[elisaa]

I'm coming for a visit and would like to know if there is a there a little Italy in San Diego and what's it like? Are there any Italians inhabiting the area?

[sav858]

Little Italy San Diego (http://littleitalysd.com/splash/index.asp - broken link)

It's not that big or authentic, but a nice little neighborhood nonetheless.

[Gentoo]

There is a Little Italy. It isn't very big. I'm not sure of it's exact boundries but it's just north of downtown and I can tell you it's bounded on the west by Pacific Highway.

And yes there are some good places to eat there. Unfortunately I can't remember the names of any but I don't think you can go wrong if you want some good Italian food there.

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by elisaa

I'm coming for a visit and would like to know if there is a there a little Italy in San Diego and what's it like? Are there any Italians inhabiting the area?

Yeah, it's small.. there was a lot more to it before the 5 freeway went through (before my time, but I used to work for the Brunettos and heard lots of stories!)- It used to be all the way up the hill into what we think of as part of Banker's hill now. A lot of the old families still live up there and condudct their businesses (mostly restaurants), in the core "Little Italy" section (primarily businesses now, or newer condos, but there's definately a few treats down there..)

I suggest the farmer's market on Saturday, a few of the restaurants have booths selling snacks. I also suggest checking out the Deli/store section of Mona Lisa (look for grandpa Stefano haning out in the restaurant dining room), fun, occsionally chaotic, and with lots of goodies! Cafe Italia is a nice place to while away an afternoon while people-watching, and Pappalecho's has some pretty delightful snacks, as well as the most colorful gelato display I've ever seen.

[gemma84]

Yes there is! And it is one of my favorite parts of the city!

[Snort]

It's just south of Little Switzerland.
little italy san diego - Google Maps (http://tinyurl.com/yb35rc6 - broken link)

[oddstray]

There's Pete's Fine Meats if you're a carnivore (they have a limited sandwich menu, but it's good food)!

I might be imagining it, but in my opinion the Fillippi's in Little Italy has far better food than the outlying Fillippi's restaurants.

And a second the idea of going to the Saturday farmer's market.

And check an events calendar to see if there are going to be any events there while you're visiting.

[Rose74]

Mona Lisa on India Street is my favorite store! A bunch of authentic imported food from Italy!

[sdlife619]

I don't think hardly any real Italians live in Little Italy anymore, the Italian people that have lived down there for years have been forced out from high property values, demolished homes from unnecessary redevelopment, it's too bad because it takes away from it's "supposedly" authentic offerings. It's also become very uppity, not a working class neighborhood like back in the day, all the restaurants are expensive, fine dining is everywhere if thats what you like.

It's alright, sorta touristy now, but I least we got one and thats all that matters.

[elisaa]

Originally Posted by sdlife619

I don't think hardly any real Italians live in Little Italy anymore, the Italian people that have lived down there for years have been forced out from high property values, demolished homes from unnecessary redevelopment, it's too bad because it takes away from it's "supposedly" authentic offerings. It's also become very uppity, not a working class neighborhood like back in the day, all the restaurants are expensive, fine dining is everywhere if thats what you like.

It's alright, sorta touristy now, but I least we got one and that's all that matters.

I asked because when I went to Chi-town I went to visit little Italy and there isn't one! Chicago has it listed on their tourist map but the Italians are gone but a few and about 3 eatery's left which is so disappointing to me. I guess the only place to go is Italy! Which is beautiful no matter where you visit there.