Christopher Gomez | Little Italy News

Little Italy San Diego is best known for its historic preservation of its Italian culture, and as the most expansive and most successful Little Italy neighborhood in the country. However, just as close as it holds its authentic culture to its heart, it has also opened its arms wide to welcome dozens of forward-thinking, community-enhancing and non-Italian businesses into its 48 square blocks.

Little Italy is much more than just pasta, and we wanted to share with you some of its most diverse features to introduce this new wave of culture:

Eccentric Eats: While visitors and locals know they can chow down on the best Italian food here, Little Italy has been dubbed “the best foodie neighborhood” in the city, thanks to the likes of adventurous restaurateurs such as Richard Blaise  (Juniper & Ivy), Arsalun Tafazoli (Craft & Commerce, Underbelly, Ironside Oyster), Brian Redzikowski, (Kettner Exchange), and PJ Lamont (Queenstown Public House).

Get Healthy: San Diego is a health-conscious place to live, and the Little Italy neighborhood is no different. For example, the Physical Therapy Effect offers physical therapy treatment, massage and health education for its patients, is one of the many Pilates studios, and Juice Crafters offers fresh squeezed juice and healthy food options.

Shop ‘Til You Drop: You won’t find dozens of shops filled with kitschy Italian souvenirs here; instead source gifts from upscale shopping boutiques such as Vocabulary, Stroll, Love & Aesthetics, Vitrium and the new shopping hive at James Coffee Co. building.

Works of Art: Along with dozens of spots for hidden street art, Little Italy has several exquisite art galleries, for both the art lover and seasoned collector. Explore venues such as Adelman Fine Art, specializing in contemporary art, Meyer Fine Art featuring print works and jdc Fine Art, focused on photography.

Little Italy is undoubtedly one of San Diego’s most coveted neighborhoods, and with good reason! It never questions its true identity, but always finds new ways to show its personality and forward-thinking community. Locals and visitors can always find something new to explore in Little Italy, and that is just how they like it.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager for the past 15 years. Reach him at [email protected].