If you’re still looking for Valentine’s Day plans, head over to Little Italy, San Diego’s premier neighborhood, to taste the romance. After all, the patron saint of love, San Valentino, was Italian. Shop from a wide array of retail businesses that will have the perfect gift for the special someone, and wine and dine your sweetheart at the wide variety of special restaurants. One might say, the pastabilities are endless this Valentine’s Day.
For those last-minute shoppers, take an afternoon stroll through the charming neighborhood and stop by some of the local boutiques and unique shops. Shop for beach essentials from Atacama Surf Shop or head to Bluza Boutique or Stroll for fashionable clothing for her.
For all other gifts and goodies be sure to take a look at the beautiful home décor options from Verde, India Street Antiques, Love & Aesthetics, Vitreum or D3 Home.
Anyone who has already completed their Valentine’s Day shopping can peruse the tree-lined streets and hit up some of Little Italy’s bars and wineries. Sip some local reds and whites at Vino Carta, Pali Wine Co. Winery Tasting Room or at the Carruth Tasting Room at Carte Hotel as a before dinner aperitif. Sample more local flavors at one of the many San Diego breweries in Little Italy including Bolt Brewery, Ballast Point Brewing Company or Bottlecraft. Either way, a before dinner drink is the perfect way to toast to love.
When you’ve had your fill of aperitifs, it will be time to settle down for a romantic dinner reservation at one of the many authentic Italian restaurants that line the streets of Little Italy. Enjoy a romantic sit-down meal with your sweetheart at Monello, Davanti Enoteca, Civico 1845, Buon Appetito or Allegro for a wide selection of modern Italian flavors paired with a carefully curated list of regional wines and bubbles. For those looking for something other than Italian, enjoy vibrantly colored and wildly flavorful dishes and cocktails from Cloak & Petal, Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar, Herb & Wood or Born and Raised. Those interested in casual dining can also pick up fresh sandwiches, tacos or charcuterie from Mona Lisa Italian Foods, Mimmo’s, The Crack Shack or Not Not Tacos.
To close out the romantic evening, scout out some dessert in the neighborhood. Delight your tastebuds with some delicious authentic gelato from Bobboi Natural Gelato or Pappalecco, explore the Little Italy Food Hall and grab a box of sweet handmade donuts from The Mini Donut Company or sample an exquisite pastry from Nonna + Café Zucchero. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love so there is no better way to finish the night than with a decadent dessert (that goes to the heart, or course).
When romance is in the air, Little Italy has you covered with gifts, drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert! That’s Amore!
— For more information, please visit us at LittleItalySD.com or follow us on Instagram @LittleItalySD, Twitter @LittleItalySD and Facebook @LittleItalySD.
