Little Italy is one of Downtown San Diego's seven neighborhoods. The Downtown San Diego Partnership describes it as a chic, urban neighborhood that honors its Italian heritage with an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and living options [1]. Here's a guide to the places that define it, and what to know if you're thinking about living or doing business there.
Two Italian classics on India Street
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
The DePhilippis family moved to San Diego and opened an Italian market on India Street in 1947. The first of their Filippi's restaurants followed in 1950, and the family says the restaurants are still owned and operated by members of the founding family [2]. It's the kind of place locals send visitors for old-school pizza and pasta.
Mona Lisa Italian Foods
At 2061 India Street, Mona Lisa pairs a family-style Italian restaurant, with an old-world feel and recipes passed down through generations, with an Italian deli selling made-to-order sandwiches, imported meats and cheeses, house-made sausage, and fresh pasta. It has served San Diego for three generations, since 1956 [3].
We verified these details on October 23, 2026. Hours and menus change, so check with each restaurant before visiting. USIG has no affiliation with any business named here.
The Little Italy Mercato
Little Italy's farmers' market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., year-round, rain or shine, on and around the Piazza della Famiglia on West Date Street. Vendors sell California produce, eggs, meat and poultry, plus fish, olive oil, bread, and sauces from local makers. The Little Italy Association calls it the largest farmers' market in San Diego County, with more than 200 vendors [4].
Living in Little Italy: what buyers should weigh
Little Italy is urban, walkable living, and most homes here are condominiums and townhome-style units. If you're considering buying, these are the questions we'd ask:
- Which side of the building? Units facing busy restaurant streets or event spaces trade quiet for convenience. Visit on a Saturday morning and a Friday night.
- Parking: is it deeded, assigned, or leased, and how many spaces come with the unit?
- The HOA: review the budget, reserve study, special assessments, insurance, and rental rules. California lets HOAs ban rentals of 30 days or less [5], and the City licenses all short-term rentals separately. See our short-term rental guide.
- Disclosures: read every seller disclosure, including the Natural Hazard Disclosure report, before you remove contingencies.
Doing business in Little Italy
For restaurant and retail space, the neighborhood's draw is foot traffic, but traffic isn't the same every day. Before signing a lease, compare weekday lunch, weeknight, and weekend patterns (including Mercato days), understand the full occupancy cost (base rent plus CAM/NNN), and plan for customer parking and deliveries. Underwrite on what the space can earn on an ordinary Tuesday, not just on a sunny Saturday.
Thinking about Little Italy? Brenda Le Jones, Founder & Principal Broker, USIG LLC (CA DRE #01365151) — (657) 222-9788
Sources
- Downtown San Diego Partnership — Neighborhoods
- Filippi's Pizza Grotto — History
- Mona Lisa Italian Foods — Official site
- Little Italy Association — Little Italy Mercato
- California Legislative Information — Civil Code §4741
Accessed October 23, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax, or investment advice.
Keep reading
Downtown San Diego Real Estate Guide
San Diego short-term rental rules (2026)