Little Italy San Diego's Best Dinner [Updated 2025]

I've eaten my way through the best dinner spots in Little Italy San Diego over the years and I'm here to tell you about seven of the absolute best places for dinner here.

Whether you're looking for a classic Italian spot with traditional pasta dishes, fancy dinner options to impress a date, or some casual favorites with your friends, this guide has the top seven restaurants in Little Italy San Diego that are sure to satisfy.

So come along on my culinary journey as I explore the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego. You won't be disappointed!

Buon Appetito Restaurant

From the moment you walk in, the décor will transport you to a cozy Italian restaurant. The rustic furniture combined with the checkered tablecloths and exposed brick walls create an intimate ambiance.

The menu is vast and varied, so no matter what your taste buds are looking for, you’ll find something that suits them. From freshly made pasta dishes to classic Italian pizzas, there truly is something for everyone - which is great for large groups with different tastes or preferences.

But the real highlight of my visit was their wine selection! Not only did they have a wide variety of wines from all over Italy, but their knowledgeable staff also took the time to make sure I was selecting the perfect one for my meal. With every sip, I felt like I was being transported back home!

Finally, it must be mentioned that their service is second to none. Our waiter was attentive and friendly - he made sure we were always enjoying our experience and he even gave us some great recommendations on what we should order next!

In summary: if you’re looking for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego, Buon Appetito Restaurant is certainly worth a visit. From tasty cuisine to excellent service, this place has it all!

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in San Diego.

Petrini's San Diego

The atmosphere is incredibly inviting and warm, with an intricate mural on the walls that immerses you in the experience. The wait staff is knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating to your needs. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious Italian-inspired dishes as well as classic favorites like steaks, seafood and salads.

I was particularly pleased by the quality of the food offered at Petrini's San Diego! I indulged in their famous lasagna which was cooked to perfection with layers of melted cheese and meaty sauce. It was definitely one of the best dinners I've ever had! My dining companion also enjoyed their Caesar salad, wood-fired pizza, and pasta Bolognese.

The drinks at Petrini's San Diego were just as amazing as the food! I especially enjoyed their selection of craft beers on tap, along with several specialty cocktails that were crafted to perfection.

Overall, my experience at Petrini's San Diego was extraordinary and I'd highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great dinner in Little Italy San Diego!

You might also want to check out the best tacos in San Diego.

Bencotto

I have had the pleasure of dining at Bencotto many times, and have enjoyed every single experience. From the moment you step in, you feel welcome and comfortable with the ambiance. The staff are always friendly and attentive, leaving no request unfulfilled.

My favorite dishes here are the potato dumplings and the ravioli. The potato dumplings are cooked to perfection: delicate, fluffy pillows of wonderfulness that melt in your mouth as soon as they hit your tongue. And the ravioli is also superb - so fresh and flavorful that it is almost impossible that it's made in-house!

All in all, Bencotto is a great place to go for dinner. The food is fantastic, the presentation is exquisite, and the service is top-notch! If you're looking for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego, look no further than Bencotto.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in San Diego.

Sogno Di Vino

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to spend a night out with family or friends. The staff is highly attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the experience. Not only do they take the time to explain each menu item, they are also willing to make recommendations based on my preferences which made the entire evening memorable.

The food at Sogno Di Vino is nothing short of spectacular. The antipasti selection was bold and flavorful with just enough variety for everyone. I had an amazing risotto dish that was cooked perfectly and packed full of flavor with each bite. I also enjoyed their house-made pastas like lasagna, ravioli, and gnocchi – all cooked perfectly!

The wine list at Sogno Di Vino is extensive and offers something for everyone's taste, including quite a few Italian labels that can't be found anywhere else in Little Italy San Diego. Their sommelier was more than happy to help me choose a bottle that matched my meal, which really made an impression on me as someone who appreciates a well-paired experience.

Overall, I'd recommend Sogno Di Vino if you're looking for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego. The food is delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the wine Superb!

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in LA Jolla.

Monello

My first time at Monello, the experience was outstanding. The atmosphere was perfect. It felt like family. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and provided excellent service.

The food at Monello is simply amazing. The menu offers a variety of classic Italian dishes as well as unique creations from the Chef. Nearly every dish I've tried has been delicious - from the fresh pasta to the locally-sourced meats and vegetables, the quality of ingredients shines through in each meal.

The wine selection is also wonderful. The sommelier provides recommendations for pairings with specific dishes, based on your preferences, or you can choose from a range of bottles to accompany your dinner yourself.

For dessert, you simply must try the Tiramisu - it's one of the best I've ever tried!

Overall, I highly recommend Monello if you're looking for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego. With its warm atmosphere and mouth-watering food, it won't disappoint!

You might also want to check out the best pizza in San Diego.

Mona Lisa Italian Foods

Their selection of Italian dishes is definitely worth trying and you can't go wrong with their pasta, pizza and desserts. The portions are large and the taste is classic Italian. As a bonus, they offer gluten-free options for those with dietary concerns.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for a family dinner or romantic date night. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring each customer has an enjoyable experience.

I'd highly recommend Mona Lisa Italian Foods for anyone looking for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego! My experience has been nothing short of amazing, time after time!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in San Diego.

Solunto Restaurant & Bakery

At Solunto, I truly felt like I had been transported to Italy! The delicious aromas, friendly staff and cozy decor created an inviting and warm atmosphere.

The food was absolutely divine, especially their signature antipasti platter. Every bite was bursting with flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. And the wine pairings were spot on!

The service was impeccable and the wait staff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. All in all it was a truly memorable experience that I won't soon forget.

If you're in search for the best dinner in Little Italy San Diego then look no further than Solunto Restaurant & Bakery – you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best burger in San Diego.