Little Italy in San Diego is wedged in between the 5 freeway, San Diego’s Lindbergh Field (the airport), Harbor Drive, and north of B Street. This business and ethnic community has existed since the 1920s and has undergone many changes as a result of changes in local industries (especially tuna) where many of the local families worked, and the building of I-5 (which dramatically shrunk the community by about 1/3).
Little Italy, however, despite these changes and a long period of decline, is making a significant comeback which began in the 1990s.
The heart of Little Italy’s commerce district is India Street, a one-way street now lined with new condos and lofts, retail shops, real estate offices, numerous eateries and many new small businesses. There have been significant improvements along the streets, with more planned, and builders continue to create new developments in response to the growth and interest in this hip new area of downtown San Diego. There is even a Little Italy Association dedicated to the preservation, beautification and growth of this popular area.
Shoppers have lots to choose from, including clothing, art, lighting, glassware, furniture and of course food. If you are a foodie then Little Italy is worth putting on your list. In addition to a host of Italian restaurants, trattorias, and cafes, there is even a genuine British Pub – Princess Pub. Lunch today at Buon Appetito was outstanding, with sidewalk seating to enjoy the people walking by, many with dogs (just like in Europe). I understand their sister restaurant next door, Sogno Di Vino, is very good as well. The Indigo Grill, while not Italian, is another favorite. Here's a list of some more local restaurants.
Looking for good canoli or pizza? Try Filippi’s Pizza Grotto on India Street. The place always seems busy, and they have a terrific shopping area in front with olive oils, pastas, fresh meats and cheese, and just about everything else Italian. There are several other markets as well – Assenti’s Pasta is the place to go for, well, pasta.
Little Italy has a farmer’s market as well, the Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays from 9 to 1:30 on Date Street, with over 50 farmers and other purveyors.
Enjoy art? There are a number of galleries, and the area is becoming increasingly popular with artists. Nearby Kettner Boulevard has a host of artists studios with art walks on Friday evenings. Area businesses including design shops are open for these events too.
There is even a small piazza, Piazza Basilone, that may remind you a little of Rome, despite its diminutive size (there is even a restaurant there to enjoy dining and people watching). There is even a fountain – today being enjoyed heartily by Fergi, a very cute and playful Yorkshire terrier (see her pics in the slide show).
Real estate in the area has continued to be very popular, with a number of contemporary condo buildings. There is lots available due to all the growth in the last few years, and the shifting market, so buyers have lots of choices. You may find seom 1-bedroom units under $200,000 (but there are likely to be short sales and foreclosures) but you can easily spend well more than $400K for a condo here.
Next time you are in the area, why not take time to explore all that this community has to offer.
************************
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits
**************************************
ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE
If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com
Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego
Carlsbad Breaking News ~ Oceanside Breaking News ~ Encinitas Breaking News
All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.
A fun and enjoyable area Jeff. I have initiated a number of Buyer clients to this part of the downtown community and many opt away to the other surrounding properties , all the while appreciating that Little Italy is nearby. It was certainly a good effort to create the ambiance and make for the one of the more fun and unusual small bedroom communities of downtown.
Now I'm hungry. Very cute little shops there (Hair City!). Very nice way to see the area.
Nice slide show Jeff....we used to go to little Italy in NY...great food and lots to do...sounds like your area has a lot to do as well...didn't know there was another one across the globe.
Thanks, William. LIttle Italy is one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Diego. So different from the North End in Boston, and of couse much newer, but I like how it it growing up.
Jeff
Susie - it is a treat to walk down the street and see all the places to indulge, one right after the other, and most have outdoor seating to enjoy streetlife. I thought Hair City was pretty interesting - looks like the place has been there for a long time.
Jeff
Neal - Little Italy in New York is a pretty cool place, and the west coast version is growing up. Visiting neighborhoods like this is different cities is always fun. Ours is such a contrast to the older versions n the East Coast.
Jeff
Jeff, your blogs are always so informative about your area. Thank you for sharing. It's lunch time in Texas and I am starving now.
I heard that San Diego was a dog friendly place...much more so than here in the Midwest. I like that!
Jeff we have a Little Italy in New Haven Connecticut and you can find the best pizza ever there at Pepe's or Sally's. It is so good that people stand in line for an hour or more to just get in, even in the winter :)
Jeff, another fantastic post about your beloved San Diego Carlsbad area. I honestly don't remember there being a Little Italy. It sounds great!