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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Little Italy

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6427)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Little Italy
Booked 70 times today
Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Little Italy
Booked 50 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.
A photo of Monello restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2619)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Little Italy
Booked 35 times today
Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, Monello shines as a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, passionately serving dishes that resonate with authenticity and innovation. Celebrated for its handcrafted pasta, Monello rolls out an impressive 800 lbs of fresh pasta every week, offering diners up to 27 varieties to savor. The restaurant's Mediterranean flair is vividly showcased in its seafood selections and gourmet pizzas. A highlight is the Parmigiano cheese wheel pasta, a tableside spectacle that diners rave about, calling it "a must-try culinary experience" and praising its perfect al dente texture. Awarded Best Happy Hour in 2016, Monello not only promises delightful small plates but also impeccable service and an ambiance that keeps guests returning. Whether it's the Milanese Aperitivo or the unique Italian-style brunch, Monello captures the essence of Mediterranean dining, making every meal memorable.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2255)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Hillcrest
Booked 13 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(178)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 70 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7084)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Banker's Hill
Booked 42 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2997)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 50 times today
Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(936)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 10 times today
At Bandar Restaurant in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, seafood lovers rejoice over Mediterranean dishes infused with unique Persian spices. The authenticity and high quality of Bandar’s seafood are consistently praised by diners. One reviewer raved, “We order fish and rice. Fish was so fresh and delicious and the vegetable next to it was so delicious.” This award-winning restaurant, established in 1996, not only promises but delivers an extraordinary dining experience with its exotic flavors and generous portions. Whether it's the perfectly seasoned fish or the carefully crafted dishes, every bite at Bandar confirms why it remains a top destination for seafood enthusiasts in San Diego.
A photo of Yalla Habibi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Barrio Logan
Yalla Habibi in Barrio Logan, San Diego, offers a delightful journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors, particularly its rich Lebanese heritage. Patrons rave about the "best falafel in San Diego" and the "flavorful and diverse" dishes that transport them straight to Lebanon. The restaurant prides itself on serving halal food, ensuring every dish respects traditional preparation methods. Highly praised for its "creamy hummus" and "juicy kafta," Yalla Habibi provides a vibrant dining atmosphere complemented by friendly service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mediterranean cuisine. As one reviewer puts it, "Every bite felt like I was back in Lebanon." Enjoy a culinary experience that's both authentic and heartwarming at Yalla Habibi.
A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(75)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 10 times today
Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Vartanvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy. The food, service and environment makes it a must visit when we are in town. The riso fritto…the best!
    More info
    Bencotto Italian KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Andy
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Kimberly
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Christmas Magic Our dining experience was golden. The atmosphere was over the top, literally with giant snowflakes, golden ornaments sparkling everywhere. We had a smile on our face the whole evening. Our food was delicious. I had the filet again because it's that good. My friends had the salmon. I tried the 1/2 Caesar salad, the best I’ve had in years. We got a side of crispy red potatoes and garlic bread with dipping au jus. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. They give you umbrellas to use because every hour on the hour Christmas music starts to play and it snows!!!! So much fun. To top it all off we had the Baked Alaska flambé. Our waiter poured a flaming blue caramel sauce over our dessert. What a show! My only regret was we shared it and I didn’t get my own. LOL!! Excellent place for a date night, but a must see for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit. PS We loved our waiter Michael he gave us exceptional service .
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Larryvip
    San Diego •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    i’ve dined here eight or 10 times over the years just brought someone new last night and he raved about the entire experience: food service creativity. We got the tasting menu and as usual the Alna and the Kampachi were huge hits early on. The subtlety combined with sharp notes took what could otherwise be very straightforward and made them rich. It was all excellent but as usual the Leppo chicken is Callie’s feathering the cap for that experience. Why doesn’t have a Michelin star is beyond me? Perhaps it’s the more casual approach to dining, but the food is easily Michelin quality for my taste by far away the best food in San Diego south of Addison 
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Yvette
    Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Nov 2024
    The meet and greet was promptly inviting and their service on point. I went for the cheese wheel and it definitely did not disappoint. I opted for the parmigiana wheel they also have the Grana Padano. The pasta was perfectly al dente, giving the perfect bite as you coat it with the luscious creamy sauce. I will definitely be returning upon my next San Diego visit.
    More info
    MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    4.5

Discover best Mediterranean restaurants in Little Italy

Explore the tantalizing flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, a hub of culinary diversity and innovation. Here, the Mediterranean dining scene melds seamlessly with local California influences, creating unique and flavorful dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. Each restaurant in this vibrant neighborhood brings its own flair to Mediterranean cooking, whether through traditional recipes or contemporary interpretations. Diners can expect a range of options from rustic, wood-fired dishes to sophisticated seafood and pasta creations, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The emphasis on authentic Mediterranean flavors is evident in the meticulous preparation and presentation of each meal. Little Italy's dining scene is not just about great food; it's an experience of cultural and culinary discovery, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Mediterranean restaurants in Little Italy promise an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

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