Little Italy Food Hall - A Fun Foodie Experience

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Little Italy, that is for sure. But one of the most unique and fun dining experiences is located right in the heart of Little Italy, at the Piazza della Famiglia: Little Italy Food Hall.

Home to 7 food stations and access to one of the top piazza’s on the West Coast, this food concept is perfect for foodies, who want to eat their way through the San Diego food scene without moving from their table. Whether you are a local or visiting San Diego, expect your tastebuds to get a workout at this place.

Also read: Complete Guide to Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy Food Hall Restaurants

So without much further ado, let me introduce to you the Little Italy Food Hall restaurants and the top thing you need to try at each! Let’s dig in, shall we?

Samburgers

Samburgers is the latest addition to the Little Italy Food Hall and also the first of three food stations run by San Diego food entrepreneur and entertainer: Sam the Cooking Guy. You can choose between pre-composed burger toppings or build your own. Also good to know: all burgers can be made with Beyond Burgers and veganized if you prefer. The fries are great, but my favorite side was the grilled corn salad, which pretty much tastes like Elotes turned into a salad. Soooo soooo good!

Not Not Tacos

This is the second gem owned and operated by Sam the Cooking Guy. How could you open a food hall in San Diego and not have Not Not Tacos? They are a must-try when you visit the Little Italy Food Hall. There is always room for a taco or two, especially some funky ones that you can only get here.

Sam seems to think that pretty much everything is better when served as a taco and he has a point. From Meatloaf to eggplant parmesan tacos, and of course the genius cheeseburger tacos, you will find 10+ unique taco variations to try. I really enjoyed the mashed potato taco – simple, but oh what a perfect comfort food!

Graze by Sam

This is the last of the trinity of Sam the Cooking Guy restaurants and it is technically not in the Little Italy Food Hall, but across the Piazza. This tasty spot called Graze by Sam is perfect if you prefer to share a bunch of small plates and nibble your way through a delicious charcuterie board.

Oh and then there are the craft cocktails… These guys here know how to mix a tasty concoction or two. Some swear that they have the best Bloody Mary in town, but as a gin-lover, I am partial to the St. Sebastian.

Ambrogio 15

This passion project by 3 pizza makers from Milan is a must try, if you like thin crust, authentic Italian pizza. I really enjoyed their Pizza Margarita and Greg loved the Spicy Salami Pizza. Their sauce was so well balanced and flavorful, simple tomato heaven.

Wicked Maine Lobster

I can’t get enough of the Wicked Maine Lobster Rolls. Full of chunky, meaty Lobster-goodness, these are really a great value. I’ve also tasted their Chowder Fries and let me tell you: If that plate doesn’t scream comfort food, I don’t know what does! Saucy, crispy, warm, and flavorful – so so good!

Mein St Asian Kitchen

If you eat meat, you HAVE to try their Salt & Pepper wings. Soooo delicious and with a good kick. I really loved the Szechuan pepper with the light lemon-y taste, the spicy pepper flakes and the fresh spring onions. So good. Their ramen is also on point and tasty, especially if you sit outside on a cooler day. Warms your body and your soul 🙂

Fried Salt and Pepper chicken wing on a plate held up by a hand with people sitting on the Piazza out of focus in the background

Bobboi Natural Gelato

Nothing ends a meal like a scoop of Gelato. Bobboi has some innovative and tasty flavors, always adding new creations to their mix. Nothing gives you that summer feeling, like grabbing a gelato and enjoying the San Diego sunshine on the Piazza della Famiglia.

A paper bowl of light brown gelato on a table with the Piazza della Famiglia in the background -Bobboi Gelato - Photo by Diana Rose Photography — Bobboi Gelato – Photo by Diana Rose Photography

Little Italy Food Hall Bar

All this tasty food must be washed down with equally tasty drinks and the Little Italy Food Hall Bar offers a full bar and tasty cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. Strategically located right in the heart of the food hall, you can grab a drink, then meander along the stations as you decide what to try first. The bar offers a varied collection of local craft beers that offers more than just IPAs and an on-point wine list that has something for every taste.

Little Italy Food Hall Events

Check the Little Italy Food Hall events calendar for upcoming events!

Pop Up Cooking Demonstrations

A couple of times per month, you can enjoy a live pop up cooking demonstration on the Little Italy Food Hall patio. You’ll get to see tasty recipe ideas, get hands-on cooking tips and learn techniques from top-notch local chefs. Oh, and did I mention the samples?

Little Italy food hall in the ground floor - and a 3 tiered water fountain in the foreground

Flamingo Friday

Fridays from 5 PM – 8 PM, you can enjoy some fun live music on the Piazza while treating yourself to some special Happy Hour deals ($2 off canned Cutwater cocktails from Graze, Samburgers and Not Not Tacos)

Live Music Saturday

After the buzzing Little Italy Farmers Market packs up, the Piazza has some more in store for you. Saturdays from 6 PM – 9 PM, relax, eat, and listen to some live music on the Piazza.

Sunset Piazza Della Famiglia with purple lid up fountain in the foreground

Man playing guitar and singing in front of Little Italy Food Hall San Diego - Live Music Piazza Della Famiglia Little italy

Paint & Party

Channel your inner Bob Ross and join this fun drink along… I mean paint along. Tickets include 1 house beer or wine, paint supplies, and instructions.

Taste of Little Italy

This yearly event is the local Little Italy Food Festival. Your Taste of Little Italy ticket buys you samples and treats at all the participating Little Italy restaurants. A great way to try them all! Get tickets here>>

Little Italy Farmers Market

Every Saturday and Wednesday morning, you can shop and support local farmers and artisans selling their goods at one of my favorite Farmer’s Markets in San Diego.

San Diego Farmers Market in Little Italy - Vendor stalls on closed off street under palm trees — Farmers Market San Diego in Little Italy

bunches of orange and yellow sunflowers at the Farmers Market Little Italy — Farmers Market San Diego in Little Italy

Little Italy Food Hall Location & Parking

550 W Date St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92101
+16192697187
Website

Parking is notoriously difficult in Little Italy, especially on the weekends, when India Street is closed for cars. If you can leave your car at home, using public transport, rideshare, FRED, or walk/bike/scooter to get there, it will save you some time, money, and nerves.

Parking Garages & Lots Nearby:

LAZ Parking – Piazza della Famiglia: 1730 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92111
Little Italy Parking Garage: 715 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101
Ace Parking Grape Street: 834 W Grape St, San Diego, CA 92101
Premium Parking Lot: 148 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101

Disclaimer: I joined a San Diego TravelMassive media event at Little Italy Food Hall and received a selection of free samples to research and write this article. My opinion is my own and not influenced by this invitation.

Little Italy Food Hall – Pin For Later:

Looking for a fun foodie experience or can't decide what you want? How about a trip to Little Italy Food Hall? 7 tasty food stations to try - perfect when everyone wants something different! San Diego Restaurants - Best restaurants in San Diego - Little Italy San Diego - Best food in San Diego - San Diego Food

Last Updated on June 15, 2021 by Maria Haase

Little Italy Food Hall – A Fun Foodie Experience