I’ll be honest: I don’t particularly like downtown San Diego. I had my concrete fill in Chicago and New York and moved here not for more tall buildings and car-filled streets; I wanted greenery, outdoor space and calm. (Fact: I really love living in a residential area now!)
But if I were to live anywhere near downtown, it’d be in Little Italy. It’s a tiny ‘hood made up of just a few blocks, but it’s quite charming with plenty of restaurants and interesting boutiques to keep you busy. I took a break from my computer on Monday afternoon to tour the area. I didn’t stop to snack or shop. I just walked — in and out of stores, past beautiful urban gardens and through the ocean-facing blocks. And here’s a little photo diary of it all:
Caxao Chocolates. A new chocolate shop run by the sweetest woman named Beatrice, who gave me a sample of these pumpkin truffles. All chocolates and pastries are made locally, and the proof was definitely in the pudding truffle. There’s also a quaint al fresco area.
Vitreum. A cute Japanese-style shop with glassware, vases, jewelry and more. They had the coolest miniature surfboard incense holder, but I wasn’t allowed to photograph inside. I did, however, snap a shot of these bud vases before I got the mandate!
Antiques on Kettner. Aisles upon aisles of antique goods. I loved the milk jar vases, retro dishware, mid-century furniture and these seasonal Pez dispensers. Though I must say, seeing things in there that were a part of my childhood made me feel incredibly old.
El Camino. Love a good pink door.
Craft & Commerce. A sea of red Tolix chairs and gorgeous greenery-filled facade adorn this popular restaurant. Seriously, it’s the one restaurant I heard about the most upon moving here. I haven’t gone yet, but it’s on the to-go list.
VI Star. Six Star is such a fun concept: a retail collaborative made up of individual spaces curated by artists, vendors, designers, and buyers. You’ll find home decor, baby clothes and furniture, but the stationery space with products from Sweet Paper in La Jolla was seriously rockin’. How awesome are those gold stamps?
Love & Aesthetics. Lifestyle products, home good and fun dishware — a lot of which comes with a macabre but clever twist.
p.s. If you live in the San Diego area this weekend, the Little Italy Festa is going on this Sunday from 10 am-6 pm.
If you haven’t been to Craft & Commerce yet, go on the weekend when they’re serving their brunch. Seriously- it’s my favorite brunch in SD.
Thanks for the rec, Chelsea! Brunch is my beloved pastime. I’m excited to try C&C’s sometime soon!
I LOVE Little Italy in San Diego! It’s so adorable and has so many cute little places to explore. Last time I was in SD, I had to kill a few hours before my flight so I went here since it’s near the airport. The restaurants are so quaint and charming :) Glad you enjoyed it too!
Yes! It’s so clutch that Little Italy is by the airport. Get a cappuccino, grab some mozzarella on ciabatta and you’re good to go :)
How charming! I’ve visited San Diego as a little girl but yet to visit again. It’s on my to-do list haha! Love your pictures, that truffle must have been absolutely amazing!!
Thanks, Akshara! The pumpkin truffle was divine. And it was a perfect way to get in the fall zone even though it was so hot that day.
Little Italy in SD looks quaint and sweet. VI looks really cool and my fave of all the pictures.
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VI Star was SUPER cool. I think the concept is so innovative, and everything in there is so beautiful. I would happily move in there :)
This is fantastic, I haven’t been to any of these places and I have lived in the San Diego for basically my whole life minus maybe 3 years. I guess I’ll give myself a break for the years up to 16 as well.. no car makes it difficult… and who knows if these stores have been open THAT many years. But still, I must go. I am so happy I found your part of the internet through Odd Daughter Paper/Katie!
That’s always what happens with the place where live. I grew up 20 minutes from Philadelphia and couldn’t even tell you one good restaurant! But I’m happy to share my San Diego finds with you :) Thanks for reading!