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.
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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
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