Page 18 - Megan Reichman

The Renaissance of San Diego’s Little Italy

By Robin Dohrn-Simpson

The Italian Renaissance in the 1400’s gave the world Mi-
chelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli. It also gave
us new art, science, and changed the course of human
history. The Renaissance in San Diego‘s Little Italy gave
us great restaurants and pubs, really cool architecture and
stickball. So, they’re pretty much the same in terms of his-
torical significance. Well, almost.

A community since the 1920’s, Little Italy is San Diego’s
oldest continuous neighborhood business district. This
village in the middle of the city, just east of the airport, is
the new hip and cool spot in San Diego. There is always
something fun happening: festas, art walks, fine dining,
fresh local produce and Italian fare at the farmer’s market
on Saturday.

A highlight is the funky architecture and colorful facades;
mixing traditional design with modern textures. The new
trend of urban housing is demonstrated in this area: live,
work, relax and eat in your neighborhood. The skyline is
dotted with transformed condos as well as newly built ones.

Italian Hospitality
“I can’t believe that Italians actually live here and speak
Italian.” A shopper was overheard saying at the farmer’s
18 market. It’s true; it’s an actual gathering place for real Ital-
ians. With typically consummate Italian hospitality, there are
chairs lining the sidewalks for you to sit and hang out, visit
with friends or just relax. You can lounge in one of five Piaz-
zas (Italian central squares or meeting areas) along India
Street, feel the ocean breeze and while away the time.

Little Italy Farmers Mercato
Start your weekend with a visit to the Mercato. Every
Saturday morning, you will find merchants and farmers
displaying their fresh produce and Italian delicacies on Date
Street. Enjoy the harbor view as you meander from stall
to stall sampling and purchasing fresh local produce and
Italian fare. Even dogs get a treat here. Sit back and enjoy
an Italian coffee and listen to live music with today’s street
performers. An absolute must is a Nutella crepe at the
creperie stall.

The Design District
Fashioned after Soho and Chelsea in New York City, with
lots of brick, large open doors and windows, the showrooms
boast Italian kitchens, furnishings and European tiles. As is
typical with most areas of the world, cultures are blended
and so are designs, therefore you will also see a beautiful
Asian furniture showroom and a colorful French Country
store.

September/October 2010