San Diego’s Little Italy Was Once America’s Tuna Capital – And Was Almost Killed by a Highway

Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy San Diego started with tuna fishermen in the 1920s. Today, it’s the city’s most interesting food neighborhood. The old-school Italian spots are still here, but they’re now part of a bigger story, one that includes packed Saturday farmers markets, rooftop bars, and some of SoCal’s most creative new restaurants.

America’s Biggest Little Italy

While many Italian neighborhoods across America have shrunk or vanished, San Diego’s Little Italy keeps growing. At a massive 48 square blocks, it’s the largest Little Italy in the United States.

The district dates back to the 1920s and represents downtown San Diego’s oldest continuous business district. The Little Italy Association maintains the area through beautification projects, special events, and neighborhood improvements.

Interstate-5 Split the Neighborhood in Two

Interstate-5’s construction dealt a devastating blow to Little Italy, destroying about 35% of the neighborhood. This massive project physically cut off the eastern portion of the community from its core, forcing thousands of Italian families to relocate.

Before 1972, the neighborhood stretched all the way to Balboa Park. Despite this setback, the community refused to die. Local businesses, both Italian-American and others, gradually opened new shops and professional spaces. The Little Italy Association has spent over 30 years bringing the area back to life.

A Former Tuna Capital

San Diego’s Little Italy was once home to more than 6,000 Italian families who created the center of the world’s tuna industry. These Sicilian and Genoese immigrants felt right at home with San Diego’s Mediterranean-like climate and coastline.

The tuna business boomed until the 1930s, employing over 1,000 people in canneries along the waterfront. World War II hit the industry hard when fishing boats faced restrictions and many were taken by the Navy.

The neighborhood later lost 35% of its area to Interstate-5 construction, but this resilient community bounced back. Now Little Italy stands as a model urban neighborhood where old traditions meet new development.

Look Down to Find the Historic Macaroni Factory Sidewalk Stamp

Most visitors walk right over one of Little Italy’s coolest hidden treasures. Outside Hyde Edwards Salon, an original sidewalk stamp marks where the historic San Diego Macaroni Factory once stood. This small detail is actually an official San Diego historical landmark.

The factory was among the first Italian businesses to feed the growing community. As you stroll along India Street, keep your eyes on the ground for other historical markers embedded in the concrete.

These subtle reminders connect today’s upscale dining district to its industrial roots. The factory produced various pasta products that fed both locals and customers throughout Southern California.

Drink Wine in Little Italy’s Oldest Victorian Home

A tiny Gothic Victorian building that dates back to 1888 holds the title of oldest house in Little Italy. The A.W. Pray House survived decades of downtown redevelopment and now serves as M Winehouse, a charming wine bar.

Waterfront Bar Once Had Waves Lapping at Its Doorstep

San Diego’s oldest bar sits in Little Italy, and when the Waterfront Bar first opened, the actual shoreline came right up to its door. Italian fishing captains and tuna workers gathered here after long days at sea to share stories and drinks.

The bar began during Prohibition and received one of the first liquor licenses after repeal. Though landfill has extended the shoreline, the bar maintains its maritime character. Fishing industry veterans still visit regularly, keeping the neighborhood’s seafaring traditions alive.

San Diego’s First Downtown Fire Station

Downtown San Diego’s first fire station now houses a fascinating museum of firefighting history. Fire Station No. 6 celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015 when it received official historic status.

The Pioneer Hook & Ladder Firehouse Museum displays equipment and memorabilia going back to the 1800s. You can see La Jolla’s very first fire engine among the exhibits.

This station played a crucial role protecting Little Italy when wooden buildings dominated the neighborhood. Retired firefighters often volunteer as docents, sharing firsthand stories about battling blazes in the area.

Messages in the Pavement

Little Italy’s pavements hold hidden love stories for those who pay attention. Look outside Filippi’s Pizza Grotto for a ring imprinted in the sidewalk—a symbol that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking down.

Step into Café Zucchero and check the floor by the registry to find an engraved ‘love at first sight’ tile. These romantic touches reflect the neighborhood’s Italian spirit. Local stories claim several couples who spotted these markers later got engaged in Little Italy.

Shop owners throughout the district add their own charming details to sidewalks and entryways. These small touches create a secret scavenger hunt for observant visitors who take time to notice the little things that make Little Italy special.

Italian Heritage is Alive and Thriving

Little Italy hosts several organizations dedicated to preserving authentic Italian traditions. The Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, founded in 1981, serves as a community hub with 600 members.

It offers year-round cultural events, workshops, lectures, and language classes. The Convivio Center & Little Italy Heritage Museum provides space to explore Italian arts and history.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church, known as ‘The Jewel of Little Italy,’ was built in 1925 and recently completed a $2.5 million restoration for its 2025 centennial. The church holds monthly Italian-language Mass and features stunning ceiling murals painted by Italian artists specially brought over for the project.

Piazza Basilone Honors Local Heroes

A quiet corner of Little Italy pays tribute to neighborhood sons lost in service to their country. Piazza Basilone functions as both a gathering space and war memorial, featuring a fountain surrounded by tiles honoring twelve young men from Little Italy who died during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

The plaza bears the name of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a Medal of Honor recipient whose bust stands on the western edge. This tranquil spot provides tables, chairs, and benches where you can rest during your exploration.

The memorial represents the community’s proud military service traditions. The piazza hosts special gatherings throughout the year, particularly on Veterans Day and Memorial Day when local families honor their fallen relatives.

Mercato Farmers Market

Every Saturday and Wednesday, Little Italy hosts San Diego County’s largest farmers market. The Little Italy Mercato stretches across six city blocks with over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, crafts, and prepared foods.

Local vendors call it ‘an artery in the community, feeding families and businesses.’ The Saturday market runs from 8 AM to 2 PM, while the Wednesday edition operates from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, both year-round regardless of weather.

Live music plays in Amici Park during market hours, creating a festive atmosphere. The market supports sustainable practices and helps small family farms and local entrepreneurs thrive.

Many neighborhood restaurants source ingredients directly from Mercato vendors, creating a farm-to-table pipeline right in the heart of downtown.

Visiting Little Italy, San Diego

Little Italy sits between downtown San Diego and the harbor, covering 48 walkable blocks. The district stretches from Laurel Street in the north to Ash Street in the south, and from Front Street in the east to San Diego Bay in the west.

You can easily reach Little Italy on foot from downtown or by a short drive from other parts of the city.