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    Caffe Italia

    4.1 (1k reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Italian, Cafes
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Caffe Italia Photos

    Business Info

    CAFFE ITALIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Caffe Italia

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    Iced latte
    Mari R.

    Read good reviews and stopped by for an iced coffee. I loved it. I had an iced caramel latte and it was delicious with lots of whip cream for me. The service was fast and helpful. The ambiance was nice and pleasant. When I return I'll definitely stop by again

    Kathleen D.

    This was our first stop upon landing in San Diego. It shared a courtyard with our hotel, and since our room wasn't ready yet, having coffees to wake up seemed like the perfect plan. We took turns going inside so one of us could stay with our luggage. I stopped in first and asked about one of their milkshake-esque beverages. The barista steered me toward a nitro cold brew instead, which I happy imbibed in. My boyfriend then walked in and came out with the same beverage I had been eyeing!!! No, we hadn't talked about it! I tried his and it was wonderful. He stopped back down every day of our trip, he loved their coffee so much.

    Cafe Latte and Black Iced Tea
    Nell C.

    Sunday stroll in little Italy took me to Cafe Italia for a nice cafe latte and black ice tea. I enjoy the quick service and lovely courtyard.

    Maya H.

    I've been rating a lot of 5s lately but this place is my go-to coffee whenever I'm in little Italy. The Gelato and espresso drinks is why I always come back! The service is excellent as always! I see a lot of regulars sitting in the front chatting with friends. It's such a vibe, I love it. I probably do the same thing if I live near by. Come here for my morning coffee run and gelato treat to end the night. Great delicious espresso that keeps me coming back for more

    Janet L.

    How is it possible or make sense to run a busy cafe with one chef? And the front cashier is kinda rude about it. Why are they not crossed trained? We were hungry and didn't want to wait a 2 hour wait across the street and came to this cafe. Long and behold their chef is on break and not back for 30 mins. I understand people take breaks but why don't they have another kitchen help? How do you even run a business and a cafe that serves food with one chef? Hoping they make up with good drinks? Mehhhh, the Vietnamese coffee didn't taste right. Guess they should just stick with Italian coffee if they don't know how to make Vietnamese coffee.

    Leslie G.

    Was excited to see rugelach in the case and had to grab one with my coffee. It was delicious. Coffee decent. Service good. Great place to relax for a few minutes and people watch

    Sesame bagel with an iced Vietnamese coffee
    Graciela A.

    Love this place! The bagel was really yummy and toasted perfectly! I love that they give you the cream cheese on the side so you can put as much as you want! The coffee was pretty good too! I didn't like that there was an upcharge to add a splash of oat milk, but I guess everything costs money these days! The staff were really friendly as well. All in all I would definitely come back!

    Mocha
    Shan L.

    Cute little coffee joint on the corner in little Italy, conveniently located, great service, fast , good and has a public bathroom for customers if you're looking for the nearest bathroom on the street in little Italy. The outdoor space is pleasant and peaceful and is a nice getaway from the busy vibes of little Italy if you need a serene place to sit down and have a good coffee or a second. I grabbed a mocha and it was classic and consistent with what I expect for a good mocha.

    I got an everything bagel and it was $4.95 and it didn't come with butter or anything  bland
    Ruby B.

    I got an everything bagel it was $4.95 and it didn't come with butter or anything would not recommend

    Little italy toast
    Christian E.

    Quick little place by the little Italy sign. Quick service, an amazing avocado toast. Definitely like the cheese on the toast if you get the little Italy toast. Cappuccino cappuccino. People that go there seem like they're locals and they speak great Italian. Definitely worth going.

    Jack M.

    Caffè Italia offers great espresso based beverages and very good bites. The service is always friendly. They offer inside and outside seating.

    Front menu
    Sharon A.

    Great find on a Saturday morning!! Needed caffeine after landing in SD with no sleep. This was a site for sore eyes! Service was great, those who took our order repeated the order back to us to be sure they got it right, were pleased and held great conversations. The overall vibe was chill, coffee house aesthetic. The location was super convenient and right next to the farmers market happening at the same time. I ordered a medium iced vanilla lattes with almond milk. A fairly easy drink to make and hard to mess up. The drink was a 7/10. Wasn't a big fan of the coffee, drank more milk than actual coffee - probably should've asked for an extra shot. Overall a great find, looking forward to stopping by a few more times while I'm in SD.

    Mike M.

    Great coffee here.. strong and bold. The cafe is busy with breakfast and lunch items. There is a variety of coffee and tea drinks (hot & cold). A nice atrium like patio in the rear to enjoy your meal and drink. We grabbed a small table on the front sidewalk.. perfect for a short sip and nibble. I had a small cinnamon- walnut sweet tart with my coffee. This is a very good cafe.

    Panini egg and cheese

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    4 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

    One of the best cafés I've visited. The drinks were delicious and the place felt cozy and welcoming.

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    4 months ago

    Creative beverage options. Friendly, fast service. Lovely open air space with comfortable seating.

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    7 months ago

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    Ristorante Illando

    Ristorante Illando

    4.4
    (3.5k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Private events

    Treating myself to a solo dinner here while traveling in August was such a memorable experience!…read more From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was absolute perfection--warm, inviting, and wonderfully peaceful. Dining by myself felt like a true gift, and it was the ideal spot to bring my journal along to write and quietly enjoy the evening. The hospitality made it even better. My waiter was so genuinely kind and welcoming, which made the solo experience feel completely comfortable. It also gave me a great little opportunity to practice my Italian! And the food? Amazing. I ordered the squid, and it was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, all paired with gorgeous views that made the whole evening feel special. It's rare to find a spot that nails the combination of stunning views, delicious food, and top-tier hospitality. If you're looking for a peaceful, welcoming place to enjoy a solo meal, write, and soak in the atmosphere, Ristorante Illando is a must-visit!

    A hidden gem with handmade pasta located on the second floor above a pizza shop in Little Italy. We…read moremade a reservation for Saturday at 12 p.m. when the restaurant opened, and there were plenty of tables available when we arrived. There was a greeter on the ground floor who checked us in and led us upstairs. Parking: Parking can be challenging since the restaurant is in the heart of Little Italy. There is street parking and a few nearby parking lots, but most options are paid. Service: The main reason I'm giving this restaurant 4 stars instead of 5. There were only two other tables occupied throughout our lunch, but we still felt a bit rushed. When we asked which pastas were handmade, our server raised an eyebrow and simply pointed at a few items on the menu. It made us feel a little out of place since we weren't familiar with the different Italian pastas. Food: We ordered the Torre Di Antipasti, the Pappardelle Bolognese, and the Spaghetti alla Carbonara. The appetizer tower looked beautiful, but it tasted average, and I don't think it was worth the $32. When we were looking for a handmade pasta, our server recommended the Pappardelle Bolognese. It definitely had a unique texture. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara isn't made with handmade pasta, but it was still delicious and actually my favorite! Rich, creamy, and cheesy (I went for the extra Parmesan). Overall: There are a lot of great Italian restaurants in Little Italy and throughout San Diego. The handmade pasta dishes are the highlight at Ristorante Illando, and I'd recommend stopping by if you're in the area, especially if you're looking for fresh pasta.

    Photos
    Nice quiet spot with AMAZING food. Clean, great service and very reasonably priced.
    Nice quiet spot with AMAZING food. Clean, great service and very reasonably priced.
    Papardelle Bolognese
    Papardelle Bolognese
    Torre di Antipasti

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    Torre di Antipasti
    Cesarina

    Cesarina

    4.7
    (3.6k reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $$$

    i visited SD a year ago in july for my birthday... and because a birthday girl can't think ahead,…read morei didn't reserve in time to visit cesarina... to my very sad dismay, i told myself next time. I did NOT think i'd be in SD this soon again, yet tis was the year, AND I FINALLY RESERVED THIS TIME RAAAHHH :PPP I loved loved loved the make your own pasta concept. the forgot what we both ordered for our pastas, but they were DELICIOUS. you can absolutely taste it's made in house. its unbelievably pricy if you want to add proteins or anything, but it was nonetheless delicious. I will say it's mainly the presentation that wows, because any fresh pasta place would be this yummy ykyk. but if you want the date-night-once-in-a-while-time-out experience, this place is beautiful. plus, the service is AMAZING. they constantly checked up on my table, i never went a second without water. not only did i recieve tiramisu for my birthday dessert... BUT THEY TOOK A POLAROID PIC OF US TOO :,D SOOO CUTE!! very very yum, warm, welcoming... but come with the budget queens im a broke college student--

    SOOO I finally got to try the famous 'Cesarina'!!!!…read more Wowowow I was blown away. The decor of the restaurant, both inside and out, is clearly meticulously handpicked & thought out. It is absolutely beautiful. They have wonderful music playing at a reasonable volume to accompany watching raviolis be made right in front of you! The service is exceptional. We never had to even think of needing water, menus, anything extra - it was brought before we anticipated it! Our server Tommy was wonderful & thought of everything. Now, the best part - the FOOD!! Their pasta is so obviously handmade in house, the texture and butteriness of the noodles was extraordinary. I ordered the fettuccine with the vegan mushroom sauce & added shrimp - divine. I think one of my favorite parts of the menu is the pricing with vegan items. Too many times vegan items are doubled in price & they had everything equal - INCLUDING the DELICIOUS cannolis!!! Such a wonderful experience. I cannot wait to be back!

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    The signature chicken pitcher with their soft delish breads
    The signature chicken pitcher with their soft delish breads
    Birthday dessert!

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    Birthday dessert!
    Bencotto Italian Kitchen

    Bencotto Italian Kitchen

    4.2
    (3.6k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We came for the legendary table-side pasta spun in a massive wheel of cheese, and despite booking…read morewarnings about slow service and rigid 4:00 PM reservation slots for our group of 8, we couldn't wait to dive in. Interestingly, the restaurant was completely empty when we arrived at 4:00 PM and stayed comfortably quiet through 6:00 PM--plenty of open tables in sight! While I can't name every single dish we devoured, every single plate was a masterclass in authentic, soulful Italian cooking. From rich, velvety sauces clinging perfectly to al dente pasta to bright, fresh ingredients bursting with savory depth, every bite was piping hot, deeply aromatic, and mouth-wateringly delicious. There was not a single disappointment on the table. We are giving this a glowing 5-star rating for the phenomenal food, but the true star of the evening was our server, JACOB. He brought infectious energy, treated our large group like we were long time friends, and gave spot-on menu recommendations. Jacob was impeccably attentive, kept our glasses full, and elevated the entire meal. Thank you, Jacob--you completely deserve a raise! If you go, ask for Jacob and come hungry!

    Came here on a weekend and we were seated outside due to no reservation. Our table was filled with…read moreleaves that had dropped, including on our dishware. We got mozzarella sticks, tagliatelle nere, cheese wheel pasta, and tagliatelle lamb. To our surprise, the mozzarella sticks only come with three small sticks, but the cheese pull on them were really nice. The cheese wheel pasta was not tossed in the cheese wheel table side because we were seated outside, which I wish they would've explained when we were ordering. We substituted the tagliatelle ragu with pappardelle pasta since we already had fettuccine and I liked that a lot. When the pasta came out, our server asked if we wanted cheese on the pasta to which we said yes, and then he forgot to bring us cheese so we had to ask the hostess standing outside. Overall the food was good and the pasta portion was filling. I wouldn't recommend sitting outside because service was not the best. Not sure if it was because we were quite literally the only table outside.

    Photos
    View from window seating inward
    View from window seating inward
    Calamari Fritti...
    Calamari Fritti...
    Manhattan

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    Manhattan
    Rusticucina

    Rusticucina

    4.6
    (1.6k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$
    Happy hour specials
    Locally owned & operated

    They know what they're doing and their client service was perfection. My older friend had a…read moresignificant birthday this year with the passing of her husband nearly a year ago exactly, It was a special birthday considering her failing health and I gave the restaurant a heads up we would be celebrating. Nathan, Sabrina and Johan were a primo team and outstanding on all counts. They made extra sure my guest was comfortable and most importantly, appreciated. The fried burrata was a star as was their caprese salad. Their spinach ravioli was delicious and despite how full we were, it was gobbled up. Their pizza was great as well as their arancini. The New Zealand Sauvignon blanc was delicious with a spicy finish. We ordered two bottles. The vibe is very communal and it got lively around 7pm on a Saturday. It was quiet and intimate when we arrived around 4:45pm so come a little earlier if you typically would like a quieter meal with fabulous food. Again, can't thank Nathan. Sabrina and Johan enough. The entire team was fabulous and humored us with our questions in regard to Sicily. I will be back and will bring others: thanks again!

    Amazing service, but unfortunately the food didn't live up to the hype…read more Ossobuco: 5.5/10 I've had a lot of ossobuco over the years, and this was honestly my least favorite. The meat was fairly tender, but it lacked flavor almost entirely. The sauce didn't add much either, and the risotto underneath was just okay. Nothing was necessarily bad. it was just surprisingly bland. For a dish that's usually rich and comforting, this one felt forgettable. Pesto Pasta: 7/10 This was decent and definitely better than the ossobuco, but it wasn't anything I'd go out of my way to order again. The pesto was enjoyable, and I appreciated that it wasn't overly acidic. Beyond that, it didn't really stand out. The cocktails were good, the service was fantastic, and the complimentary limoncello cake was delicious. That said, when there are so many great Italian restaurants in the area, I don't see myself returning. I left feeling like the food was more hype than substance. Food: 5/10 Service: 10/10

    Photos
    Rusticucina
    Rusticucina
    Rusticucina

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    Siamo Napoli

    Siamo Napoli

    4.7
    (2.1k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$

    From first glance, the ambience was very welcoming. From the Parpardelle con il Ragu D'Agnello to…read morethe Lasagna Della Nonna, each bite was made with exquisite quality. Giovanni, the owner of the restaurant, personally came by our table to make sure we were enjoying my our dining experience. Overall, this was one of the finer Italian experiences I had the pleasure to enjoy!

    First impressions of Siamo Napoli looked pleasing by the fairy lights entwined in ivory and an…read morealmost packed room of patrons on a Friday night. When the host got to me and my boyfriend, they asked if we were okay with sitting in the back; we both didn't mind given our hunger, but I quietly regretted the decision a little when we were sat close to the exit door especially since there was no cell service from where we were situated. But I had no qualms about it whatsoever, as I was more focused on the experience of the food. I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese while my boyfriend ordered the Piccante. I was pleasantly surprised with how quick my food came to the table, with my boyfriend's not too long after. Despite the portion size, the fettuccine filled me up well and the marinara sauce was flavorful. My boyfriend raved about his pizza as well as the chili oil provided for garnish. (You can actually taste the chili in the chili oil, so be wary of that if you're one not accustomed to large spice.) I had only tried the crust of his pizza, but even that alone, it was still delicious. A part of the reason for our visit was to try the Tiramisu and it didn't disappoint at all. It was the right balance of sweet mascarpone and rich espresso. Our server was kind and attentive to us, checking on us and giving us updates on our food. We were both surprised to see that after asking for the check, we weren't charged for the Tiramisu, a kind gesture we appreciated. Overall, my boyfriend and I enjoyed our time here. I'd like to come back so I could try the pizza with my boyfriend.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    With my Son and Husband at SIAMO NAPOLI
    With my Son and Husband at SIAMO NAPOLI
    Calamari

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    Calamari
    Parma Cucina Italiana

    Parma Cucina Italiana

    4.6
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Here's a polished version you can post:…read more What a fantastic find! We stopped here after spending the day at the zoo, and it was one of the best meals my family and I have had in a long time. The service was absolutely outstanding--friendly, attentive, and made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in. The food was some of the most authentic Italian cuisine we've ever had, and every dish was delicious. The desserts were just as incredible and were the perfect way to end the meal. If you're looking for amazing Italian food with exceptional service, I can't recommend this place enough. We'll definitely be back before we head home!

    I walked into this little Italian restaurant and found it completely packed. I asked the gentleman…read moreat the front how long the wait would be for a table for one. Without hesitation, he poured me a glass of Prosecco, invited me to wait outside, and assured me he'd have a seat for me in just a few minutes. Sure enough, about two minutes later, he came out and seated me. This restaurant made you feel like you were in Italy with the ambiance and vibe. I had done my research beforehand, so I already knew what I wanted. I ordered the lasagna, and it was absolutely incredible. The portion was generous, and my server let me know it would take a little extra time to prepare, which was perfectly fine. It didn't take long for me to realize that the man who seated me was also the owner. As I watched him greet guests throughout the evening, it was obvious that he genuinely loves what he does. We had a great conversation, and he was warm, welcoming, and personable. After finishing my meal, I ordered a double espresso and tiramisu for dessert. The tiramisu was easily one of the best I've ever had. Exceptional food, outstanding hospitality, and a memorable experience from start to finish. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in town.

    Photos
    Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
    Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
    Parma Cucina Italiana
    Seafood Risotto

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    Seafood Risotto

    Caffe Italia - coffee - Updated August 2026

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