Italian Indulgence: Taste of Little Italy

With summer hot on our heels, many of us may be trying to watch what we eat in hopes of whittling down to the perfect beach body. While the result may be totally worth it, the process can be brutal and boring. In fact, it’s well recognized that even the strictest of strict need a chance to indulge in some delicious eats once in awhile. Come on, you know you want to...

Taste of Little Italy will be happening on Wednesday, May 25 from 5 to 9pm. Restaurants throughout the historic area will be providing appetizers, drinks, entrees, and desserts for guests to sample. Traditional Italian eats such as mini meatballs from Petrini’s, lasagna and garlic bread from Mona Lisa, and cheesy tortellini from Mimmo’s will be in abundance. Unexpected items, such as Argentinean chorizo and skirt steak from Puerto La Boca, will also be served all evening.

But don’t stress: there is bit of saving grace for your summer figure. Taste of Little Italy is set up as a self-guided stroll, so everyone attending will be getting a bit of exercise as they walk from one spot to the next. Music by Neon Cough, a dynamic local indie band, will set the pace for all to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

San Diego restaurants will be providing a bevy of tastes, from appetizers and drinks to entrees and desserts. Participating restaurants include Anthology, Bencotto, Buon Appetito/Sogno DiVino, Burger Lounge, Caffe Italia, Craft and Commerce, Enoteca Style, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Indigo Grill, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Landini’s Pizzeria, Mia’s Francesca, Mimmo’s Italian Village, Petrini’s, Puerto La Boca Argentinean Steakhouse, Spicy Pickle, Starbucks Coffee Company, The Restaurant at the W Hotel, Vincenzo Ristorante italiano, and Yogurtland. It’ll be hard to visit every single restaurant, so we compiled a list of the top five Little Italy eateries you can’t miss.

Bencotto: Make sure to stop by this delightful restaurant as they will be serving their signature dish: Fusilli with Pink Pancetta Sauce. Bencotto’s is well-known for embracing the Italian traditions of shared dishes, hand-made pasta, and simple yet extraordinary food. (pictured)

Craft and Commerce: Craft and Commerce is a local’s favorite, known for its high quality of food and cocktails mixed in with a creative ambiance. As a taste, this restaurant will be offering Mini Kurobuta corn dogs served alongside spicy cheese fondue and wholegrain mustard.

Indigo Grill: Come by this unique restaurant to sample a taste of Pipian crusted Brie with jalapeno jelly. Indigo Grill is a rustic restaurant this prides itself on supporting local vendors through the use of seasonal ingredients combined to form dishes you will not find anywhere else.

Anthology: This swanky two-story 1940s-inspired supper club spotlights fine live music and delicious cuisine on the center stage. During the event, Anthology will be serving smoked duck breast with brandied cherries served on grilled sourdough.

The Restaurant at W Hotel: This eatery will serve a taste of Achiote rubbed tuna on a crisp with tomatillo corn relish. The Restaurant at The W is known for its natural farm to table approach, with a diverse range of flavors and combinations.

Dinner is Served: Tickets to Taste of Little Italy cost $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. Please visit tasteoflittleitalysd.com for further information about this event or to purchase tickets in advance.

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