Mona Lisa Italian Foods is an italian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego.
Editorially verified May 19, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: A 1973 Italian-American deli on India Street next to the Little Italy sign, makes the city's best made-to-order Italian sub for under fifteen dollars.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Experience the highlights of Little Italy on an immersive walking tour with a local guide. Get to know one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods as you sample the f...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through San Diego's Little Italy to some of the tastiest restaurants and shops in the area. Explore piazzas, learn about local history, ...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Eat like a local on this unique walking tour of Carlsbad Village's best eateries. Taste the flavors of the region, and learn about the village’s history, culture, & art.
Address: 2061 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Bobboi Natural Gelato Kettner (Italian) in San Diego: Ask for a half-and-half scoop pairing; the seasonal Miso Orange Maple flavour rotates in autumn.
OrderPistachio gelato, the Miso Orange Maple seasonal
Why locals goItalian-trained gelato chef Monica Maccioni works out of a small Kettner Boulevard shop with 18 daily flavors, collaborations with city chefs and vegan options.
TipAsk for a half-and-half scoop pairing; the seasonal Miso Orange Maple flavour rotates in autumn.
Bobboi Natural Gelato Kettner (Italian) in San Diego: Ask for a half-and-half scoop pairing; the seasonal Miso Orange Maple flavour rotates in autumn.
OrderPistachio gelato, the Miso Orange Maple seasonal
Why locals goItalian-trained gelato chef Monica Maccioni works out of a small Kettner Boulevard shop with 18 daily flavors, collaborations with city chefs and vegan options.
TipAsk for a half-and-half scoop pairing; the seasonal Miso Orange Maple flavour rotates in autumn.
Open-air fishermen-run seafood market on Harbor Lane at Tuna Harbor, Saturdays 8am to 1pm; tuna, halibut, prawns, sea urchin from local hook-and-line boats.
OrderLocal yellowfin tuna loin, opah, spot prawns
Why locals goA Saturday-only fisherman-to-public dock market behind Seaport Village, rotating 70-plus local species sold direct from the boats.
TipArrive by 09:00 for the best sashimi-grade tuna; the cutting station portions whole fish on the spot.
Mariscos taco truck on Federal Blvd in Encanto, fish tacos, ceviche tostadas, clams and oysters; open daily 9am to 7pm, free ceviche sample at the window.
OrderShrimp Gobernador taco, fish ceviche tostada, aguachile
Why locals goA Federal Boulevard taco truck pulling Tijuana-style aguachile and Gobernador shrimp tacos out of a no-tablecloth parking lot since the early 2000s.
TipBring cash and patience; the line moves fast and the spicy aguachile clears your sinuses on the spot.
Cesarina is three italian natives running a bib gourmand pasta room on voltaire street between point loma and ob, with an in-house pastificio on display.
OrderTableside tiramisu, the pappardelle al brasato di manzo
Why locals goThree Italian natives running a Bib Gourmand pasta room on Voltaire Street between Point Loma and OB, with an in-house pastificio on display.
TipBook a weekend brunch on the bougainvillea patio; the donuts come hot from the kitchen.
Bahn Thai is a thai room in North Park. Order the khao soi and the larb gai when they are on the specials board; both run under thirteen dollars.
OrderKhao soi, larb gai, crispy spring rolls
Why locals goA long-running University Heights Thai room on Park Boulevard with neighbourhood-level prices and a deep menu of Northern Thai dishes locals know to order off-script.
TipOrder the khao soi and the larb gai when they are on the specials board; both run under thirteen dollars.
Soichi Sushi is a michelin-starred omakase counter in a converted university heights bungalow with no signage and a twelve-seat bar, easy to walk past.
OrderChef's omakase, the kanpachi nigiri
Why locals goA Michelin-starred omakase counter in a converted University Heights bungalow with no signage and a twelve-seat bar, easy to walk past.
TipBook a fortnight ahead for the omakase; the a la carte counter takes walk-ins around 17:30 most weeknights.
