San Diego’s Little Italy has been a unique ethnic enclave in the United States since the 1920′s. Today, the Gaslamp Quarter represents Downtown San Diego’s oldest continuous-neighborhood business district. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in the vibrant quarter and it continues to serve as a model for the other Little Italy's that remain throughout the country. The next time you find yourself in San Diego, check out the oldest Italian establishments throughout the city.
Tivoli Bar and Grill (1885)
Tivoli Bar and Grill was opened by Italian immigrants Angelo and Giovanni ‘John’ Della Maggiora and is the oldest bar in San Diego located in the Gaslamp Quarter. The building was once a boarding house, a feed store, and a blacksmith shop, and the nine apartments above the bar were used as a brothel before it became a saloon. The wooden bar and back bar are original and on display is the bar's first ever silver cash register.
Amici House (1916)
The Amici House is a historic house in San Diego’s Little Italy. It was originally a single-family residence owned by the Giacalone family. Antonino Giacalone and his wife, Josephine arrived in San Diego in 1916 and became part of San Diego’s Italian fishing community. Originally from Sicily, the Giacalone family was active in their community, known for their hospitality and active in their church. Today, the Giacalone family’s house is now the Amici House and home to The Convivio Society for Italian Humanities, a nonprofit organization that promotes Italian arts, culture, and heritage in San Diego.
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church (1925)
Father Sylvester Rabagliati came to San Diego in 1921 with the dream of building an Italian church with the support of the Iocal Italian community. After moving to San Diego, his goal was to unite Italians in the area - providing them with a spiritual community and hosting mass in Italian. In preparation for its centennial in 2025, the church has undergone a massive restoration project in an effort to revitalize the original structure and artwork.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto (1950)
Steps away from the iconic “Little Italy San Diego” sign is where Vincent DePhilippis and Madeleine Stefani first founded a deli and grocery called Filippi's Cash and Carry. It evolved to Filippi's Pizza Grotto which became a chain that now includes 14 locations in San Diego and California. The restaurant, specializing in hearty Italian-American food, is perfectly decorated with red and white checkered tablecloths and chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling.
Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant and Deli (1956)
Mona Lisa is a San Diego institution that’s in its third generation of family ownership. The first restaurant was established in downtown San Diego in 1956, while the location of the long-standing restaurant-deli hybrid first opened in 1973. In its early years, Mona Lisa operated as a wholesale import business, supplying Italian goods to other San Diego restaurants. Now, it’s synonymous with downright delicious and authentic Italian cooking.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.